Spring and Summer 2025 Pop Culture Events Social Media Marketers Need to Know

Spring and summer 2025 are packed with a lineup of exciting events and pop culture moments that social media marketers won’t want to miss. From blockbuster TV releases to award shows, these seasonal events are the perfect opportunity to tap into current trends and boost engagement.

Pop culture is the driving force behind digital conversations, memes, and trends that shape the online world. For social media marketers, staying ahead of these events is crucial to ensuring your brand remains relevant and top-of-mind.

Let’s explore the must-watch moments that should be on your radar this spring and summer.

1. Major Award Shows in Spring/Summer 2025

Award season is a goldmine for social media marketers, as fans and celebrities alike fill the digital space with hot takes, memes, and celebrations.

How to Leverage It:

2. Major Book, Movie, & TV Releases in Spring/Summer 2025

Spring and summer are set to be thrilling times for major book, movie, and TV releases. It’s practically a guarantee at this point that these releases will make their way into mainstream moments.

Books to Look Out For in 2025:

Movies to Look Out For in 2025:

TV Shows to Look Out for in 2025:

How to Leverage It:

3. Pop Culture Events in Spring/Summer 2025

Pop culture events and music festivals offer perfect opportunities for social media marketers to showcase their brands in creative, timely ways.

How to Leverage It:

4. International Awareness Days and Months in Spring/Summer 2025

Don’t forget to tap into cultural and social awareness days that spark conversations. 

Must-Know Days for 2025:

How to Leverage It:

5. Major Sports Events in Spring/Summer 2025

Major sporting events are unmissable moments for social media engagement.

How to Leverage It:

Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

Spring and summer of 2025 are packed with exciting opportunities for social media marketers to leverage pop culture moments and elevate their brands. By adding these major events, holidays, and trends to your content calendar, you'll stay relevant, drive engagement, and build authentic connections with your audience. 

But success doesn’t stop there—the key is flexibility. Pop culture can be unpredictable, and trends can pop up at any time. Make sure your content calendar allows room for agility, so you can quickly jump on the latest meme or viral moment.

Ready to ride the wave of trends? Let’s talk about crafting a strategy that keeps your brand in the spotlight all year long.

How to Use Social Listening in Your Digital Marketing Strategy (Plus the Top Social Listening Tools)

Social listening is your way of tuning into the digital chatter. It helps you get to know your audience, understand their needs, and identify trends that could skyrocket your brand’s success. But how exactly does it work? And why should it be a crucial part of your digital marketing strategy in 2025? Let's break it down.

1. Social Listening = Digital Eavesdropping (But in a Good Way)

If you’ve ever scrolled through your feed, explored videos under a trending sound, or checked out a hashtag, you’ve already participated in social listening.

Social listening involves tracking and analyzing online conversations to identify trends, sentiments, and customer feedback that can guide your strategy. It's not just about hearing what people say, but actively listening and understanding it. 

Why This Matters:

Understanding your audience’s sentiments—whether they love or hate your product—helps you refine your approach. This insight ensures your content hits the right note, avoids potential PR disasters, and makes your messaging more relatable.

How To Use This:

Set up social listening tools like Hootsuite, Brandwatch, or Sprout Social to track keywords, hashtags, and brand mentions. This data helps you make smarter decisions about your content, customer service, and marketing.

2. Stay Ahead of Trends with Social Listening

Social media doesn’t wait for anyone. We all know memes and trends have short lives. So why should your brand react after the wave has passed? Social listening helps you stay ahead of the curve by providing real-time insights that keep you relevant. You can identify trends as they happen, jump on relevant conversations, and create content that feels fresh and timely.

Why This Matters:

By catching trends early, your brand can be at the forefront of what’s happening, whether it’s a viral meme, news event, or cultural moment. This creates opportunities to engage your audience in ways that feel authentic and relevant.

How To Use This:

Track trending hashtags and keywords in real-time. Use social listening to jump on relevant trends (without looking like you're forcing it), create timely content, or even respond to a meme your brand can uniquely riff off of. 

