Social Trendspotting: Fall Edition

By C-K’s Social & PR team

Keeping a pulse on the latest trends allows brands to create meaningful connections with their audiences. Last quarter, we saw powerful shifts in content that are redefining engagement and setting new standards for creativity.

Here’s a look at the top social media trends and insights that are capturing attention, building communities and shaping the future of social media marketing.

How Politics Used Influencers

What It Is: Influencers have emerged as influential figures in politics, no longer limited to brands and lifestyle content. This shift is evident in this year’s Democratic and Republican National Conventions, where political influencers were tapped to engage younger voters and create accessible content. Even non-political influencers from areas like fashion, beauty and gaming are entering political discussions, broadening the reach and impact of political messages.

What Brands Can Take Away: Platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram now host a variety of political influencers who share relevant topics, mobilize voters, fundraise and combat misinformation. This trend underscores social media’s role as a primary news source for younger audiences, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram rapidly surpassing traditional media in reach and influence.

The Rise of Micro-Trends and Their Cultural Influence

What It Is: Micro-trends, such as the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” and “Rat Boy Summer,” are gaining traction across platforms like TikTok. These niche trends often start within micro-communities but quickly expand to drive real-world behaviors, influencing everything from fashion to consumer choices. TikTok plays a significant role in spreading these trends by fostering rapid content consumption and shorter attention spans.

What Brands Can Take Away: To remain relevant, brands must act quickly and align with these trends while being agile. Building authentic “vibes” that resonate across micro-communities fosters deeper connections. Empowering social teams to stay flexible and participate in trends without heavy approval processes ensures that brands can engage meaningfully in short, impactful moments.

Winners and Flops: Brat vs. Demure

What It Is: The Brat Summer trend experienced a steady rise, leaving a lasting impact that extended beyond TikTok, influencing pop culture and even political campaigns. In contrast, the Demure Trend saw a brief surge in popularity, but its influence remained limited to TikTok, with minimal commercial potential. 

What Brands Can Take Away: Trends that resonate with broader cultural movements offer greater longevity and more meaningful branding opportunities. Building strong communities, embracing adaptability and staying authentic are essential for creating lasting impact and commercial success.