2025’s Hot Creative Trends To Turn Design From Usual To Exceptional

Marketing is like Wonderland—you must run all the time to stay on top of your game, and if you want to outperform your competitors and improve your performance, you must run twice as fast. Simply put, to succeed, you have to be more adaptable in a crowded market. Up-to-date visual communication with trendy themes and styles that speak to audiences will help you accomplish this.

Depositphotos, a leading platform with royalty-free content and AI-powered tools, has released its annual “Creative Trends 2025: Elevated perspectives” report. To make this project come to life, the team performed a comprehensive analysis of the most popular searches in their 300M+ library, kept track of key events in marketing, design, and art, and collaborated with creative professionals worldwide.

Check out the key trends that will dominate visual communication in 2025, and be the first to upgrade your projects with the hottest styles and ideas.

Everything you need to know about the biggest creative trends of 2025

Next year will bring a rich artistic palette for creators, as it will be full of opposites. Creative communication will merge booming social media aesthetics with traditional philosophical concepts, the latest innovations, and good old styles from the previous century. This means that every business can find a trend that perfectly matches its personality.

So, what route will the creative field take? Brands will often turn to bold, ultra-modern art, as well as minimalist and soothing visuals inspired by philosophies like wabi-sabi. Dark grunge aesthetics will flourish alongside emotional stories revealing human feelings. Flashy cluttercore will go far beyond TikTok, and AI art is expected to grow in adoption and become more lifelike. In addition, a look from above will allow us to see everything from a fresh and unusual perspective.

Here’s a breakdown of seven core trends shaping visual communication in the coming year.

1. The new contemporary

In 2025, ultra-contemporary art will be in the spotlight. Young artists who don't necessarily have advanced skills will become the main trendsetters. Brands will draw inspiration from their genuine works with mixed-media collages, surrealistic motifs, hyperrealism, surprising color combinations, and gradients. Such an offbeat aesthetic will help businesses enhance their appeal to younger generations, who highly value authenticity and self-expression.

See this trend in:

• BodyArmour’s Super Bowl commercial “Field of Fake”
• Pinterest’s ad “Find Your Aesthetic”

2. Cluttercore

Dull minimalism tends to give way to rich, eclectic compositions that resonate with Gen Z's appreciation for individuality. This is the driving force behind TikTok’s “friendly chaos” aesthetic, which is featured in millions of posts with the #cluttercore hashtag. There is no need to build a design around a single element when you can include everything at once. Go for organized maximalism, multi-layered compositions, vivid backgrounds with lots of details, and contrasting bright colors.

• Also read: The Next Big Thing: 2025's Biggest Emerging Tech Set to Transform Our Future!

See this trend in:

• Themed TikTok posts
• DoorDash ad from Super Bowl

3. Getting sentimental

To truly connect with your audience in 2025 and beyond, share stories that capture people’s real-life experiences and emotions. Use a full range of feelings, from happiness and delight to frustration and sadness, to resonate with everyone. Whether a big campaign or a social media post, turn your projects into celebrations of personal narratives. Use visuals with raw emotions, soft tones, and natural settings to reinforce a sentimental mood.

See this trend in:

• The Dove Self-Esteem project
• Tinder’s “It Starts with a Swipe” ad

4. AI-fueled art

AI is proving to be one of the leading tools for creative experimentation. Moreover, algorithms expand the idea of what art can be. If not long ago, generative images could be recognized at a glance by their overly polished and unnatural look, today, AI creates super-realistic visuals that are indistinguishable from photos. Intelligent technologies not only make top-notch content accessible to everyone but also allow brands to bring unique concepts and stories that are aligned with their identities to life.

• You might like: Generative AI: Key Trends to Watch in 2025 as Technology Transforms Industries and Security

See this trend in:

• Motorola’s “Styled with Moto” campaign
• #HeGetsUs ad for Super Bowl

5. Crafted harmony

To offer your audience respite from the rush of everyday life and social media feeds, turn to Asian concepts like wabi-sabi or ikigai, conveying calm and optimism. These philosophies encourage mindfulness and slow living, as well as teach people to accept imperfections and live in harmony with themselves. Embody this trend through images of handcrafts and earthy color palettes or subtle Japanese-style designs.

