Importance of Trends in Social Media Video Marketing Strategy

Video is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and driving business results. But not just any video will do. You need a strategy incorporating the latest social media video marketing trends to maximize impact. This guide will help you identify and leverage these trends to boost your video marketing efforts with the best YouTube Marketing Tips .

Importance of Trends in Social Media Video Marketing Strategy

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Social media trends, from viral dance challenges and popular audio clips to themed filters and cultural moments, give brands a unique opportunity to engage audiences. When used effectively, these trends can significantly amplify a brand’s reach, boost engagement, and shape its digital identity. Below are the key benefits of integrating trends into video marketing, along with real-world examples:

1. Increased Visibility

Trending content naturally receives more exposure, as social media platforms prioritize popular and engaging videos in their algorithms. By incorporating viral trends, brands can significantly improve their chances of reaching a broader audience.

Example

Duolingo on TikTok

Strategy

Duolingo’s marketing team effectively used trending memes, sounds, and challenges to make their content resonate with audiences. Their green owl mascot frequently participates in viral social media challenges, keeping their content fresh and shareable.

Outcome

This approach helped Duolingo achieve millions of views per video and gain a massive TikTok following, significantly boosting brand recognition.

2. Enhanced Engagement

Participating in trends encourages audiences to interact with your content, sparking conversations and user-generated content (UGC). Engaging with trending topics fosters a sense of community and strengthens brand loyalty.

Example

McDonald’s ‘Grimace Shake’ Trend

Strategy

When McDonald’s released the Grimace Shake for its anniversary, TikTok users unexpectedly turned it into a viral horror trend. Instead of ignoring or resisting the trend, McDonald's embraced the user-generated content, responding to videos and participating in the trend.

Outcome

The trend exploded, leading to over 3 billion views on TikTok and increased brand engagement and product sales.

3. Brand Persona Development

Leveraging trends allows brands to showcase their personality in a fun and engaging. By using humor, creativity, and cultural relevance, brands can establish a stronger emotional connection with audiences, particularly younger demographics.

Example

The Washington Post on TikTok

Strategy

The Washington Post adopted a lighthearted and humorous approach to sharing news by integrating popular memes and video trends into its content. Instead of reporting news in a traditional format, they used viral trends to make current events more digestible and entertaining for younger viewers.

Outcome

This creative strategy helped The Washington Post amass over 1.7 million TikTok followers, proving that even serious brands can thrive on social media through trends.

How to Leverage Trends for Social Media Video Marketing

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Micro-Influencer Marketing: Connecting with Audiences Through Authenticity

Influencer marketing is evolving. The focus is shifting toward authenticity and measuring returns on investment (ROI). Brands use micro-influencers to reach smaller, niche audiences and build stronger customer relationships.

These micro-influencers have dedicated followings and are seen as more relatable than more prominent influencers. Working with micro-influencers who are genuinely interested in your products or services can enhance trust and credibility.

Capturing Micro-Moments: Seizing High-Intent Opportunities

Leveraging micro-moments in your marketing will also play a key role in bottom-line conversions. “Micro-moments” refer to high-intent situations when a person turns to their device for information, inspiration, or a decision.

Focusing on capturing these moments and providing real-time, relevant responses increases the necessity of good (brief, clear, impactful) copywriting in all marketing efforts.

Video Content: Engaging Audiences Through Compelling Visuals

Video content is expected to continue its rapid growth, with brands expected to invest heavily in video production and marketing to reach their target audiences. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram lead the way, so entrepreneurs should consider creating and sharing videos that showcase their products or services engagingly and creatively.

Using live streaming is another way to leverage the popularity of video marketing. Live streaming can help build relationships with your audience and provide real-time interaction and engagement. This creates faster, stronger, more human connections with your digital community and helps prospective clients feel seen, heard & understood more readily.

Personalization & Interactivity: Creating Customized Experiences

Personalizing your social media marketing is twofold:

Showing up authentically so you will stand out and attract aligned clients and
Making each consumer's experience of your digital brand feel customized to their unique needs. For this guide's sake, we will focus on the latter.

