As we approach September 2024, TikTok continues to evolve as a powerhouse in social media, with trends that not only entertain but also deeply engage its user base. Here’s a look at what’s trending and why brands should integrate these trends into their content strategies:
Trend Dynamics: The platform’s trends are more about authenticity and community engagement. From dance challenges to educational content, BTS, GRWM, Day in a life… TikTok’s trends reflect a desire for real, relatable content that users can relate to.
User Engagement: With over a billion users, TikTok’s engagement rates are unparalleled, making it a fertile ground for brands to grow their visibility and loyalty.
Why Brands Should Use TikTok Trends:
Visibility and Engagement: TikTok’s algorithm favours content that aligns with current trends, increasing the likelihood of content going viral. This visibility can significantly boost brand awareness.
Authenticity and Community Building: Engaging with trends allows brands to appear more human and relatable, fostering a community around shared interests or humour.
Market Research: Trends on TikTok often reflect broader cultural shifts. By participating, brands can stay ahead of consumer behaviour changes.
Creative Freedom: TikTok’s format encourages creativity, providing brands with a playground to experiment with content that might not fit traditional marketing channels.
Consumer Brands:
Scrub Daddy: This brand uses TikTok for product demonstrations and challenges, like “Guess the Sponge,” turning everyday items into viral content.
Guess: Fashion brands like Guess engage with fashion trends, style tips, and behind-the-scenes content, aligning with fashion-forward TikTok trends.
Gymshark: Their success on TikTok is largely due to its strategic use of influencer marketing, community engagement, and understanding of the platform’s dynamics. By leveraging fitness influencers, Gymshark taps into highly engaged audiences, making its brand presence feel authentic rather than promotional. Their content strategy includes a mix of entertainment, fitness tips, and user-generated content.
Case Studies in Brand Engagement:
Political Figures: Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have recognised TikTok’s power. Their campaigns use the platform to engage younger voters with content that resonates with current trends, showcasing how even political entities adapt to digital landscapes for broader reach.
Sports Leagues like the NFL: The NFL leverages TikTok for game highlights, player insights, and fan engagement through challenges or fan art, tapping into the sports fandom trend, which is particularly vibrant on TikTok.
News Channels: They’ve started using TikTok for quick, digestible news snippets or explainers, often using trending music or formats to make news content more engaging for a younger audience.
Incorporating Trends into Content Calendars:
Trend Awareness: Brands should dedicate time to daily trend scouting. Using tools like TikTok’s Discover page or third-party analytics can help identify rising trends.
Content Planning: Integrate these trends into a content calendar. For instance, if a dance challenge goes viral, brands could create a version that incorporates their product or message.
Authenticity: Ensure the content feels genuine. Overly corporate or inauthentic use of trends can backfire.
Analytics and Adaptation: Use TikTok’s analytics to understand what works. Adjust content strategies based on engagement metrics like views, likes, and shares.
Conclusion:
TikTok’s legitimacy for brand growth in 2024 isn’t just about following trends but about understanding the platform’s culture. From politicians to sports leagues, from quirky products to fashion, every sector sees value in TikTok’s trend-driven environment.
Brands that can authentically weave these trends into their narratives will not only see growth but will also build lasting connections with a demographic that’s increasingly influential in consumer trends. This approach not only boosts visibility but also aligns brands with the pulse of contemporary digital culture.
Reach out today for a more deeper understanding on how Favoured can help boost your social media presence and get you the numbers you’ve been looking for!
