9 Popular Types of Social Media Content To Grow Your Brand

Cutting through the noise on social media feels harder than ever. Every brand is vying for attention, but the ones that truly win are those that master the art of effective social media content. It’s not just about posting; it’s about connecting. This is how you turn a casual scroller into a loyal fan.

What actually works? Well, if you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ll know that short-form videos are absolutely dominating the engagement game. But it’s more than just video. The real secret is a shift in mindset: around 60% of successful social content today is designed to genuinely entertain or educate, not just to sell. People can spot a hard sell from a mile away, and they’ll just keep scrolling.

We’ve dug into the data and watched the trends to bring you the nine social media content types that are genuinely moving the needle for brands right now. And because anyone can list ideas, we’re also showing you how to bake Google’s EEAT framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) right into your strategy, making your content more credible and impactful.

Why Your Social Media Strategy Can’t Be an Afterthought in 2025

Think of social media less like a billboard and more like a coffee shop conversation. It’s a crucial part of the customer’s journey. Did you know a whopping 90% of social media users actively follow brands? Every single post is a handshake, a chance to show your personality, and an opportunity to prove your value.

The brands that get it right understand this fundamental truth. According to the latest insights from Sprout Social, what users really crave from brands is authenticity, relatability, and a bit of entertainment. This aligns perfectly with what Google looks for in quality content—the EEAT principles. It’s all about building trust, not just collecting likes.

The Real-World Social Media Content Types That Drive Growth

Forget generic advice. Here’s a breakdown of the nine content formats that are actually working, complete with a straight-talking explanation of why they’re effective and how you can start using them.

1. Short-Form Video: The King of Engagement

There’s no sugarcoating it: short-form video is the undisputed champion of social media right now. These quick, sub-60-second clips are perfect for our dwindling attention spans and deliver a powerful punch of entertainment or information in a digestible package.

• The real reason it works: It’s snackable, highly shareable, and feels authentic. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are built for discovery, and this format lets you show off your brand’s personality in a way that feels genuine, not corporate.

• Where to post it: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

• A tip from the trenches: Grab them in the first three seconds, or you’ve lost them. Don’t overthink it—sometimes the raw, less-polished videos perform the best.

Look at Duolingo. Their TikTok is chaotic, hilarious, and totally on-brand. They took a simple language-learning app and gave it a wild personality, often using trending audio and memes to stay incredibly relevant.

2. Carousel Posts: Your Storytelling Workhorse

Carousel posts are those multi-slide gems you swipe through on Instagram or LinkedIn. They’re not just a photo dump; they’re a powerful tool for telling a deeper story or breaking down a complex idea.

• The real reason it works: It turns passive scrolling into an active experience. That simple swipe gesture boosts engagement and allows you to guide your audience through a mini-presentation, step-by-step.

• Where to post it: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.

• A tip from the trenches: Your first slide is your hook. Use a compelling question or a surprising statement to make people want to swipe.

Canva is a pro at this. They use carousels to teach specific design skills, breaking down a complex process into a few easy steps. It provides real value and positions them as experts.

3. Static Images: The Trusty Veteran

In a world of flashing videos, a powerful static image still holds its own. A stunning photograph, a clever graphic, or a beautiful illustration can stop a scroll in its tracks.

• The real reason it works: It delivers an instant mood or message. Visuals are processed by our brains much faster than text. On a platform like Pinterest, which over half of users find more positive than other platforms, a great image is everything.

• Where to post it: Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook.

• A tip from the trenches: Use consistent colors and fonts. And when you can, include people in your photos—it creates an immediate human connection.

Instagram is a masterclass in using static images. They don’t just show furniture; they show inspiring, livable spaces that make you dream of a better home.

4. GIFs and Memes: The Relatability Boost

Using GIFs and memes is your fastest ticket to saying, “We get it.” They’re the digital equivalent of an inside joke and can make your brand feel current and human.

• The real reason it works: It shows you’re part of the culture. A whopping 93% of social users appreciate when a brand is culturally relevant. But a word of warning: timing and fit are everything. Jump on a trend too late or in the wrong way, and it can backfire spectacularly.

• Where to post it: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

• A tip from the trenches: Only use memes that fit your brand’s voice. If you’re a B2B financial firm, maybe think twice before using the latest viral meme from a reality TV show.

Netflix is the gold standard. They constantly create memes from their own shows and movies, which fans love to share. It’s free marketing that feels organic and fun.

5. User-Generated Content (UGC): The Trust Engine

User-generated content is simply content created by your happy customers. It’s the ultimate social proof. Nothing is more convincing than seeing a real person, not a paid model, genuinely enjoying your product.

• The real reason it works: It builds credibility instantly. In fact, 66% of consumers say that seeing real customer content is what makes a brand stand out. It’s marketing; you don’t have to create it yourself.

