Leveraging Trends on Social Media - 2023
Trends on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok often revolve around specific topics, challenges, dances, songs, filters, or effects that become popular within the community. Leveraging these trends in your Instagram Reels can help your content reach a wider audience and increase its visibility. Even at the time of this blog posting, several trends will have come and gone. Speed to market with your content is critical to catch these fast moving waves of attention when they’re applicable. However, avoid letting trends be the foundation of your content. Let the value of what you’re providing in your content speak for itself. Trends are valuable to grab quick “bites of attention” but can become “gimmicky” over time with your audience. For true growth, design and plan your content and stick to that plan over the long haul.
Here's why and how you should leverage trends:
1. Increased Discoverability: When a particular trend is hot, many users are actively searching for and engaging with content related to that trend. By hopping on the trend, you increase the chances of your content being discovered by these users.
2. Connect with Your Audience: Participating in trends can show that your brand is current, relatable, and understands what's popular in the community. This can help strengthen your connection with your audience and potentially attract new followers who are interested in the trend.
3. Boost Engagement: Trends often encourage viewer interaction, such as sharing, commenting, and creating their own versions of the trend. This increased engagement can further boost your content's visibility.
To effectively leverage trends in your Instagram Reels:
Stay Current: Regularly check the Instagram Explore page, trending hashtags, and popular accounts in your industry to keep up with the latest trends.
Choose Trends Relevant to Your Brand: Not all trends will be relevant or appropriate for your brand. Choose trends that align with your brand's image, values, and target audience.
Be Authentic: While it's important to leverage trends, your content should still be authentic to your brand. Don't force a trend that doesn't fit naturally with your brand's identity.
Act Fast: Trends can come and go quickly on social media. When you spot a trend that's relevant to your brand, try to act fast to take advantage of its popularity.
Get Creative: Add your unique spin to the trend to stand out from others who are also participating in the trend. This creativity can make your content more memorable and shareable.
