2025 Digital Ad Trends and Updates: What Business Owners Need to Know

Digital advertising trends change faster than you can say “algorithm update.” As a business owner, keeping up with shifting platforms and tools while trying to keep all the other plates in your business spinning can feel impossible.

Before you consult ChatGPT or its next-gen cousin for help, dive into (and bookmark!) this guide to learn about the most important digital advertising trends for 2025—and turn clicks into customers.

Know Thy Audience

Before we dive in to our 2025 ad trends, this timeless principle must be reiterated:

You don’t need to be everywhere to market effectively.

We know it’s tempting to fall victim to “shiny object syndrome” and run after the newest platform or tactic in an effort to stay current. But at the end of the day, the best thing you can do to determine where to spend your time and resources effectively and efficiently is knowing who your audience is and where they spend the most time in the digital world.

Does your clientele skew more Gen X or Boomer? Funnel your ad spend to Facebook.

Gen Z fans? TikTok is your best bet.

Don’t Sleep on AI Optimization

AI is revolutionizing advertising, from ad creation to hyper-targeted consumer insights. Nearly 70% of marketers (DCM included) are already using AI in their strategies, leveraging tools that can:

➜ Generate ad copy tailored to specific audience segments within seconds

➜ Optimize budgets in real time by identifying the highest-performing ads

➜ Analyze consumer behavior to predict trends and deliver hyper-relevant messages

However, while AI can handle the heavy lifting, this rule still applies:

Human eyes are essential for authenticity and accuracy.

Think of AI as your assistant, not your replacement. Or better yet, follow Channing’s advice and treat it like a 5 year old.

Video Is Still King

Video has been dominating digital ads for years – and 2025 will be no exception.

With attention spans shorter than ever, incorporating engaging, bite-sized content is essential to your strategy.

Before/after transformations and quick how-to guides continue to be popular (and can actually be easy with this tool), especially if you have a service-based business.

Additionally, the role of audio in ads continues to diminish in 2025 with 80% of Facebook users reporting they watch ads with the sound off. (I mean, who hasn’t been caught off guard scrolling through their feed, accidentally unmuting a video, and suddenly blasting a voiceover from a heartburn medication commercial for everyone to hear?)

This means captions and engaging visuals are non-negotiable.

Support Local On A Whole New Level

If you have a location-based service business or a brick-and-mortar location, new location targeting features on major platforms could be a gamechanger.

With more and more people projected to use voice search features on phones and smart speakers in 2025, taking advantage of Google Ads with Local Intent means you’ll show up if someone asks for results “near me.”

And allocating ad dollars to Meta’s Local Awareness Ads to target a specific geographic area and increase foot traffic, makes “being at the right place at the right time” easier than ever.

Other Platforms Worth Watching

While Meta and Google will continue to dominate digital ads in 2025, they’re not the only platforms worth your attention.

For local businesses targeting a younger demographic, TikTok is an ideal platform to showcase your brand’s personality and connect with Gen Z and Millennials in creative ways.

LinkedIn, on the other hand, is thriving as the go-to space for professionals. If your audience includes decision-makers, thought leaders, or corporate clients, LinkedIn deserves a spot in your strategy. (Here’s how to nail it.)

By diversifying your ad spend across platforms, you can meet your audience where they are and maximize your marketing ROI.

How to Stay Ahead Without Losing Your Sanity

Digital ads can be a game-changer for getting fresh eyes on your business, but they can just as easily drain your resources if you’re not adapting to how people are using the platforms in the new year.

The key?

Know your audience, figure out where they spend their time, and test, test, test!

And don’t underestimate the power of fun! If there’s a platform you enjoy or use naturally, you’re more likely to create authentic, engaging content that works for your ads. Incorporating this into your strategy can make all the difference.

Want some help to put these 2025 digital ad trends to work for your business? Schedule a consultation today.