In 2025, social media is a key driver for Print-on-Demand (POD) businesses, with 62.6% of the global population active on these platforms and users spending an average of 2 hours and 21 minutes daily. Knowing where your audience is and how they interact is crucial for success. Here’s what you need to know:
- Top Platforms: Facebook (3.065B users) leads in direct purchases, Instagram (2B users) excels in product discovery, and TikTok (2B users) dominates Gen Z engagement. YouTube has become the most-used platform in the U.S.
- Demographics Matter: Millennials (69.2% active) and Gen Z (63% use TikTok for discovery) are key groups. Each platform has unique age and gender dynamics.
- Content Trends: Short-form video is king, with vertical videos achieving 90% higher completion rates. Platform-specific content, like TikTok’s creative videos or Pinterest’s searchable pins, drives engagement.
- AI Tools: Automating content creation, scheduling, and real-time adjustments saves time and boosts results. Tools like Print2Social simplify targeting and improve efficiency.
- Emerging Trends: Private communities, social commerce, and AI integration are reshaping marketing strategies. Social search is growing, with platforms competing with traditional search engines.
Key Takeaway: POD businesses must use platform-specific strategies, leverage AI for efficiency, and stay ahead of shifting trends to connect with their target audiences effectively.
How To See Demographics On Instagram? - BusinessGuide360.com
Major Social Media Platforms and Their Demographics in 2025
For print-on-demand (POD) businesses, tailoring content to match the audience of each social media platform can significantly boost engagement and sales. By understanding the demographics of these platforms, POD businesses can fine-tune their strategies to connect with their ideal customers.
User Demographics by Platform
Each social media platform attracts distinct audiences based on age, gender, and how users interact with content. These differences directly influence product discovery and purchasing behavior.
| Platform | Monthly Users | Largest Age Group | Gender Split | POD Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.065 billion | 25–34 (31.1%) | 56.8% Male, 43.2% Female | Direct purchases (39% of social buyers) | |
| 2 billion | 18–24 (31.7%) | 50.6% Male, 49.4% Female | Product discovery (61% of users) | |
| TikTok | 2 billion | 25–34 (35.3%) | 55.7% Male, 44.3% Female | Product discovery (77% of Gen Z users) |
| 553 million | 18–24 (46%) | 69.4% Female, 22.6% Male | Brand discovery (80% of weekly users) | |
| YouTube | 2+ billion | 25–34 (21.7%) | 54% Male, 46% Female | Long-form product showcases |
These insights provide a foundation for creating platform-specific content that aligns with user preferences and behaviors.
Best Content Types for Each Platform
Short-form video is dominating the social space, with vertical videos achieving 90% higher completion rates compared to horizontal formats. However, each platform has its own content style that resonates with its audience:
- Facebook: Focus on community-driven posts and direct sales strategies. With 39% of consumers making purchases directly on Facebook and organic reach averaging only 2.2%, targeted ads are crucial.
- Instagram: Visual storytelling thrives here. High-quality product photos, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated posts (seen as 2.4 times more relatable) perform well. Organic reach is around 9.5%.
- TikTok: Creativity and authenticity are key. Short videos that educate, entertain, or inspire while showcasing products in real-life scenarios tend to succeed. TikTok’s algorithm favors content that holds viewers’ attention.
- Pinterest: This platform acts as a visual search engine. Optimizing pins with relevant keywords, alt text, and clear captions improves product visibility.
- YouTube: Ideal for detailed product demonstrations, tutorials, and brand storytelling. Longer videos work well for showcasing the design process or sharing customer testimonials.
"In 2025, we'll see brands begin to shun big name influencers in favor of nurturing their communities. Brands are going to invest more in nurturing relationships with loyal customers, loyal followers, the people that are always logging in to engage with them or watch their videos and stories and we're going to see more collaborative content."
– Alison Battisby, Founder of Avocado Social and DMI Lecturer
As social media continues to evolve, new platforms and trends are reshaping how businesses connect with their audiences.
New Platforms and Trends in 2025
Emerging platforms and shifting trends are opening up fresh opportunities for POD businesses:
- Threads: Positioned as a text-based platform, Threads offers a chance for businesses to establish an early presence as users explore new social experiences.
