Most Engaging Types of Social Media Content for 2025
Social media management is no easy task today. It’s more than just posting—it’s about connecting with your audience. With so many different forms to choose from, we know creating engaging content can be tricky, especially for brands trying to stand out. This won’t get any easier, with new content forms and platforms emerging… But, the good news is we’ve created this guide to help you understand the most effective types of content to capture attention and keep your audience engaged.
Optimizing Content for Engagement
Before even thinking about the types of content that will create the most engagement, there are some basics that you must cover.
- Timing and Consistency: post when your audience is most active and maintain a regular schedule. Sign up to Metricool to simplify and automate your scheduling process.
- Captivating Headlines and Captions: This can make or break your post, so make sure they’re right before posting.
- Call-to-Actions (CTAs) That Work: Don’t get stuck using the same CTA’s for every post, track results and try to come up with a successful formula
Check out our recent video for more tips on how you should approach content in 2025:
The Power of Images
Images remain the backbone of most social media platforms. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, visually appealing still images are among the most popular content people interact with. This is set to continue in the future, even with improving video and live streaming options, so don’t leave these forms out of your 2025 content planning:
Original Photography
We all crave authenticity, even if it’s sometimes difficult to find on social media (looking at you, filter fiends!). Sharing original photos gives your brand a personal touch, making your content more relatable. Speaking of filters, save those for your personal photos and show your brand in its true light, your audience will appreciate it
Use Stock Images Creatively (If you have to!)
When original photos aren’t possible, stock images can be a lifesaver. Choose high-quality, unique visuals that align with your brand’s tone. Also, many people forget that many license-free image sites allow you to edit their pictures as you wish (Always check this though!). So don’t just settle for stock photos as they are, give them the glow-up they need to be the best match for your brand.
Use AI, responsibly
You don’t need us to tell you that AI technology is here to stay. ChatGPT’s Dall-E allows you to generate images you can use on Social Media, which is great news for content creators. X also recently made its AI tool, Grok, available to all users, with many brands already using it effectively. As always with AI, it’s important to use it responsibly. To avoid issues like copyright infringement, make sure your AI-generated images don’t include unauthorized celebrity images, brand names, or logos.
Customized Graphics
Design tools like Canva, Figma, and Adobe Express, have made it easier than ever to create custom graphics. These have been popular on all social media platforms and you can use them to give information or promote products and offers.
Video Content Ideas
The dominance of video content continues into 2025, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Check out the types of video content you can make and choose the right ones for your brand.
Short-form Videos
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are driving trends with short, snappy videos that get to the point. Creativity and authenticity win with this format, so don’t overcomplicate things.
Long-form Educational Content
For audiences who want to learn, long-form videos on YouTube or Facebook giving in-depth insights are the way to go. Educate followers about your brand’s industry or specialist subject to keep them engaged and interactive.
Live Streaming
Live video creates a sense of urgency and direct interaction, making followers feel part of your journey. Streaming has been especially popular in the e-commerce industry, with many of the world’s biggest brands offering live shopping through Instagram Shopping, TikTok Shop, and similar platforms.
Interactive and User-Generated Content
A wise man once said “It ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none”, so get your followers involved with interactive and user-generated content ideas.
Polls and Surveys
Engage your followers in real-time decisions and collect info that you can use to improve your products and services. You can use polls and surveys to understand your followers’ opinions & preferences or simply connect with them on fun posts like “Vote for the cutest office dog”.
Quizzes
There’s a competitive nature that lives in many of us that makes quizzing enjoyable. Why not quiz your followers on your products or your previous posts? Don’t forget to reward the winners, it will encourage more followers to join the fun next time!
Challenges and Trends
Finding a way to tie your brand in with current viral challenges and trends is the goal of most social media managers. Sparking these viral moments yourself is the stuff of fantasy, but these challenges are why we wake up in the morning. Just remember to research any challenges well before getting involved.
User-Generated Content
nvolving your audience in content creation builds community. Encourage your followers to contribute with reviews, photos or stories. and feature them in your posts to show how important they are to your brand.
Informational and Educational Content
There are many different ways to learn on social media. Try these types of content to teach your followers valuable information that they’ll appreciate
Infographics
Visuals that simplify complex ideas are always popular, especially on Linkedin, where many content creators break down processes and share information through infographics. These typically feature bright colors, descriptive images, and short precise text. If you’re not sure how to create infographics or what you should include in them, LinkedIn’s infographic courses can help
“How-To” Tutorials
Finding out how to do things is still the most common use of the internet, social media included. Position your brand as an expert by sharing practical advice in one of these forms.
- Quick Tips and Hacks – Short videos or posts that solve everyday problems grab attention.
- Detailed Guides – For longer, step-by-step instructions.
Industry News and Updates
Stay ahead of the curve by sharing current, relevant updates in your field. This will help build trust with your audience, making you their go-to source for knowledgeable insights.
Entertaining and Relatable Content
Creating Memes
We all love sharing our favorite memes on social media, but the real win for social media managers is making them. Embrace your creativity to come up with funny ideas that align with your brand.
Relatable Stories
People love to see themselves in others, it brings us closer together. Share your favorite relatable stories with your followers to increase your connection. Stories that resonate universally often include “normal” events like commuting to work, meeting in-laws for the first time, or high school/college embarrassing moments. The more personal, the better!
Throwback Posts
Nostalgia always strikes an emotional chord with audiences, which makes it a great marketing tool. Use it to celebrate past milestones or show your brand’s journey.
Community Building Content
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Show the human side of your brand with content that gives followers real faces to attach to your brand… or you can show off your office pets, like Amazon did.
Exclusive Content for Followers
Reward loyalty with exclusive perks for your most dedicated followers. These could be sneak peeks, discounts or early-bird access to products.
Evolving Trends in Social Media Platforms
Platform-Specific Content Strategies
Although the lines between different platforms are being blurred more and more each year, there are still important differences between them. Tailor your approach to each platform’s strengths.
- Instagram – Focus on beautiful photos and videos, reels with trending audio, and interactive stories featuring polls or quizzes for your Instagram posts.
- Meta/Facebook – Share relatable posts, live videos, and community-building content like group discussions or events.
- X(FKA Twitter)/Bluesky/Threads – Craft short, engaging text posts, witty commentary, and real-time updates to spark conversations.
- TikTok – Create short, authentic, and trend-driven videos with a touch of humor or storytelling.
- LinkedIn – Post professional thought leadership articles, industry insights, informative infographics, and success stories to build credibility.
- Pinterest – Develop eye-catching, actionable pins like DIY projects, tutorials, and visually appealing infographics.
