Social Media trends aren’t just fun and games.
They’re crucial for brands and creators alike to stay culturally relevant and reach and engage with audiences. Whether you’re a marketer or creator, here’s the lowdown on three recent trends to jump on and give your visibility a boost!
#1 "Almost forgot that this is the whole point"
What is it?
A motivational, text-based trend that highlights what's really important in life.
Why did it go viral?
It taps into the hot topic for Millennials and Gen Z - reverse hustle culture. This trend resonates with anyone because it highlights what life is truly about (friends, nature, laughter), all via a subtle brag about their beautiful life.
How can brands and creators leverage this trend?
Think of the emotional benefit or sensory impact of what you’re providing and hinge the content on the release of that. Eg. Running shoes > Nature > Freedom or Coffee > Routine > Calm
Who participated?
A lot of people (as you can see), but here are a couple of our faves, like WWF reminding us why their animal conservation work is so important. ⬇️
@wwf_australia Easy to forget... Even easier to remember. 🐾🌳 This is the whole point. 💚🌏 #thepointofotall #animals #wildlife #eco #nature #conservation #ocean #babyanimals #fyp #trending #wholesome ♬ original sound - alexandra
Or creator @lexvocals reminding us life is about those magic moments. ⬇️
@lexvocals letting your inner child out when your together>>> #fyp #loml #dancingintherain ♬ Almost forgot that this was the whole point - Take my Hand Instrumental - AntonioVivald
#2 "Propaganda I'm not falling for"
What is it?
A playful way to call out popular products or trends that DON'T have creators (or brands) believing the hype.
Why did it go viral?
People love a controversial opinion, whether it’s serious or not. It sparks conversation, light-hearted debate (hopefully) and gives a voice to those hesitant to speak out against the crowd.
How can brands and creators leverage this trend?
For creators, it’s a surefire way to propel their name into the spotlight by naming a huge brand or product, and why it’s NOT for them. For brands, you can cleverly elevate your product by process of elimination eg. speak to what life would be like without your product as the 'hype you're not buying into'.
Who participated?
So far, mostly creators calling out topics from seamos to intermittent fasting, see below for @soellegirls' hot takes. ⬇️
@soellegirls The devil works hard and all but you won't find me in a pair of tabi's I'm sorry 😣 #besties #bestiesforever #propaganda #labubu ♬ original sound - Sophia & Noelle 💖
While brands like The Luxury Closet found an easy way to get their products front and centre. ⬇️
@theluxurycloset never, repeat after me, never enough bags #trending #fashiontiktok #bags ♬ I think about it all the time featuring bon iver - Charli xcx & Bon Iver
#3 "Holy Airball"
What is it?
The "Holy Airball" TikTok trend is a viral meme originating from the basketball term "airball," which refers to a shot that completely misses… everything. In this trend, users share moments when someone made an assumption about them that was wayyyy off the mark. Consider it a social "airball."
Why did it go viral?
Social media growth has enabled opinions to be cast, right or wrong, on any and every topic. “Holy Airball” allows everyday people and brands to highlight facts in a lighthearted way. It’s also super easy and… the NBA playoffs are on rn?
How can brands and creators leverage this trend?
Both brands and creators can reveal a truth about their lives, content or products - be it in response to a misconception or just in general. E.g. Told them we took photos of animals > “Oh, like for a hobby or personal collection?” > Montage of photographers for NatGeo shark diving > Holy Airball!
Who participated?
Anyone from creators like @sarinasoriano coming in with a subtle flex. ⬇️
@sarinasoriano 🤣🤣🤣 oh to be a woman working in sports #49ers #nfl #airball #videography ♬ ECE Marketing Airball - EC Equine Marketing
Or brands like Glow Recipe announcing their major glow-up. ⬇️
@glowrecipe holy glow airball…couldn't have done it without YOU Glow Gang! 💖 #airball #holyairball😭😭 #glowrecipe #sharktank ♬ ECE Marketing Airball - EC Equine Marketing
What else has been happening on Social Media this month?
While brands and creators are jumping on trends, TikTok saw a surge in "noughties nostalgia." Users started revisiting 2000s-era music and TV shows, leading to a 36% increase in related content AND even prompted 87-year-old singer Connie Francis to join the platform after her 1961 track went viral.
Meanwhile, Meta's Threads app continued its rapid growth, reaching over 350 million monthly active users, positioning it to potentially overtake X (fka Twitter) by year's end.
Should you be on Threads? Do you need to make MTV-style videos to break through to audiences? It's time to think about it, I suppose.
If you’re looking for more inspo, other trends that caught our eye recently are 'calling my xxx to say goodnight', 'smile if you…xxx' and the ‘Pretty Little Baby’ trend featuring Connie from above.
For all the creators out there - jump in the app for the latest campaigns looking for your content.
Or, if you're a marketer wanting to chat about trends and your creator strategy... get in touch!