- AI Integration: Over 80% of marketers report that AI tools save time and improve workflows. For POD businesses, AI can assist with content creation, scheduling, and social listening while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
- Social Commerce: With social media ad spending projected to hit $276.7 billion in 2025, platforms are becoming essential shopping hubs. Stores with active social accounts see 32% higher sales compared to those without.
- Private Communities: These spaces are gaining traction for fostering deeper customer relationships. Sixty-six percent of branded communities report improved customer retention, and 76% of internet users participate in online groups.
- Social Search: Social platforms are increasingly competing with traditional search engines. In February 2025, 94.4% of internet users visited social networks, compared to 82.3% using search engines. Optimizing posts with hashtags, keywords, and searchable captions is now a must.
- Authenticity and Community: Consumers are prioritizing authentic connections, with 90% valuing honesty when choosing brands. Engagement rises by 28% when brands mix user-generated content with their own.
How Demographic Trends Change POD Marketing Strategies
With 5.24 billion active social media users and 94.2% of internet users engaging on these platforms, print-on-demand (POD) businesses can no longer rely on generic, one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, they need to focus on connecting with audiences where they spend their time online. Today’s consumers are more selective about the brands they follow and the content they engage with, pushing businesses to adopt more deliberate and platform-specific marketing approaches.
Using Multiple Platforms to Reach Different Audiences
People now interact across a variety of platforms, and this shift calls for POD businesses to rethink single-platform strategies. Instead, they need tailored approaches to reach different demographic groups. For instance, Millennials, who remain highly active online, often use multiple platforms for different purposes. They might discover products on Instagram, finalize their purchasing decisions on Facebook, and turn to TikTok for customer support or reviews.
Each platform has its own audience dynamics, so businesses need to craft strategies that match the preferences of these users while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. As part of this shift, video content has become a key tool for engaging audiences across platforms.
Video Content Growth and Engagement
Video continues to dominate social media, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube leading the charge. TikTok users spend an average of 47 minutes a day on the app, while YouTube users clock in at 49 minutes daily. This creates a significant window for POD brands to showcase their products in engaging ways. High-quality, authentic video content can highlight product features, share behind-the-scenes looks at production, and tell compelling brand stories.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram thrive on relatable and visually appealing videos, making them ideal for demonstrating the quality and uniqueness of POD products. Whether it’s a quick tutorial, a customer testimonial, or a sneak peek into the design process, video content helps build trust and capture attention.
Focusing on Niche Communities and Specific Interests
In addition to leveraging broad platforms and video trends, targeting niche communities can significantly enhance marketing efforts. Many consumers are moving away from large, general platforms and gravitating toward spaces where they can connect with others who share their interests.
By focusing on specific communities, POD businesses can foster deeper connections and build trust, which often translates into loyal customers and higher returns on investment. For example, campaigns tailored to LGBTQ+ audiences or pet lovers have shown that personalized messaging resonates more strongly and drives better engagement.
Identifying groups that align with a brand’s products and values is crucial. Whether it’s dog lovers, coffee aficionados, or fitness enthusiasts, creating products and marketing messages that speak directly to these communities often yields better results than generic approaches. This strategy allows businesses to stand out and build meaningful relationships with their audience.
Using AI Tools for Social Media Demographics
Juggling multiple social platforms while keeping up with ever-changing audience demographics can feel like an uphill battle for POD (Print-on-Demand) business owners. Thankfully, AI tools are stepping in to make this process far more manageable by providing insights that save time and effort.
In fact, 63% of US B2B marketers in 2023 attributed AI to improving their revenue and lead generation efforts. Let’s explore how AI simplifies targeting, scheduling, and real-time adjustments to maximize social media engagement.
Automated Targeting and Content Creation
AI tools shine when it comes to analyzing demographic data and creating content that connects with specific audience groups. By tapping into platform-specific demographics, trending topics, and user behavior, these tools can craft content that feels tailored and relevant. For example, brands using AI for social media management have reported cutting content creation time in half, and personalized recommendations have been shown to increase engagement by up to 60%.
A standout example of this is Print2Social, a platform that links directly to POD providers and social accounts to automate content creation. It evaluates your products and generates custom images and videos designed to suit the preferences of each platform. Think of dynamic, fast-paced videos for TikTok’s younger crowd versus polished, informative posts for Facebook’s broader audience.
Another great illustration is Heinz’s “Draw Ketchup” campaign in 2023. By using an AI-powered image generator to produce visuals for social media and print ads, the campaign racked up over 850 million impressions worldwide.