3. Understand Your Customers Like Never Before with Social Listening

Here’s the thing—people are chatting about your brand all over social media. Whether it’s praise, complaints, or simple thoughts, social listening is your chance to tune into this unfiltered feedback. By collecting and analyzing this feedback, brands can make informed decisions about everything from product development to customer service. 

Why This Matters:

By hearing directly from your customers, you can build stronger relationships, resolve pain points, and deliver exactly what they want. Whether it's fixing an issue or amplifying what they're loving, you're actively working to create the best experience for your audience.

How To Use This:

Monitor conversations around your brand and industry. Are people complaining about a feature? Complimenting your service? Make sure you're responding appropriately, adjusting products, and recognizing loyal customers.

4. Boost Your Customer Service Game with Social Listening

Let's be real—customers don’t always reach out through traditional channels. And according to Sprout Social, 78% of people expect responses from brands within 24 hours on social media. They might send you a direct message on Instagram or even leave comments on your public posts. Social listening helps brands monitor these interactions, allowing them to resolve issues quickly before they blow up. 

Why This Matters:

By addressing customer concerns in real-time, you show that your brand cares about customer satisfaction and is committed to offering a stellar experience. The faster you respond, the more loyal your customers will become.

How To Use This:

Track mentions of your brand and key product/service terms across all platforms. Respond to complaints or questions quickly, offering solutions and showing empathy.

5. Improve Your Product or Service with Feedback from Social Listening

Your customers are the ultimate experts on your products. Social listening allows you to track not only what people love about your brand but also what they want to see improved. This feedback loop can be a goldmine for innovation. 

Why This Matters:

By listening to your audience, you gain actionable feedback that helps improve your offerings. If customers are talking about needing a new product feature, why not listen and add it to your next release?

How To Use This:

Monitor discussions around your products or services. Act on feedback—whether it’s improving features, solving issues, or launching new offerings that align with customer desires.

Top Social Listening Tools 

Below is a summary of some of our favorite social listening tools, but check out our blog post, 7 Best Social Listening Tools to Unlock Brand Insights, for a full list with more details. 

Brandwatch

Brand24

Sprout Social

Meltwater

Social Listening = Success for Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Social listening is not a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing process that requires you to actively listen, analyze, and respond—but when done right, the results can be game-changing.

So, get listening. Your audience is talking, and the more you hear, the better equipped you’ll be to provide what they need.

At Random, we know how important social listening is for crafting strategies that connect with your audience and drive results. Let’s chat and take your brand to the next level!

Contact Us

February 2025’s Top Social Media Trends & Memes

So we’ve survived another month of 2025, and we’ve got some great social media memes to show for it. Let’s dive into the biggest February 2025 social trends and what we can learn from them.

#1: Kendrick’s Viral Super Bowl Performance 

We predicted a half-time performance from Kendrick Lamar that would blow the internet’s collective mind, and we were right. 

Almost every aspect of Kendrick’s show inspired viral videos, from his powerful political metaphors to his “Not Like Us” performance and his dancers’ choreography. And we can’t forget about his iconic flared jeans. Check out some of our favorite moments from TikTok below. 

@collectifart

Kendrick’s dancers ate this 🏈 DC : @charmladonna 👑. @Ney' @Maissa.liaa @Chilombo🪷 @lea_m @isaac.koffi_ • • • #superbowl #kendricklamar #kendricksuperbowlshow #sza #dancers #dancecrew #fypppppppppppppppppppppppp #trendtok #nfl #kendrick #notlikus #drake #superbowlhalftimeshow #serenawilliams

♬ son original - CA CREW
@tessclynes

Such a performance #kendricklamar #superbowl #superbowlhalftimeshow #kendricklamarsuperbowl #humortiktok

♬ original sound - NFL
@pokemonmasterzo

BIG STEPPER #kendricklamar #notlikeus #superbowl #fyp

♬ original sound - NFL

His viral performance also inspired a general trend across social platforms for more creators and brands to use his songs in their videos. The audio used by all the examples below was one of the big ones–and it’s kind of addictive to listen to. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chick-fil-A Appleton (@cfaappleton)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fork Meets Food (@forkmeetsfood)

Why it works: Staying on top of BIG pop culture moments is key to riding the wave of relevancy and engagement. Whether it was recreating the half-time show choreography or using a popular Kendrick song, creators and brands knew that taking advantage of this trending moment at its peak was a smart move for their content. 

