Social Media Trends Nonprofits Should Watch (and Leverage) in 2025

Staying visible, and relevant, on social media requires more than just showing up. In 2025, it’s about showing up smart. For nonprofits, that means staying on top of emerging trends while staying grounded in your mission. The good news? Many of today’s trends are tailor-made for storytelling, community-building, and mobilizing action. These are all things nonprofits do best.

Below, we break down the biggest social media trends nonprofits should keep an eye on this year. Whether you’re working with a lean team or a growing comms department, there’s something here for you.

1. Carousel Storytelling Is the New Thread

You’ve likely seen Instagram carousels, and now LinkedIn carousels, used as quick lessons, narrative breakdowns, or cause explainers. Why do they work? Because they’re interactive, skimmable, and save-worthy.

How nonprofits can use carousels:

• Educate: Share “5 things you didn’t know about [your issue].”

• Tell a story: Break down a single beneficiary’s journey, one slide at a time.

• Report back: Show impact with before-and-after photos, stats, and quotes.

• Promote events: Highlight key speakers, sessions, or registration deadlines.

Julep Tip: Keep the text concise and use bold visuals. End your carousel with a strong CTA (“Donate,” “Share,” or “Join Us”).

2. Short-Form Video Still Dominates (But Substance Wins)

Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts continue to outperform nearly every other format. But in 2025, it’s not about dancing or viral gimmicks. It’s about authentic, mission-driven content that connects.

What works:

• A quick explainer from a staff member or program participant.

• Behind-the-scenes of a field visit, event setup, or day-in-the-life.

• Personal “why I give/volunteer” testimonials.

• Visual storytelling with voiceover, which AI tools can help.

Julep Tip: Aim for videos under 60 seconds. Use captions since many watch on mute. Start strong since the first 3 seconds matter most.

3. AI-Generated Content (With a Human Touch)

AI tools are helping stretched-thin teams generate more content faster. From writing video scripts to generating image captions to producing graphics, AI is becoming a valuable assistant.

But remember: AI should support your strategy, not replace your voice.

Use AI to:

• Draft post copy then humanize it.

• Generate first-pass ideas for campaigns or captions

• Create graphics using tools like Canva’s Magic Design or Adobe Firefly

• Analyze engagement data to optimize post timing and content types

Julep Tip: Keep your mission and tone consistent. Always review AI content for nuance, accuracy, and authenticity.

4. Influencer & Creator Collaborations Get Strategic

In 2025, partnering with creators, especially micro-influencers can be a cost-effective way to boost visibility and trust. Micro-influencers typically have between 1,000-100,000 followers.

Unlike celebrities, these influencers often have niche, engaged communities with high trust and credibility. Their endorsements feel more personal.

Try:

• Recruiting local creators for peer-to-peer campaigns.

• Asking supporters to share “why I care” stories and tag your org.

• Partnering with subject-matter experts to create co-branded educational content.

Julep Tip: Choose partners who align with your mission and values. Focus on authenticity over follower count.

5. Interactive Content > One-Way Posts

Engagement is the new algorithm fuel. Posts that invite interaction, whether through polls, quizzes, “this or that” sliders, or comment prompts, get favored by most platforms.

What to try:

• Instagram Stories with polls or Q&As

• LinkedIn posts asking for input on sector issues

• “Caption this photo” or “Share your story in the comments” prompts

• User-generated content (UGC) challenges: “Post a photo with your favorite volunteer moment and tag us!”

Julep Tip: Make it easy and a low lift to respond. Even a simple emoji reply counts as engagement.

6. Always-On Campaigning

Rather than saving social media pushes for GivingTuesday or annual appeals, successful nonprofits are now embracing an “always-on” strategy. An “always-on” strategy relies on staying top of mind year-round through a steady stream of meaningful, mission-aligned content.

This includes:

• Repurposing content across platforms. For example, a testimonial can become a carousel, reel, and quote card.

• Scheduling evergreen posts between campaign peaks

• Highlighting different ways to support besides making a financial donation.

Julep Tip: Use a content calendar to keep a healthy balance of education, storytelling, engagement, and calls to action each month.

Smart Social, Real Impact

The social media landscape will keep evolving. However, one thing stays the same: people follow and support organizations that feel real, relevant, and relatable.

By leaning into these trends with intention, your nonprofit can:

• Reach new audiences

• Strengthen donor relationships

• Increase visibility for your cause

You don’t have to chase every trend. Just start by experimenting with one or two that align with your goals and capacity. Social media should serve your mission and not the other way around.

Want help turning your strategy into action?

Julep makes it easy to manage donor relationships, track engagement, and stay connected—all in one place. Let us show you how social media + CRM can work together to grow your impact.