The Top Social Trends Published Monthly [+ Insights from the Semrush Social Team]

Irina Zeleneva

Nov 19, 202426 min read
The Top Social Trends Published Monthly [+ Insights from the Semrush Social Team]

Looking for social media trends and insights? You've come to the right place. We gather the latest trends, insights, and strategies so you can succeed on every platform.

Global viral hits: See what's taking Reels and TikTok by storm this month.

  • Social spotlight: Get inspired by our top-performing posts every month.
  • Content creation tips: Learn how to effortlessly craft and publish with Semrush Social.

We analyze trending reels and TikTok videos so you don't have to! Save hours on research —just pick the idea that best fits your product.

Note: Post creation difficulty is indicated by the number of stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

#1 Squid Game is back in play 

Concept 

A meme using two scenes from Squid Game

Use it to 

  • Ride the Squid Game Season 2 trend while it's still hot
  • Playfully compare the difference between those who use your product and those who don’t

Steps for adapting

  1. Identify two audience groups. For example, potential customers and existing customers.
  2. Select a dramatic scene from Squid Game, such as the Red Light, Green Light game.
  3. Now pick a lighthearted scene, like the moment when players share food and bond in the dormitory.
  4. Pair the dramatic scene with the first group—perhaps potential customers who haven’t realized the value of your product.
  5. Assign the lighthearted scene to the group that already engages with your brand, reinforcing their positive experiences with your product or service.
  6. Write a caption for each scene. For example, “People who still use a knife to cut apples. People who use our 8-slice apple slicer.” 

Pro tip: You can also try different variations related to the show. For example, how to bake the Squid Game cookie, a hilarious twist on Red Light, Green light, or your team’s own version of Tug of War. 

This brand re-imagined what if Squid Game was in another country

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEmeAHhBtar/

Resources

  • Clips or GIFs from Squid Game
  • Video editing software

#2 Balloon Pop to Product Reveal

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Concept 

A video begins with a balloon as a needle moves in to pop it. Right before it bursts, the scene jump-cuts to an explosion of products spilling out

Use it to 

Reveal a new product and build excitement

Steps for adapting

  1. Find a balloon and a needle.
  2. Gather the product(s) you want to reveal. 
  3. Record a video of yourself popping the balloon with the needle.
  4. Record a separate video showcasing your new product(s).
  5. Edit the videos together for a seamless transition.

Pro tip: Pick a balloon color that matches your brand. Add an exciting music track with a beat drop to heighten the anticipation for the reveal.

Example posts

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEmeAHhBtar/

Resources

  • Balloon
  • Needle
  • Your product(s) you want to reveal
  • A popular song with a beat drop
  • Video editing software

#3 The Chaos vs Calm Split-Screen Story

Concept 

A split-screen story that plays on the psychology of "before and after"—but with a clever twist.

Use it to 

Position your service as a solution to all kinds of problems

Steps for adapting

  1. Make a video with quick cuts of everyday frustrations. Stock videos can work too.
  2. Make a second video as one smooth shot of your solution in action.
  3. Write a caption along the lines of: "Tired of this? ⬆️ We've got you ⬇️"

Pro tip: The everyday frustrations in the top video should be related to the problem your brand solves. The second video should have no cuts or edits as a clear and calm contrast to the chaos above.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEzfyjgswdn

Resources

  • Stock images or videos
  • Video editing software

#4 The Magic Menu

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Concept

A video showing a restaurant table and menu. As a finger hovers over a menu item, the corresponding dish instantly appears on the table. With each selection, the dish seamlessly transforms in real time, creating a magical and immersive dining experience

Use it to

Showcase your menu items in a way that's more engaging than static photos

Steps for adapting
  1. Set your scene: Create a clean table/surface setup and keep your camera completely still (a tripod is a must!).
  2. Film your "empty" shot first—just the menu and bare table.
  3. Film each food item separately in the exact same spot where it will "appear".
  4. Record the pointing/selecting motion separately.
  5. In editing, layer these together: 
    1. Pointing motion on top
    2. Food clips in the middle
    3. Background shot on bottom

