Ad Spend Focus on Search and Social Media in 2025

Digital dollars are shifting – and fast. If you’re looking to grow your dealership’s brand and drive measurable results in 2025, you’ll want your ad spend tuned into search and social.

According to the latest Magna report, global digital advertising is projected to surge to $715 billion in 2025 – a sharp eight percent jump from 2024. This year, success means meeting shoppers where they are: online, and on their terms.

Why Search and Social Are Winning

Search ads alone will hit $357 billion. Whether it’s Google, Bing, or on-site retail media like Amazon Ads, customers are actively hunting for solutions, and dealers that show up in the click.

• Core Search (Google/Bing): $217 billion (up seven percent)
• Retailer Search: $140 billion (up 12 percent)

Social media isn’t slowing down either, with a projected $242 billion in ad revenue (up 11 percent), platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Instagram are commanding attention and conversions. Brand recognition is great, but the real win is seeing more customers walk through your doors.

Short-form video ads on platforms like YouTube and Twitch are expected to reach $80 billion, fueled by higher engagement and snackable content that shoppers enjoy. And with streaming continuing to grow, premium long-form CTV (Hulu, Netflix) is pulling in 15 percent of global long-form ad revenue.

What This Means for Dealerships

Forget chasing trends. The key is knowing how your customers shop and meeting them there. Digital platforms offer unmatched scalability, budget control, and data-backed results. That’s why search and social are at the top of the game for 2025. They’re trackable, flexible, and built to convert.

And while global growth might cool slightly this year, U.S. ad spend is still on track to hit $398 billion— a record high. Dealerships that stay proactive instead of reactive will be in the best position to gain market share.

Ready to Make Every Dollar Count?

At Strong Automotive, we help dealerships cut through the noise and get seen where it matters most. From PPC to scroll-stopping social ads, we tailor strategies that drive traffic, boost leads, and get results.