As December rolls in, we are looking ahead to 2025 and preparing to adapt to the newest trends and changes in the marketing world. A key theme for the new year? Video content - especially vertical video - is emerging as a game-changer in SEO and social media marketing. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are reshaping how brands connect with audiences, offering new opportunities to stand out in the crowded online space. This shift is more than a trend; it's a strategic pivot toward mobile-first, fast-paced, and user-focused content. Let's look at some of the recent news, trends, and advice to help improve your marketing game.
The Future of SEO Content is Video - Here's Why
The shift toward vertical video as a dominant advertising format is essential for modern marketers. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have driven this trend, with their algorithms favoring mobile-friendly, vertical-first content. To capitalize on this, advertisers should prioritize short-form, user-generated-style videos with quick cuts and engaging formats such as product demonstrations, "what I ordered vs. what I got," and greenscreen overlays.
Using AI tools like CapCut can streamline the creation of vertical videos by adapting existing content into platform-ready formats. Additionally, testing various content styles across platforms can enhance audience engagement while keeping costs low. Marketers should embrace this "vertical-first" strategy to blend paid and organic efforts effectively and boost ROI across platforms. Learn more at Search Engine Land
Facebook and Instagram Ads Updates for 2025: What Marketers Need to Know
Meta has introduced several Facebook and Instagram ad updates for 2025 that marketers should leverage. Key highlights include the global launch of augmented reality (AR) ads for Reels and Stories, allowing for more interactive experiences. Multi-destination product ads enable users to preview products without leaving their feed, boosting engagement and intent. New lead generation tools now offer adaptive forms, streamlining the user journey with personalized follow-ups. Additionally, app promotion ads on Reels target mobile users effectively, and seasonal promotions auto-apply discounts while sending reminders to incomplete purchases. Marketers targeting EU users must comply with transparency regulations. These updates emphasize the importance of personalization, engagement, and compliance to optimize ad performance. Learn more at Social Media Examiner
Less Brand Safety, More SEO Spend in 2025, Forrester Predicts
Forrester's 2025 marketing predictions highlight key shifts, including reduced emphasis on brand safety measures like keyword blocking and a significant rise in SEO investments as brands focus on organic search visibility. The report also notes that marketers are leveraging automation tools to enhance efficiency while remaining adaptable to changing consumer behaviors. Actionable insights include refining keyword strategies to balance reach and safety, investing in high-quality, user-focused content to boost SEO, and exploring automated solutions for campaign optimization. These adjustments aim to maximize ROI in a digital landscape increasingly driven by search and personalization. Learn more at Marketing Brew
'Blanding' is Still Going Strong
PayPal's rebranding embraces simplicity to combat "blanding," using bold, approachable visuals and a cohesive color palette to stand out without overwhelming. The trend reflects a shift from overly curated aesthetics toward authentic, relatable designs. This approach, appealing to Gen Z and younger Millennials, emphasizes that less-polished design can foster deeper engagement by aligning with cultural trends and evoking nostalgia. For brands, experimenting with simplicity and intentional imperfection can humanize marketing, increasing relatability and loyalty. Learn more at Marketing Brew
26 Predictions for Social Media Marketing in 2025
Social media marketing in 2025 is expected to focus heavily on personalization, authenticity, and integration with emerging technologies like AI. Key predictions include the rise of social commerce, where platforms will make buying directly through posts seamless, and the increasing importance of short-form video content to capture attention. Marketers should also prepare for more nuanced consumer expectations around data privacy and ethical practices. To stay ahead, brands are advised to prioritize community engagement, create interactive and immersive content, and adapt strategies to align with evolving platform algorithms and features. Learn more at Social Media Today