Pro tip: Consistency is key, so mark your table spot with tape and keep your camera settings identical for all shots. Light your scene well and use a clean surface to make your dishes the star. Always record multiple takes of each dish appearance—having options will help you nail that magical transformation in editing.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC6oMl3Ssam/?igsh=X2QyRnNEdTR4

Resources:
  • Camera 
  • Tripod
  • Video editing software with masking/layering capabilities (e.g. Capcut)
  • Good lighting setup

#5 A Touch of Transformation

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ConceptA video that starts out as black-and-white until one magic touch transforms the video into color
Use it to

Show dramatic transformations that go beyond that traditional side-by-side before/after format

Steps for adapting

  1. Set up a screen (laptop, tablet, or monitor) in your shot—it can be turned off or showing a plain background.
  2. Choose music with a strong beat drop or transition moment.
  3. Film your scene, timing your touch to match the music’s beat drop. 
  4. In editing, add your "before" image to the screen and apply a black-and-white filter to this first portion.
  5. Add your "after" image to the screen and keep this second portion in full color.

Pro tip: Choose a scene with vibrant colors that will create maximum impact when revealed. Use high-quality before/after photos that showcase dramatic results. Add a subtle transition effect (ripple, flash, or glow) at the touch point, synced with the beat drop.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_TEdBzI-Or/

Resources:
  • A large screen (laptop, tablet, or monitor)
  • Video editing software
  • A high-quality before/after transformation photo
  • Music

#6 Unboxing Surprise and Delight

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Concept

An enchanting unboxing video, using a glowing gift box to reveal surprises one by one

Use it to

Reveal a menu of items or products through repeated moments of discovery and delight

Steps for adapting
  1. Get a large decorative box. 
  2. Add LED lights inside for the magical glow. If the box is small, you can use your smartphone’s flashlight.
  3. Film multiple takes of each reveal to give yourself editing options

Pro tip: Use a warm light for food items. You might need a separate light for the person opening the box. Focus on genuine reactions and expressions of surprise. In editing, keep each reveal brief (2-3 seconds) to maintain momentum.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDx0QT_ioLp/

Resources:
  • Gift box (large or small)
  • LED light strips if gift box is large OR a smartphone light if the box is small
  • Video editing software
  • Good lighting setup for the person opening the box
  • A tripod

Learnings for the month

#1 Connecting through pop culture and riding the Squid Game wave

The post-holiday blues are real—audiences are often sluggish and disengaged as they emerge from their festive fog. Yet amidst the January lull, Squid Game proved to be our breakthrough moment. By tapping into the show's viral momentum with relatable humor, we generated impressive engagement: 968 likes, 34 comments, and 26 reposts.

Next time a cultural moment sparks interest, think about how your brand can join the conversation. A quick-witted post or clever meme can amplify engagement and bring you closer to your audience.

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#2 Back to basics: less can be more

Here's a plot twist: one of our most engaging Instagram posts was... a simple graph. No bells, no whistles—just a simple message that pulled in 990 likes and 37 comments. Sometimes the best content isn't the most polished or produced. 

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When we created a LinkedIn carousel showcasing the daily whirlwind of social media management (complete with a perfectly chosen Anger from Inside Out), we struck a nerve.

Our carousel opened with “It’s easy to be a social media manager.” Then came slide after slide showing the endless tasks you juggle—strategy, content creation, analytics, trends, and more.

91 reposts told us we'd hit home.

The takeaway: use humor to spotlight a truth your audience faces.

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If you want to quickly create social media content that truly resonates with youraudience:

  • Enter your domain or brand description into Social Content AI.
  • Choose a few content ideas from an endless list for your upcoming posts.
  • Generate captions, images, designs, or videos in one click.
  • Play around with fonts, tone of voice, and visuals if you’d like.

Schedule in Social Poster and forget about it!

#1 Guess Who? ⭐️

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Concept 

A playful video where employees greet the boss from behind, and the boss tries to guess who it is based solely on their voice.

Use it to 

Humanize your brand and provide a fun glimpse behind the scenes.