Managing Multiple Platforms with Scheduling
AI doesn’t just help create content - it ensures it’s delivered at just the right time. Managing a consistent presence across various platforms becomes easier with AI scheduling tools. These tools analyze when your audience is most active on each channel and adjust posting times accordingly. More than 55% of global influencers say AI has made their workflows faster and more efficient.
Platforms like Print2Social take this further by automating the scheduling process while adapting each post to maintain the unique tone of each platform. This frees up time for POD business owners to focus on product development and customer service. Businesses using AI in their marketing strategies have also reported savings of up to 37%.
Real-Time Data for Strategy Adjustments
One of AI’s most impactful abilities is processing real-time data to fine-tune strategies on the go. Companies that incorporate real-time insights into their advertising efforts have seen up to a 20% boost in returns on marketing investments. For instance, Naomi Simson, the owner of RedBalloon, leveraged AI for targeting, testing, and ad budgeting, slashing marketing costs by 25% and achieving a staggering 3,000% return on ad spend.
AI tools continuously monitor engagement rates, demographic shifts, and emerging trends. With global data volumes reaching around 44 zettabytes daily in 2020 and growing rapidly, these insights allow POD businesses to stay ahead of the curve. They can quickly adjust content strategies and refine targeting methods, ensuring their messaging remains relevant.
"The future of social media is AI-powered, and the brands that embrace this technology will be the ones that thrive in the years to come." - Ragy Thomas, CEO of Sprinklr
sbb-itb-8547c32
Keeping Up with Social Media Demographics Trends
The social media world doesn’t stand still. With a large portion of the global population actively engaging on social platforms daily, it’s clear that trends shift fast. For POD (Print-On-Demand) businesses, this means staying aware of where your customers spend their time and how they interact online. To keep up, you need reliable data and a flexible marketing strategy that evolves as quickly as your audience does.
Finding Reliable Data Sources
Having access to accurate, up-to-date data is key to making informed decisions. Trusted platforms like Sprout Social, DataReportal, Pew Research Center, and Statista are excellent resources for understanding demographic shifts and usage trends. For instance, DataReportal aggregates information from sources like the Global Web Index to provide a detailed picture of how people are using social platforms.
But don’t stop there. Your own analytics can reveal patterns specific to your audience. Tools like Facebook Insights, Instagram Analytics, and TikTok Analytics offer detailed demographic breakdowns, helping you spot shifts that may not align with broader market trends. Social listening tools are another valuable resource - they track conversations about your products and industry, providing early insights into emerging trends. For POD businesses, these tools are invaluable for aligning your product promotions with customer interests as they evolve.
Creating Content for US Markets
The US market offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for POD businesses. For example, YouTube has now overtaken Facebook as the most-used social platform in the United States. This shift highlights the growing importance of video content in your marketing strategy. But it’s not just about the platform - it’s also about the approach.
American audiences often prefer brands that feel relatable and authentic. They respond well to behind-the-scenes content, user-generated posts, and brands that address social issues openly. To connect with this audience, focus on storytelling that ties your products to real-life experiences. Humor, seasonal content tied to holidays like Halloween and Christmas, and designs that celebrate regional pride can also boost engagement.
Tools like Print2Social make it easier to tailor your content for different platforms. For example, a Halloween campaign can feature fast-paced, attention-grabbing videos on TikTok while offering more polished, lifestyle-oriented content on Facebook - all while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
Testing and Learning from Results
Social media moves fast, and so should your marketing strategy. Businesses that incorporate real-time insights into their campaigns can see up to a 20% boost in their marketing ROI. For POD businesses, this means constant testing and refinement to keep up with changing audience behaviors.
A/B testing is a great way to figure out what works best. Experiment with content types, posting times, hashtags, and visuals. Measure engagement, follower growth, and conversion rates to determine what’s effective. The 70:20:10 rule is a helpful guideline: dedicate 70% of your content to proven strategies, 20% to refining those strategies, and 10% to trying out new ideas.
If you notice a demographic shift - like a surge in younger users - it might be time to adjust your design style and messaging to better connect with that audience.
