Social networks have long been more than just a place to communicate with friends. Today, they are powerful tools for promoting a business, a personal brand, or any project launched by an online school.
However, the world of social media marketing (SMM) is changing at a phenomenal pace, and methods that worked yesterday may not work today.
If you want your account to stand out from the millions of other accounts and grab the attention of your audience, it is important to stay on top of the latest trends. In this article, we have gathered the 5 most relevant trends in SMM promotion that will help you stay one step ahead of your competitors.
- First, Instagram released a new update that both delighted users of the social network and, conversely, disappointed some. People asked for a return to the application's old design, namely the format of the profile posts. Previously they were all square, but now they are 8 x 16 in size and look more like reels. To accommodate this new feature, you will need to take photos in the new format. There are changes planned for highlights in the future, which may result in a separate folder containing videos.

2. Integration with AI: Applications of Artificial Intelligence
AI helps analyze audience preferences and tailor messages to their interests. This increases content relevance and engagement. For example, neural networks can suggest post ideas that appeal specifically to the target user. Automating customer communication via chatbots has become one of SMM's most popular AI features. Bots can instantly answer user questions, process orders, and even conduct surveys, saving your team time and improving the customer experience.
- Short Video
The popularity of this format can be explained by the modern clip mindset. That is, users prefer fast, large-volume content that does not require a lot of time to watch. Research shows that Instagram videos under 60 seconds are more likely to be watched to the end and have a higher organic reach thanks to the platform's algorithm.

- Nostalgic: Using a retro aesthetic to attract Generation Z
Nostalgic content is a trend that continues to grow in popularity, especially among Generation Z. Young people are interested in images from past decades, such as the 1990s and 2000s, even if they themselves did not live through those eras. The retro aesthetic evokes a sense of romance and coziness, making advertising materials particularly attractive and inspiring.
Today, many brands are actively using vintage filters, period music, pixel graphics, and references to past cultures to stand out in their feeds. For example, old magazine-style posts, remakes of popular songs, or visuals that reflect the spirit of the first Internet sites immediately grab attention.
In fact, this tendency not only attracts audiences, but also helps build an emotional connection with them. Because nostalgia evokes warm feelings and encourages sharing, it is a powerful tool for engaging audiences and building loyalty.
- Work with microbloggers and nanobloggers.This is a trend that continues to grow in popularity due to its effectiveness and accessibility. Microbloggers (10-50,000 subscribers) and nano-bloggers (up to 10,000 subscribers) have a small but very loyal readership who trust their recommendations. Unlike major influencers, these bloggers are perceived as "one of us," making their ads more sincere and compelling. The main advantages of working with microbloggers and nano-bloggers are higher subscriber engagement (60% higher than bloggers with millions of followers, according to statistics) and conversion rates. Their ads come across as personal recommendations rather than intrusive promotions, which is especially valuable in an age of conscious consumption.

Adapting to new trends in SMM is key to successful promotion and building trust with your online school's audience. Take advantage of something new to stand out from the competition and create a strong connection with your followers.
If you have any questions, please contact the Aurora team.