Steps for adapting

  1. Gather your team (ideally 7-12 people) and a camera.
  2. Position the boss in a chair with their back to the team.
  3. One by one, have each employee approach and say "Hi!" or a similar greeting.
  4. The boss tries to guess who it is based on their voice.
  5. At the end, have a fun reveal to see how many they got right.

Pro tip: Add a themed element to the video! Have everyone dress up for Halloween, Christmas, or any occasion relevant to your brand or the time of year.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDsYfFSTIYb/?igsh=X3VFeE1pcmxh

Resources

Camera, a team of enthusiastic employees

#2 A Year in a Reel ⭐️

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Concept 

A montage of 12 short clips showcasing your brand's highlights, milestones, or fun moments, set to a trending song.

Use it to 

Create a visually appealing and engaging recap of your brand's year.

Steps for adapting

  1. Select 12 of your favorite video clips from the past year. These clips should be short and attention-grabbing.
  2. Edit the clips together to create a seamless montage. Use a trending song as the background music.
  3. Start the video with a simple "POV: You open your camera roll" screen.
  4. Each clip should play for a few seconds before transitioning to the next.
  5. End the video with a call to action, like inviting viewers to follow your brand or visit your website.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDUakPSxcnl/?igsh=QkFNTkwyc3lndA%3D%3D

Resources:

  • Video editing software for mobile 
  • 12 video clips 
  • A trending song

#3 The Magic Key Spin

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Concept 

A playful video using a key and a hand-drawn "wheel" to create an illusion of fate, encouraging viewers to take action.

Use it to 

Promote your services by playfully suggesting the universe wants the viewer to make a purchase.

Steps for adapting

  1. Draw a circle on a piece of paper and divide it into two equal halves.
  2. On one half, write "Save money." On the other half, write something related to your brand or product, like "Buy a trip to Italy" for a travel company or "Try our new product" for a retail store.
  3. Place a nail in the center of the circle to serve as the pivot point.
  4. Attach a key to the nail using a piece of string or tape.
  5. Record yourself spinning the key and watch as it magically lands on the "buy" side of the circle.
  6. Repeat the process multiple times, each time making the "buy" section smaller.

Pro tip: Get creative with the design of the wheel and the "buy" options. The more playful and engaging you make it, the more likely viewers are to interact with it!

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDQNhx3yuQo/?igsh=XzVTS0Y5QVZz

Resources

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Key
  • Nail
  • Tape or string
  • Phone or camera to record 

#4 The Domino Effect

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Concept

A captivating video featuring a domino effect using items (and people) around your store, leading to a promotional message.

Use it to

Generate attention and interest in a limited-time promotion or message.

Steps for adapting
  1. Plan your domino effect. Strategically place items around your store, ensuring they’ll knock each other down in sequence.
  2. Incorporate people into the domino effect. Have employees or customers participate in the chain reaction, like carrying an item or pretending to be an item, for added humor and engagement.
  3. End the domino effect with a promotional message. The final item should lead to a laptop or sign displaying a message about your promotion.
  4. Film the domino effect. Use a camera to follow the chain reaction from start to finish, zooming out at the end to reveal the promotional message.

Pro tip: Keep viewers engaged by using a variety of playful items (they don’t even need to relate to your brand). Consider making each item bigger as the dominoes progress for even more visual impact.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC6oMl3Ssam/?igsh=X2QyRnNEdTR4

Resources:
  • Various items to create the domino effect
  • Laptop or sign with a promotional message
  • Camera to film the effect

#5 The QR Code Curiosity

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Concept 

A printed poster with a bold statement and a QR code that leads to your business page.

Use it to 

Drive traffic to your social media page or website.

Steps to adapt
  1. Design a poster with an attention-grabbing statement. Think something like "My boyfriend cheated, and I have proof!"
  2. Include a QR code on the poster. Link the QR code to your business page or a specific offer.
  3. Place the poster in a high-traffic area.
  4. Film people's reactions as they scan the QR code (try to be subtle!)
  5. Create a promotional social media video using the footage.

Pro tip: Keep the statement on the poster lighthearted and humorous. You want to grab attention but not offend anyone!