See this trend in:

• Seletti tableware
• Cornetto poster campaign

6. Embracing the dark

“Creative Trends 2025” predict a nostalgic throwback to 90’s grunge. It will take over visual communication alongside other “dark” styles such as gothic, punk, and post-apocalyptic. Mirroring the chaos of the modern world and a common feeling of uncertainty, they also remind us of the importance of finding a way to light. The aesthetic, particularly appealing to millennials and zoomers, comes in black-and-white grainy visuals, moody colors, fragmented compositions, and rough typography.

See this trend in:

• “Born to Steal: Yours, Mine, Ours” commercial by Fenty Beauty
• Under Armour’s campaign “Forever is made now”

7. Look from above

Next year, we expect more projects that offer an unconventional and exciting aerial view. Brands that choose this creative approach will change audience perception, allowing them to see the world from above in detail. A bird's-eye view not only delivers excitement and elevation, but also a better understanding, thus enhancing brand storytelling. This trend will manifest itself in drone photography, visuals from upper points, and map-like illustrations.

See this trend in:

• DG Beauty Dolce web campaign
• Michael Kors campaign

Take your projects to the next level with the top creative trends of 2025

Looking ahead, we see a striking kaleidoscope of ideas and styles that will reflect mainstream moods and connect with a wide audience. From cutting-edge design and AI art to sentimental stories, Asian philosophy-inspired design, and grunge motifs—these trends can turn your next campaign into a jaw-dropping visual experience.

Discover the full “Creative Trends 2025” report to find more inspiring insights about the most popular concepts and aesthetics, expert comments, and hand-picked collections of content that will make your communications stand out.

Read next: Is 2025 the Year Social Media Changes Forever? Here’s What’s Coming Next

by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Product Flaw Exposure: Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 Crisis

The Launch That Went Wrong

In 2016, Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 7 with high hopes. It was packed with exciting features, and many expected it to be a huge success. But soon, reports of a serious issue emerged. Users began to experience their phones overheating and even catching fire. What started as a few cases quickly grew into a major crisis.

The battery flaw was not just a minor glitch. It was dangerous. News stories and videos of phones smoking and burning spread quickly. The situation became a serious safety risk and tarnished Samsung’s trusted image. The company had to act fast to protect its customers and reputation.

The Costly Recall

Samsung issued a recall for the Galaxy Note 7 in September 2016. This decision was necessary but expensive. It’s estimated that the recall cost Samsung around $5.3 billion. The financial hit was one part of the problem, but the damage to their reputation was even more significant.

Customers who had trusted Samsung felt let down. The recall affected millions of devices, and Samsung had to replace or refund them. It wasn’t just the users who suffered; airlines banned passengers from bringing the Galaxy Note 7 on flights. The phone’s reputation became a joke in tech circles and a warning tale in business discussions.

The Impact on Brand Trust

Samsung had always been seen as a leader in the smartphone market. The Galaxy Note series was popular for its cutting-edge features. But this crisis shook consumer trust. A survey by Harris Poll in 2017 showed that Samsung’s reputation in the U.S. fell from 7th place to 49th after the Note 7 issue. This shows how quickly brand trust can drop when safety is involved.

Public trust is essential for a brand to grow and maintain loyalty. Samsung’s reputation took a hit, but it also highlighted the importance of quick and transparent action during a crisis. People expect brands to own their mistakes and take care of their customers. The way a company responds can make or break its future.

Why Did the Problem Happen?

Understanding why the Galaxy Note 7 had such a serious flaw is important. The main issue was with the battery. The batteries were squeezed into a tight space inside the phone. This design flaw led to short circuits and overheating. The root cause was a mix of production and design mistakes.

