At BAM, staying ahead of the curve is more than just a goal… it’s a commitment. That’s why our social team created Three on the Third, a monthly roundup of insights, trends, and updates that are delivered straight to our clients on the third of every month. Each edition offers a snapshot of what’s shaping the industry, along with case studies to inspire action. Here’s a closer look at updates from December’s edition.        

Hootsuite has unveiled their 2025 Social Media Trend Report, and it's filled with info that’ll help shape the future of online engagement. Don’t have time to scroll through it all? Let’s jump into it.

Creative Disruption: Pushing Creative Boundaries

In 2025, social teams are stepping out of rigid brand consistency and leaning into creative risk-taking. It’s all about breaking free from traditional, uniform branding and curating personalities to specific platforms. In fact, 43% of organizations have experimented with a new tone or persona on social media in the past year! Think of it as giving your brand multiple voices that resonate with different audiences.        

Brands that succeed through creative disruption aren’t afraid to:        

👋 Redefine branding: And move away from outdated ideas of brand consistency.        

🧠 Use social media as their playground: Welcoming new ideas and embracing bold, unexpected campaigns.        

💬 Create curated content: Tailoring content to specific audience needs.        

Take a cue from Hever Castle & Gardens: Their Instagram focuses on entertainment with playful, Gen Z-focused content that feels worlds apart from their more formal, action-driven website. This dual approach lets them connect with multiple audiences without comprising who they are as a brand.

The Website

Link: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

The Social Content

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_sYPgAoSMC/

BAM’s Take:

Identify three must-have brand elements (like your logo, mission, etc.) and stay anchored to those. Beyond that, let your creativity soar. Flexibility is key to staying relevant.

Intentional Trendjacking: Strategic Participation in Cultural Moments

We’ve all seen brands jumping on trends, but Hootsuite’s report emphasizes a shift from blind trend-chasing to intentional, insight-driven participation. It’s about understanding which cultural moments align with your brand’s audience and ensuring you strike the right chord. Though consumers love it when brands engage with trends, not every trend is worth chasing.        

Brands that succeed through intentional trendjacking:        

🔥 Use social listening: Helping them identify trends that resonate with their audience so efforts aren’t wasted.        

💥 Prioritize timeliness: Establishing an efficient approval strategy that allows them to respond quickly.        

⚡️ Have a flexible content calendar: So they can capitalize on the right trends at the right time.

BAM’s Take:

Social listening is your best friend; use insights from your audience to guide your next move. Hootsuite’s advice to focus on strategic, insight-driven participation rather than aimless trend-chasing couldn’t be more spot-on.

Takeaways for 2025

By adopting these strategies, brands can not only stay ahead of the curve but also create deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to disrupt, trendjack, and thrive in 2025!