7 Social Commerce Trends to Watch in 2025

Social media isn’t just for scrolling – it’s quickly becoming one of the hottest sales channels. In fact, retail social commerce is set to triple by 2025, reaching an estimated $1.2 trillion globally For e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers, this means huge opportunities. In this post, we’ll explore 7 social commerce trends to watch in 2025 and how they can drive real ROI. You’ll learn how micro influencers, content creators, and emerging tools like live shopping and AR are reshaping online retail. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to leverage influencer marketing, UGC, and platform features so your brand can thrive in the evolving social commerce landscape.

1. Micro-Influencers Drive Authentic Engagement

Big celebrity endorsements are no longer the only game in town. Micro-influencers – content creators with smaller (often 5k–50k) but highly engaged followings – are becoming marketing powerhouses in 2025. Brands are realizing that micro-influencers feel more relatable and authentic to consumers, which builds trust. In fact, influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers often have more niche authority and higher engagement rates than mega influencers. They also tend to be cost-effective; for example, an Instagram micro-influencer might charge only a few hundred dollars per post, making campaigns accessible even for small e-commerce brands. By partnering with a network of micro influencers, companies can flood social feeds with genuine product mentions and reviews. This authentic word-of-mouth at scale translates to greater credibility and, ultimately, more sales. Tip: Leverage platforms (like Stack Influence) that connect brands with vetted micro-influencers to generate real user-generated content (UGC) and spark buzz around your products.

2. Influencer Marketing Becomes Essential

Far from being sidestepped by in-app shopping, influencer marketing is more important than ever in 2025. With social networks saturated by ads and brand posts, consumers turn to trusted creators to cut through the noise. Nearly 49% of shoppers now depend on influencer recommendations to inform purchase decisions. This means e-commerce brands must craft savvy influencer strategies to guide customers from discovery to purchase. Focus on finding creators who truly align with your niche and values – authenticity is key. Audiences can sense forced partnerships, so influencers who genuinely love your product will drive the best results. Also, consider diversifying influencer tiers: macro influencers can deliver broad reach, while micro-influencers (Trend #1) offer depth and credibility. In 2025, a well-executed influencer marketing campaign isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s often the make-or-break for social commerce success.

3. User-Generated Content (UGC) Powers Trust

User-generated content – think customer reviews, unboxing videos, and real-life product photos – continues to be marketing gold. Shoppers trust content from real users more than polished ads, so UGC has huge influence on social commerce conversions. For example, 62% of global consumers say social media reviews impact their buying decisions. In 2025, brands are doubling down on strategies to encourage UGC. This can include reposting customer photos, running hashtag challenges, or offering small rewards for reviews. The payoff is twofold: First, UGC provides social proof – showing that others genuinely enjoy your product. Second, it generates a constant stream of fresh content that can be shared across your social storefronts and even on Amazon product pages. By promoting authentic customer voices, e-commerce sellers build trust at scale, ultimately boosting conversion rates. In short, UGC is the social commerce “word-of-mouth”, and in 2025 it’s a trend that’s only growing stronger.

4. Live Shopping & Video Commerce Explode

Imagine QVC meets TikTok – that’s the vibe as live shopping and shoppable video take off. Around 66% of shoppers worldwide are interested in live-streamed shopping events, and platforms are racing to meet that demand. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and even Amazon (via Amazon Live) have invested heavily in live commerce features. Live video sales events let brands and influencers demo products in real-time, answer questions, and offer time-sensitive deals – creating a sense of urgency and excitement. Major retailers and nimble Amazon sellers alike are jumping in, hosting live product showcases and partnering with creators for scheduled stream “events.” The appeal is clear: live commerce is interactive and immersive, giving consumers a closer look at products and an experience akin to in-store shopping. Even if only 12% of consumers have tried live shopping so far, that number is climbing fast as features improve and awareness grows. For 2025, expect live shopping to become a mainstream social commerce channel. Brands should start experimenting now – whether it’s a founder going live to show new arrivals or teaming up with an influencer for a product tutorial – to capitalize on this trend early.