Creator To-Do: Keep an eye on 2025’s biggest pop culture events and be prepared to jump into the memes that will undoubtedly come out of them. 

#2: You’re So Funny…

With over 1 million posts on TikTok, this next trend is set to be one of the biggest of the year. Users online took 5 Seconds of Summer’s song “She Looks So Perfect” and shared some of their…traumatizing backstories and personality traits. Take a look: 

@.elliebarker

#relatable #fypシ゚viral

♬ THAT IM SO DOWWWWNNN - nottotallysure

https://www.tiktok.com/@mikayla_ernst/photo/7462209920000216363

https://www.tiktok.com/@desipaddy/photo/7462663042615037216

It wasn’t long before brands (and Luke Hemmings from 5SOS himself) made their way into the meme. 

@searchlightpics

Maybe the real pain was the friends we made along the way #ARealPain

♬ THAT IM SO DOWWWWNNN - nottotallysure
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peloton Studios (@pelotonstudios)

Why it works: As humans, we love making light of our problems using humor on social media. Plus, this was a great opportunity for brands and influencers to show their cards and be more authentic. 

Creator To-Do: Don’t overthink it. This trend is a reminder that sometimes all you need to participate in a trend is a simple video, text overlay, and willingness to be vulnerable. 

#3: What My Brain Sounds Like

Continuing the *authenticity* vibes from the previous meme, this next trending audio gave us glimpses into the more positive, comforting aspects of people’s lives. 

@hiclauds

peace and quiet 🫶🏼 #wellness #homebodythings #selfdiscovery #late20slife #girlswhorun

♬ оригинальный звук - .
@carlylego

♬ оригинальный звук - .
@thewellnesspharm

Soft life only 💖 #whatmybrainsoundslike #selfgrowth #wellnesstiktok #wellnesslifestyle

♬ оригинальный звук - .
@classycasita

What my brain sounds like because I live alone: Peace 🥹✨ Does your inner child ever come out when you’re just hanging out by yourself?? Because in moments of ultimate peace and happiness when it’s just me in my casita, I think of my younger self and how she was always so excited for this. So grateful to have the privilege to live on my own 🫶🏼 #livingalone #livingalonediaries #relatable #cozyhomedecor #cozyathome #homebody

♬ оригинальный звук - .

*Sigh* Isn’t it nice to see some positivity around TikTok?

Why it works: While on the opposite side of the spectrum from the previous meme, this trend still gave a great opportunity for creators to show relatable aspects of their lives. Lighter on the drama, but still heavy on genuine connection. 

Creator To-Do: You might get tired of hearing us say this, but… prioritize authenticity. We could’ve seen this trend working well for brands: another simple video setup and text overlay. “What my brain sounds like when I’m enjoying [insert your product here]” - you get the idea. 

#4: Wow, What an Offer

Not gonna lie, we’ve been quoting this one in real life too much this month. This meme uses a trending audio that says “Wow, what an offer. Let me sleep on it, though,” in a sarcastic way that reveals the actually not-so-great offers people would decline. Check it out: 

@niatoks

after a year of emailing them with no response too & it would take apparently over a year to build… i’m absolutely gutted 💔💔💔 #2025bride #2026bride #princesstreatment #weddingplanning #softlife #feminineenergy #relationshipgoals #darkfeminine #sprinklesprinkle #thewizardliz #weddingtiktok

♬ Wow what an offer - Shadai 🫧
@cristalvilal

I mean I do love me some coffee at home but coffee with friends is unmatched🤍 #coffeetiktok #coffeetok #coffeelover

♬ Wow what an offer - Shadai 🫧
@postmates

i gave it a thought, but no

♬ Wow what an offer - Shadai 🫧

Why it works: We’ll give you one guess of what we’re about to say. Yep! Authenticity. Any chance for creators and brands to share highly relatable tidbits like this is a success. Also, we think this one has evergreen potential–it’s not tied to a certain timely moment, it hasn’t been overly used yet, and it could still show you have your finger on the pulse of social trends. 

