If you’re still posting randomly on social media and hoping for likes, it’s time for a serious upgrade. In 2025, the game has changed. Engagement isn’t just about posting often, it’s about posting smart. That means using data to guide your strategy, not just guesswork.

So, if you’re wondering how to increase social media engagement this year, you’re in the right place. This blog breaks down five proven, data-backed strategies that brands (big and small) are using to grow their reach, drive conversations, and boost conversions.

1. Short-Form Video Is Leading the Engagement Race

Social media engagement in 2025 is all about short-form video.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are dominating because users crave quick, visually engaging content. According to HubSpot, 80% of marketers say short-form video gives them the highest ROI, and videos under 60 seconds are now outperforming longer ones in both reach and retention.

What you can do:

• Post videos that are 15–60 seconds long
• Use attention-grabbing hooks within the first 3 seconds
• Add captions (most people scroll with sound off)
• Repurpose content across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for more exposure

Why this works: Short-form videos have a 2x higher engagement rate than image-based posts, and platforms are actively pushing this format in their algorithms.

2. Use AI Tools to Optimize Posting Times and Engagement

AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a secret weapon for marketers. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Clearview Social use AI to suggest the best times to post based on your audience behavior.

AI also helps with:

• Writing better captions (tools like ChatGPT, Jasper)
• Predicting what content will perform well
• Auto-generating hashtags based on your topic
• Personalizing responses with AI chatbots

According to a 2024 Social Media Examiner report, over 50% of marketers are positive that using AI tools for content scheduling and analytics will result in increase in engagement.

What you can do:

• Test AI-powered scheduling tools to find peak engagement hours
• Use AI to analyze which posts are driving the most interactions
• Set up chatbots for Instagram and Facebook to handle DMs instantly

3. Build an Engaged Community, Not Just Follower Counts

In 2025, engagement rate is more important than follower count. Brands that focus on building communities see longer retention, more UGC (user-generated content), and stronger brand loyalty.

Tips to build community:

• Respond to every comment—even the emojis
• Use Instagram Stories’ polls, questions, and quizzes
• Host live Q&A sessions or behind-the-scenes livestreams
• Feature your followers’ content on your page (hello, UGC)

4. Platform-Specific Content Wins

What works on TikTok won’t work on LinkedIn—and that’s okay.

Each social platform favors different content formats and styles. The key is adapting your message to fit each one.

Here’s a quick 2025 platform cheat sheet:

• TikTok: Entertaining short videos, behind-the-scenes, trend-based content
• Instagram: High-quality visuals, Reels, educational carousels
• LinkedIn: Personal stories, thought leadership, industry tips
• X (formerly Twitter): Real-time updates, memes, opinion threads

What you can do:

• Audit your performance per platform to see what content drives clicks
• Plan separate content calendars if needed
• Use analytics to measure engagement rate by content type

5. Leverage Social Proof and UGC to Boost Trust

Consumers trust people more than they trust brands. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) and customer reviews are a goldmine for engagement.

According to Nielsen Consumer Trust Index, 92% of people trust UGC more than brand-created content. Whether it’s an unboxing video, a testimonial, or a tagged photo—this kind of content feels authentic and relatable.

What you can do:

• Run contests encouraging users to post using your product
• Create a “Fan Friday” or “Customer Spotlight” post series
• Repost UGC with credit (it builds loyalty and social proof)
• Ask happy customers to leave video testimonials

If you want to grow your brand on social media this year, forget the old “post and pray” strategy.

Instead, focus on:

• Creating content that matches your audience’s behavior (short videos, UGC)
• Using AI and analytics to make smarter posting decisions
• Building meaningful relationships through community engagement

Remember: every comment, share, and save counts more than just likes or followers.