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/share/_h7frqAnw

Resources
  • Paper
  • Printer
  • QR code generator
  • Camera to film reactions

#6 The Invisible Object

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Concept 

A POV video where you walk through different rooms holding an invisible object until you reach the real one.

Use it to 

Create intrigue and curiosity around your product or service.

Steps to adapt
  1. Choose an object related to your business. This could be a physical product, a key to your store, or some food from your restaurant.
  2. Film yourself walking through different rooms, pretending to hold the object.
  3. Include a countdown. You can have 
  4. Reach the destination where the real object is located. This could be a counter in your store, a table in your restaurant, or even someone handing you the object.

Pro tip: Make the journey to the real object interesting by showcasing different areas of your business or involving other people in the video.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDaLHBEy385/?igsh=QkFHZkgtamRTaQ%3D%3D

Resources
  • An object related to your business
  • Camera to film the video

#7 Knock Knock!

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Concept 

A simple video where you knock on the screen to get the audience's attention and then point to words above your head that promote your service.

Use it to 

Promote your services in a fun and engaging way.

Steps to adapt
  1. Write your promotional message. Keep it concise and attention-grabbing.
  2. Film yourself knocking on the screen.
  3. Point to each word of your message as it appears above your head.
  4. Add some catchy background music.
  5. Upload and share on your social media channels.
  6. Choose a thumbnail that showcases your skills (see screenshot above).

Pro tip: Hold a prop or item related to your brand or business to make the video even more engaging. 

Example post

​​https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4n5WUSZc4/?igsh=QkFDaEJ1Q05BVw%3D%3D

Resources
  • Camera to film the video
  • Props related to your business (optional)
  • Music (optional)

Learnings for the month

Don't just observe trends—participate in them. Whether it's a popular meme format, a trending audio clip, or a seasonal hashtag, find creative ways to incorporate these elements into your content strategy.

For example, we hopped on the "Wrapped" trend with our own seasonal "Digital Marketing Wrapped" on LinkedIn. Packed with relatable "stats" and a playful tone, this carousel got 2,880 reactions and nearly 300 reposts.

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#2 Edutainment is your friend

Want to educate your audience without being boring? Inject some humor! People are more likely to engage with content that makes them laugh while subtly delivering valuable information.

Our video post featuring chickens perplexed by a red faucet (that looked suspiciously like them) was a hit with almost 1,500 likes. With the caption "Human-written content vs. AI," it playfully highlighted the potential pitfalls of AI. By entertaining first and promoting second, we made our product placement feel natural.

#3 Be human, be interactive

Remember that behind every brand are real people. Let your audience see that! Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and show that you genuinely care about what they have to say.

We tried this out with our Instagram carousel, "POV: You accidentally become important at work," which sparked tons of interaction. We really took our time to engage with our audience in the comments, to remind them that we understand their struggles.

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Need help staying on top of trends and generating fresh ideas?

Check out Social Content AI! Think of it as your creative assistant, always ready to provide inspiration and help you craft engaging content. Whether you need evergreen ideas tailored to your specific niche or want to tap into real-time trending news, Social Content AI has you covered.

#1 Helpful Stranger ⭐️

img-semblog

Concept

A video clip showing someone fixing your poster advertising a sale or discount.

Use it to

Promote your sale

Steps for adapting

Try to get a friend or staff member to pose as the stranger.

  1. Partially hang a paper poster/flier advertising your sale/discount on the wall.
  2. Get your friend to walk past and fix it.
  3. Zoom in on the poster and show the sale.

Pro tip: A well-designed flier over a plain wall will get more attention.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAUmrGMBN4p/ 

Resources

Flier and a friend

#2 The clumsy customer ⭐️

img-semblog

Concept

A funny video clip justifying a large purchase as a phone glitch

Use it to

Promote your offerings.

Steps for adapting

  1. Screen record a video of you zooming in, selecting, and adding some items from your online store to your shopping cart. 
  2. Keep your phone on the counter and start playing the video.
  3. Sprinkle some water on your phone just before your online store pops up on the video.
  4. Zoom in on the video playing on your phone.