Creator To-Do: Use your best judgment when participating in a trend. Is it a timely trend that will be over by the time you post it? Or is it an evergreen opportunity that you can still take advantage of? Either way, don’t wait too long before jumping in. 

At That RANDOM Agency, we utilize two of our core values – curiosity and collaboration – to bring you consistent content helping you learn about the great digital landscape and how to operate like a boss within it. Check out our other blog posts on our Random Thoughts page or schedule a discovery call today!

10 Tips to Optimize Your Facebook Ads

Facebook ads are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit, but only if you know how to use them right. They can help you create targeted, high-converting campaigns that drive actual business results. Whether you’re new to Facebook advertising or a seasoned pro looking for some fresh tips, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 essential tips to optimize your Facebook ads and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

1. Start with Clear Objectives

Before you even think about your ad creative, pause and ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Facebook gives you multiple objectives to choose from—traffic, conversions, brand awareness, lead generation, and more. The trick is to pick the one that aligns with your end goal.

Why This Matters:

If you choose the wrong objective, your campaign will likely flop. For example, if you’re looking for conversions but choose "brand awareness," you're likely going to waste money. So, choose wisely.

Best Practice:

2. Define Your Target Audience

Targeting the right audience is everything. Facebook’s targeting features are incredibly powerful, but it’s important to know exactly who you want to reach. When you target the right people, your ads become more relevant, and your conversion rate skyrockets.

Why This Matters:

Facebook gives you the option to target based on location, interests, behaviors, and more. The more specific your audience, the more likely you’ll convert them into customers.

Best Practice:

3. Optimize Your Ad Creative

Your ad creative—images, videos, and text—is what will grab your audience’s attention and keep them interested. If you’re still using stock images from last year’s campaign, it’s time for a refresh.

Why This Matters:

Eye-catching visuals make a massive difference in your ad’s performance. Video ads generally outperform static images, but make sure whatever creative you use aligns with your brand’s message and vibe.

Best Practice:

4. Write Compelling Ad Copy

You can have the prettiest ad in the world, but if your copy doesn't connect, you're not going to convert. Your ad copy needs to grab attention and get straight to the point.

Why This Matters:

If your audience doesn’t immediately know what you're offering or why they should care, you’ve already lost them. A clear, concise message will lead to higher engagement and conversions.

Best Practice:

5. A/B Test Your Ads

You can’t just set and forget your Facebook ads. A/B testing allows you to experiment with different versions of your ad to see what resonates best with your audience.

Why This Matters:

Testing is key to understanding what works (and what doesn’t). Small tweaks can make a huge difference in performance. So, if you’re not testing, you’re missing out on potential gains.

Best Practice:

6. Monitor Your Metrics and KPIs

Facebook Ads Manager provides a treasure trove of data. But what does it all mean? Understanding key metrics like CTR (Click-Through Rate), CPC (Cost Per Click), and CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) will help you make informed decisions and optimize your ads over time.

Why This Matters:

If you’re not measuring the right metrics, you might think your campaign is doing well when it’s actually underperforming. Track your performance to spot trends, identify areas for improvement, and save money.

Best Practice:

7. Set a Realistic Budget

When you’re just starting out with Facebook ads, it’s easy to get excited and blow through your budget quickly. But setting a realistic budget and being strategic about where you allocate your spend will make sure you’re investing wisely.

Why This Matters:

A huge budget doesn’t guarantee success. It’s about smart spending and letting Facebook’s algorithm work its magic. Start small, then scale up once you see results.

Best Practice:

8. Use Meta Pixel for Better Tracking and Retargeting

Meta Pixel is your best friend when it comes to tracking performance and retargeting users who interact with your website. It’s a small piece of code you add to your site that helps Facebook track user behavior and improve your ad targeting.

Why This Matters:

By using Pixel, you can retarget people who visited your site but didn’t complete a purchase. This increases the chances of conversions, as you're reaching users who’ve already shown interest.

