Top Viral & Trending Highlights of the Year: Curated by ThinkSlope

In 2025, viral trends and content continue to evolve, shaping how brands, creators, and audiences interact in the digital world. Social media platforms are the breeding ground for new ideas, and staying updated on what’s trending is essential for anyone looking to grow their online presence. ThinkSlope’s curated list of the year’s top viral and trending highlights showcases the most significant moments, viral challenges, and content that have captivated audiences and redefined engagement strategies. This article will explore the biggest trends and explain how they can impact social media strategies in the current digital landscape.

1. AI-Powered Content Creation: Changing the Way We Create and Consume

In 2025, the use of AI in content creation has reached new heights. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT and DALL·E are now at the center of content production, enabling creators and businesses to generate high-quality written content, images, and even videos with ease. This shift has made content creation more efficient and accessible, allowing for personalized experiences at scale.

Why It’s Important: AI-powered content creation saves time and resources while enabling businesses to scale their output. The ability to quickly produce tailored content based on user behavior or preferences gives brands a competitive edge.

Exclusive Insight: ThinkSlope’s highlight of AI-driven content creation includes platforms like Jasper for writing copy, and Runway ML for video and image generation, which are gaining traction in marketing campaigns. Influencers are also leveraging these AI tools to create engaging social media posts, enhancing their personal brands and improving their workflow.

What’s Ahead: As AI continues to evolve, expect deeper integration with augmented reality (AR) and machine learning to create highly personalized and interactive experiences. AI will also be used to predict trends and suggest content based on real-time data, making content creation even more efficient and timely.

Success Tip: To harness the power of AI, consider integrating AI writing tools or automated video editors into your content strategy. These tools can significantly improve productivity and help maintain consistency across your posts.

2. The Resurgence of Long-Form Content: Depth Over Speed

In an era dominated by short-form content, long-form pieces are making a comeback. With platforms like YouTube and Medium encouraging detailed storytelling and in-depth analysis, long-form content is gaining more attention. People are increasingly seeking value through longer, more substantial content, particularly in the form of guides, tutorials, and deep dives.

Why It’s Important: Long-form content drives more engagement and retention. It’s also more likely to rank on search engines, providing long-term benefits for SEO and brand authority.

Exclusive Insight: ThinkSlope’s coverage includes examples of brands like HubSpot, which continues to grow its authority through comprehensive, in-depth blog posts and industry reports. YouTube creators are also embracing longer videos, with educational and documentary-style content leading to increased watch time and stronger viewer connections.

What’s Ahead: The demand for long-form content will continue to grow as users seek informative and in-depth material. Brands will need to adapt by creating content that provides value, answers questions, and explores topics thoroughly.

Success Tip: When creating long-form content, focus on providing valuable information that educates or solves a problem. Break up the content into digestible sections, and use rich media like images, videos, and infographics to make it engaging.

3. Social Commerce Growth: Shopping Directly from Social Media

Social commerce, where users can purchase directly from social media platforms, continues to thrive in 2025. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have integrated seamless shopping features that allow businesses to sell products directly through posts, stories, and videos. This trend is revolutionizing the shopping experience, making it easier for consumers to discover and buy products on the same platform.

Why It’s Important: Social commerce reduces the friction in the purchase journey, offering consumers a smooth transition from discovery to purchase. With e-commerce embedded into social media, brands can directly monetize their content and generate sales through organic engagement.

Exclusive Insight: ThinkSlope’s highlight features Instagram Shops and TikTok Shopping, which have allowed brands like Nike and Sephora to drive direct sales through their social media presence. This year, Facebook’s Marketplace and Pinterest’s Buyable Pins have seen significant growth, further solidifying the rise of social commerce.

What’s Ahead: Expect the rise of virtual shopping experiences and integrated augmented reality (AR) to make online shopping even more immersive. AI and machine learning will also play a major role in recommending products to users based on their behavior and interests.

Success Tip: If you’re a business owner, optimize your social media profiles for e-commerce. Use visually appealing product images, integrate payment options, and create compelling calls-to-action to drive sales directly through your posts and stories.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC): Authenticity Through Social Proof

User-generated content remains one of the most effective ways to build trust and engage an audience. In 2025, UGC continues to be a top strategy for brands looking to leverage the voices of their customers. This content—whether photos, videos, or reviews—provides social proof that resonates with consumers more than traditional advertisements.

Why It’s Important: UGC enhances credibility and trust, allowing customers to see how others are interacting with and enjoying a product. It also creates a sense of community and encourages more customers to engage with the brand.

Exclusive Insight: ThinkSlope’s UGC highlights showcase brands like Coca-Cola, which successfully ran the “Share a Coke” campaign, where users posted photos of personalized bottles. GoPro has also built a strong brand presence by featuring content created by its customers, making the brand more relatable and authentic.

What’s Ahead: UGC will continue to be a key driver of social media engagement. Brands will increasingly encourage their audience to create and share content through campaigns, hashtags, and contests, enhancing brand visibility and trust.

Success Tip: To leverage UGC, encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products. Offer incentives like discounts or feature their content on your social media channels to build a community around your brand.

5. The Rise of Sustainability on Social Media: Ethical Marketing & Green Initiatives

Sustainability and eco-consciousness are gaining prominence in 2025, not just in products but in how brands communicate their environmental efforts. Consumers are increasingly interested in how companies address social and environmental issues, and they are choosing to support brands that align with their values.

Why It’s Important: Consumers are more likely to engage with brands that are transparent about their environmental impact and efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Brands that promote sustainability are also more likely to foster loyalty and trust.

Exclusive Insight: ThinkSlope’s insights into sustainability show how brands like Patagonia and Everlane are using their social media platforms to highlight their commitment to ethical production and environmental responsibility. These brands not only promote their sustainable practices but also engage their followers in conversations about the environment, social justice, and ethical consumerism.

What’s Ahead: Sustainability-focused content will continue to be a major trend, with more brands embracing green initiatives, from eco-friendly packaging to carbon-neutral operations. Consumers will demand more transparency from brands, making ethical marketing practices a vital part of any social media strategy.

Success Tip: Incorporate sustainability into your brand’s messaging by sharing your eco-friendly practices and initiatives on social media. Engage your audience in discussions about sustainability and show how your brand is contributing to a greener future.

Conclusion

The viral and trending highlights of 2025 are reshaping how we interact, engage, and do business on social media. From AI-powered content creation and the rise of social commerce to the importance of authenticity through user-generated content and the growing demand for sustainability, these trends are defining the future of social media.

ThinkSlope’s curated list of the year’s top trends highlights how brands can leverage these developments to stay ahead of the curve, engage meaningfully with their audience, and build a stronger brand presence. By staying updated on these trends and adapting to the evolving digital landscape, you can effectively grow your brand and engage your audience in impactful ways.