6 social media trends to jump on in October 2025

Social media never slows down, but we’ve got you covered. Check out the hottest trends this October and see how your business can boost engagement.

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Social media trends come and go fast, and it can be easy to lose track of what’s popular right now and what’s old news.

Plus, with how tricky social media marketing is, it’s no wonder brands are scrambling to keep up — trying to stay relevant while not sounding like they’re trying too hard. 

And while businesses have the opportunity to jump on posts around Halloween and pumpkin spice, the sheer volume of content around these themes can make it harder to stand out.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together six of the hottest social media trends to boost your online presence this month.

1. Directed by Robert B. Weide

Sound: The Great Gig in the Sky — Pink Floyd

Slideshows and carousels have become the top format on TikTok lately, with engagement rate being over 81% higher than video content, according to research by Fanpage Karma.

And right now, carousel posts that are “Directed by Robert B. Weide” are making the rounds on the platform, in reference to the director of the US TV comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The basic premise is that a founder will share a photo from the early days of starting a business with a small goal in mind (e.g. wanting to sell 100 products), followed by the “Directed by Robert B. Weide” film credits. They’ll then share a more recent photo showing just how wrong or low that prediction was — such as evidence of them selling out their first product batch, or opening a retail store.

This trend is a great way for founders and entrepreneurs to share their business journey in a personal and relatable way, celebrate their wins, and inspire others who are just starting out.

Source: Hair Syrup (TikTok)

2. Trust me I know ball

Sound: Plug Walk — Rich the Kid

MENTE MÁ (slowed)  — Nakama & Mc Staff

If you’re not up to date with the latest Internet slang, the term “I know ball” basically means that someone is knowledgeable in a specific subject — the “ball” part coming from knowing a lot about ball sports like basketball or football.

While this trend has seemingly come from nowhere, it has quickly taken off among TikTok users and businesses alike, with creators using it to show off their expertise or just to poke fun at people who think they know what they’re talking about.

For businesses, this trend is a great opportunity to show industry know-how in a fun, relatable, or jokey way. Whether it’s a bakery business showing off its best-selling recipes, a fitness brand sharing training tips, or a marketing agency breaking down campaign results, the “I know ball” format lets you position yourself as an expert without sounding too serious.

Source: Ryanair (TikTok)

3. Happy hoa hoa hoa season

Sound: Eyes on Fire — Blue Foundation

We don’t blame you if you’re confused by what “hoa hoa hoa season” means. 

Put simply, the “hoa hoa hoa” part is a reference to the beginning lines of Blue Foundation’s “Eyes on Fire” song. The trend itself is also a joke towards the Twilight saga and the moody and cold atmosphere of the movies.

Hoa hoa season usually starts in October, when Autumn kicks in. For business accounts, this means a prime opportunity to leap into seasonal marketing, such as Halloween promotions and autumn-themed products that capture the cosy spirit of the season.

Source: Fandango (TikTok)

4. The lioness doesn’t concern herself

Sound: Dreamer (Re-Original 7-inch Mix) — Livin’ Joy

Coming from the quote “the lioness doesn’t concern herself with the opinion of sheep”, the idea of this trend is that strong, confident individuals focus on their own goals, ambitions, and self-worth rather than worrying about negative criticism or irrelevant opinions.

On TikTok and Instagram, people have been using this trend with content about personal growth, entrepreneurship, self-care, fitness or fashion — basically anything that’s about confidence and independence.

And for small businesses — particularly female founders and women-led businesses — this trend is the perfect way to do exactly the same, or simply connect with their target audience on a relatable or personal level.

Source: Give Me Cosmetics (TikTok)

5. How to draw expressive eyes

Sound: Let Down — Radiohead

The “how to draw expressive eyes” trend is a simple carousel post, starting off as a step-by-step guide to drawing cartoon eyes, before jumping straight into a screenshot of an emotional scene from a movie or TV series. 

The purpose of this trend is to catch viewers off guard by turning a simple drawing tutorial into a nostalgic or emotional moment.

Brands can put their own twist on it with humour, or by connecting the emotional moment to their products, services, or brand story. It’s a playful way to show personality while leveraging content that already resonates with audiences.

Source: Currys (TikTok)

6. Don’t worry if people don’t like you

Sound: Man I Need/Sweet Escape (mashup) — Olivia Dean and Gwen Stefani

Motivational posts on social media aren’t new, but they’re still going strong today — giving both brands and creators the chance to build community engagement, share core values, and connect with audiences on a personal and uplifting level.

The crux of this trend is simple. Using a mashup of Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” and Gwen Stefani’s “Sweet Escape”, the videos display the text “Don’t worry if people don’t like you. Most people don’t like themselves”.

It’s a simple format, but it’s become largely popular on TikTok. In turn, this allows brands and businesses to connect and relate with their customers while staying on-trend with music and formats that they already love.

Source: Currys (TikTok)

Social media moves fast, but your content doesn’t have to get left behind. Read our TikTok for Business guide to learn how to create posts that build real engagement.

Written by:
Having worked in a startup environment first-hand as a Content Manager, Emily specialises in content around organisational culture - helping SMEs build strong, people-first workplaces that stay true to their core values. She also holds an MSc in Digital Marketing and Analytics, giving her the knowledge and skills to create a diverse range of creative and technical content. Aside from her expertise in company culture, her news articles breaks down the big issues in the small business world, making sure our SME audience stays informed and ready for whatever’s next. With a genuine passion for helping small businesses grow, Emily is all about making complex topics accessible and creating content that can help make a difference.

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