Social media is constantly evolving, and nonprofits need to stay ahead of the curve to remain visible, engage supporters, and drive impact. In 2025, we’re seeing new ways in how people interact with content, where they spend their time online, and what they expect from the organizations they follow. Understanding these trends will help you make the most of your social media efforts. Here’s what you need to know to stay relevant and make the most of social media in 2025.
1. Short-Form Video Will Dominate Even More
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to grow in popularity, with users preferring quick, engaging content over long-form videos. Nonprofits must adapt to this format to capture attention and inspire action.
How to use this trend:
- Share behind-the-scenes footage of your programs.
- Highlight success stories in a 30-60 second format.
- Use trending sounds and challenges to boost visibility and engagement.
- Partner with influencers or advocates to expand your reach through collaborative video content.
2. Authenticity Over Perfection
Highly polished, corporate-style content is losing traction in favor of raw, genuine storytelling. Supporters want to see the real people behind an organization and feel a personal connection.
How to use this trend:
- Post unfiltered testimonials from beneficiaries and volunteers.
- Share candid moments from staff and supporters to humanize your cause.
- Use live Q&A sessions or real-time updates to foster transparency and trust.
- Show the challenges of your work, not just the successes.
3. AI-Powered Content Creation and Personalization
Artificial intelligence is changing the way organizations create and distribute content. AI tools can help nonprofits generate captions, analyze engagement trends, and personalize messaging to different audiences.
How to use this trend:
- Utilize AI-driven analytics to determine the best posting times and content formats.
- Automate personalized donor thank-you messages to improve retention.
- Implement AI chatbots to provide instant responses to supporter inquiries.
4. Social Media Fundraising Will Expand
Fundraising through social media will continue to evolve, with more direct giving features being integrated into platforms. Donors increasingly want seamless, one-click donation options without leaving the app.
How to use this trend:
- Optimize profiles with clear donation links and call-to-action buttons.
- Host live fundraising events on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising through shareable campaign links.
5. Niche Communities and Private Groups Will Grow
People are shifting from broad public feeds to niche communities and private groups for more meaningful interactions. Platforms like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Communities, and Instagram Broadcast Channels allow nonprofits to foster deeper connections with their audience.
How to use this trend:
- Create exclusive donor or volunteer communities for engagement and updates.
- Use Instagram Broadcast Channels to send important announcements directly to followers.
- Engage with local and global groups that align with your mission.
- Offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities for direct conversation with supporters.
6. Rise of Social Search Optimization (SSO)
Social media is becoming a primary search tool, especially for younger generations who look up causes and organizations directly on TikTok and Instagram instead of Google.
How to use this trend:
- Optimize post descriptions with relevant keywords related to your mission.
- Answer frequently asked questions in video and carousel formats to enhance discoverability.
- Use trending and niche hashtags strategically to increase visibility.
- Ensure profiles are fully optimized with up-to-date contact information and links.
7. Ethical Storytelling and Transparency
Supporters expect transparency from nonprofits. They want to see exactly how their donations are being used and the real-world impact of their contributions.
How to use this trend:
- Share detailed impact reports in social media posts and stories.
- Be open about challenges and progress to build trust with supporters.
- Use live updates and storytelling to showcase real-time impact.
- Show donor appreciation with direct acknowledgments and progress updates.
8. Content Experimentation with Entertaining, Funny, and Creative Content
With social media algorithms favoring engagement, nonprofits must experiment with content that entertains, informs, and inspires action.
How to use this trend:
- Develop entertaining, shareable content that aligns with your mission.
- Use humor strategically to increase relatability and engagement.
- Track performance metrics to refine and improve content strategies over time.
Is your nonprofit ready to take advantage of these trends? Our team is here to help you craft a winning social media strategy. Let’s make 2025 your most impactful year yet!
