2025 TRENDS FOR CREATORS

Content creator trends during 2024 have ignited fresh waves of creativity across social media and the internet.

Interactivity has been a major driver of engagement this year. We’ve seen many niche creators focused on building small, highly dedicated audiences to make themselves more lucrative as potential influencers.

The major TikTok creator trends this year have included Jools Lebron’s ‘Be Demure’ challenge and Jason Derulo’s ‘Watcha Say’ trend featuring memorable text overlays and slo-mo video action.

From the rise of sonic branding to TikTok taking over the charts, here are the 2025 creator and influencer trends brand marketers need to know about right now.

 

What trends can we expect to see in 2025?

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for creators. As new technologies emerge and audience preferences shift, content creators will continue to explore innovative ways to engage their followers. Understanding these shifts will be key to success in the coming year.

Here are the content creator trends to watch that will keep you ahead of the curve.

 

1. Sonic branding skyrockets

Sonic branding is a unique sound or series of sounds that are a key part of a company’s overall identity.

The “Tah-dum” sound when you open Netflix is a famous example of sonic branding. Hundreds of millions of consumers around the world recognize this sound instantly when they open the app. 

For creators, adding a memorable sound or jingle to your podcast intro, YouTube videos, or even TikTok clips can help build a connection with your audience. As more platforms adopt audio-first experiences, sound will play an essential role in making your content stand out.

Brands will focus more on creating a unique sound identity for themselves and less on logos and taglines. This is because studies show time and time again that sound sticks in our minds. In contrast, visuals are often quickly forgotten, making them less effective.

Anticipate next year smaller brands following the lead of big brands as they attempt to create a more distinct identity and deepen their connection to their target markets.

 

2. New genres of music 

Expect to see a continued blending of musical genres to create brand new hybrid sounds.

Artists will increasingly mix elements from opposite genres, like rock and folk, to create innovative and fresh music that matches evolving cultural preferences and styles.

Podcasters, YouTubers, and TikTok creators can use these hybrid tracks to give their content a unique edge. By integrating new genre mixes, creators can connect with niche audiences looking for something different from mainstream music.

Look for genre-bending tracks that align with your content’s tone. Whether you're creating a laid-back vlog or a high-energy workout video, matching your music to your style will enhance your brand.

Music content creators should consider introducing and championing up-and-coming artists who are pushing the boundaries of genre. This is a great opportunity to build your authority as a tastemaker, setting trends rather than following them.

 

3. The backlash against AI music

AI-generated music will advance significantly as it pulls from an ever-growing database of songs to fulfill users’ prompts.

While AI may be able to create music that is more complex and richer than what humans can produce, it will always lack the authenticity of a vocalist’s emotion, a lead guitarist’s spontaneous and unique improvizations, or a DJ’s massive beats.

2025 will represent a real chance for artists whose originality and distinctiveness cut through the noise to stand out. The world will tire of machine-made sounds and crave a return back to humans.
This will be the new vinyl revival.

 

4. TikTok taking over the charts

TikTok has become the go-to platform for discovering new artists and listening to the latest songs.

The short, catchy clips have hooked viewers from viral dance challenges to reenacting songs such as ‘Angel Eyes’ from the Mamma Mia musical movie. TikTok trends have been transformed into iconic ballads and chart-toppers. 

More and more artists and creators are taking advantage of TikTok trends to boost their visibility and reach new audiences.

The platform's growing influence will draw artists in, inspiring new dance trends, promoting new releases, and collaborating with influencers to find new fans.

 

5. Enhancements in backing tracks 

Another creator trend in 2025 is the increased use of backing tracks to deliver richer, more immersive content.

You can expect to see this in YouTube tutorials and vlog content. This will be part of a wider drive to create more polished and professional videos to retain viewer attention.

Live streamers on platforms like Twitch will likely incorporate backing tracks more frequently, using them to create a consistent mood for their audience. 

Whether it’s relaxed background music for casual audience chats or an energetic soundtrack for gaming sessions, the right backing track can enhance the overall experience.

You can also expect backing tracks to play a crucial role in Virtual Reality (VR) apps. Creating a rich audio experience will enrich the atmosphere, heightening immersion in storytelling and virtual environments.

 

6. Globalization and cultural influences 

Looking ahead, a more globally connected music scene will inspire artists from different cultures to create original, genre-bending tracks for the new generation.

Improved digital tools enable global artists to collaborate easily, form new partnerships, and create mixed sounds. For content creators, this presents an opportunity to incorporate unique, cross-cultural music into their work, appealing to a broader and more varied audience.

As this trend evolves, it may contribute to a fairer, more respectful music industry, where diverse voices are amplified and celebrated on a larger scale.

 

7. Advances in live performances

VR and Augmented Reality (AR) will allow artists to create a unique, interactive concert experience like never before. Using holograms and interactive lighting during a show will bring performances to life and add value to fans’ experience.

Live streaming shows will let fans “attend” a concert wherever they are in the world in real-time, giving artists a new opportunity to sell tickets.

For content creators, particularly those running live streams or virtual events, these advancements will enable a more interactive experience. Incorporating VR or AR elements into performances or virtual meetups can help creators stand out, offering viewers a unique way to engage with their content.

 

How will our predictions fare in 2025?

As we look ahead to the end of 2025, it will be fascinating to see how these predicted trends shape the content creation landscape. From the rise of sonic branding to the growing role of TikTok and virtual reality, creators will find new ways to engage their audiences and elevate their content.

If you’re looking to enhance your content with high-quality music, start your free trial with Universal Music for Creators to access over 50,000 claims-free tracks and 200,000 sound effects, perfect for backing tracks, intros, and more.