5. Short-Form Video & TikTok Shopping Lead the Way

It’s no secret that video-centric platforms are dominating social commerce. Short-form videos (TikTok clips, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) are among the most influential content formats for purchase decisions. TikTok in particular has evolved into a social shopping powerhouse with its algorithmic discovery and the TikTok Shop feature. A viral TikTok can send a product’s sales soaring overnight – the “TikTok made me buy it” phenomenon is real. In 2025, brands are investing in video content that showcases products in action, whether it’s quick how-tos, before-and-after demos, or influencer reviews. Importantly, these videos are increasingly shoppable: TikTok and Instagram now allow product tagging in videos so viewers can tap and buy instantly. 89% of people say that watching a video convinced them to buy a product, so leveraging video is a must. E-commerce teams should optimize for this by creating engaging short videos and partnering with content creators adept at video storytelling. Don’t be afraid to use trends and sounds on TikTok – leaning into the platform’s culture can amplify reach. In summary, for 2025, TikTok and short-form video = serious sales potential.

6. AI Chatbots & Messaging Enhance Personalization

Social commerce is getting smarter. Brands are integrating AI-powered chatbots and messaging apps to provide real-time customer engagement on social platforms. This trend is all about reducing friction: consumers can ask questions, get recommendations, and even check out via chat. In fact, 41% of shoppers want live chat support while shopping online, and social media – built for conversation – is the perfect place to offer it. In 2025, expect to see more automated DMs and chatbot assistants on platforms like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp helping guide purchases. TikTok has hinted at AI tools (like its “Symphony” suite) to aid sellers and creators in delivering better shopping experiences. These bots can answer FAQs, provide sizing advice, suggest related products, and even handle customer service queries on the fly. For example, a customer might comment on an Instagram Shop post asking about availability – an AI assistant can instantly reply with stock info or a link to purchase. By personalizing the shopping journey and being responsive 24/7, brands using AI chat and messaging can boost conversions and customer satisfaction. E-commerce businesses should explore chatbot solutions or platforms that integrate with their social storefronts to stay ahead in customer experience.

7. Augmented Reality Brings “Try-Before-You-Buy” Online

The last trend is truly futuristic: augmented reality (AR) is going mainstream in social commerce. AR technology overlays digital elements onto the real world – and for shoppers, that means trying products virtually from their phone. In 2025, more brands (not just big players) are using AR filters and lenses to let customers “try on” a product or visualize it. Think of pointing your smartphone at your living room to see how a new chair from an Amazon seller would look, or using a Snapchat/Instagram filter to test different makeup shades. Already, 50% of 18–34-year-olds are using or curious about AR/VR shopping experiences, and that number will climb as AR tools become easier to use. Social platforms are enabling this trend: TikTok’s Effect House and Instagram’s AR filters allow brands and creators to publish interactive try-on experiences. As AR content becomes more common, consumers will come to expect this “try-before-you-buy” convenience. E-commerce brands should start exploring simple AR implementations – for example, a filter that lets users see a 3D model of your product in their space. It may require some upfront investment, but the payoff is a highly engaging shopping experience that can drive conversions and reduce returns (since customers know better what to expect). AR is set to blur the line between online and in-store shopping in 2025 and beyond.

Social Commerce in 2025: Key Trends at a Glance

To summarize the key trends and why they matter, here’s a quick comparison:

As shown above, social commerce in 2025 is all about seamless, authentic, and interactive shopping. Brands that embrace these trends – from partnering with the right influencers to adopting new platform features – are poised to capture the attention (and wallets) of today’s digital shoppers.

Conclusion to 7 Social Commerce Trends

Social commerce isn’t a passing fad – it’s a fundamental shift in how people shop online. The social commerce trends to watch in 2025 highlight a common theme: consumers crave convenience, authenticity, and connection. E-commerce brands and Amazon sellers that adapt to these preferences will reap the benefits. Whether it’s collaborating with micro-influencers for more genuine outreach, ramping up your UGC and video content strategy, or integrating tech like chatbots and AR, there are many ways to get ahead. The key is to start now. Experiment with live shopping events, encourage your customers to share their experiences, and keep an eye on emerging platform features. By leveraging these trends, you’ll engage your audience in new ways and boost your sales across social channels. In short, 2025 is set to be a breakout year for social commerce – make sure your brand is part of that story. Need help navigating the social commerce boom? It might be time to tap into the power of influencers and creators to amplify your reach. Embrace these trends, and you’ll be well on your way to social commerce success.