TRENDING: REALITY SHOW EDITS, KEEP THE GEN Z FOCUSED AND GIRL TO GIRL
We're chronically online so you don't have to be! Welcome to NOW TRENDING, a weekly snapshot of the trending moments across social that we think you should be across.
THE REALITY SHOW EDIT
This growing trend on TikTok shows creators applying over-the-top, reality TV-style edits to mundane moments, transforming ordinary activities into high-stakes, chaotic narratives. This format plays on familiar tropes from scripted reality shows with dramatic zooms, suspenseful music, and exaggerated captions, infusing humour and absurdity into holidays, graduations, spring break, etc. Its rise speaks to Gen Z’s love of irony, parody, and self-aware storytelling.
HOW CAN BRANDS USE THIS?
This trend offers brands a light-hearted, engaging way to elevate simple moments: product launches or internal meetings, for example, by giving them a hyper-dramatic twist. It’s particularly effective for employee-generated content, product launches, or new experiences framed as major “events.” For example: “We gave our new product launch a full reality TV edit because we could” The goal is relatability with a comedic edge—humanising your brand while leaning into TikTok’s native humour and narrative style.
2. KEEPING GEN Z FOCUSSED
This trend cleverly taps into Gen Z’s self-aware humour and perceived short attention spans, often referred to online as “brainrot”. Leaning into this by humorously tricking someone into focusing or completing a task, e.g holding up Subway Surfers gameplay or a colourful, fast-paced animation to get someone to buy a coffee, go to the gym, or make any type of decision.
HOW CAN BRANDS USE THIS?
This is highly adaptable for brands looking to lean into humour and Gen Z lingo. It’s especially effective for brands targeting younger audiences or commenting on modern digital behaviours. For example, Lyka could show “your Gen Z dog” being coaxed into the vet with an iPad playing stimulation content, or a creative agency might depict “getting your Gen Z client to approve feedback” using an iPad and sensory overload. It's an opportunity to create thumb-stopping content while reflecting real consumer behaviours in a tongue-in-cheek way.
3. GIRL TO GIRL
This emerging trend centres on users (predominantly women) asking for authentic, no-gatekeeping advice from others in a casual, peer-to-peer tone, often framed as “girl to girl, I need the truth.” It’s driven by a desire for insider knowledge that feels personal, trustworthy, and unfiltered.
HOW CAN BRANDS USE THIS?
This trend offers a powerful opportunity to tap into community-driven content and crowd-sourced insights, as well as engaging as a brand on someone’s post. Similar to the viral “I’m bored, tell me a life hack” trend, it encourages high engagement—particularly when adapted to suit your brand’s gendered or lifestyle tone. Brands can participate by adopting the voice of a curious consumer, e.g. “girl to girl, how do you really use our product?” or “fellas, what’s the one trick with [product] no one talks about?” It’s also a strong format for inviting user-generated content and building relatability through comments, duets, and stitches.