Pro tip: Record at least 10 seconds of no-screen activity at the start to time the water splashing right. If you don’t have a product store, you can record a video clicking, for example, "Book now" on your services.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-J5anMSt5m/ 

Resources

Phone with a screen recording app

#3 The "anti-Valentine's" twist ⭐️

img-semblog

Concept

A funny video clip promoting love for your services or products

Use it to

Humorously raise brand awareness

Steps for adapting

You will need a physical item that represents your brand. A bag with a logo is best, but you can also show product packaging or a staff member in uniform. You need two people and a camera in a fixed position.

  1. Person 1 shows a half heart.
  2. Person 2 taps the heart, and places your branded item in Person 1’s hand.
  3. Caption the video accordingly.

Pro tip: For service-based businesses, the second person can be a staff member wearing your branded uniform. They can hold person 1’s hand while looking away from the camera, and you can caption it with “You just need a cleaner from …” or “You just need a haircut from …”. 

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_S0szbSIl7/ 

Resources

Physical item showing your brand, a friend

#4 Surveillance camera footage ⭐️⭐️

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Concept

Surveillance camera footage shows an attempted robbery with a twist—it's an honest customer.

Use it to

Appreciate customer loyalty in an entertaining way

Steps for adapting

You need two people and a camera in a fixed position. If you don’t have a surveillance camera, you can always use a regular camera positioned at a height in the corner of the room, above your checkout counter.

  1. Person 1 (You or a staff member) pretends to be asleep.
  2. Person 2 (You or a friend) walks in and picks up an item from the shelf.
  3. Person 2 takes the POS machine and makes a payment.
  4. Person 2 shows the paid receipt to the camera.

Caption the video with statements like ”Our loyal customers always find a way to pay.” OR
“Our customers are the best!”

Pro tip: Person 2 can be dressed more suspiciously, like with a ski mask, face covering, hat, etc., for more drama.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBbcWneIQB4/ 

Resources

Camera in the right position, a friend

#5 Public poster reveal ⭐️⭐️

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Concept

You unroll a physical poster promoting a launch, sale, or discount in a public place.

Use it to

Promote an upcoming event

Steps for adapting

Record from a fixed camera position.

  1. Stand in a public place (like a signal crossing, bus stop, or shopping strip) with your rolled-up poster, looking at the camera.
  2. Unroll it.

Caption the video with the event date and time if applicable.

Pro tip: Make an attractive poster with large visuals and less text. Record in a place that's relevant to your event.

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBQxDqgsAHH/ 

Resources

Poster

#6 Dropped Lipstick ⭐️⭐️

img-semblog

Concept

A person purposely drops an item to show off thir newly manicured nails (or your product/service)

Use it to

Showcase a personal care product or advertise your nail care and salon services.

Steps for adapting

Record from a fixed camera position and apply the trending sound. 

  1. A person says, “Oh no, I dropped my lipstick" and drops an item.
  2. The camera focus shifts to the hand. They bend and pick up the item.
  3. They look at the item and continue saying, “Oh no,” while showing off their nails or your product.

Caption as POV: You just got a manicure.

Pro tip: This is best for advertising jewelry, watches, makeup items, creams, personal care products, etc. If you don't sell a relevant product, you can have the person hold anything featuring your brand logo. 

Example post

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_IfZ-eMeTy/ 

Resources

Physical product and a friend

Learnings for the Month

#Insider content resonates with audiences

If you want more engagement, create “insider content” that resonates with your audience. Posts with inside jokes, wordplay on internal terminology, or comments on stereotypes/challenges specific to your customer group get many more comments and shares and can even go viral!

For example, we recently shared a post on what marketers think about when they see certain words. 

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Not only did we get 200+ reposts, but the 2000+ comments were hilarious and made everyone laugh on LinkedIn. Audience participation is key to boosting engagement.

#Think outside the box for seasonal and holiday posts

You may have seen your social media feeds filling up with the usual spring/summer/fall/winter posts every year. Every business starts wishing their followers “Happy Holidays” or offers discounts, runs events, etc. Last month’s Halloween event probably filled your feeds with the usual posts with wordplay on fear, pumpkin photos, and fall discounts.

Repeating the same content won’t help you stand out from the crowd. Think outside the box to make your seasonal messaging more customized and engaging for your audience.

