Looking for cosy content ideas this month? Here are the short-form video trends taking over social media right now, and how to make them work.
Keeping an eye on what’s trending across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts is one of the easiest and cheapest social media marketing strategies out there, because you’re joining a conversation your audience is already having.
However, since short-form video moves at lightning speed, a trend can go from fresh to stale before you’ve finished your cup of tea.
To save you running up your screen time, we’ve rounded up the best of the bunch – from teeny tiny text with a big reveal to (subjectively) premature Christmas countdowns.
Whether you’re still nostalgic for the summer or already pining over mince pies and mulled wine, there’s something here to suit your brand.
1. Teeny tiny message
Original audio
Pinch, zoom, and prepare to feel like a detective. This trend shows that big messages come in small packages.
The format is simple. Creators write an affirmation, hot take, or call to action using the platform’s text tool, then pinch the font down until it’s barely visible. Then, they appear to zoom into the screen, enlarging the tiny text until it’s finally readable.
The trend works because it offers a satisfying payoff, with viewers patiently waiting for the message to be revealed. It’s also a playful way to reward curiosity without needing a big budget or fancy editing.
For brands, the format is versatile. Slowly zoom in on anything you would like to communicate with your audience – a discount code, a launch date, or a behind-the-scenes in-joke – and viewers will stay put for the reveal. Keep the message short and let the text grow gradually.
2. Reasons why you don’t need to…
Audio: original sound – Isiahsutherland
This cheeky trend relies on a simple case of reverse psychology.
The format starts with a text overlay reading “reasons why you don’t need to…”, followed by something creators want you to do. I.e., restocking your makeup bag or cleansing your lashes. As the video plays, the creator appears to give a passionate list of reasons.
The catch? The audio sounds like it’s coming through a muffled mic, so you can’t make out a single word. The joke is that there aren’t really any reasons – the creator wants you to do the thing, and the “technical error” gets them out of having to argue against it.
This trend gives brands an easy way to promote their product. Simply pick something you actually want customers to do, like trying your new skincare range, or upgrading their worn-out clothing, then write it as the thing someone “doesn’t need” to do.
Just keep the text overlay short and punchy, and add a shot of your product at the end so the punchline lands.
“There’s something I noticed Domino’s UK have been doing really well recently.
In a nutshell, it seems like they have a small bank of assets which are all pictures of pizzas in boxes with just the crust left in a circle (and the middle part of the pizza removed).
They’re just resharing these assets with funny lines, and it’s working really well. They use this over and over again as a visual metaphor, and most people don’t realise it’s been recycled because, like all of us, they’re not really paying that much attention.
This allows Domino’s to activate really quickly on trends and moments – which worked particularly well during the World Cup. Crucially, once the copy is proofed, it’s just a screenshot of a photo that’s already been approved, as it’s been used before.”
How can you get a slice? 🍕
“I would suggest that brands find a meme, or a semiotic (media that communicates meaning visually) that has worked well with their audience, and repeat it. People have engaged for a reason, and tethering it to timely events will inject relevancy and freshness.
Also, it makes your life so much easier!”
Lotti Haxell is a creative social strategist at krow social. She has worked in social media management roles for over 12 years.
3. Christmas countdown
Audio: various Christmas songs
We may just be entering November, but whether you’re a yulephile or a Scrooge, the Christmas countdown is already taking over your feed.
Instead of waiting until December, creators are already counting down towards the festive period. Text overlays like “99 days until Christmas” sit over cosy clips of brewing hot cocoa, crackling fireplaces, and holiday movie nights, with regular milestone updates such as “10 Fridays left” along the way.
The trend leans into comfort and escapism, giving viewers something to look forward to as we head towards December, and the nights draw in.
Hopping onto this trend is easier than pulling a Christmas cracker. Share your own countdown to a Christmas launch, last order date, or seasonal menu, and post weekly updates to keep followers coming back.
4. ‘What I thought of this morning’
Original audio
Pass the suncream, because summer is making a comeback (at least on our feeds).
As the days get dark earlier and the rain returns, creators are looking back at sunnier days. The trend involves a simple format: a video of summer memories, captioned “what I thought of this morning” or something similar, like “what played through my head when I put my coat on this morning”. Think long lunches in the sunshine, golden-hour sunsets, and dips in the sea.
The trend taps into seasonal nostalgia and offers a bit of escapism for anyone feeling the chill. It’s also a reminder that the best moments are often the simplest.
Jumping on this trend is a low-cost way to bring some warmth to your feed – just dig through your summer camera roll for clips of your product or team in action.
5. Money can’t buy you happiness
Audio: suara asli – Nadora | Cycling Journal
Turns out money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a really good cheesecake.
Creators are putting a spin on the old saying, finishing it with whatever small luxury has lifted their mood. A quick montage follows: matching coffee cups, a cute new outfit, a long-awaited holiday, or a perfectly plated dessert.
The trend works because it’s relatable and a little tongue-in-cheek, celebrating small treats rather than extravagance.
For brands, it’s an easy way to show off the little luxuries you sell. Finish the caption with your product or service, then back it up with clips of customers enjoying it. Keep it light and self-aware, and let the humour do the selling.
6. Track 10 but reversed
Audio: “Track 10” (reversed) by Charli XCX
Play it backwards, and it sounds better. At least, that’s what TikTok thinks of Charli XCX’s “Track 10”.
Creators are flipping the song from Pop 2 and laying it over their own clips. Instead of sounding broken, the reversed audio comes out dramatic, ethereal, and a little sinister, which fans describe as haunting and cinematic.
It’s a neat example of something Gen Z is very good at: romanticising everyday life. Add a reversed soundtrack and a walk to the bus stop or a mug of tea suddenly feels like the opening scene of a film.
For brands, the appeal is the low effort. Pick an ordinary behind-the-scenes moment, like packing an order or setting up in the morning, and give it the cinematic treatment. Keep the clip short and let the audio set the mood.
Viral moments don’t last forever, but strong audience connections do. Read our TikTok for Business guide to discover how to create impactful content that keeps your brand relevant or check out Startups.co.uk’s Instagram to see our advice in action.
