What's Working on Social Media Right Now (and What's Not)

Lily Dahlborn • July 22, 2025

Social media changes all the time. One day something is trending, and the next day, there is an entirely new trend people are participating in. What worked last year for making content might not work today. If you want to keep up and grow your page, it's important to know what people like to see right now. What makes people stop scrolling? What makes them like a post? What makes people feel the need to comment or share?

In this blog post, we’ll break it down for you. We’ll talk about what’s working well on social media today and what you might want to stop doing.

What’s Working

1. Short, Quick Videos

People scroll fast when on social media and want to get the point quickly. If your video is too long or slow, most viewers won’t stick around.On TikTok and Instagram Reels, short videos under 30 seconds do the best.Get right to the point.

2. Real-Life Content

Keeping your content real is essential. Perfect pictures and videos aren’t as cool as they used to be. Now, people want to see real moments. To add authenticity to your content, show your face or highlight what’s really happening. Showing everyday moments or behind-the-scenes clips feels honest and helps build trust with followers.

3. Trending Sounds and Ideas

Trends help your content get seen. Adding a popular sound to your video makes it more likely that people will see it. If lots of people are using the same sound or idea, it is best to try to make your own version of it that relates to you or your brand. 

4. Text Posts That Lead to a Conversation

Not every post has to be a video. Sometimes a simple post with strong words can get a lot of attention. Right now, carousel posts that have text on them are popular to swipe through. They can start a conversation in  the comments and work well especially on platforms like Instagram or Threads.

5. Talking Directly to the Camera

When you talk right to the camera, it feels personal. Talking directly to the camera works well because it creates a real connection. People are more likely to stop and listen when it feels like a real person is talking just to them. When you share your thoughts or stories, followers feel like they’re talking to a friend.


What’s Not Working

1. Long, Slow Videos

People are busy and scroll fast. Long and slow videos tend to lose viewers quickly.  Make sure the first few seconds are interesting. Don’t wait to get to the good part. People want quick entertainment, not to wait for a story to develop.

Instead: Open your video with something attention-grabbing.

2. Too Much Editing or Filters

Over-editing makes content feel fake or staged to the viewers. If your video has too many effects or heavy filters, people might scroll past it. Social media audiences want authenticity, so try natural lighting and light edits only.

3. Only Promotional Posts

It’s great to talk about your product or brand, but not all the time. It is important to diversify your content, so that way every post is not a sales pitch. Costs that only promote products or brands without offering value or personality don’t do well. There can be promotional content and some fun personal content.

Instead: Use the 80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promotion.

4. No Captions or Context

Posting a video without a strong caption or hook doesn’t work as well anymore. Your audience needs something to help them understand and connect with your content and an informative caption can help. Missing captions or context can confuse your audience. Adding a simple caption helps explain your content and makes it easier to engage with.

Instead: Write captions that tell people what to expect or ask a question to start a conversation. 

5. Inconsistent Posting

Inconsistent posting can hurt your growth. Algorithms like when you post regularly and so do your followers. You don’t have to post every day, but try to have a schedule. Staying consistent keeps your followers engaged and growing.

Instead: Start with 2–3 posts per week and be consistent.


Social media right now is all about being quick and clear. The main focus is on short videos, and trending sounds mixed with authenticity and honest conversations. Try to avoid long and slow content, but keep your posts regular and easy to understand. Try these tips and you’ll see your social media game get stronger!