For example, our LinkedIn post on Halloween costumes for marketers got over 2000 likes while subtly promoting our Swag store. We boosted sales without boring our target audience!

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#Create comic strips for sharable content

Everyone loves a good comic strip. You can use free tools like Canva Comic Strip Maker and Postermywall to quickly create strips your audience can relate to. If you have a few different buyer personas, you can customize messaging on the same strip for different subgroups and create a carousel post. Such a post motivates people to keep scrolling/clicking through your post and sharing it—increasing organic reach.

For example, our How to Scare comic strip went viral on LinkedIn. By tailoring the "scare" to different professions, we created content with broad appeal. 

Special note— Remember to give credit to any comic strip creators you take inspiration from or reuse to customize.

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Want to create social media magic like this? ✨

These posts resonated because we've taken the time to truly understand our audience—their needs, humor, and pain points. To get a handle on your social strategy ahead of the new year, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level with Semrush Social: 

  • Get to know them: Dive into their demographics, online behavior, and content preferences.
  • Analyze your competitors: See what's working for them. Uncover their top-performing content by channel and identify trends you can leverage.

#1 You need a ⭐️

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Concept

A video clip showing a secret message on a paper napkin.

Use it to

Innovatively advertise your product.

Steps for adapting

Prepare by writing a “You need a …” message on a paper napkin square. Keep it simple, e.g.,
“You need new shoes.”
“You need a new bag..”
“You need a babysitter.”

Adapt the message to the product or service you offer.

Then, record the below clip in one continuous shot—with the camera fixed over the table.

  1. Pour some water on the table.
  2. Put the napkin on the spilled water.
  3. Keep recording as the message appears.

Pro tip: Your video is more likely to get noticed if you accessorize your table aesthetically. Try to keep your product on the table if possible, or else have a potted plant or some flowers.

Example post

Resources

Paper napkin, pen, table (white preferred). 

#2 Introduce yourself ⭐️

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Concept

A video clip showing someone bumping into you. You are initially angry, then introduce yourself politely.

Use it to

Humorously introduce yourself.

Steps for adapting

Adapting requires a friend with a camera. Tell the friend to keep recording while walking towards you.

  1. Walk into the camera—fake bump the friend.
  2. Threaten the friend: “Bump into me one more time, and I’ll show you exactly who I am.”
  3. Get the friend to touch you.
  4. Reach out, shake hands, and politely introduce yourself and your business.
  5. End by saying, “Have a nice day.”

Pro tip: Try and record where your business operates— a mall, shopping strip, market, or the neighborhood where you usually offer services. Remember to mention the location in the video to make it more memorable.

Example post

Resources

Friend with a phone.

#3 Dancing trend⭐️

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Concept

A video clip showing you or your team members dancing funnily. You can caption the video with an upcoming event or product launch.

Use it to

Enthusiastically promote your event/product.

Steps for adapting

Record yourself or any team member dancing in a funny/cool way to some catchy music.

Caption the video with a statement like
“Expo tomorrow!”

“25% discount on XYZ item.”
“New <product name> has arrived.”

Pro tip: Your video is more likely to get noticed if your outfit is unique and you do some editing, like two of yourself dancing or you dancing over an existing dance clip.

Example post 

Resources

Music - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DALyKN1IpU0/

Dance tutorial - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAGhBozBVTu/

#4 I am the owner ⭐️

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Concept

A video clip shows someone asking for free service, claiming they know the owner. You say you are the owner—shocking them.

Use it to

Show off your store/display or as innovative behind-the-scenes content

Steps for adapting

  1. Start with a shot of yourself checking out an item and stating the price.
  2. Shot of a friend/ yourself in different clothes saying they know the owner.
  3. Zoom in on your face—smile—“I am the owner.”
  4. Zoom in on the customer, who should have a shocked expression.

Pro tip: In the first shot, you can show your shop, display it in a zoomed-out shot, and then pan into you checking out the item.

Example post

Resources

A friend, although you can shoot it yourself with different clothes on and then edit the shots together.

#5 Commenting on others ⭐️

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Concept

A video clip of you commenting on another video.