Samsung wanted to push the limits of technology and rushed to beat competitors. This pressure to innovate quickly can sometimes backfire. In this case, it did. The drive to be first came at the expense of quality control and safety testing. The lessons learned here were costly but important for Samsung and other tech companies.

How Samsung Responded

Samsung’s response was swift, but it wasn’t perfect. The first recall aimed to replace faulty phones with new ones. But these replacements also had problems. Reports showed that even the new units were catching fire. This forced Samsung to issue a second recall and cancel the Galaxy Note 7 altogether.

The company held press conferences, sent out statements, and made efforts to show they were in control. They conducted a thorough investigation to find the cause of the problem. Samsung shared the results publicly and admitted their mistakes. This helped regain some trust, but the damage was already done.

Samsung’s approach to rebuilding trust involved more than just words. They launched an eight-point battery safety check to ensure the same mistake wouldn’t happen again. This included tests to check the durability and safety of future batteries. It was a step that showed Samsung was serious about making improvements.

Lessons Learned from the Galaxy Note 7 Crisis

There are valuable lessons to be learned from how Samsung handled this crisis. Here’s what other companies can take away:

1. Safety Comes First

Rushing to release new products can have serious consequences. Companies must prioritize safety and thorough testing over speed. A strong focus on quality control can prevent costly problems down the road.

2. Be Transparent

When things go wrong, honesty matters. Samsung owned up to their mistakes and shared details of their investigation. This kind of transparency helps regain some consumer trust. Customers appreciate when a company admits its faults and shows how it plans to improve.

3. Quick Action Is Key

Samsung acted quickly by issuing recalls, but the initial fix wasn’t enough. The second recall and cancellation showed that it’s better to be thorough the first time. When dealing with a crisis, quick action is important, but thorough action is crucial.

4. Invest in Reputation Recovery

Rebuilding a damaged reputation takes time and effort. Investing in strategies to rebuild trust is important. This can involve marketing campaigns, partnerships, and improving customer service. Even tools used in online reputation management for celebrities can help brands handle their image during tough times.

Recommendations for Other Companies

Here are some practical steps companies can take to avoid similar issues:

1. Run Comprehensive Safety Tests

Ensure all products go through detailed safety testing before release. This should include real-world scenarios and stress tests to catch any hidden problems.

2. Have a Crisis Plan Ready

Every company should have a crisis management plan. This plan should outline steps for communication, recalls, and public statements. Being prepared can help a company act faster when problems come up.

3. Communicate Clearly and Often

During a crisis, clear and regular communication with customers is key. This keeps people informed and helps them understand what the company is doing to fix the problem. Silence can lead to more confusion and mistrust.

4. Learn from Mistakes

After handling a crisis, review what went wrong and what could have been done better. This helps prevent similar issues in the future and strengthens the company’s process.

Conclusion

The Galaxy Note 7 crisis was a challenging chapter for Samsung. The company faced an expensive recall and lost consumer trust. But the event taught valuable lessons about product safety, transparency, and quick action. Samsung’s recovery showed that admitting mistakes and making changes can help rebuild trust over time.

Other companies can learn from this example. Prioritizing safety, being transparent, and investing in reputation management are crucial. By following these principles, brands can better handle crises and protect their reputation.

Image: DIW-AIGen

Read next on our blog: Strategies for Enhancing Your Business's Online Reputation
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Experts Warn: Connected Cars Could Threaten Privacy and Security

According to a new study, modern cars with internet connections can pose major privacy risks.

Nowadays, modern cars are getting popular and they have features which can detect accidents and call emergency services, and overall ask questions about your driving experience. All of this is possible due to internet connection of the car, but it can be a big surveillance device.

Modern cars are able to take clear and revealing pictures of you and the data can be misused. This was revealed after analyzing 15 most popular car brands in Australia that car companies can also use your information for marketing and research purposes, as well as share your data to third parties. Austroads predicts that 93% of new car sales in Australia will be connected by 2031, which raises questions about privacy.

These connected cars require drivers and passengers to download an app and use it for different connected services. The manufacturers can acquire the personal data of users and that data can be disclosed to data brokers without any consent. The data can then be used for various criminal purposes and can even pose national security risks.