Best Practice:

9. Optimize for Mobile Users

Over 98% of Facebook users access the platform via mobile, so it’s crucial that your ads are optimized for smaller screens. Mobile-friendly ads make it easier for users to engage and convert while scrolling through their feeds.

Why This Matters:

A bad mobile experience means a missed opportunity. If your images or links are hard to read or don’t load correctly, users will move on to the next post. Make it easy for them to engage.

Best Practice:

10. Keep Your Ad Frequency in Check

Ad fatigue is real. If your audience sees your ad too many times, it becomes stale, and your engagement will drop. Keep an eye on your frequency to avoid oversaturation.

Why This Matters:

High frequency can lead to diminishing returns. When users see the same ad over and over, they’re less likely to engage, and your ROI will start to drop.

Best Practice:

Mastering Facebook Ads for Better Results

Optimizing your Facebook ads is all about testing, measuring, and refining. It’s a process that requires constant attention and tweaking. 

By focusing on the right objectives, targeting the right audience, and monitoring your metrics, you can maximize your ROI and make Facebook work for your business. 

Ready to optimize your paid social media campaigns? Chat with us. 

When and How to Respond to Negative Feedback on Social Media: A Community Management Guide

Let’s face it: social media isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. As a brand, you’re bound to get your fair share of negative feedback—whether it’s a customer who didn’t get their delivery on time or someone venting about your latest product launch. But here's the thing: handling that negativity can be your brand's greatest opportunity for growth and loyalty.

At Random, we believe responding to negative feedback is about showing your audience you care, you’re listening, and you’re committed to doing better. When done right, addressing complaints can actually build stronger, more authentic relationships with your community. But how do you know when to respond, and what’s the best way to do it? Grab your social media toolkit, because we’re about to break it down with some expert insights.

Why Responding to Negative Feedback Matters More Than Ever

We get it—negative feedback can sting. But the real question is: Why does it matter so much?

1. It’s a Trust-Building Opportunity
In a world where consumers crave authenticity, how you handle negative feedback speaks volumes about your brand’s values. According to Sprout Social, 51% of consumers think the most memorable thing a brand can do is respond to customers on social. That means when you address complaints, you’re showing the world that you’re invested in creating a better experience for your customers. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, your genuine efforts will make a lasting impact.

2. Your Brand’s Reputation Is on the Line
Ignoring or mishandling a complaint can turn a small issue into a major PR nightmare. Customers expect brands to be responsive and transparent. Handling it with grace can turn a disgruntled customer into a lifelong fan.

3. It Impacts Your Bottom Line
Social media is often a direct line to your sales and conversions. A well-handled response can boost customer satisfaction, drive traffic, and even increase conversions. By resolving issues publicly and professionally, you build credibility—an essential asset when it comes to customer loyalty and sales.

When to Respond: Timing Is Everything

So, now you know why responding is crucial, but the million-dollar question is: When should you respond?

1. Respond Quickly to Public Complaints

The last thing you want is for a negative comment to sit there unresolved on your social feed. When the feedback is visible to a large audience, it’s time to act fast. Social media is real-time, and customers expect prompt responses. A quick, empathetic reply shows the world that you’re on top of it.

Best Practice: Respond within 2-4 hours when the issue is public. Show you care before things snowball.

2. Step Back When the Tone is Heated

Sometimes a comment comes across as more of a personal attack than genuine criticism. If someone’s clearly venting their frustration, it’s best to step back and take a moment. That’s right—take a breath. Don’t engage in a back-and-forth battle online. Giving yourself time to cool down means your response will be thoughtful, not reactive.

Best Practice: If the comment feels aggressive or emotional, take a pause. Respond calmly, without getting caught in the heat of the moment.

3. Respond When You Have a Solution (Or a Path Forward)

There’s nothing worse than a “we’re sorry, but…” response. If you don’t have a solution ready, it’s better to wait. When you do respond, make sure you’re offering something meaningful—whether it’s a refund, a replacement, or a clear next step in resolving the issue. Empty apologies can make you seem dismissive, so be sure you’re offering a real solution that addresses the customer’s needs.

Best Practice: Wait until you have a clear resolution, and offer concrete steps for how the situation will be handled.

