How Social Media Trends Are Shaping Our Online Behaviour in 2025
In today’s digital-first world, social media trends don’t just shape what we post, they’re fundamentally transforming the way we think, feel and connect with others online. From the rise of short-form video to the increasing demand for authenticity, these shifts are influencing everything from our daily routines to how we engage with content and communities.
For marketers, business owners and even everyday users, the change in online behaviour is impossible to ignore. What once worked is no longer enough. Audiences crave connection, relevance and purpose and brands that understand this are already gaining a competitive edge.
These are how the latest social media trends are influencing human behaviour and what that means for those looking to grow their presence, boost engagement and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
The Rise of Personalised Content
With data-driven insights becoming more accessible, content is more personal than ever. Users no longer engage with generic posts; they want to feel seen, heard and understood.
Whether it’s Instagram suggesting posts based on previous likes or LinkedIn recommending content related to your industry, algorithms are getting smarter. As a result, marketers are tailoring their messaging to micro-niches.
Key Takeaways:
Incorporate audience data and feedback into content creation.
Use tools like Meta Business Suite or LinkedIn Analytics to track performance.
Personalise your call-to-actions based on where the user is in the buyer journey.
This focus on tailored content is also impacting social media trends in marketing, as brands move towards more segmented strategies, focusing on smaller, highly engaged communities rather than broad reach.
LinkedIn: The New Powerhouse for B2B Engagement
LinkedIn is no longer just a recruitment tool, it’s now a content-first platform, especially for B2B professionals. With over 1 billion users and growing engagement rates, it’s becoming the go-to platform for thought leadership, networking and lead generation.
Some of the biggest LinkedIn trends we’ve seen in 2025 include:
Behind-the-scenes content that reveals company culture.
Founder stories and employee-led content are getting high traction.
Document posts (like case studies or value-packed carousels) performing better than static images.
LinkedIn tips and tricks to maximise engagement:
Write posts that spark conversation, not just promotion.
Keep posts between 150–300 words for higher readability.
Include 3–5 hashtags, two niche, two broader and one branded.
This evolution in LinkedIn’s functionality directly aligns with larger marketing trends in Business-to-Business, especially in sectors like tech, finance and digital services.
Short-Form Video is Still King
No matter the platform, short-form video continues to dominate. TikTok kicked it off, but now Reels, YouTube Shorts and even LinkedIn are adopting the format and users are responding.
Why? It’s fast, it’s visual and it fits perfectly into our fast-scrolling culture. More importantly, it humanises brands and gives audiences a real glimpse behind the curtain.
Some ideas to explore:
“How-to” videos related to your industry
“Meet the team” clips
Client testimonial reels
Time-lapse videos of a project in progress
Short-form content is no longer limited to B2C, it’s an emerging player in marketing trends in B2B too. Companies are using video to simplify complex products, offer value quickly, and connect emotionally with prospects.
Social Proof & Community-Led Growth
In a world where trust is currency, social media trends in marketing are heavily leaning into authenticity. User-generated content, testimonials and community conversations are now central to growth.
Social proof builds credibility and communities build loyalty. Brands are shifting from broadcasting messages to co-creating with their audience.
What this looks like:
Encouraging customer stories and tagging your brand
Creating exclusive online groups (e.g. Facebook Groups or Slack communities)
Hosting interactive Q&As or webinars on social platforms
As part of broader marketing trends, this shift means less “selling” and more “serving.” The companies thriving in 2025 are those that listen and engage meaningfully, rather than just pushing promotions.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change
We’re living in an era where social media evolves by the minute. New platforms rise, algorithms shift and consumer expectations grow more sophisticated. To keep up, businesses must embrace adaptability and put people at the heart of their strategies.
From implementing digital marketing trends to exploring niche social media trends in marketing, success lies in continuous learning and agility.
So, how are trends affecting the way we behave on social media? They’re making us crave connection, expect authenticity and value relevance above all.
Need support applying these insights to your own business?
At Smart Web Design Agency, we help brands navigate the latest marketing trends, refine their content strategies and connect more meaningfully with their audience.
How are trends affecting the way we behave on social media? social media trend
Interested in discussing a project with us?
We’re always happy to discuss your project with you and put together a proposal