Use it to

Show off your expertise in a relatable and funny way.

Steps for adapting

  1. Find a video that shows a mistake/trend in your niche.
  2. Record yourself commenting on it. 
  3. Edit it so your video plays in the corner of the original video.

Pro tip: Remember to shoot your video for the same time length as the original video. Match expressions with what's happening in the video. If you want to explain/educate, you can always record yourself talking for longer and use the pause effect on the other video.

Example post

Resources

Tutorial on how to make and edit a commentary video.

Learnings for the Month

#Free downloads increase engagement (and grow mailing lists).

Alongside entertaining and informational posts, consider educating your audience too. Prepare little booklets of informational content and share the link for a free download—but remember to redirect your customers to an email capture gateway. Give them access to the download via emails so you can continue nurturing leads for conversion.

For example, we recently shared the Anatomy of a Perfect Blog Post as a gated downloadable, resulting in 200 reposts and nearly 1000 new email captures!

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#Instagram carousels can still be very effective if you know how to use them.

It can feel like Reels have taken over Instagram, but static posts still have their place. Use your carousel to share a story or humorous message your audience can relate to and watch your engagement soar.

For example, our Instagram carousel post received thousands of likes and shares. It involved a mean shooting star and marketing budget woes—something that resonates deeply with our audience. Feel free to reuse the graphics with your messaging!

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#Current event memes are always popular.

Memes can seem frivolous but are popular among both young and older audiences. Try and find memes related to current events and adapt them to your context. Such content is quick to create and always popular.

For example, our Olympic meme was a huge hit on Instagram. Check out the comments—we love our audience!

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Our Moo Deng Meme went viral on LinkedIn. Yes, we compared a pygmy hippo to the over-enthusiastic marketing professional.

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We even had the LinkedIn team comment on our post!

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Wondering how you can stay on top of trends while running a stressful business? Our new Social Content AI feature—AI Niche Trends—can help. Enter your domain name or business description for a customized content plan with all the latest trends!

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⭐️Supercharge Your Social Media with Social Content AI⭐️

  • Input your website or description for dozens of social media ideas customized to your business.
  • Ideas are organized by themes for strategic content planning.
  • Automatically generate ready-to-publish posts, images, videos, and designs.
  • Use the same idea to generate multiple posts adapted for different social media platforms.
  • Easily edit and tweak or re-design any post if you want to.

#1 Crying girl meme ⭐️

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Concept

A video clip showing a crying girl who starts laughing when she sees your product.

Use it to

Show off your product in a relatable and funny way.

Steps for adapting

Adapting requires some skillful video editing.

  1. Start with a shot of the crying girl.
  2. Insert footage of yourself looking at the camera as if you've just noticed the crying girl.
  3. Zoom in on the face of the crying girl.
  4. Insert footage of yourself showing your product to the camera.
  5. Show the girl's surprised and laughing expression.

Pro tip: Your video is more likely to get noticed if your outfit or accessories are unique and your product is showcased glamorously.

Example post

Resources

Take the original crying girl clip from TikTok and edit it with your own recording.

#2 Annoying salesman ⭐️⭐️

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Concept

A stranger asks you (the business owner) about what you do. You respond by chasing them down, asking for contact details, and trying to make a sale.

Use it to

Poke fun at your hustle spirit (humble brag ;)) or at an industry stereotype.

Steps for adapting

  1. You can take the original video, but record your voice and dialog and edit the subtitles. OR 
  2. Record yourself getting out of the car and chasing the camera, asking questions.

Pro tip: Your video will get more attention if you pretend to slip and almost fall like the original guy.

Example post 

Resources

Take the original clip from Instagram. Remember to credit the original creator!

#3 Sales teleporter ⭐️⭐️ 

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Concept

You are standing outside your storefront waving enthusiastically as a customer drives by. The camera pans, and you are now in the back seat of the car, smiling creepily at the customer and encouraging them to buy your product. 

Use it to

Poke fun at your hustle spirit or promote a special discount or giveaway.

Steps for adapting

This requires some shooting effort.

  1. Record yourself waving outside your store, a busy shopping center, or an event venue. Ask someone to record you from within a moving car.
  2. Record yourself sitting in the back seat of the same car. Use a camera in the front seat for recording.