• Where to post it: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter.

• A tip from the trenches: Always ask for permission before you repost! Create a branded hashtag and run occasional campaigns to encourage your community to share.

The project management tool Trello often shares screenshots and stories from users showing how they’ve organized their work. It’s authentic and provides social proof that the tool actually works.

6. Influencer Content: The Megaphone

Partnering with creators for influencer content isn’t just about buying a post; it’s about borrowing trust and tapping into a dedicated community. It’s one of the most effective ways to expand your reach with a warm, pre-qualified audience.

• The real reason it works: People trust people more than brands. A massive 92% of marketers say influencer content outperforms their standard posts. And it drives sales—over 74% of Millennials and Gen Z are willing to buy from a brand that partners with an influencer they follow.

• Where to post it: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.

• A tip from the trenches: Don’t just go for the biggest name. Micro-influencers often have more engaged, loyal communities and can be a better fit for many brands.

The supplement brand Alani Nu frequently collaborates with fitness influencers on special edition products. This not only introduces them to new audiences but also adds a layer of endorsement from a trusted figure.

7. Educational Content: The Value Pillar

Educational content is your chance to be a helpful expert. This is where you teach your audience something valuable—a skill, a hack, or an insight—without asking for anything in return.

• The real reason it works: It builds long-term trust and authority. By solving a problem for your audience, you become a valuable resource, not just another company trying to make a sale.

• Where to post it: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram (via Reels and carousels).

• A tip from the trenches: Don’t just explain what; explain why. Break things down into simple, actionable steps.

The food channel Tasty didn’t become a global phenomenon by just showing finished dishes. They use top-down videos to teach people how to cook, making the process look accessible and fun.

8. Live Streams: The Unfiltered Connection

Going live is as real as it gets. It’s unedited, unpredictable, and incredibly powerful for building a genuine community. It’s a direct line to your audience.

• The real reason it works: It creates FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and fosters real-time interaction. Answering questions live and showing the people behind the brand builds a level of connection that polished posts never can.

• Where to post it: Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or YouTube Live.

• A tip from the trenches: Promote your live stream ahead of time, have a rough agenda, but be flexible enough to go with the flow and engage with the comments.

During the pandemic lockdowns, when real races were canceled, Formula 1 drivers started live-streaming themselves on racing simulators. It was a brilliant way to stay connected with fans and provide entertainment when they needed it most.

9. Text-Based Posts: The Conversation Starter

Never underestimate a well-crafted text-based post. On platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, a powerful thought, a compelling question, or a witty observation can spark more conversation than a flashy video.

• The real reason it works: It’s direct and conversational. It invites people into a discussion and showcases your brand’s voice and personality in its purest form.

• Where to post it: X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

• A tip from the trenches: Ask open-ended questions. Don’t be afraid to be a little controversial or opinionated (within reason) to spark a real debate.

Taco Bell once posted a single word—”tacos”—and got thousands of likes. It was simple, confident, and perfectly on-brand, proving that sometimes less is more.

Making EEAT Work for Your Social Media

As a team that’s been in the trenches since 2003 and was recognized by GoodFirms in 2022 as a leading agency, we at SoftCrust live and breathe this stuff. EEAT isn’t just a Google guideline; it’s a blueprint for building a reputable brand online. Here’s how it translates to social media:

• Experience: This is about showing your work. Share a behind-the-scenes look at your process. Post a case study with real numbers, like how you helped a client achieve a 150% boost in engagement. Talk about your failures and what you learned. This proves you’ve actually done the work.

• Expertise: Go deeper than surface-level advice. Create a tutorial that solves a real problem for your audience. Make sure your team’s bios highlight their specific skills and years in the game. A study from Oxford University even notes that audiences over 24 are highly interested in entrepreneurial insights, so don’t be afraid to get technical.

• Authoritativeness: Become a known name. Get listed in reputable business directories. Have your team share their knowledge on Quora and Reddit, focusing on being helpful, not promotional. When you create lists (like “Top 10 Tools for X”), make sure they are insightful and include your brand only if it genuinely deserves to be there.

• Trustworthiness: This is the foundation. Be transparent. Have a clear contact page and use a professional email. Show off client testimonials with real names and photos. Be consistent in your messaging. If you make a mistake, own it. Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets.

Wrapping It Up

The landscape of social media is always shifting, but the core principles of connecting with people remain the same. By mixing and matching these nine content types and grounding your strategy in the principles of EEAT, you can build a social presence that doesn’t just grow your audience—it builds a community that trusts you.

It’s about being useful, being real, and showing up consistently. That’s how you grow a brand that lasts.
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Since 2003, the team at SoftCrust Digital Experts has been helping brands craft human-centric social strategies that deliver real results. Let’s talk about how we can help you grow.