What social media will be like in 2025

We're almost halfway through November, and the pundits, experts, and decision-makers are already making predictions for 2025.

While not every prediction is 100% accurate, it's safe to say generative AI is already in the fray, what with Meta already integrating their AI right within Messenger for example. Anyway, here are 5 predictions we're assuming is gonna happen next year.

More AI-generated images on social media
As AI improves, so is image generation which will either be used to generate useful graphics, or something else for fake engagements and what not. Expect Facebook in particular to see an uptick in such AI-generated images and though this isn't the future of social meda engagement we're expecting, it's what it is.

AI-enhanced AR experiences
Augmented reality has been a hit-and-miss. In the past we've seen devices like Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens getting all the hype, only to be discontinued. Now we have Meta's AR glasses, which by the way was launched as a prototype so it's not yet available for public use.

But this might perhaps set the table for Meta to integrate AI and AR. I guess only time will tell.

Still more video
If there's any content form that's seen massive growth from the past few years, it's video. We already have the staples -- TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram/Facebook Reels (but if TikTok is banned in the US, expect Meta to take over the slice of the pie). Need I say further?

AI-enhanced Instagram filters
Some say Instagram is the "everyman" of social media platforms. Short-form video? Instagram Reels. Social media stories? Instagram Stories. Traditional image posts? Instagram. Targeted ads? Instagram. Direct messaging to customers? Instagram. It's starting to have every feature you'd expect from a social media platform, and then some.

And because Meta is integrating AI into their platforms, expect Instagram to get people to use their generative AI tools. That could possibly include AI-enhanced filters for your IG stories so you're essentially altering your actual photos and videos using AI in real-time.

Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is Cupertino's pet project right now. And now that it's official with the release of iOS 18 earlier this year, expect the release of iOS 19 next year to have more improvements. But don't expect massively new features. I'm expecting subtle, under-the-hood changes that will make Apple Intelligence smoother to use.

The only problem with Apple Intelligence is that you can only use it with newer Apple devices: all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone Pro Max, iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later, and Mac with M1 or later. Maybe the chaps at Cupertino can release AI features to older devices that aren't resource-intensive. We'll see.