This paper explores the future of social media in marketing, identifying nine themes organized by their predicted imminence—immediate, near, and far future—through the lenses of consumer behavior, industry practices, and public policy. Social media has become a vital tool for marketing, with billions of users globally. It has evolved beyond simple online word of mouth (WOM) to encompass a wide range of digital interactions and content sharing. The paper discusses how social media is increasingly omnipresent, influencing consumer decisions across various domains, from travel to healthcare. It highlights the rise of influencers, particularly micro-influencers, and the growing importance of virtual influencers in marketing. Privacy concerns are also addressed, as data privacy and trust issues continue to challenge social media platforms and brands. The paper also examines the role of social media in combating loneliness and isolation, the integration of customer care through digital channels, and its use as a political tool. In the near future, social media is expected to become more personalized and efficient, with advancements in AI and chatbots enhancing customer service. In the far future, social media is likely to become more sensory-rich, incorporating augmented and virtual reality technologies. These developments will have significant implications for marketing, requiring ongoing research and adaptation to ensure effective and ethical use of social media.This paper explores the future of social media in marketing, identifying nine themes organized by their predicted imminence—immediate, near, and far future—through the lenses of consumer behavior, industry practices, and public policy. Social media has become a vital tool for marketing, with billions of users globally. It has evolved beyond simple online word of mouth (WOM) to encompass a wide range of digital interactions and content sharing. The paper discusses how social media is increasingly omnipresent, influencing consumer decisions across various domains, from travel to healthcare. It highlights the rise of influencers, particularly micro-influencers, and the growing importance of virtual influencers in marketing. Privacy concerns are also addressed, as data privacy and trust issues continue to challenge social media platforms and brands. The paper also examines the role of social media in combating loneliness and isolation, the integration of customer care through digital channels, and its use as a political tool. In the near future, social media is expected to become more personalized and efficient, with advancements in AI and chatbots enhancing customer service. In the far future, social media is likely to become more sensory-rich, incorporating augmented and virtual reality technologies. These developments will have significant implications for marketing, requiring ongoing research and adaptation to ensure effective and ethical use of social media.