Composing a Social Media Post: Upcoming Instagram Marketing Trends You Need to Know

Information in this blog post was obtained from the Sprout Social, HubSpot, and Hootsuite.

Image Courtesy of Unsplash

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through job listings at midnight after a full day of classes and group projects, feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing marketing world — you are not alone.

We’ve all been there: trying to keep pace with new trends while staying focused on graduating and landing that first full-time job. It can feel like you’re standing still while the industry moves at lightning speed.

But don’t worry, you’re already on the right path by seeking out smart, timely insights. Let’s dive into the Instagram trends that are shaping marketing in 2025 and explore how you can apply them to craft stronger, strategic posts.

Instagram Isn’t What It Used to Be

Instagram’s landscape has seriously evolved, and staying stuck in 2019 strategies isn’t going to get you noticed. Whether you’re trying to build your portfolio, boost a brand, or impress future employers.

According to Sprout Social's 2025 Instagram Insights, users are craving authenticity, brands are tapping into niche communities, and short-form video content is dominating everything.

Meanwhile, HubSpot’s latest Marketing Trends Report highlights that personalization and AI-driven content will continue to be massive players in shaping customer experiences.

If you want to stand out on Instagram today, you must do more than just show up — you need to be intentional, relatable, and agile.

What’s Working on Instagram Right Now

Here's what’s trending and how you can make it work for you:

1. Short-Form Videos

Reels are no longer optional. They are the main event. Instagram’s algorithm is prioritizing Reels because users are spending 20% more time watching short videos versus scrolling static images.

Creation Tip:

Instead of overthinking your videos, focus on short, punchy clips. Think:

• Quick "day in the life" snapshots

• 3-step tutorials

• Behind-the-scenes peeks at projects or events

  
  

A video you film between classes with your iPhone could perform better than a heavily edited "perfect" post.

Pro Tip: Consistency beats perfection. Post regularly, even if it’s not “perfect.”

Image Courtesy of Wix

2. Relatable, Low-Pressure Content

Users are craving realness, especially Gen Z and Millennial audiences. According to Hootsuite’s Best Practices for Instagram, brands and creators who get more candid see better engagement.

Creation Tip:

Use carousel posts to tell a casual story, like:

• "Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Internship"

• "How I Prepped for My Marketing Presentation (and didn't panic!)"

• "3 Mistakes I Made When Managing My First Campaign"

  
  

Use memes, screenshots, or casual behind-the-scenes photos. The less curated the post is, the more connection you'll have with your audience.

3. Creating Community

Sprout Social notes that micro-communities are thriving on Instagram. Instead of chasing giant audiences, brands are succeeding by focusing on specific groups.

Creation Tip:

Pick a topic and create posts just for that niche. For example:

• “Marketing majors who live off iced coffee ☕”

• “First-gen college students navigating internships”

• “Students juggling school + side hustles”

  
  

Speak their language. Become a mini-resource hub.

Image Courtesy of Unsplash

4. AI Tools for Smarter Content

HubSpot’s marketing report suggests AI is becoming a huge asset, not a replacement.

You can use AI to:

• Generate post ideas

• Suggest captions

• Analyze post timing and engagement

  
  

Creation Tip:

Use tools like ChatGPT, Canva’s Magic Write, or Later’s AI Caption Writer to brainstorm content faster.

But always add your own human twist at the end, your voice is your superpower.

Your Next Step

Now that you’re in the loop, you’re ahead of other students and entry-level marketers scrambling to “figure it out.”

Just start applying these strategies and watch your confidence and skills grow. We're here to help you turn that marketing degree into the career you’ve been dreaming about — one smart, strategic post at a time. 🚀

Quick Recap: Key Instagram Trends to Watch in 2025

Trend	Why It Matters	How to Apply It
Short-form Video	Gets more reach and engagement	Post Reels regularly
Relatable Content	Builds trust faster	Show real moments, not just polished highlights
Micro-Communities	Drives deeper loyalty	Target niche groups with specific content
Smart AI Tools	Speeds up your workflow	Use AI for ideas, but keep your human touch

Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.

Resources

Martin, M. (2024, November 27). 21 Instagram best practices for ads and organic content [2025]. Social Media Marketing & Management Dashboard. https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-best-practices/

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (April 28 version) [Large language model]. https://openai.com/chatgpt

Santiago, E. (2025, March 10). The Top Marketing Trends of 2025 & How They’ve Changed Since 2024 [Data from 1400+ Global Marketers]. Hubspot.com. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/marketing-trends

Zote, J. (2025, February 13). 12 Instagram trends to watch in 2025. Sprout Social. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/instagram-trends/