Real-time data analysis can also help you jump on trending topics and viral moments. If you see a spike in engagement around a specific event or theme, quickly create content that links your POD products to that trend. This kind of agility can make a big impact during busy shopping seasons or cultural moments. AI tools can simplify this process, helping you adapt your strategy in real-time and stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion: Using Demographics for POD Success
Main Points Summary
Grasping social media demographics is crucial for the survival and growth of print-on-demand (POD) businesses in 2025. As of January 2025, 246 million Americans - about 72.5% of the population - are active on social media, spending an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes daily on these platforms. This vast audience offers an incredible opportunity for POD businesses to connect with potential customers where they already spend their time.
The data reveals some valuable insights for targeting. Millennials continue to dominate as the most active users, while Gen Z females spend nearly 3 hours daily online. Notably, 77% of Gen Z users rely on TikTok for discovering products, and 61% of Instagram users use the platform for making purchases.
Platform preferences are also evolving. YouTube has now surpassed Facebook as the most popular platform in the U.S.. However, Facebook still leads in driving direct purchases at 39%, followed by TikTok at 36% and Instagram at 29%. With U.S. social commerce sales projected to exceed $90 billion in 2025, these platforms are essential for effective POD marketing strategies.
It's not just about volume when it comes to content. Quality and meaningful engagement resonate more with audiences than a barrage of posts. Social media users today value authentic interactions with brands, which opens the door for POD businesses to build stronger, more genuine relationships with their customers through thoughtful and creative content. These demographic insights provide a roadmap for businesses aiming for long-term success.
What's Next for POD Businesses
Armed with these insights, POD businesses need to refine their strategies to meet changing consumer expectations. The POD industry is expanding at a 26% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with average profit margins hovering around 20%. Additionally, shifting consumer priorities offer new opportunities - 80% of consumers now express a willingness to pay more for sustainable products.
To stay competitive, POD businesses must embrace AI-driven tools to keep pace with rapid changes in demographics and consumer behavior. Tools like Print2Social can help businesses remain agile, enabling them to automate cross-platform content creation and scheduling. This ensures that content is tailored to the unique preferences of each platform while saving significant time and effort.
The key to thriving in this evolving landscape is adaptability. Social media demographics will continue to shift, and new platforms will emerge. POD businesses that invest in real-time data analysis and AI-powered automation will be better equipped to respond to these changes. With 132.7K monthly searches for "print-on-demand" globally, the growing interest in the industry underscores the importance of staying flexible and responsive to consumer demands.
FAQs
How can Print-on-Demand businesses use AI tools to improve their social media marketing?
How AI Tools Can Boost Social Media Marketing for POD Businesses
Print-on-Demand (POD) businesses can take advantage of AI tools to simplify and improve their social media marketing efforts. Platforms like Print2Social are designed to handle tasks like creating eye-catching promotional images and videos, scheduling posts at the best times, and directly linking with POD providers and social media accounts. The result? Less time spent on repetitive tasks and more consistent, far-reaching campaigns.
On top of that, AI tools can analyze trends, recommend tailored content, and support social listening to ensure your marketing stays fresh and engaging. These features allow POD businesses to focus on building their brand while keeping their social media presence active and impactful.
What social media demographic trends should POD businesses focus on in 2025?
In 2025, Gen Z and Millennials will continue to dominate social media, shaping trends and driving engagement. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X will remain their go-to spaces for connection and content. Among these groups, young women aged 16 to 24 stand out, actively engaging with an average of 7–8 platforms each month. Millennials aren’t far behind, with nearly 70% regularly using social media.
For print-on-demand businesses, this means one thing: creating visually appealing and relatable content is essential. To capture the attention of these younger audiences, focus on designs and products that feel genuine and align with their interests. Social media is the perfect stage to showcase your brand and turn engagement into sales.
How do short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram impact product discovery and engagement for print-on-demand businesses?
Short-Form Videos: A Powerful Tool for POD Businesses in 2025
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have completely transformed how products are discovered and how brands engage with consumers. For print-on-demand (POD) businesses, short-form videos are a golden opportunity to showcase products in quick, eye-catching ways that leave a lasting impression.
Here’s the deal: Over half of Gen Z now finds products through TikTok and Instagram. That makes these platforms a must for connecting with younger, tech-savvy shoppers. Short videos not only spark viral moments but also create genuine connections by sharing relatable stories and tapping into niche communities. For POD brands, it’s the perfect way to spotlight unique designs, demonstrate how products are used, or even offer a behind-the-scenes look. These videos don’t just grab attention - they build trust and drive sales.
