Feed Feelings: My View on Social Media Right Now

Social media’s changing, and so am I. A new social media trend report had me rethinking not just what’s popping online, but how I’ve quietly shifted right along with it.

Feed Fatigue

Instagram used to be my go-to, but lately, I have found myself scrolling on LinkedIn more than I ever expected. Maybe it’s because I’m seeing more real-life updates from the people I know, or maybe it’s a subtle sign that I’m growing up (ugh). Either way, Instagram’s algorithm just isn’t giving what it used to.

Threads is giving Twitter’s cooler, calmer sister. Since the whole X-takeover drama, Threads has quietly stepped in and started to get comfortable. Honestly, I’m into it.

TikTok strategy investment has taken a major dip. Only 4%! I get the appeal. TikTok thrives on chaos, spontaneity, and the fact that anyone can go viral at any moment. That unpredictability is part of the fun. Still, it feels a little risky to pull back on strategy when the platform’s reach is still so strong.

Main Character Energy

The brands that are truly winning right now are the brands that know how to hook us in fast. Whether it’s a celebrity crossover we didn’t know we needed, or a gut-punch message that sticks with you, great content makes you pause, watch, and share.

Short-form video continues to be the main character, and the numbers prove it. Video content has nearly doubled year over year. Why read a paragraph-long caption when you can watch the story unfold in 15 seconds or less?

One standout for me: a trauma awareness series. I love it when brands choose to educate, not just entertain. It doesn’t always have to be snappy or loopable. Sometimes a one-and-done story is exactly what we need—and more shareable than we think.

And that ties into my favorite point in the entire report: storytelling still wins. Always has, always will. What sticks with us are the raw, real, human stories. That’s the kind of content I want to create and consume.

Less Filter, More Feel

Much like myself, social media is just growing up. It’s no longer just memes and dance trends (though I love a good trend). It’s where we shop, discover, learn, and stay informed. I’m not saying influencer marketing is dead, but it’s definitely having an identity crisis. The #sponsored tag no longer feels as powerful. Audiences want realness, not rehearsed promos. Authentic or nothing. Though I’ve definitely fallen into the “see it, want it, buy it” trap on TikTok more than a few times, no shame. 

We’re also in our less-is-more caption era, where short and punchy captions are thriving. Say what you need to say, use a few smart hashtags, and move on. Clean, simple, effective.

This isn’t just about attention spans, it’s about our expectations. We want content that gets to the point, gives us a hit of value or emotion, and keeps it moving. That’s why TikTok works. That’s also why overly produced, overly polished promos aren’t landing the way they used to. We want substance, fast.

AI is in the Chat

And finally, AI. I’m surprised it hasn’t taken an even bigger seat at the social table. It’s growing fast, and the potential is wild (in both good and slightly scary ways). There’s so much opportunity here—new roles, creative tools, innovative formats. But we also need to talk about the ethical side. AI-generated voices and visuals are cool until they’re… not. It’s a powerful tool, but it needs thoughtful direction, and yes, actual humans to steer the ship.

Final Thoughts

Social media is changing fast, not just in aesthetics, but in purpose. It’s messier, more meaningful, and yes, still a little chaotic. But that’s what makes it exciting. It’s not just about chasing the next social media trend anymore. It’s about connection, creativity, and finding new ways to show up. Let’s talk through how your social media strategy can evolve with the times!