6 social media trends you should be on top of this October

1. Turning my mum into me

Audio: Take me away – Christina Vidal

Some trends never die; they just get a second wind. This one first swept the internet years ago, and now it’s back with a vengeance.  

This trend sees creators’ mums swap their cardigan and leggings for outfits from their daughters’ wardrobes, walking in and out of a door for a grand reveal. It’s racked up hundreds of millions of views on TikTok already, and its appeal is obvious. Not only is it satisfying to watch the transformation land, but it’s also a humble reminder that the “dress your age” rulebook is optional.

For brands, especially those in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, it’s an easy win. Style a customer or family member in your products, and recreate the transformation. Pair it with the nostalgic earworm audio from Freaky Friday, and you’ve got a ready-made hit on your hands.

Source: carlaa.pchr (TikTok)

Source: rosanatorkan (TikTok)

2. Some people call me…

Audio: Vivin – Wxoda

Acting essentially as a virtual business card, this trend sees small business owners turn their nickname into a setup for a pitch. The concept is simple. Creators list the names people call them, then end with “but you can call me when…” and a description of their services.

It’s a gift for small businesses and sole entrepreneurs. Hairdressers, bakers, and personal trainers have all taken a turn, and the format allows you to show off what you do without a hard sell.

For brands, the key is to keep it playful and specific. Use your nickname or a team in-joke for the setup, then land on your USP. Lay the text over a video that shows your work in action (and your personality), and you’ve got yourself a low-cost promo which doesn’t feel like an advert. 

Source: hailey.the.pa (Instagram)

Source: hairbyizziex (TikTok)

3. I will ask you one question. Answer with one word.

Audio: i don’t like mirrors – right here

Ever pondered what flower you’d be? This trend outsources the verdict, whether that be to a chatbot or the people who know you best. 

It starts with the prompt “I’ll tell you a question. Answer in one word”, which creators feed to ChatGPT or someone close to them. It’s followed by a series of personality-style questions like “What kind of flower am I?”, and “What season am I”?

Creators lay the answer over an aesthetic collage of imagery. Think cosy scenes of Autumn, or dreamy close-ups of windflowers. While the format is very personal, for brands, it’s a low-effort way to show some personality. 

Simply ask a chatbot, or a member of your team, what kind of season, colour, or flower your brand would be, then build a collage from your products or behind-the-scenes shots.

Source: petersen_michaela (TikTok)

Source: reniiiib (Instagram)

4. Rock, paper, scissors

Original audio

The oldest decision-making method in the playground is taking over the grid – and brands are ready to get in on the game. 

This trend reworks rock, paper, scissors into a carousel or short-form video that settles everyday debates. Over the winning hand, creators add text naming the habit, choice, or solution that comes out on top, while the losing hand gets labelled with things people are struggling with, or try to avoid.

The clever things about this trend? It’s relatable enough to reel people in, and it quietly shows what you offer without feeling too overt. 

If you plan on hopping on this trend, start with a funny first slide to lure people in. Then, use the following slides to show your product or service beating the struggle. 

Source: phocusandcompany

Source: dewmighty (Instagram)

5. That’s so you

Original audio

If your camera roll is a shrine to sunsets, iced oat lattes, and aesthetic travel content, this one is for you.

The “that’s so you” trend is simple. It sees creators post a carousel or photo collage of random, highly specific things that make them, them. From favourite songs to coffee orders, each post essentially creates a snapshot of their identity.

The trend is picking up steam on Instagram especially, as it moves beyond the perfectly created selfie, exploring the quirks that showcase people’s personality.

For brands, it’s an easy way for your audience to see behind the curtain. Simply share the small details of your business, like your team’s lunch order or your launch-day playlist, and you’ll show a more human side to your customers.

Source: emilyalcantar (Instagram)

Source: leticia.fornari (Instagram)

6. The ‘A’ trend

Audio: pll purposes only ty – demi devito

Have you ever felt like you were being watched? 

The “A” trend sees creators pretend to receive threatening, incredibly specific, and shady text messages from an anonymous stalker. It parodies the mysterious, all-knowing villain “A” from the teen drama Pretty Little Liars, who blackmailed the main characters. 

In the trend, the messages usually reveal something far less dramatic, like “I saw you eat four M&S cookies” (we’ve all been there), or “you’ve been scrolling all day and haven’t folded your laundry”. 

It’s nostalgic for millennials and easy for everyone else to get. It’s an easy format for brands to co-opt too. Turn the joke on yourself by posting the “texts” your business would receive from A, like “I saw you say the launch was ‘nearly ready’ three weeks ago”, or “I know you don’t reply to customer emails until 11pm”.

Source: MakyaLawson (YouTube Shorts)

Source: Bethanyameliagray (TikTok)