Social media trends aren’t just for influencers or teenagers on TikTok, they’re a powerful tool for brands to tap into. When used strategically, trends can spark viral moments and take your marketing to the next level. In this blog, we’ll show you how to identify the right trends for your brand and leverage them effectively to create authentic, impactful campaigns 👇
What Makes Trends Essential for Social Media Marketing?
1. Capturing Attention in a Busy Feed
Social media is a crowded space. Trends cut through the noise by aligning your content with what audiences are already engaging with. When you tap into a current trend, your brand enters ongoing conversations that millions of people are already having.
2. Boosting Algorithm Reach
Most social platforms (like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter) prioritise trendy content because it’s what users are searching for. Participating in trends increases your chances of appearing on feeds, explore pages, or in recommended videos.
3. Showing Your Brand’s Personality
Trends are creative and often playful, giving your brand a chance to showcase its lighter, more human side. This relatability helps build trust and deeper connections with your audience.
Current Trends and How to Leverage Them
Now that you understand why trends matter, let’s get into the fun stuff! Here are some current trends dominating social media and how your brand can jump on them effectively.
Trend #1: ASMR Videos 🎧👂
ASMR videos are taking over as a satisfying way to engage audiences. Brands can use calming, sensory-focused sounds to showcase their products and capture attention.
How to Use It:
Create a short video highlighting your product through satisfying sounds. For example, if you’re running a coffee shop, record the gentle hiss of a steaming milk frother or the crisp sound of coffee beans being ground. Make sure the sounds are clear and align with your brand’s aesthetic to draw viewers in!
Trend #2: Food-Themed Marketing 🍔☕
Whether it’s brands using mouthwatering foodie photography or posting recipe videos, food-inspired campaigns are everywhere. Think Glossier lip balms styled like colourful candies or Rhode skincare products presented as decadent treats—food is a universally relatable theme that grabs attention and makes products irresistible.
How to Use It:
Use food as a creative metaphor for your product. For instance, if your company offers cloud storage, post a carousel comparing how your service “stashes” away files just like a fridge holds your snacks. Top it off with quirky captions like, “Our services are as refreshing as an iced latte on a summer’s day.”
Trend #3: Text on Carousels ✏️🎠
Plain images are out; text-enhanced carousel posts are in. Social media users adore short, digestible tips or quotes spread across multiple slides.
How to Use It:
Create “how-to” carousels that bring value to your audience. For example, if you’re a fitness brand, share “5 Quick Morning Stretches.” Each slide can feature one stretch with minimal but bold text over the photo. Don’t forget a strong CTA on the last slide, like directing readers to book a free session with your trainers.
How to Incorporate Trends into Your Strategy
Jumping on trends is great but doing it effectively takes a bit of planning. Here are practical steps to help you stay on top of trends while staying authentic to your brand:
1. Stay Updated 💡
Follow popular accounts in your niche and keep an eye on trending hashtags, TikTok videos, or Instagram Reels. Tools like Google Trends or BuzzSumo can also help you track what’s hot in your industry.
2. Act Quickly 💨
Trends have a short lifespan. When something starts gaining momentum, act fast before it becomes outdated. Keep a flexible content calendar that allows you to pivot when a trend emerges.
3. Be Selective 🧐
Not every trend will suit your brand or audience. Choose trends that align with your values, voice, and service. A dating app might participate in romantic memes, while an accounting firm might focus on trends connected to professional life.
4. Personalise It 🎨
Reinterpret trends to suit your target market. Give them a unique, branded twist rather than copying what everyone else is doing. This will help your content stand out and stay authentic.
5. Measure the Impact 📊
Use analytics to measure how your trend-focused content performs. Platforms like Instagram Insights or TikTok Analytics can show engagement rates and reach, helping you fine-tune your future trend-based campaigns.
Why Trend Utilisation Matters for You
By now you should be able to see that trends are more than just passing moments. When paired with a thoughtful strategy, they can help you deliver impactful messages and achieve meaningful results!
But using trends effectively requires the right approach. That’s where we come in. The Social Soda team create tailored strategies designed to meet your unique goals as a business or professional. Get in touch today and let’s make it happen! 👋
