Hot or Not? The Social Media Trends You Need to Know for Q2

Social media moves fast—what worked last quarter might already be old news. With Q2 rolling in, it's time to take a fresh look at what’s catching fire and what’s fizzling out.

Whether you’re a brand, a creator, or just someone trying to keep up, knowing the latest trends can help you stay ahead of the game.

So, let’s dive in and see what’s trending (and what’s totally tanking) in the world of social media.

What’s Hot: Trends You Should Jump On Now

Short-Form Video: Still the King of Engagement

If social media trends had a popularity contest, short-form video would be the reigning champ. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are still dominating, and if your brand isn’t making quick, engaging videos yet—well, what are you waiting for?

Example: Duolingo’s TikTok strategy has turned their unhinged owl mascot into a viral sensation. They embrace trends, crack jokes, and aren’t afraid to get a little weird—and it works!

Try This: Experiment with behind-the-scenes clips, snappy product demos, or funny brand moments. Keep it quick, engaging, and, most importantly, fun!

AI-Generated Content (But Keep It Human!)

AI is everywhere, and it’s making content creation easier than ever. Tools like ChatGPT, Canva’s AI image generator, and even AI voiceovers can save time, but here’s the catch—people can smell a soulless AI post from a mile away.

Example: HubSpot uses AI for content drafts, but human editors always step in to add personality, humor, and authenticity.

Try This: Let AI help with brainstorming or first drafts, but always add your brand’s unique voice and personal touch.

LinkedIn Glow-Ups: Thought Leadership Wins

Forget boring corporate updates—LinkedIn is now the place for personal storytelling, industry insights, and engaging conversations. The best posts feel like real people talking, not press releases.

Example: A CEO sharing their biggest career fail (and what they learned) gets way more traction than a generic “We’re thrilled to announce…” post.

Try This: Share real stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and lessons learned. People love authenticity!

Social Commerce Beyond Instagram

Buying straight from social media is no longer just an Instagram thing. TikTok, Pinterest, and even Twitter are rolling out better shopping features, making it easier for people to buy what they see.

Example: TikTok Shop lets users purchase products featured in videos instantly. Brands like Sephora use it to seamlessly sell products through tutorials.

Try This: If you sell products, optimize your social shop, and test out live shopping events. Who doesn’t love a little impulse buy moment?

User-Generated Content (UGC) is the Ultimate Trust Hack

Let’s be real—people trust other people way more than they trust brands. Encouraging your audience to create and share content about your product is one of the best ways to build credibility and drive engagement.

Example: GoPro’s entire marketing strategy is built on user-generated content. Customers share their epic adventure footage, and GoPro gets free, authentic promotion.

Try This: Run a hashtag campaign, feature customer reviews, or repost fan content. The more authentic, the better!

What’s Not: Trends to Leave Behind

Overly Polished, Try-Hard Content

Gone are the days of perfect, hyper-edited Instagram feeds. People want real, not robotic. If your content feels too scripted or too “corporate,” it’s probably not hitting the way it used to.

Example: Influencers who once posted picture-perfect content are now thriving with raw, unfiltered, and even slightly messy posts.

Try This: Mix in some casual, real-time updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and unfiltered stories.

Hashtag Overkill

Remember when stuffing 30 hashtags into a post guaranteed reach? Yeah, not anymore. Instagram and TikTok are prioritizing strong captions and keywords over hashtag spam.

Example: A post with a thoughtful caption and just 3-5 relevant hashtags often performs better than one crammed with #every #single #possible #hashtag.

Try This: Use hashtags strategically—stick to a few relevant ones rather than going overboard.

Copy-Pasting Content Across All Platforms

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in fashion, and it definitely doesn’t work in social media. Each platform has its own vibe, and content should be tailored accordingly.

Example: A witty tweet might go viral on X (formerly Twitter), but that same post might fall flat on LinkedIn, where a more professional tone is expected.

Try This: Adjust your messaging for each platform. What works on TikTok won’t necessarily work on Facebook.

Ignoring Your Audience (Big Mistake!)

If your brand only posts and never interacts, you’re missing the point of social media. People want conversations, not monologues. Ignoring comments and messages can make your brand seem unapproachable.

Example: Wendy’s Twitter (X) account is legendary for its snappy replies and witty interactions, keeping fans engaged and entertained.

Try This: Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show your audience you’re listening.

Throwing Money at Ads Without a Strategy

Yes, paid ads work. But if your entire strategy is just “spend more,” you’re probably wasting money. Audiences are becoming more selective, and ads alone won’t build long-term loyalty.

Example: Brands that balance paid promotions with organic, community-driven content see better results than those relying solely on ad spend.

Try This: Mix paid ads with organic content—think storytelling, educational posts, and audience engagement.

Our Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Social

Need help keeping your content fresh and on-trend?

Descriptive has your back! Whether it’s social media strategy, killer copy, or engaging content, we can help you stand out.

Reach out today, and let’s make your brand shine!

~ Yes, we write that!