What Is This Behavior? Definition & Examples for Social Media Marketing

What Is “What Is This Behavior?”

In internet slang, “What Is This Behavior?” is a playful, rhetorical question used to highlight odd, amusing, or relatable actions in social media posts or comments. It’s a quick way to poke fun at something unexpected and invite followers to react, comment, and share.

Why It Matters in Influencer Marketing

In a crowded feed, brands and creators need hooks that cut through the noise. This phrase:

- Sparks Engagement: Viewers pause, laugh, and reply with their thoughts or similar stories.

- Builds Relatability: Calling out everyday quirks feels authentic—like talking to friends.

- Adds Personality: A dash of humor or light snark makes your brand voice memorable.

Real-World Examples

1. Clothing Drop Gone Wild

Influencer posts a behind-the-scenes video of fans camping overnight for a limited release. Caption: *“Line around the block at 3 AM… what is this behavior?”*

Result: Fans tag friends and share personal stories about their own late-night runs.

2. Coffee Shop Chaos

A local café shares a boomerang of customers doing an impromptu dance party. Caption: *“10 AM latte break turned disco—what is this behavior?”*

Result: The video gets local traction, driving foot traffic from curious onlookers.

Common Misconceptions & Variations

Misconception: It’s serious or judgmental.

Reality: It’s tongue-in-cheek. It’s meant to amuse, not shame.

Misconception: It only works on TikTok.

Reality: Use it on Instagram Stories, Reels, Tweets—even LinkedIn posts for B2B brands with a playful tone.

Variations:

- “Bro, what is this behavior?”

- “Sis, what is this behavior?”

- “Okay… what *is* this behavior?”

How to Use It Without Overdoing It

1. Pick the Right Moment

Save it for genuinely unexpected or funny scenes—don’t force it on every post.

2. Pair with Eye-Catching Media

Short videos, GIFs, or boomerangs work best so people can see the behavior you’re calling out.

3. Keep It On-Brand

Match your brand’s personality. If you’re a luxury skincare line, use it to highlight over-the-top vanity moments rather than street dance crazes.

4. Encourage User-Generated Content

Ask followers to share their own “what is this behavior?” clips or stories. Repost the best ones to build community.

5. Monitor the Conversation

Engage with comments and repost replies that add funny or insightful spins.

Takeaway Tips

- Use sparingly: too many “what is this behavior?” posts dilute the effect.

- Stay playful: avoid sounding condescending or negative.

- Track engagement: use analytics to see which clips drive comments and shares.

Next time you stumble on a hilarious trend or a quirky customer moment, drop a “What is this behavior?” and watch your community jump in with reactions!

---

*Ready to boost engagement? Start calling out those amazing behaviors today!*