How to Respond: Crafting the Perfect Response

You’ve nailed the timing, but how do you craft a response that turns the tide in your favor? Here’s our recipe for success.

1. Start with Empathy

First things first: acknowledge the frustration. People just want to feel heard. A simple "we’re sorry to hear that" or "we get how frustrating that must be" can go a long way in diffusing the situation. People are less likely to escalate when they feel understood. 

Example:
“Hey [Name], thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. We totally get how disappointing this situation is, and we’re here to help.”

2. Stay Professional, Always

This one’s a no-brainer. Even if the comment is less than kind, maintain your brand’s professionalism. Responding in a respectful and calm manner shows that you’re a brand worth trusting. You’re in control of the conversation, and your response reflects your brand's values.

Example:
“We’re really sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced. We take feedback seriously, and we’re committed to resolving this.”

3. Offer a Solution, Not Just Words

After the empathetic acknowledgment, move swiftly into offering a resolution. Don’t leave your customer hanging with a vague promise. Whether it’s troubleshooting, a discount, or a refund, be clear about how you plan to fix things. This builds customer trust and shows you care about making it right.

Example:
“Could you DM us your order number? We’ll get that sorted for you right away, and make sure you’re satisfied.”

When to Hide or Report Comments

In some cases, hiding or reporting comments is the best course of action. Handling this thoughtfully can protect your brand’s image and help maintain a respectful community.

1. When the Comment Violates Platform Rules

Every social media platform has its own set of community guidelines, and as a brand, it’s crucial to uphold these standards. If a comment is hateful, racist, discriminatory, or contains threats of violence, you should immediately hide or report it. 

2. When the Comment is Spam or Fake

Delete or flag any comments that are purely promotional, unrelated, or clearly spammy. It’s better to keep your feed clean and focused on meaningful interactions.

3. When the Comment is Abusive or Personal

Sometimes, the negativity takes a personal turn. If a comment targets an individual employee or crosses into personal attacks, this should be handled swiftly to prevent further harm. Always follow your platform’s rules for reporting harassment or bullying.

What to Avoid When Responding to Negative Feedback

You can’t always control how people feel, but you can control how you react. Here’s what to steer clear of when handling negative feedback:

Community Management: The Secret Weapon

Whether you’re addressing complaints, answering questions, or simply engaging with your followers, each interaction is an opportunity to show your brand’s personality, build trust, and grow your community.

Keep it professional, be empathetic, and always offer a solution. If you do that, you’ll turn those negative comments into positive connections and loyal fans. Need help navigating community management for your brand? Let’s chat.

2025 Pop Culture Events and Moments Social Media Marketers Need to Know

It’s a social media marketer’s dream every year: award shows, highly anticipated TV releases, sports events, and more are brimming with opportunities to create viral content. Pop culture drives trends, memes, and the digital conversations that shape social media every day. For social media marketers, staying on top of these moments is key to riding the wave of relevancy and engagement. Let’s dive into the must-watch 2025 pop culture events and moments that should be on every social media marketer’s radar.

1. Major Award Shows: The GRAMMYs, Oscars, and More

Award season is a content powerhouse for social media marketers, with fans and celebrities alike flooding the digital space with hot takes, memes, and celebratory content. In 2025, key award shows will offer endless opportunities to align your brand with fan excitement and important cultural moments.

Why It’s Important:

How to Leverage It:

2. Major Book, Movie, & TV Releases: The Blockbusters & Binge-Worthy Shows

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for movie lovers and binge-watchers alike. From action-packed sequels to highly anticipated superhero films, there’s a lineup of blockbuster releases that will stir up online conversations.

Books to Look Out For in 2025:

Movies to Look Out For in 2025:

TV Shows to Look Out for in 2025:

Why It’s Important:

How to Leverage It:

3. Pop Culture Events: Met Gala, Comic-Con, and More

Pop culture events and music festivals offer perfect opportunities for social media marketers to showcase their brands in creative, timely ways.

Key 2025 Pop Culture Events:

Why It’s Important:

How to Leverage It:

4. International Awareness Days and Months

Social media marketers know that the key to timely content isn’t just big events—it’s tapping into cultural and social awareness days that spark conversations.