With the rise of big data and AI technology, entrepreneurs and marketing experts can deliver highly personalized online and offline customer experiences. Social media platforms will continue pushing for increased personalization, helping brands target specific demographics and build closer customer relationships.

Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, gamification, and augmented reality filters, will continue to grow in popularity, as they entertain audiences, engage consumers, and drive brand loyalty. These trends also provide valuable insights into customer preferences, which will help guide your future marketing efforts.

Additionally, people love to share content that they find interesting or entertaining. Entrepreneurs should create shareable content so their audience feels inclined to spread the word by sharing it with their followers. One way to do this is through user-generated content. User-generated content can help build trust and credibility through shared client experiences and showcased content on their social media channels.

Customer Care: Building Trust Through Smooth Support

The customer experience will become even more critical, as businesses strive to create a smooth, omnichannel experience across all touchpoints. Social media is a great way to provide fast and efficient customer service. Having a strong presence on social media and being ready to respond to customer queries promptly will take you leaps and bounds ahead of your less engaged competitors.

Following the guiding hand of the conscious consumer, entrepreneurs would do well to be transparent, honest, and approachable throughout their social media marketing efforts. From sustainable marketing practices to prioritizing privacy and data security, business owners can provide next-level customer care. Brands will need to be increasingly mindful of privacy and data security, as consumers become more aware of the risks posed by social media and the advancement of technology.

Advanced Technology: Equipping Innovation for Enhanced Marketing

The increased use of Artificial Intelligence will be essential in social media marketing, helping brands optimize their content and reach their target audiences more effectively. Search engine optimization (SEO) must also evolve to include voice and visual search. Again, we see a focus on people and supporting an inclusive and engaging environment for every audience member, no matter how they engage with your content.

Another element of advancing technology is that social media platforms will increasingly integrate with e-commerce, allowing brands to reach consumers directly and streamline their sales process. Along these lines, embracing augmented reality (AR) will be essential. AR is becoming more widely used on social media, especially on Instagram, which means that entrepreneurs can use AR to bring their products & services to life in a fun and interactive way.

10 Trends to Follow for Social Media Video Marketing

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1. User and Employee Generated Content: What’s the Difference?

UGC and EGC both feature real people sharing unfiltered experiences with your brand. But while your customers create UGC, your employees produce EGC—both types of content foster trust and authenticity, which are crucial for engaging today’s consumers.

As you plan your 2025 video marketing strategy, consider leveraging UGC and EGC to connect with your audience. And remember, these videos don’t need to be polished. Their rawness often makes them more relatable. Just focus on capturing genuine moments and interactions that highlight your brand.

2. The Rise of AI in Video Marketing

AI is everywhere, and video marketing is no exception. From automating editing and generating voiceovers to creating realistic animations and drafting scripts, AI tools can streamline your workflow and enhance your content. However, while AI can improve efficiency, it does not replace human creativity and strategic thinking. As you experiment with different AI applications, focus on using these tools to complement your efforts, not replace them.

3. Purposeful Social Media Video

In 2025, expect more brands to create social media videos that serve a specific purpose. This includes understanding each platform’s unique audience and content preferences and tailoring your videos accordingly. For example, LinkedIn users may respond better to professional content, while TikTok viewers enjoy entertaining or educational videos. You can improve your video marketing ROI by creating social media videos with a clear goal, whether it’s driving engagement, increasing brand awareness, or boosting sales.

4. The Growth of Digital Communities

Online communities aren’t new, but their importance has grown recently. As social media algorithms focus more on promoting “trusted” content, brands must leverage community connections to boost their visibility. This includes partnering with influential community members or creating content that appeals to specific groups. By fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion, brands can improve their chances of reaching new audiences and driving engagement.

5. Cross-Device Video Marketing

Haven’t you heard? Second screens are all the rage. According to MNTN Research, “83% of American TV watchers use a second device while watching TV, often referred to as second-screen use.” As more brands understand the potential benefits of video marketing across platforms and channels, they refine their cross-device video marketing strategy to maximize their available resources.

