- Swipe, Shop, Repeat: 6 Social Commerce Trends You Should Know
- 1. Try Pinterest Product Pins To Turn Inspiration Into Instant Buys
- 2. Use WhatsApp To Turn Conversations Into Conversions
- 3. Co-Create With Influencers To Make Social Commerce Feel Personal
- 4. Include Sustainability Product Tags To Build Trust With Conscious Shoppers
- 5. Use Augmented Reality To Turn Browsing Into Interactive Buying
- 6. Host Live Shopping Events To Answer Questions & Close Sales Fast
- What Could Go Wrong? 3 Social Commerce Trend Pitfalls To Avoid
- Conclusion
27% of global internet users prefer discovering products through social media channels over any other source, a clear sign of where online shopping is heading.
In this article, we will explore the social commerce trends set to shape 2025. From TikTok Shops to live-stream sales, you will see what is working and what is next so you can elevate your brand.
By the end of your read, you will have fresh ideas to test to get a clear edge in the fast-changing world of social media shopping.
Swipe, Shop, Repeat: 6 Social Commerce Trends You Should Know
Pick one trend that fits your brand and highlight a simple way to do it. Small, fast actions like this can drive real results in social commerce sales.
1. Try Pinterest Product Pins To Turn Inspiration Into Instant Buys
85% of weekly users on Pinterest say they purchased what they saw in a Pin. That is not about to change anytime soon because Pinterest is where online shoppers go when they are in the mood to:
- Plan
- Dream
- Purchase products
With Pinterest pins, you get to maximize a visual search engine built for social shopping. But what exactly are these pins?
These are shoppable images that link directly to your product page, which makes it easy for users to move from idea to brand website in one smooth tap.
Here’s an example from Sugru:
Unlike most social media platforms, Pinterest does not rely on loud ads or viral tricks. People go there to get ideas, and your product can be the ideal inspiration they are already looking for.
Best Practices
- Organize boards by themes or seasons like “Summer Home Office Ideas” or “Fall Skincare Favorites” to align with how users search and shop.
- Write natural, searchable phrases in your Pin descriptions. Think like your customer would when looking for ideas or solutions.
- Include price and availability to help buyers make quick decisions without leaving the app.
- Use vertical, high-quality images because Pinterest favors vertical formats (2:3 ratio), so clear, tall visuals stand out and drive more clicks than landscape ones.
- Make sure each Pin links directly to a mobile-friendly product page; slow load times can kill conversions fast.
Best For
This works especially well in niches like home décor, fashion, DIY and crafts, wellness products, and digital downloads. For example, suppose you are in the health and wellness niche selling these krill oil supplements.
You can design a seasonal board like “Winter Wellness Essentials” and add a Pin titled “How Krill Oil Supports Joints in Cold Weather.” Use a Rich Pin to display live pricing and link to a fast-loading product page.
2. Use WhatsApp To Turn Conversations Into Conversions
When people think of social commerce, they usually think of Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. But WhatsApp should not be overlooked because it is the most-used messenger app globally that gives you direct access to a massive global audience of social media users.
Unlike other social media apps, WhatsApp is not about broadcasting; it is about building real, private conversations. This is exactly what makes it a powerful social commerce tool.
You are not interrupting someone’s feed; you are joining their buying process with a helpful, personal touch. Here’s an example from a bakeshop doing WhatsApp commerce:
Best Practices
- Use broadcast messages to share flash deals or promo codes with your contact list.
- Send live updates like order confirmations, tracking links, and delivery notices right in their WhatsApp inbox.
- Set up quick replies for FAQs like “What’s your return policy?” or “Is this in stock?” to keep the buying flow smooth.
- Add your products to WhatsApp’s built-in catalog feature so customers can browse and view pricing without leaving the chat.
- Give loyal customers early access to new products or restocks through private lists or exclusive WhatsApp groups.
Best For
It works especially well for niches like skincare, wellness coaching, fashion, software, sporting goods, and home services because customers most likely have questions before buying.
Suppose you are promoting premium golf accessories. You can send a WhatsApp catalog with images and prices for items like custom seat covers or LED light kits. Then, quickly answer questions about cart models or installation steps to close the sale faster.
3. Co-Create With Influencers To Make Social Commerce Feel Personal
This year, 86% of U.S. marketers are expected to partner with social media influencers; a clear sign that influencer-brand partnerships are no longer optional.
What does this show?
How evolving consumer behavior favors trusted voices over traditional ads, especially when it comes to shopping online.
But co-creating means more than just paying for a shoutout. You work with influencers to craft content, campaigns, or even products that feel real and relatable. Influencer marketing works because their followers already see them as peers, not salespeople.
