The “less is more” era might be ending — at least according to Pinterest’s 2025 predictions. As maximalist design takes center stage, platforms are making their own bold moves: Meta’s reinventing content sharing, TikTok’s facing a turning point and LinkedIn’s transforming how we use video.
Let’s explore some of the latest platform updates and the fresh opportunities they create for design businesses.
Meta’s Major Shifts
Meta just dropped a bombshell — they’re ditching fact-checking and switching to community notes, a system similar to X’s approach where users add context to posts. For brands and marketers, this means a shift in how content gets validated and shared. While some see it as offering more flexibility in content creation, others worry about maintaining trust with their audiences.
Meta is also launching several features that matter for marketers:
- Major changes to their content review systems, which could affect how branded content gets approved and distributed.
- Testing an AI feature that creates variations of user images in different scenarios. For design brands, this could open up new ways to showcase products in personalized spaces — though early user feedback suggests careful implementation will be key.
- Integrating eBay listings into Facebook Marketplace — starting in Germany, France, and the U.S. This creates new opportunities for e-commerce brands to reach audiences across platforms.
- Updating feed algorithms to prioritize more diverse content types. Meta says this could mean better distribution for brands creating original, engaging content.
What’s particularly interesting for marketers is Meta’s renewed focus on original content creation. They’re promising improved reach for creators who produce unique, engaging material — exactly what home and design brands excel at. The platform’s also emphasizing that messaging and direct sharing drive more engagement than traditional feed posts, suggesting brands might want to rethink their community engagement strategies.
Instagram’s New Direction
Instagram’s keeping busy too. They’re testing a feature to show you Story Highlights you might have missed — tucked away at the end of your Stories tray. It’s a smart move to help you catch up on friends’ content that got buried in the algorithm.
For 2025, Instagram’s betting big on two things:
- Creativity — They want to be the go-to place for making cool stuff
- Connection — They’re doubling down on DMs as the main way people share
Here’s something interesting for your metrics: Most Instagram sharing happens in DMs now, not feeds or Stories. For design brands, this means those save and share counts might be missing a big piece of how people actually engage with your content.
Threads Gets More X-Like
Threads is working on features that’ll make it feel more like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. They’re testing custom display names and profile cover images. Right now these features aren’t public, but they’re coming — and they might help Threads stand out from its Instagram parent.
TikTok’s Uncertain Future
TikTok plans to exit U.S. app stores this Sunday unless the Supreme Court intervenes, marking the first serious implementation of new platform regulations.
For brands and creators who’ve built strong TikTok communities, this uncertainty calls for smart planning. While RedNote surged to #1 on Apple’s App Store as users seek alternatives, the real opportunity might be in strengthening your presence on established platforms:
- Instagram Reels continues to see strong engagement for design and home content
- YouTube Shorts offers similar short-form video capabilities with a stable future
- Pinterest’s video pins are gaining traction, especially in the home and design space
Rather than rushing to new platforms, consider this a moment to diversify your short-form video strategy across channels where your audience already exists. Many design brands are finding success by adapting their most popular TikTok formats for other platforms — maintaining engagement while building more sustainable reach.
LinkedIn’s Video Push
LinkedIn’s trying something new with video. They’re testing larger video displays between regular posts — and it seems to be working.
If you’ve been sleeping on LinkedIn video, now might be the time to wake up. The platform’s betting big on becoming more than just a place for text updates and job hunting.
Pinterest Predicts 2025
Pinterest just dropped their annual trend predictions, and they’re saying 2025 will be bold. They’re backing these predictions with exclusive product drops and experiences.
Some standouts:
- Mix & Maximalist: Gen X and Boomers will embrace bold pattern mixing, eclectic prints, and layered textures in all colors
- Terra Futura: Sustainable living aesthetics take center stage, with self-sufficient gardens and eco-conscious home design leading the way
- Primary Play: Expect funky murals on furniture, rooms with contrast trim, and bold primary colors making statements in unexpected places
- Surreal Soirees: Gravity-defying centerpieces, fantastical flowers, and curvy candlesticks will transform entertaining spaces
- Rococo Revival: Wedding and party spaces will embrace ornate tablescapes and ultra-feminine, opulent design touches
- Castlecore: Medieval-inspired home décor is gaining momentum, with antique-inspired fixtures and gothic architectural elements
What This Means For You
Let’s look at what these updates mean for design and home brands:
- Watch Meta carefully. Their new community notes system might change how your content gets flagged or promoted. Keep your moderation strategy flexible.
- Don’t put all your eggs in the TikTok basket. Build presence across platforms — especially on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
- Consider LinkedIn video. If you’re in B2B, there’s a real opportunity to stand out while everyone else is still posting text updates.
- Test Pinterest if your audience matches their prediction categories. Their trend forecasts are eerily accurate.
- Most importantly: stay adaptable. Social media in 2025 won’t look like it does today. The platforms are changing their core features, and we’ll all need to change with them.
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