Digital Marketing Statistics of 2025: H1 by the Numbers

Posted on July 8, 2025
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Sara Karlovitch. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Key Trends Shaping the 2025 Marketing Landscape

The global social media ad market is set to grow by 12% in 2025, with 59% of marketers increasing influencer partnerships. Gen Z consumers heavily rely on social media for purchase decisions, with 90% influenced by social content. Investment in AI marketing technologies is rising, with 71% of marketers planning significant budgets over the next three years. Meanwhile, digital video advertising and CTV continue strong growth trajectories, emphasizing the shift toward digital media consumption.

Optimixed’s Overview: Emerging Marketing Dynamics and Consumer Behaviors to Watch in 2025

Social Media and Influencer Marketing Expansion

The social media advertising sector is experiencing robust growth, projected at 12% this year. Marketers are increasingly leveraging influencer partnerships, with nearly 60% planning to boost collaborations in 2025. This strategy aligns with consumer behavior, especially among Gen Z, where 90% report being influenced by social content when making purchases.

Consumer Information Sources and Purchase Decisions

  • Gen Z predominantly uses social media as their primary source of information (41%), surpassing traditional search engines (32%) and AI chat tools (11%).
  • Despite economic concerns, a majority of consumers feel capable of affording necessities, though 42% are delaying major purchases in 2025.

AI Adoption and Marketing Strategy Challenges

Investment in AI technologies within marketing is accelerating, with 71% of marketers planning to allocate at least $10 million over the next three years. Optimism among CMOs toward AI has increased to 83%. However, marketing leaders face significant hurdles, as 84% report difficulty in strategy development and execution, while long-term planning beyond three years remains rare.

Budget Allocation and Media Spend Trends

  • Marketing budgets remain steady at 7.7% of company revenue, with over 30% dedicated to paid media efforts.
  • Digital video ad spending is forecasted to rise 14% to $72.4 billion, with 58% of video ad budgets focused on digital platforms.
  • Connected TV (CTV) advertising is also poised for 13% growth, reflecting shifts in consumer media consumption.

Generational Influence and Spending Power

Gen Alpha is emerging as a powerful consumer group with a projected $5.5 trillion global economic footprint by 2029. Over half of Gen Alpha children receive allowances, contributing to a $28 billion direct spending power, while millennial parents recognize the inescapable impact of digital content on this generation.