The way people interact with the internet is changing fast. Social media is no longer just a marketing tool—it’s influencing how websites are designed, structured, and experienced. In 2025, brands must adapt or risk losing engagement. What does this mean for modern website design? Let’s break it down.
Seamless Social Integration
Websites in 2025 are blending social media features directly into their design. Users expect a connected experience, moving smoothly between platforms without friction.
- Embedded Feeds – Brands integrate TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (X) posts directly on their homepages to keep content dynamic.
- Social Logins – Users prefer signing in with their existing Google, Facebook, or Apple accounts instead of creating new logins.
- Live Chat & DMs – More businesses use Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram DMs for customer support instead of traditional email forms.
- User-Generated Content (UGC) – Websites pull in customer reviews, testimonials, and real-time social media content to build credibility and engagement.
Example:
Fashion brands like ASOS embed Instagram Reels on product pages. Customers see real people wearing the clothes, leading to more conversions.
Vertical and Mobile-First Layouts
Scrolling behavior is shaped by social media. Users are used to endless vertical scrolling, just like on TikTok or Instagram.
- Mobile-first design – Websites prioritize vertical layouts, swiping gestures, and touch-friendly interfaces.
- Short-form video integration – Instead of static images, brands use short clips, mimicking social media trends.
- Auto-loading content – Like a social feed, new content appears as users scroll, reducing the need for clicks.
Example:
News sites like BBC now feature TikTok-style short clips summarizing articles, making content digestible in seconds.
Bold and Interactive UI Elements
Social media thrives on engagement. Website design is following suit with more interactive elements.
- Polls and Reactions – Visitors can engage with content using emoji reactions or quick polls.
- Stories Format – Some websites use Instagram-like ‘Stories’ at the top of their pages to highlight news, updates, or promotions.
- Micro-animations – Subtle movements grab attention and make interactions feel smooth and responsive.
- Dark Mode Toggle – Since apps like Twitter and Instagram offer dark mode, websites are doing the same to match user preferences.
Example:
Spotify’s website lets users react to playlists and podcasts, mirroring social media interaction.
Personalization Through AI
Social media algorithms personalize content. Websites are now doing the same using AI and machine learning.
- Smart Recommendations – Sites analyze user behavior to suggest products, blogs, or videos tailored to individual preferences.
- Dynamic Homepages – Instead of a static homepage, some websites adjust based on past user visits.
- Conversational AI Assistants – Chatbots powered by AI provide personalized experiences, just like social media chatbots.
Example:
Netflix’s website adapts its homepage based on viewing history, much like its app.
The Rise of Social Commerce
Social media has turned into a shopping hub, and websites must keep up.
- One-Click Checkout – Inspired by Instagram and TikTok shopping, websites simplify the buying process with fewer steps.
- Influencer Storefronts – Brands allow influencers to create their own mini-stores within the main website.
- Live Shopping Integration – Websites feature real-time shopping events, mirroring TikTok and Instagram Live Shopping.
Example:
Nike’s website now includes influencer-led product showcases, making shopping more interactive.
The Decline of Traditional Navigation
Menus are becoming more intuitive, borrowing cues from social media interfaces.
- Swipe Navigation – Users browse sections by swiping instead of clicking.
- Floating Action Buttons (FABs) – Instead of static menus, floating buttons provide quick access to key functions.
- Search-First Approach – Like TikTok’s growing use as a search engine, websites prioritize powerful, AI-driven search functions.
Example:
Google’s experimental websites now focus on voice and visual search instead of traditional menus.
Faster Load Speeds and Performance Optimization
Social media apps load content almost instantly. Websites need to keep up.
- Lightweight Design – Fewer heavy graphics and more efficient coding keep sites fast.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) – Some brands ditch traditional websites in favor of app-like experiences.
- Lazy Loading – Images and videos load only when needed, improving speed.
Example:
Amazon optimizes its site for lightning-fast performance, knowing users won’t wait for slow pages to load.
The Future: Will Websites Become Obsolete?
With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even AI-driven chatbots acting as primary information sources, will traditional websites survive?
- Some brands now rely entirely on social media storefronts.
- AI chatbots can replace static websites by providing instant answers and transactions.
- Younger generations prefer discovering content directly on social platforms.
Yet, Adam Engledow the owner of web design company Design Vibe Creative believes businesses still need their own space. He said "The key is evolution, not extinction. Websites must mirror the best aspects of social media to stay relevant".
Final Thoughts
Social media is rewriting the rules of web design. Websites must be faster, more interactive, and deeply integrated with social platforms. The brands that embrace this shift will thrive. The ones that resist? They risk fading into digital irrelevance.
Are your favorite websites keeping up with these changes? If not, they might not be around much longer.