6. The Continued Importance of Authenticity and Emotional Connections

In an age of digital fatigue, consumers crave authentic connections. As a result, brands that prioritize genuine storytelling and emotional appeals will resonate more with their audiences. Consider incorporating these elements into your video marketing strategy to foster trust and engagement with your audience.

7. Connected TV Advertising Will Continue Growing

Speaking of different channels, Connected TV (CTV) is a channel that continues to grow. According to EMARKETER, “By 2026, CTV will account for 20.0% of time spent with media per day by adults in the US, compared with 11.5% in 2020.” But what does this have to do with social media video? Great question; we’re so glad you asked.

Many advertisers use social media to test their CTV creative — and vice versa. Since TikTok is one of the leading channels for emerging trends, some brands have been heading to the platform to test their CTV creative before launching it on the television screen. As CTV continues to become increasingly essential within marketing campaigns, make a plan to repurpose your creative. Plan for your video productions so you can get the most out of your social and CTV creative simultaneously.

8. Calculated Risks Will Boost Creative Engagement

As social media becomes more saturated with content, brands must find ways to stand out. One strategy? Taking calculated risks. In 2025, expect more brands to experiment with humorous or controversial content to spark conversations and boost engagement. Of course, this approach requires a careful balance. Brands should never do anything that could harm their reputation or offend consumers. However, calculated risks can generate significant buzz and increase brand visibility if executed correctly.

9. The B2B Influencer Marketing Boom

B2B influencer marketing is having a moment, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In 2025, expect more brands to partner with industry influencers to reach new audiences and build consumer trust. These collaborations can take many forms — from sponsored content and social media takeovers to co-branded products and events. The key is to find influencers that align with your brand values and target audience.

10. Video Content Will Continue to Dominate Social Media

We’ve said it before and’ll repeat it: Video is king. In 2025, social media platforms will continue prioritizing video content, including live streams, Reels, and TikTok-style videos. Brands should invest in high-quality video production and experiment with different styles and formats to stay ahead of the curve.

12 Tips for Social Media Video Marketing

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1. Equipping Crayo AI for Effortless Video Creation

Creating high-quality short videos just got a lot easier, thanks to Crayo AI. This innovative tool allows you to produce unlimited shorts in one go. With features like automatic captioning, effects, backgrounds, and music selection, you can focus on creativity instead of logistics.

Simply outline your idea, customize the video style with Crayo’s templates, and export your clip in seconds. Take advantage of the current TikTok creator fund opportunity by generating engaging content that could go viral. Start your journey with Crayo’s free clip creator tool today—no account needed.

2. Crafting the Perfect Hook for Long Videos

If you’re set on producing longer content, don’t overlook the importance of a strong hook. This crucial section at the beginning of your video reiterates the title and gives viewers a reason to keep watching. To create a compelling hook, align it with your video’s thumbnail and title to avoid clickbait accusations.

For videos longer than five minutes, aim for a hook that lasts around 40 seconds. Summarize the content without spoiling key moments to keep your audience engaged. Remember, long-form videos remain valuable for marketing—ensure your hooks are on point.

3. Engaging Your Audience Through Interaction

Audience interaction is a powerful way to boost engagement, and video is an excellent medium. Use interactive posts on platforms like Facebook to let viewers vote on future content. Encourage your audience to share social media trends, which can inspire new video ideas and increase visibility. If you create cooking content, ask for recipe requests. For film reviews, poll viewers on their preferred picks. These interactions foster community and enhance engagement and retention, as viewers will tune in to see if their suggestions were featured.

4. Maximize Natural Light by Shooting Video During the Day

For aspiring video creators, one of the simplest yet most effective tips is to shoot during daylight hours to take advantage of natural light. Using artificial lighting can be challenging due to visibility constraints and the need for extensive setup and adjustments. You can focus on content by starting with daytime shoots while practicing lighting techniques. You can experiment with darker environments once you’re comfortable with artificial light. However, the ease and quality of filming with sunlight should be capitalized initially.

