The IF Blog: Social Media Insights and Trends

Why marketers need to stop reporting and start telling stories

We’ve all been there. You’ve pulled a marketing campaign apart, wrangled the data, triple-checked your charts, and packaged it into a tidy little deck. You hit your KPIs. You even exceeded your objectives. But in the boardroom? Silence. A polite nod. Maybe a vague comment
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You can have the best campaign, the smartest strategy, and the flashiest creative, but if your audience doesn’t trust you, none of it matters. In B2B marketing, trust is everything. It’s what turns a casual buyer into a loyal customer, a one-off project into a long-term partnership, and a client…
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YouTube just dropped its 2025 strategy, and it’s clear the platform is doubling down on key areas that marketers cannot afford to ignore. With a growing emphasis on AI, Shorts, Connected TV (CTV), creator monetisation, and cultural engagement, the video giant is shaping the future of…
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Another week, another algorithm shake-up. If your engagement has dropped or your content is disappearing into the void, it’s not you. It’s the platforms. AI is tightening its grip, engagement metrics are shifting, and the old tricks won’t cut it anymore. Here’s what has changed. Facebook…
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Platforms like LinkedIn and Meta are looking to AI for the enhancement of ad targeting for users. But there are serious questions to be asked about whether this is helping brands deliver their messaging to the optimal groups, or whether it’s just a way of farming clicks for the platforms…
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78% of B2B buyers purchase based on influencer trust Influencer marketing in B2B has evolved. It’s now a necessity for brands looking to build trust (and bear in mind, 52% of buyers value trust over popularityMarTech), drive engagement, and generate leads. But many marketers are still hesitant,…
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Ah, the retro aesthetic. It’s like finding an old vinyl record in your attic – instantly nostalgic, undeniably cool, and somehow still relevant. In the world of social media design, retro aesthetics have made a triumphant comeback, and honestly, we’re here for it. Whether it’s the neon glow of the…
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The ads are here, now what? Meta’s just begun to roll out ads on Threads (USA and Japan), and the reactions are mixed. Users are grumbling, advertisers are cautiously eyeing up the new real estate, and marketers? We’re here wondering if this is the next big opportunity…
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Marketing is full of big ideas and bold predictions, but the reality is that most campaigns struggle because the fundamentals are not in place. That is exactly what we tackled in a LinkedIn Live with Tejal Patel, Scott Stockwell and me, Katy. These are experts who have led marketing at…
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For brands in social media marketing, keeping up with colour trends is more than just an aesthetic choice, it’s a way to capture attention, build emotional connections, and reinforce brand identity. The Pinterest 2025 colour palette provides a versatile foundation for brands to experiment with different moods, from bold and…
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Pinterest is making moves. The platform has announced a slew of ad updates for 2025, pushing harder into video, automation, and shopping integrations. With an active user base of 465 million, it’s a space brands can’t ignore. But is it worth your ad spend? Let’s break…
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From Instagram’s Trial Reels to the rise of nano-influencers and the dominance of short-form video, staying ahead in 2025 is all about adapting fast. Instagram’s next evolution Instagram is making bold moves to keep creators and marketers hooked, and Reels are at the centre of its strategy.
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If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and found yourself staring at a stunning plate of food for far too long, then you’ll know the power of a great food post. But let’s be honest: not all food photos are created equal. Some make you drool whilst others make you…
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If you work with social media, you must have noticed it by now: Instagram has changed its phone grid size from 1:1 to 4:5 ratio. You might already been despairing about it, but here are some reflections to take under consideration. The 4:5 aspect ratio offers more vertical space, allowing…
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Let’s talk about short-form video because if you’re not already all-in, you’re missing out. This isn’t just another shiny trend. Short-form videos are the real deal, delivering incredible engagement, boosting product discovery, and driving conversions like no other format. The stats are jaw-dropping: short-form videos generate 2.5x more engagement than…
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Short-form video is dominating social content. With TikTok holding its ground in the U.S., and YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight innovating at breakneck speed, the opportunities have never been greater. Or riskier. But it’s not just about the platform. Competition is stepping up and there…
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