The study looked at privacy terms of connected cards sold in Australia. The documents were lengthy with about 14,000 words, which made privacy conditions almost unreadable. There were also a lot of missing privacy terms too. It found that the home and work address, location history and mobile phone linked to people using the car can be revealed. All the references about privacy terms were almost vague and the car companies had mentioned that they can use the information collected for research or marketing purposes.

Customers say that they need a proper privacy law for connected cars so their data doesn't get used for other purposes. The Australian Privacy Act is under review for several years so in the meantime, customers should understand the privacy terms on their own to protect their data.

Read next:

• New Survey Shows Mobile Internet Services Usage is Declining Across the World

• LinkedIn Shares Tips to Maximize Engagement: Avoid Spam, Negativity, and Unconstructive Comments
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

LinkedIn Shares Tips to Maximize Engagement: Avoid Spam, Negativity, and Unconstructive Comments

LinkedIn has shared some useful insights about what to post and what to not post on the platform to get maximum engagements. LinkedIn’s posting tips are nothing unique but they are helpful if you need to improve your overall profile. The first and most important tip is to be original and post original content. It just means that copy pasting content will not work on LinkedIn. Try not to post spam and content that is just for engagement bait.

LinkedIn’s guidelines about what to post are pretty common, it's the guidelines about what not to post that will help you increase engagements. LinkedIn says that users shouldn't post negative and discouraging content. While healthy debates are encouraged, dismissive, derisive and unconstructive content shouldn't be posted on LinkedIn. It means all the content that shut down others’ opinions, content that makes fun of other people and content with swear words and abusive language.

LinkedIn is basically telling users to not be mean because they can face penalties otherwise. There are a few ways LinkedIn detects posts that have violated their rules like looking for bad language and responses in the comments. LinkedIn also says that users should also avoid sharing content that only focuses on products or promotions without telling about other information like news or advice.

Irrelevant comments also shouldn't be made under posts talking about some other things and users also shouldn't ask for likes and comments on their posts. Adult content and images without content should also be avoided at all costs. LinkedIn has updated its algorithm that now focuses more on insights and expertise than any other content. Videos are also getting high engagements on the platform now, with 36% YoY increase on video viewership. LinkedIn is also working on new strategies for 2025 that will help professionals grow more.

Image: DIW

Read next:

• WhatsApp Tests New Feedback Feature That Removes Marketing Spam From Unwanted Business Accounts

• Top Software Weaknesses Exposed: MITRE’s Latest Report Highlights Key Security Threats

• New Survey Shows Mobile Internet Services Usage is Declining Across the World
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

New Survey Shows Mobile Internet Services Usage is Declining Across the World

According to a new survey by Global System for Mobile Communications Association Intelligence (GSMA), mobile users makeup 57% of the total world’s population, or approximately 4.6 billion users. But a recent survey shows that the number of new mobile internet subscribers is decreasing. About 200 million users came online through mobile from 2015 to 2022. But the number has dropped to 160 million since the last two years.

New analysis from Rest of World shows that the population on mobile internet is declining in countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico and Bangladesh. GSMA’s Max Cuvellier Goacomelli says that many people do not have access to mobile internet because of affordability. Even though the cost has dropped a lot, many populations still cannot afford it because of disparities across regions.

Huge populations from the US (81%), China (80%) and Singapore (93%) are already connected to the mobile internet. So it is no surprise that the mobile internet subscriptions among them have slowed, but in other countries like Nigeria (34%), Pakistan (24%) and Bangladesh (37%), mobile internet adaptability is really low. One of the biggest reasons is internet coverage in those areas. 4% of the population in the world is from areas where there is no mobile broadband network.

Satellite technology like SpaceX’s Starlink has potential to minimize this coverage gap in rural areas and areas with no mobile infrastructure. Unique internet service products and programs can also help people to use mobile internet services. India is seeing a fast growth in mobile internet users, but if we compare it with the whole population of India, the growth seems really slowed. Even in the countries with the most mobile internet subscribers, there are still stubborn people who do not subscribe to any service.