Pro tip: To create a creepy/horror video mood, act like you are threatening the driver in the last shot. You could also wear a creepy costume or enthusiastically promote your product.

Example post

#4 Board & paper ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Concept

Use a board and pen to share tips. Key information is hidden, and you uncover it in the video.

Use it to

Educate your audience with short tips that they can remember and implement.

Steps for adapting

Prepare the board and record yourself revealing key information. Try to keep the written content short and neat.

Example post

Resources

You will need a whiteboard, marker, and stickers or labels to hide some parts of your message.

Pro tip: Your video will attract more attention if you use a bigger board, neater handwriting, and colorful labels/stickers.

#5 Dangerous situation ⭐️⭐️

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Concept

A special-effect video that shows you promoting your product or sharing a safety tip around a dangerous situation like a reversing car or a slowly oncoming bus.

Use it to

Educate your audience memorably or show your commitment to your product in a funny way.

Steps for adapting

This requires some video-editing skills and knowledge.

  1. Record yourself talking about your product with the product in your hand. Use a blank screen and background and record from a slight distance.
  2. Take just your clip and overlay it over another video of a car reversing or other dangerous situation.

Pro tip: You can record the car reversing or bus video outside your storefront if you have a physical store.

Example post

Resources

Free video clip - moving car
Free video clip - car crossing road
Free video clip - oncoming train

#6 Dancing ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Concept

Dance and show different product variations or product items to catchy music.

Use it to

Promote your products, showcase a new release, or humble brag about the different roles you play while running your business (manager, cleaner, cook, etc.).

Steps for adapting

Record the same dance movement with different clothes in the same spot.

Join the different clips so transitions look seamless.

Pro tip: Record with a tripod for maximum stability. Start at the exact same spot in the exact same pose for a smooth final video.

Example post

#7 Product Giveaways ⭐️⭐️

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Concept

You meet a stranger and give away your product if they complete a challenge.

Use it to

Showcase your products or promote a discount, voucher, etc.

Steps for adapting

  1. Get a friend/colleague to act like a stranger, introduce yourself, and ask them to perform the task.
  2. The task should be related to or even using your product.
  3. Shoot the video with your hand camera so it looks natural.

Pro tip: Share some educational tips about using your product or on the subject. Keep the video shorter than 90 seconds for maximum impact.

Example post

FAQ of the month

Can I repurpose video content between Instagram Reels and TikTok?

Absolutely! Reach a wider audience by sharing your videos on both platforms.

Pro Tip: Aim for higher quality when creating videos for Instagram, then adapt them for TikTok. Don't forget to include relevant keywords in captions and descriptions to boost visibility.

Try Social Poster to schedule your videos simultaneously on Instagram and TikTok:

  • Identify optimal posting times for each platform
  • Analyze and re-purpose your top-performing posts 
  • Use AI to schedule your social media calendar a month in advance

Learnings for the Month

#One-person marketing can be more successful than you imagine.

This reel about one-person marketing got over 35K views. 

We think it worked because it combined a universal music reference (the music from Friends) with a classic marketing pain point. We know digital marketers struggle with wearing many hats in their roles, and acknowledging this reality in a comical way really hit the mark with our audience.

Our #WorldEmojiDay posts went down a treat with our audience, getting over 5000+ reactions and 200,000 impressions on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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One person commented: 

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The key takeaway? Keep a calendar of important ‘National Days’ that align with your brand and target audience—and consistently celebrate those days with engaging social content. These are great opportunities to connect even better with your followers! 

#Freebies don't have to be physical products.

Brands think they have to give away physical products to drive engagement. But sometimes, solving a problem for free or giving away ideas works just as well!

When we launched our Social Content AI, we released an interactive post that promised to give 30+ custom social media marketing ideas to anyone who asked.

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We responded to every comment, skyrocketing engagement on LinkedIn.

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An example list of ideas we shared:

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Social Content AI can generate personalized content ideas and posts for your brand, too!

  • Compelling social copy and captions 
  • Unique images and designs
  • Videos and memes 
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