Best Practices
First, choose the right influencer type based on your budget. Here’s what it looks like for Instagram influencers per post:
Influencer rates can vary a lot depending on the platform. For example, someone might have 500k followers on TikTok but only 20k on Instagram. Plus, what you ask them to create matters too. A quick story post won’t cost the same as a full product video or a co-branded campaign.
Once you are through with that step, use Upfluence to find the ideal influencers from their vast database. You will see results like this to make it easier for you to create a shortlist of influencers that fit your criteria:
Then, use the same tool to contact your chosen influencers:
To maximize your partnerships:
- Collaborate on product how-tos or unboxing videos
- Launch limited edition bundles or exclusives together
- Give influencers creative freedom to match their voice
- Offer performance-based bonuses to drive long-term results
- Repost their user-generated content across your social platforms
You can also reach out to bloggers to create long-form content like reviews, tutorials, or listicles. Do this to emphasize a multi-channel approach to influencer-brand partnerships, improve SEO, and drive traffic from those ready to buy.
To help you with this, connect with an SEO agency and let them handle the outreach to bloggers and even the content creation. With this off your plate, you can focus on other trends and tasks.
Best For
This strategy works well for niches like pet care, fitness gear, educational tools, kitchen gadgets, and niche travel gear, where product use feels personal and shareable.
For example, if you are selling kitchen gadgets, team up with a food creator to co-create a “5-Minute Meal Hacks” video using your product. Their audience sees it in action, asks where to buy it, and your brand becomes part of their daily cooking routine.
4. Include Sustainability Product Tags To Build Trust With Conscious Shoppers
Even with inflation and rising costs, global consumers say they are willing to pay nearly 10% more for goods that are sustainably made. That tells you everything: people still care about their values and expect brands to reflect them.
For social commerce buyers, trust is not just about price or speed; it is about purpose. That is why adding sustainability product tags to your listings can create a powerful edge in your social commerce strategy.
With this, you can help people make choices they feel good about. When shoppers spot an “eco-friendly,” “recycled,” or “low-impact” tag on social media, they pause, engage, and convert.
Best Practices
Partner with eco-certification bodies like FSC, Fair Trade, or GOTS.
Each certification stands for something specific. For example, GOTS ensures organic textile standards from farm to finish, while Certified Vegan or Cruelty-Free (CF) confirms the product contains no animal ingredients and wasn’t tested on animals.
To make sure you get the right certifications, hire a virtual assistant to handle the research and shortlist what fits your products. They can also help with the application process and even track renewal dates so you stay compliant without the headache.
Once you are done with that, you can:
- Group tagged products into dedicated “Eco Picks” or “Sustainable Living” sections on social media and in your store.
- Only tag products as sustainable if materials come from certified sources like organic cotton, FSC wood, or recycled metals.
- Use tags like “100% recyclable packaging” to signal reduced waste and meet eco-conscious expectations.
- Apply labels like “compostable” or “refillable” on product pages and social posts to show long-term environmental value.
- Mention sustainability in product titles and captions. Use phrases like “Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat” or “Sustainably Made Journal” to increase visibility and searchability.
Best For
This works for niches like skincare, baby products, eco-cleaning tools, stationery, and zero-waste fashion; where eCommerce sales often hinge on ethical decision-making.
Suppose you are selling eco-cleaning tools. Add a “100% biodegradable” tag to your bamboo scrub brush and share a behind-the-scenes story showing how it’s made. That extra layer of transparency helps conscious shoppers feel confident and ready to hit checkout.
5. Use Augmented Reality To Turn Browsing Into Interactive Buying
More than 90% of Americans already use or are open to using AR when shopping; proof that younger consumers want more than just images and specs. They want to experience the product before they buy it.
That is why retail brands using AR do more than just create cool features, they are turning everyday browsing into immersive, high-converting moments.
In addition, what makes this a smart social commerce trend is that you can blend fun with function. Instead of guessing how sunglasses look on your face or how a lamp fits in your space, AR lets your potential customers see it instantly. It closes the gap between interest and action, which helps increase your retail social commerce sales.
Here’s an example from Nike’s AR feature on Snapchat:
Best Practices
- Encourage users to record and share their AR interactions to turn try-ons or previews into viral user engagement.
- Let users place products like chairs, shelves, or yoga mats in their real-world space using their phone camera to reduce uncertainty and returns.
- Show users how to activate and use AR in Stories or Reels to turn education into user engagement.
- Show how AR helps solve a real problem, like picking the right shade of foundation or seeing if a lamp fits your desk.
Best For
AR works for niches like eyewear, cosmetics, home décor, hobby gear, and athletic apparel, where user engagement matters just as much as product performance.
Selling cosmetics? Use AR to let shoppers virtually try on different lipstick shades or eyeshadow palettes in real-time. It helps them find the perfect match without guessing and makes the buying experience feel personal and fun.