Must-Know Days for 2025:

Why It’s Important:

How to Leverage It:

5. Major Sports Events: Super Bowl, Basketball, and More

If your brand has any ties to sports or a broader global audience, major sporting events are unmissable moments for social media engagement.

Why It’s Important:

How to Leverage It:

Plan Ahead for 2025 Pop Culture, But Stay Flexible

2025 is packed with exciting opportunities for social media marketers to leverage pop culture moments and elevate their brands. By adding these major events, holidays, and trends to your content calendar, you can stay relevant, boost engagement, and connect authentically with your audience.

However, the key to success lies in staying agile. Pop culture is unpredictable, and new trends can emerge at any moment. Make sure your content calendar has room for flexibility, so you can quickly jump on whatever comes next—whether it’s a surprise meme or a viral award show moment.As 2025 unfolds, the possibilities for social media engagement are endless. Ready to capitalize on the trends? Let’s chat about how you can build a killer strategy that puts your brand in the spotlight all year long.

Navigating Social Media During Holidays and Global Events: A Guide for Brands

As social media marketers, we’re no stranger to fine lines. One such fine line that brands must walk on social media is whether to comment on certain holidays, days of observance, and current events. While some instances call for a thoughtful response, others may require restraint. 

In this blog post, we’re giving you a handy-dandy guide (you’re welcome!) to know when and how to address these cultural moments on your social media. 

Handling Planned Holidays and Remembrance Days

Knowing Which Holidays to Participate In

“Less is more” is a cliche worth repeating here. You don’t need to post about every holiday under the sun. Seriously, unless you’re running a niche cat meme account (or you’re legitimately a pet company), your audience probably doesn’t need a post for National Cat Day. 

Instead, focus on the holidays that resonate with your audience and align with your brand values.

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A post shared by EVERLANE (@everlane)

Posting Authentically and Creatively

Once you’ve nailed down which holidays to focus on, let’s talk about how to make those posts sing.

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A post shared by SoulMate (@soulmatepetfood)

Handling Somber Days and Remembrance Holidays

When it comes to posting about somber holidays or remembrance days, here are some tips to tread lightly:

Key Holidays and Their Tonal Guidelines

Here are some of the most common holidays and special occasions throughout the year. Once again, choose sparingly and wisely which days to post about! Pick ones that truly matter to your audience, and find a way to connect it back to the mission of your brand.

MonthHolidayTone and Tips
JanuaryMartin Luther King Jr. DayInspirational; focus on community service and social justice initiatives.
FebruaryLunar New YearJoyful and celebratory; share traditions and encourage community engagement.
MarchInternational Women’s DayEmpowering; showcase female leaders within your organization and support women’s initiatives.
MarchHoliColorful and festive; engage with vibrant imagery and share the significance of the festival of colors.
AprilEarth DayInspirational; highlight sustainability efforts and community initiatives.
AprilPassoverRespectful; acknowledge the significance and share educational content about the holiday.
AprilEid al-FitrJoyful and celebratory; share greetings and highlight community events.
MayMemorial DaySomber and respectful; honor veterans and those who served with meaningful content.
MayAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthCelebratory; showcase diverse stories and contributions of AAPI communities.
JuneJuneteenthEducational; share resources and stories about black history and culture.
JunePride MonthCelebratory and supportive; promote LGBTQ+ initiatives and share stories of advocacy.
JulyIndependence DayPatriotic and community-focused; showcase local events or initiatives that celebrate freedom and unity.
September9/11 Remembrance DaySomber and respectful; honor the memories of those lost with a message of unity.
SeptemberRosh HashanahReflective and respectful; acknowledge the Jewish New Year with messages of hope.
SeptemberYom KippurSomber; share messages of reflection and atonement in a respectful tone.
OctoberDiwaliJoyful and colorful; highlight the significance of the festival of lights and promote inclusivity.
NovemberThanksgivingGrateful and warm; share messages of thanks and community support, perhaps highlighting local charities.
NovemberNative American Heritage MonthEducational; share stories and contributions of Native American communities.
DecemberChristmasJoyful and festive; promote community involvement and giving back during the holiday season.
DecemberHanukkahCelebratory; share educational content about traditions and promote community togetherness.
DecemberKwanzaaCelebratory; highlight the principles of Kwanzaa and promote cultural heritage.

