Remember the Silhouette challenge? Or that time everyone was flipping water bottles? Social media trends are quite interesting. Social media trends are interesting like that. They can catapult brands and individuals to social media stardom practically overnight.Â
While most people see trends as fleeting fun, savvy marketers recognize them as powerful tools for explosive growth. Why is this hack often overlooked?Â
Many businesses dismiss trends as silly or irrelevant to their brand. But the truth is, trends reflect what audiences want right now. By understanding how to leverage them effectively, you can tap into a wave of interest and dramatically expand your reach.
Types of Trends
While dance challenges might be the most visible type of trend, social media trends are way beyond that. Here’s a breakdown of the key social media trends to watch out for:
- Trending Audio: Think catchy songs, sound effects, or voiceovers that everyone is using in their videos. (Remember the “Oh No” trend on TikTok? You can also )
- Challenges: These often involve specific actions or activities that users are encouraged to replicate or put their own spin on, like the Silhouette challenge mentioned earlier
- Trending Conversations: News events, memes, popular opinions, or viral discussions can all become trends.
- Image Formats: From specific filters to unique editing styles, the way visuals are presented can also trend. (Think about the “photo dump” trend on Instagram.)
- Platform-Specific Trends: Each platform has its unique trends and formats that gain popularity. (For example, “Stitch” and “Duet” features on TikTok.)
How to Identify Social Media Trends Early
The key to using social media trends is to catch them early. Here’s how you can do that
Be an Active User
Spend time on the platforms where you want to grow. Pay attention to what’s popping up on your “For You” page, Explore page, or trending sections.
Use Trend Discovery Tools
- Google Trends: Google Trends allows you to see what topics and keywords are surging in popularity.
- Platform-Specific Tools: TikTok’s Discover page, Twitter’s trending topics, and Instagram’s Reels Explore page all highlight trending content.
- Social Listening Tools: Tools like Brandwatch or SproutSocial can help you monitor conversations and hashtags related to your industry.
Follow Influencers
Influencers are often early adopters of trends. Keep an eye on what they’re doing and how they’re adapting trends to their content.
Analyze Competitor Activity
See what trends your competitors are jumping on and how they’re performing.
How to Use Trends for Maximum Effect
To reap maximum benefits when you jump on a trend, do the following
1. Trend Analysis
Take a moment to analyze the trend you want to jump on. Ask questions. Why is it popular? What is it about this trend that resonates with people? Is it funny, relatable, or thought-provoking?
Go beyond that to see if it is relevant to your brand. Does the trend align with your brand values, target audience, and overall content strategy? Don’t force it if it doesn’t feel natural.
Again, you want to know how long the trend will last. Some social media trends are short-lived, while others have more staying power. Assess whether the trend has enough momentum to be worth your effort.
2. Put Your Unique Spin
The most successful brands don’t just copy social media trends; they adapt them. You want to think about how you can use the trend to tell your brand story, showcase your products, or connect with your audience in a new way.
Once you’re clear about this, it’s time to showcase Your brand personality. Infuse your brand’s voice, tone, and style into the trend to make it your own. Get even more creative by adding an unexpected take on the social media trend. This could be through humour, a unique perspective, or a creative twist.
3. Maximize Impact
Even with trending content, the fundamentals of good social media practice still apply.
- High-Quality Content: Ensure your videos or images are well-produced, even if you’re using trending audio or participating in a quick challenge.
- Strong Call to Action: Encourage viewers to like, comment, share, or follow your account.
- Use Relevant Hashtags: Include trending hashtags and hashtags related to your niche to increase discoverability.
- Cross-Platform Promotion: Repurpose your trend-driven content across different platforms to maximize its reach.
Conclusion
Trending audio and challenges are more than just fleeting fads; they are powerful tools for social media growth. So, keep your finger on the pulse of social media, get creative, and use trends to succeed.Â
Ready to unlock your social media potential? Contact GrowTally today for a free consultation. Our team of experts can help you identify relevant trends, create engaging content, and implement a winning social media strategy that gets you noticed.