Read next: Apple’s Best-Selling iPhone Models in 2024: Base vs. Pro Max
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Threads Makes An Array of Exciting Changes To The App And Here’s What to Expect

Popular social media app Threads is making several changes to the app as competition with arch-rival Bluesky heats up.

Boss man Adam Mosseri just confirmed through a new post how the platform is prioritizing content from only those people that users follow. This means you’re going to see fewer posts or recommendations from people who aren’t on your following list.

The change seems to be in line with that seen on Instagram where Mosseri shared alterations in the algorithm to provide a feed that’s more aligned with users’ interests. Interestingly, the change will come into play today.

This is certainly a welcoming change as many users were flocking to better alternatives like Bluesky which gave users the chance to witness a more balanced feed when they use the platform. It also provided them with the chance to customize it to their liking.

Threads launched its custom feeds approach soon after it started to test the option. So this just seems to be a continuation of that.

The alteration might mean the For You feed will feature more accounts that users care about. However, we need to wait and watch if the latest change fixes the problem that many were complaining about which was outdated and irrelevant posts.

Let’s not forget the change would mean creators with unconnected reach will see a downfall as people that aren’t following them won’t be shown their content so yes, the pros and cons of the change are certainly there.

Bluesky just passed the 21M mark for users which is a huge milestone considering it was 15M in the middle of November. Moreover, Threads is certainly a bigger app than Bluesky and it’s also doing great with Mosseri confirming 15M new users this month alone.

• Also read: ChatGPT Leads, Google Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, and Meta AI Gain Ground in AI Tool Usage

In other news, the app’s head also refuted claims about the platform downranking any content featuring links. He did remind them that any links expecting paid clicks don’t hold a lot of value because not everyone is interested in pressing on the link, let alone commenting on that.

Not all users agreed as they felt that the results for the same endeavor were very different on Bluesky, which showed a more positive response.

Last but not least, Threads is testing an exciting update to text formatting styles on the app. Soon, users will have more creative styles to play with when producing content including bold, strikethrough, and italic which is very basic but much needed.

Read next: Apple’s Best-Selling iPhone Models in 2024: Base vs. Pro Max
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Apple’s Best-Selling iPhone Models in 2024: Base vs. Pro Max

CIRP publishes Apple’s iPhone sales every year, and this year, their report focuses on Apple’s best-selling models. Apple introduces a new model every year with four flagships, which often confuses users about which model is the best and which one they should buy. CIRP compared different iPhone models to see which one stands out as the best and most popular.

In 2024, iPhone’s base models are the most popular, with 42% of users opting for them. They are followed by iPhone Pro Max models (26%) and iPhone Pro models (19%). iPhone Plus models are the least popular in 2024. Some might assume that iPhone base models are the best sellers simply because they are the most affordable. However, when looking at Apple's flagship models, Pro and Pro Max models are the real best sellers each year.

The reason for this is that Apple sells iPhones in various categories, offering similar models at different price points. If you're considering a base iPhone model, you have three different options to choose from, each priced differently. This makes the "base" category the most popular overall. However, when considering individual models, the iPhone Pro Max emerges as the best seller.

Consumer behavior trends suggest that while the base models attract users due to affordability, premium features in the Pro and Pro Max models continue to draw those seeking more advanced capabilities, such as better cameras and performance. The Pro Max, in particular, remains popular among those who prioritize larger screens and enhanced features, despite the higher price.

In conclusion, while Apple's Pro models are the best-selling and most successful in terms of high-end features, the overall category of base models takes the lead in terms of total sales volume.

Here’s a quick comparison of the sales trends across the years:

Year	Base	Mini	Plus	Pro	Pro Max
2022	46%	7%	-	21%	26%
2023	43%	1%	11%	19%	25%
2024	42%	-	13%	19%	26%

Read next: ChatGPT Leads, Google Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, and Meta AI Gain Ground in AI Tool Usage
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World