Social Media Toy Trends 2025: What's Hot in the Toy World
As someone who has closely followed the evolution of toys over the years, I've noticed that social media has played a significant role in shaping toy trends. The toy world is now more connected to social platforms than ever before, with influencers, online communities, and viral content driving toy popularity in ways we never expected. As we look forward to 2025, it's clear that social media will continue to influence which toys rise to the top. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting trends I believe will dominate the toy industry in 2025, all thanks to social media.
How Social Media Is Shaping Toy Trends
It wasn’t long ago that toys were primarily advertised through TV commercials and print ads. However, in recent years, the rise of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has radically shifted how toys are marketed and discussed. Social media allows for real-time feedback from consumers, and this direct interaction has made it easier for new trends to spread like wildfire.
One of the key ways social media has impacted toy trends is through influencer marketing. Popular YouTubers, TikTok creators, and Instagram personalities often play a significant role in promoting toys to their large, engaged audiences. These influencers often post unboxing videos, reviews, and challenges that show the toys in action, sparking curiosity and desire among their followers.
Trending Toy Categories in 2025
Based on current patterns and growing interests, I believe several toy categories will be at the forefront in 2025, largely due to their popularity on social media. These toys are not just fun; they are interactive, shareable, and designed to create content that goes viral. Here are the trends I’m most excited about:
1. Collectible Action Figures and Dolls
Collectible toys, especially action figures and dolls, have always been popular, but with the growth of online communities, they’ve evolved into much more than just playthings. In 2025, I expect even more sophisticated, high-quality action figures and dolls to hit the market, thanks to social media buzz and influencer partnerships. Collectible toy lines like Funko Pop!, Barbie, and various superhero action figures are getting tons of love on platforms like Instagram, where collectors love showing off their new acquisitions. Hashtags like #ToyCollector and #ActionFigurePhotography have exploded in popularity, allowing toy enthusiasts to connect and share their collections.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Toys
In 2025, I see AR toys becoming more mainstream. Social media has helped bridge the gap between digital and physical play, and AR toys that combine the two are now in high demand. These toys allow kids (and adults!) to interact with the physical world in a whole new way. For example, you can now find toys that use augmented reality to bring digital characters to life, which can be seen through your phone or AR glasses. Brands like Pokémon and LEGO have already dabbled in this trend, and I expect even more companies to jump on board in 2025 as AR technology continues to evolve. Social media platforms are perfect for showcasing these toys because they offer visually engaging content that can be shared easily.
3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Toys
With climate change becoming an increasingly important topic, social media users are putting pressure on toy manufacturers to create environmentally friendly products. In 2025, eco-conscious toys will be more popular than ever, especially ones that are made from sustainable materials or focus on educating kids about the environment. Social media influencers, particularly those in the parenting and sustainability spaces, are already sharing their favorite eco-friendly toy brands. These toys range from wooden playsets to recycled plastic action figures, and they resonate deeply with parents who want to teach their children about the importance of sustainability. I expect this trend to continue to grow as social media spreads the message of environmental responsibility.
4. Interactive STEM Toys
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys have been growing in popularity for several years, but in 2025, I see them becoming even more interactive and engaging, thanks to advancements in technology. Social media has played a big part in educating people about the importance of STEM education, and parents and children alike are now more aware of the benefits of these types of toys. From coding kits to build-your-own robots, STEM toys not only offer hours of fun but also help kids develop valuable skills for the future. I think that as more influencers share their experiences with these toys on platforms like TikTok, it will only increase their popularity.
How Social Media Influencers Are Driving Toy Trends
Influencers have become a crucial part of how toys gain visibility in 2025. I’ve personally seen firsthand how an influencer can take a relatively unknown toy and turn it into a hot product. These content creators are experts at engaging their audiences in ways that traditional advertising simply cannot match. Take, for example, YouTube unboxing videos. I remember watching one unboxing video of a collectible toy, and within hours, the toy was sold out in stores due to its newfound popularity. These creators offer honest reviews and share their personal experiences with the toys, which resonates with their followers.
Platforms like TikTok have also played a pivotal role in toy trends. Short-form videos and challenges help toys gain viral status. Whether it’s a new fidget toy, a quirky new action figure, or a creative playset, TikTok’s algorithm helps these toys reach a massive audience, especially when paired with trending sounds or hashtags. The result? A toy can go from being virtually unknown to a must-have item in a matter of days.
Why These Trends Matter for 2025
As we head into 2025, it’s clear that the toy industry will continue to evolve alongside the growth of social media. The influence of online communities, influencers, and viral content will only become more prominent. This shift has allowed toy companies to reach larger and more diverse audiences, and it has created new ways for fans to engage with the toys they love.
Social media has turned the toy world into an interactive, dynamic space, where toys are no longer just bought and played with—they are shared, discussed, and celebrated by communities. The trends I’ve mentioned here will likely continue to evolve as new technologies and social media platforms emerge. For those of us who love toys, the future is looking bright. Whether you’re a collector, a parent, or just someone who loves fun new gadgets, there’s no doubt that social media will continue to shape the toy trends of 2025 and beyond.