Pro Tip: We love checking Sean’s Cultural Moments Encyclopedia to see all (and we mean ALL) the holidays and events that might be relevant to our audience as we’re brainstorming content ideas.

Handling Unexpected Global, National, or Local Events and Disasters

Identifying Relevant Events

For brands operating on a global scale, staying informed about current events is vital. Here’s how to determine if an event relates to your brand:

Should Brands Comment or Stay Silent?

Deciding whether to comment on global events can be tricky. Here are some guidelines:

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A post shared by 400H Apartments (@live400h)

Examples of Good and Bad Brand Responses

Good Examples:

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A post shared by Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys)

Not-So-Good Examples:

Navigating the waters of social media during holidays and global events requires a delicate balance of authenticity, empathy, and brand alignment. By carefully choosing when to post and how to engage, brands can foster genuine connections with their audience. Remember, building community is more valuable than making a quick sale.

Need help taking your social media to the next level? Reach out to the RANDOM team today. 

The Death of Instagram Squares and More Social Media Sizing Updates

With platforms constantly tweaking their layouts and features, it’s time to get your posts in shape. Let’s dive into the latest social media post size updates and best practices for Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Instagram has always been at the forefront of visual trends, and it’s not slowing down. The latest buzz? Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head honcho, has announced that Instagram is testing a new profile grid view. Unlike the classic square format, this new view will showcase posts in portrait mode. This move aligns with the rising trend of portrait content and reels dominating the platform.

As of writing this blog, the switch hasn’t officially been rolled out on all accounts, but it’s a good possibility that this will happen in the near future. To stay updated on the latest news, follow us on Instagram. 

What This Means for You:

1. Go Portrait or Go Home: In case it hasn’t been clear, Instagram is pushing hard for full-screen experiences. Start embracing portrait (4:5) formats for your regular posts. Even if Instagram doesn’t permanently change profile grid views, this format is quickly becoming the standard. 

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A post shared by Nike Football (@nikefootball)

2. Reel-In Your Audience: Reels continue to reign supreme. Ensure your content is optimized for vertical viewing to capture those precious engagement metrics.

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A post shared by Crumbl Cookies (@crumblcookies)

3. Consistency is Key: While you adapt to these changes, keep your branding consistent. Portrait posts should align with your overall aesthetic and messaging. Even when sizes change, authenticity should still live at the center of your Instagram strategy.

Best Practices:

LinkedIn: Navigating New Link Post Sizes

LinkedIn is continually refining its user experience, especially with how link posts are displayed. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy:

Image Posts:

Video Posts:

Best Practices:

  1. Embrace the Caption: Use the caption area effectively to include your link and a compelling call-to-action.
  2. Visual Appeal: Stand out with high-quality visuals since the link preview is now quite small and a wider variety of visual content is being posted.

TikTok: The Evolution of Video and Carousel Posts

TikTok initially locked us into 9:16 video formats, but things have evolved. Here’s what’s happening:

Video Formats:

@haileygrahammm

landscape video tutorial and everything you need to know to have success with this new feature 💭🗣📌 3 things to avoid doing | @HAILEY G | social media 📌 #landscapevideos #tiktoktutorial #tiktokupdate #tiktokgrowthtips #howtogrowontiktok #tiktokgrowthstrategy #socialmediamarketing #socialmediatips #marketingtips #digitalmarketingtips #digitalmarketingsecrets #contentcreation #contentcreatortips #content #contencreator

♬ original sound - Hailey | ONLINE HUSTLES 💸

Best Practices:

  1. Experiment with Formats: Utilize both vertical and horizontal videos based on your content goals.
  2. Leverage Carousel: Engage users with carousel posts, allowing them to swipe through multiple images or videos.

Embrace these changes and keep your content fresh and captivating! Need help taking your social media to the next level? Reach out to the RANDOM team today.