Social Media Trends for Charities: What's Trending and How To Prepare for 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the social media trends that have shaped the year and to start planning your strategy for 2025. Staying on top of these trends ensures your nonprofit can continue to engage your audience effectively, boost donations, and make a lasting impact.

Here’s a roundup of the social media trends that have defined 2024 for nonprofits, and how you can harness them as we head into the new year.

The Continued Rise of Short-Form Video

Short-form videos have continued to dominate social media in 2024, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These fast, engaging videos are a great way to share your nonprofit's story, showcase your impact, and engage your audience. If you haven’t already embraced short-form video content this year, now’s the time to do so. As we look to 2025, incorporating video will only become more essential in staying relevant and capturing attention.

Social Commerce: Direct Donations via Social Media

Social commerce has been growing steadily in 2024, and we expect it to keep expanding into 2025. Social platforms like Instagram and Facebook now offer built-in donation features that allow supporters to give directly through your posts and campaigns. This seamless integration helps make the donation process easier and more convenient for your audience. For nonprofits, social commerce presents an incredible opportunity to turn social media interactions into immediate financial support.

Influencer Partnerships for Social Good

In 2024, influencer marketing for nonprofits has evolved from product promotion to cause-driven campaigns. Collaborating with influencers who share your values can help you reach a wider, more engaged audience. As we enter 2025, influencer partnerships are expected to become even more integral to nonprofit fundraising and advocacy efforts. Look for influencers whose missions align with yours and who can help amplify your message and impact.

Authenticity and Social Responsibility in 2024

Audiences increasingly expect authenticity from nonprofits. In 2024, social responsibility and transparency have become key pillars of any successful social media strategy. Supporters want to know how their donations are being used, and they expect nonprofits to stay true to their mission. For 2025, nonprofits must continue to focus on building trust by sharing genuine, behind-the-scenes content that highlights the real-world impact of your work.

Niche Social Media Communities Are Gaining Traction

While large platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter still have a stronghold, niche social media communities have become a valuable tool for nonprofits in 2024. Communities built around specific causes or shared interests—on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and even private Facebook groups—allow nonprofits to reach targeted audiences who are already passionate about their mission. As we head into 2025, building and nurturing these niche communities will be essential for fostering meaningful connections and engagement.

AI and Automation: Streamlining Social Media Management

Artificial intelligence and automation have played a growing role in 2024 social media management, helping nonprofits save time and improve efficiency. AI tools for content creation, scheduling, and analytics are transforming how nonprofits approach social media. Whether you’re automating your posting schedule or using AI to analyze performance data, these tools are making it easier than ever to optimize your online presence. Expect even more automation and AI-powered tools to shape nonprofit social media strategies in 2025.