5. Prioritize Audio Quality in Your Videos

Poor audio quality can frustrate viewers, particularly in dialogue-heavy videos. Like lighting, audio requires practice and skill to master. However, you can improve sound quality even without professional equipment. A key tip is to avoid outdoor recording, where ambient noise from traffic, wind, and animals can disrupt clarity. Instead, film audio indoors in spaces with minimal echo. And while professional voice talent is ideal, many users connect with authentic testimonials from everyday people. As long as audio is clear, viewers won’t mind imperfections.

6. Be Cautious About Music Use in Your Videos

Incorporating music can enhance video enjoyment and emotional resonance, plus help mask audio flaws. But you must be careful about copyright laws. Uploading content with licensed music can lead to flags, removal requests, or account suspension. Instead, seek out royalty-free music options to avoid legal issues. Websites like Free Music Archive, Mixkit, and Facebook Sound Collection offer tracks that can safely be used in your videos. Just remember to check usage rights before incorporating any music into your content.

7. Enhance Your Videos With Subtitles

Subtitles are a small but highly valued addition to video content. They foster inclusivity by allowing individuals with hearing impairments to enjoy your videos. This consideration alone enhances viewer perceptions of your brand. But subtitles also benefit those without hearing challenges. Many people watch videos in settings where they can’t use audio, such as public transport or work. Subtitles let them follow along even with muted sound. Including this feature is always a smart move for your video marketing efforts.

8. Promote Your Videos Across Multiple Platforms

One of the best aspects of content marketing is that you can repurpose video for multiple platforms. This strategy saves time and effort while maximizing reach. For instance, some creators upload shortened versions of YouTube videos to other channels, directing viewers to the full content. However, if you link social posts back to one central platform, you risk losing potential viewers. Instead, share your videos across networks without cross-promoting to drive traffic to different locations. Using a social media aggregator can also streamline this process.

9. Know Your Audience’s Expectations

With millions of videos online, similar content likely exists for your topic. Instead of feeling discouraged, use this as an opportunity to understand audience expectations. For example, if you create cooking videos, study other creators’ styles, language, and techniques. This research will inform your approach, helping you meet viewer anticipations while surprising them with unique elements. Knowing what your audience wants will help you attract and retain their attention, even in a crowded content field.

10. Monitor Video Performance Metrics

Whatever your video marketing objectives may be, make sure they’re measurable. Major social platforms offer analytics tools to track performance so that you can analyze metrics like views, engagement, and shares. Use this data to refine your strategy and understand what content resonates with your audience. However, while metrics are critical, they shouldn’t be your sole focus. Video is powerful for entertainment and marketing purposes, so aim to balance engaging content with performance-driven goals. Don’t ignore analytics, but also trust your creative instincts.

11. Space Out Your Calls to Action

Incorporating calls to action, like “Follow us” or “Subscribe,” can effectively boost engagement and retention. Yet creators often overload their videos with these prompts, making them feel pushy. Instead, use a short CTA early on, right after the hook, and another at the end. For shorter videos, keep CTAs at the conclusion. This strategy ensures your calls to action don’t interrupt the viewing experience while still serving as reminders for audience engagement. Spacing out these prompts helps maintain a smooth flow to your content.

12. Set Clear Goals for Your Video Marketing Campaigns

All marketing efforts, including video, should start with defined objectives. Vague goals weaken any campaign’s effectiveness. How can you measure success if you don’t know your aim? Consider the purpose of your social video marketing and what results you want. Are you looking to increase brand awareness? Or encourage specific audience actions, like sharing or signing up for a newsletter? Clarifying these aims will help guide your strategy and keep you focused on achieving desired outcomes.

Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

Crayo AI offers the quickest route to producing short videos. You can create unlimited Shorts at once, streamlining your workflow. Crayo even auto-generates captions, effects, backgrounds, and music, cutting down on tedious tasks. With Crayo, you can focus on what matters: making engaging videos. The platform’s user-friendly design lets you go from idea to Shorts in seconds.

Simply write an outline or prompt, customize the style by selecting a background video and music from Crayo’s free templates, and hit export. It’s that easy. Take advantage of the current opportunity to monetize your content with the TikTok Creator Fund. Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today—no account needed. Click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to start.

Importance of Trends in Social Media Video Marketing Strategy