2025 Predictions: Stop Chasing Trends, Start Creating Connections

Let’s face it: Trend-jacking is the marketing world’s guilty pleasure. It’s like scrolling TikTok at 2 a.m.—you know it might not be productive, but it’s addictive. Everyone wants a slice of the viral pie, but here’s the harsh truth: If your content doesn’t feel authentic, trend-jacking will only get you crickets—or worse, side-eye from your audience.

So, let’s unpack why chasing trends isn’t always the golden ticket and how authenticity can save your content (and your dignity).

What Is Trend-Jacking, Anyway?

Trend-jacking is when brands latch onto viral moments, hashtags, or pop culture phenomena to stay relevant. Think brands tweeting about Barbenheimer, like this playful take from Cineworld, the latest TikTok dance trend like Wednesday Addams’ dance, or even making jokes about a viral meme.

Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. Because doing it well means understanding the trend, its audience, and how your brand fits in naturally. Unfortunately, most brands skip the homework and go straight to the cringe.

The Problem With Trend-Jacking

Let’s cut to the chase: Not every trend is your trend.

1. It Can Feel Forced: Imagine your financial services brand hopping on a viral TikTok dance. Are your followers supposed to invest with you or book you for a dance recital? Authenticity matters, and if your audience feels like you’re faking it, they’ll tune out faster than you can say, “We’re vibing!”
2. Overuse Dilutes Impact: Remember when every single brand tried to memeify the “How it started vs. How it’s going” trend? Here’s a great roundup of brands who nailed it and others who missed the mark. Yeah, we do too. At some point, trend-jacking turns into trend-saturation, and instead of standing out, you just blend in with the noise.
3. It’s Risky Business: Some trends come with baggage. If you jump on the wrong one—or worse, don’t understand the context—you risk damaging your brand’s reputation. Hello, PR nightmare.

A prime example is Bloomingdale's 2015 holiday ad with the tagline, “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking,” which was widely criticized for promoting a problematic message. It’s a stark reminder to think critically about the implications of your content. Learn more here.

The Authenticity Factor: Why It’s Non-Negotiable

Here’s a wild idea: Instead of hopping on trends for the sake of it, focus on creating content that aligns with your brand values and audience needs. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce to making your content resonate.

1. Your Audience Craves Connection: People want to feel seen, heard, and understood. They don’t care if you’ve nailed the latest meme if your message feels hollow.
2. Long-Term > Viral Hits: Viral moments are fleeting, but trust and loyalty? Those are the real MVPs. Authentic content builds a relationship with your audience that lasts beyond the latest trending hashtag.
3. It’s the Future of Marketing: Algorithms may prioritize engagement now, but the future of marketing is rooted in meaningful connections. An article from Sprout Social talks about how platforms are evolving to prioritize genuine interactions over sheer volume. You don’t need to go viral to go far.

How To Trend-Jack Without Selling Your Soul

I’m not saying you should ditch trends altogether—just be smarter about it. Here’s how to strike the balance:

1. Be Selective: Only engage with trends that align with your brand’s voice, mission, and audience. If it feels forced, it’s better to skip it.
2. Add Value: Don’t just parrot what everyone else is saying. Offer a unique perspective, useful advice, or a creative twist that ties the trend back to your brand.
3. Know Your Audience: Before jumping on a trend, ask yourself: Does my audience care? Will this resonate with them? If the answer is no, keep scrolling.
4. Stay Relevant, Not Desperate: Trends come and go, but your brand’s voice and values are forever. Don’t trade your identity for a moment of virality.

Let’s Call It What It Is

Trend-jacking isn’t inherently bad—it’s just overused, abused, and misunderstood. The goal isn’t to be the loudest voice in the room; it’s to be the one people actually want to hear. So, next time you’re tempted to jump on a viral bandwagon, pause and ask yourself: Does this trend align with my brand? Will it add value for my audience?

If the answer’s no, save yourself the cringe and focus on creating something authentic instead. Because, at the end of the day, being real beats being viral every single time.

That’s It, That’s the Tweet. What’s your take on trend-jacking? Have you seen it work—or backfire? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM me. Let’s chat about how to create content that actually connects.

Want to dive deeper into creating authentic content? Follow Vibes Collected on Instagram, send us a DM with "vibe check," and snag your free social media audit (up to 2 platforms)!

Announcement: A more detailed version of this article will be available on The Daily Vibe—my blog and newsletter—after our site relaunch on January 1, 2025. Stay tuned for fresh insights and exclusive updates!

How Vibes Collected Can Help

Ready to move beyond trends and craft a truly authentic strategy? Follow Vibes Collected on Instagram, DM us with "vibe check," and claim your FREE social media audit (up to 2 platforms). Let’s start 2025 with a content plan that actually connects.

Stay tuned for a more detailed version of this article on The Daily Vibe—our blog and newsletter launching January 1, 2025. You’ll find fresh insights, actionable strategies, and exclusive updates to help your brand thrive.

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