6. Host Live Shopping Events To Answer Questions & Close Sales Fast
Live shopping events deliver serious results, with conversion rates ranging from 9% to 30%. That is because they meet consumers worldwide at the moment with:
- Live answers
- Real-time demos
- Instant purchasing
Additionally, live events remove doubts while excitement is still high. If someone’s wondering how a product works, what size to get, or how fast it ships, they can ask and get an answer before they bounce.
Here’s an example from IG beauty sellers:
Best Practices
- Drop direct product links or promo codes in the comments and pin them so viewers can shop without leaving the live event.
- Invite questions throughout the stream and answer them live to keep viewers engaged and remove last-minute buying hesitation.
- Highlight products that sell fast or are in limited supply, and tell viewers how many are left to push real-time decisions.
- Offer time-sensitive discounts that are only available during the stream to reward fast action and increase immediate online sales.
- Save and pin the full stream on your social commerce platforms so late viewers can still watch, shop, and share.
- Promote your live shopping event across social channels with a countdown timer or reminder button so your viewers show up from the first minute.
Best For
Live shopping events work for cookware, tech gadgets, art supplies, skincare tools, and plant care kits. These are the products people want to see the product in action before clicking “buy.”
For example, let’s say you are selling smart home security cameras. Host a live demo showing how motion detection, night vision, and mobile alerts work in real-time. Walk through the app setup, answer installation questions, and offer a bundle deal only during the stream.
What Could Go Wrong? 3 Social Commerce Trend Pitfalls To Avoid
Review each pitfall and mark the one slowing your social commerce trend results. Then, set a reminder to address it in your next team meeting.
A. Skipping Consistent Visuals Across Social Posts
In social media marketing, visuals do more than look good; they build trust. If your posts keep switching colors, fonts, or styles, you confuse potential buyers and dilute your brand identity.
This is a major problem in social commerce, where attention spans are short and impressions happen fast. Whether you are posting Reels, Stories, or promoting on Facebook Marketplace, visual consistency helps your brand feel professional and reliable.
Just think about this: One day you look premium, and the next you look DIY.
What a virtual whiplash, right? Here’s how you avoid that:
The easiest way is to use ContentBASE because we already have ready-to-use templates for branding, like these:
Each template is available for one-time purchase so you can skip the monthly fees and start showing up with scroll-stopping visuals that actually match your brand.
Once you have your chosen social media template, do these to make sure consistency becomes one of your strengths:
- Reuse successful visuals with slight variations.
- Batch-create content to keep your style consistent.
- Create a simple brand guide with your core colors and fonts.
- Assign visual reviews to one person or team to make sure it's consistent.
B. Ignoring Platform-Specific Features
Instagram has product tags and Reels, TikTok has live shopping and creator tools, while FB leans into groups and Marketplace.
See? Not all platforms are created equal, and if you ignore the unique features of each one, you leave money on the table. With global social commerce spending on the rise, your brand needs to meet buyers where they already scroll, shop, and share.
Here are ways to maximize each platform:
- Follow platform-specific trends and creator styles.
- Study the key commerce tools available on each platform.
- Try TikTok Shop or Live Shopping to drive real-time conversions.
- Customize content formats, do not repost the same video everywhere.
- Use Instagram’s product tagging in Reels, Stories, and shoppable posts.
- List your bestsellers on Facebook Marketplace to reach nearby shoppers who prefer quick, local purchases.
C. Launching Without Feedback From Your Audience
If you launch a campaign or product without asking your audience what they actually want, you risk pushing content or offers that completely miss the mark.
Why? Your shoppers do not just want to see; they want to feel seen.
Skipping their input disconnects you from what matters most: real buying behavior, not guesses. Plus, it makes your strategy riskier. You may invest time, money, and content into features or platforms your audience does not even use.
Here’s what to do:
- Run polls asking what product features they care about most.
- Review past comments and DMs since these often contain unfiltered feedback.
- Ask what frustrates them most about similar products to help you position your product as the better solution right from the start.
- Use Instagram Stories to test packaging or design options. Story sliders and polls make it fun for followers to share opinions while giving you real-time insights.
- Send a quick SMS survey to make the process feel personal, get higher open rates, and make it easy for your audience to respond on the go.
Conclusion
Start with a quick review of which social commerce trends match your goals and customer behavior. Got a highly visual product? Start with Pinterest Pins or AR try-ons. Want faster conversions? Test WhatsApp or live shopping.
Choose one trend your team can implement this month. Assign ownership, set a goal, and move fast. You do not need to try them all now; just the one that solves your biggest roadblock currently.
But to start on the right path, use ContentBASE. You can pick from the variety of choices that reflect your branding. Register now and start browsing marketing templates.