Brand safe and red hot TikTok trends for September 2024

TikTok has quickly become a goldmine for brands looking to tap into viral trends. By leveraging the latest audios, memes, and formats, companies can create content that resonates with their audience in a fun and authentic way. Here are five TikTok trends brands can hop on right now to increase Engagement, foster relatability, and boost their visibility:

1. “I Feel Like You’re Just Here for the Zipline”

This trend takes its origin from a humorous line in the popular show I Think You Should Leave. Users are miming the phrase “I feel like you’re just here for the zipline” while overlaying text to illustrate the relatable moments when someone seems to be there for something other than the main purpose. For brands, this is a golden opportunity to showcase a playful side. For example, a coffee shop could use this trend by writing, “I feel like you’re just here for the Wi-Fi,” and then showcasing customers sheepishly sipping coffee. It’s a fun way to highlight quirks of consumer behavior while staying on trend.

Here is an example and a link to the main sound.

2. “Do You Know You Have 30 Minutes?”

This audio clip is everywhere, and it’s perfect for showing the sense of urgency we all feel when racing against the clock. Brands can use it to highlight time-sensitive offers, flash sales, or even a day in the life of their team. For example, a fashion brand could use it to showcase the mad dash of getting a new collection ready for launch. The sense of immediacy and energy makes this trend ideal for creating fast-paced, engaging content.

Here are some examples with links to sound.

3. “Double Life”

The “Double Life” trend is taking TikTok by storm as users reveal their hidden identities or alter egos behind the scenes. Brands can have fun with this one by showing off the person behind their social media accounts. Since this sound isn’t available for business accounts, your social media manager can join in on the trend by posting on their personal page and tagging the brand. This can help humanize your brand and build trust by giving followers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the people running the show.

Here is an example and a link to the main sound.

4. “That’s Not a Compliment”

This sarcastic audio lets creators poke fun at backhanded compliments or misunderstandings in their niche. Brands can use this audio to highlight misconceptions or stereotypes about their industry in a lighthearted way. For instance, a fitness brand could use it to showcase a common statement like “You’re so lucky, you never have to work out!” while the audio plays, “That’s not a compliment.” It’s a fun way to connect with your audience by turning industry frustrations into something everyone can laugh about.

Here is an example and a link to the main sound.

5. “Define Aura”

The “Define Aura” meme is all about confidence, coolness, and swagger. TikTokers are using it to show off what gives them their unique “aura,” whether it’s a fashion style, a hobby, or a particular attitude. Brands can hop on this trend by highlighting their own unique aura, whether it’s through their products, customer service, or company culture. A beauty brand could feature bold makeup looks, while a tech company might show off the cool features that make their gadgets stand out. It’s an easy way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist of what makes something “cool” right now.

Here is an example and a link to the main sound.

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Jumping on these TikTok trends is a fast way for brands to stay relevant and engage with their audience in a meaningful way. Whether it’s showcasing behind-the-scenes moments or poking fun at common misconceptions, these trends provide ample opportunity for creativity. Just remember to keep it light, authentic, and aligned with your brand’s voice—your followers will appreciate the effort, and it just might land you on the “For You” page!

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Bluesky: A New Frontier for Brands to Explore

Bluesky, a decentralized social networking platform, has garnered attention from individuals seeking alternatives to Elon Musk’s X and from brands eager to explore new marketing avenues. Founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky emerged as a spin-off from Twitter in 2022, with a focus on decentralization, giving users more control over their content. With a rapidly growing user base—2 million new users in just a few days—Bluesky offers a unique space for brands to build thought leadership and engage with niche communities. Here’s how brands can leverage Bluesky’s potential to stay ahead:

1. Reach Niche Communities

Bluesky excels at connecting users with smaller, highly engaged communities centered around specific interests. Brands can tap into these communities to foster deeper connections and stronger loyalty. Here’s how:

• Identify Key Interests: Research 3-5 key interests that align with your brand and create targeted content to engage users interested in those topics.
• Optimize Your Profile with Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your profile and posts to make it easier for interested users to find you.
• Engage with Similar Accounts: Interact with accounts and discussions that align with your target audience. This boosts visibility and builds your brand presence within those communities.

By focusing on these strategies, brands can cultivate a loyal and engaged following in niche markets.

2. Establish Thought Leadership Through Quality Content

As a relatively new platform, Bluesky is a fertile ground for brands to position themselves as thought leaders. By sharing valuable insights, your brand can drive industry conversations and build authority. To get started:

• Provide Value: Share informative posts, industry analysis, and thoughtful commentary that benefit your audience and establish your expertise.
• Engage in Meaningful Discussions: Participate in relevant conversations, ask questions, and share insights. Early adopters on Bluesky have the advantage of setting the tone within their industries.

Being an early adopter can give your brand a competitive edge as many businesses have yet to fully embrace Bluesky.

3. Create a Custom Domain for Your Handle

Bluesky allows users to customize their handles with domain names, offering brands a unique branding opportunity. Rather than using a generic handle like @brand.bsky.social, you can use your own domain name (e.g., @yourbrand.com). This provides several advantages:

• Professional Appearance: A custom domain handle makes your profile look more polished and recognizable.
• Brand Consistency: It ensures your handle is consistent across platforms, boosting your credibility.

4. Be Less Promotional and More Authentic

Bluesky’s user base values authenticity and conversational, value-driven interactions over constant promotional content. Brands that adopt this approach will resonate better with the platform’s culture. Here’s what to focus on:

• Engage Meaningfully: Initiate conversations, ask questions, and respond to user-generated content to build community rather than just pushing ads.
• Be Authentic: Share behind-the-scenes content, company updates, and thoughts on industry trends in a personal and relatable way. Bluesky users appreciate candid interactions, so authenticity will build stronger connections.

5. Join the Public Conversation

Bluesky, much like early Twitter, thrives on open, real-time discussions around trending topics. This provides a space for brands to participate in broader conversations and showcase their relevance. Here’s how:

• Monitor Trending Topics: Follow what’s trending on Bluesky and join relevant conversations that align with your brand or industry.
• Engage in Popular Threads: Comment on, repost, or share unique insights into ongoing discussions to demonstrate your brand’s expertise.

By participating in these public conversations, your brand can organically enhance visibility and show thought leadership without overtly promoting products or services.

The Future of Bluesky for Brands

Bluesky offers a decentralized, community-driven platform that is becoming increasingly attractive to both users and brands. As more people migrate away from centralized platforms like X, Bluesky presents a fresh opportunity for brands to engage with audiences in a more authentic way. Whether through connecting with niche communities, establishing thought leadership, or joining larger conversations, early adoption of Bluesky can yield significant rewards. Brands willing to experiment with Bluesky’s decentralized model can tap into new markets and grow their online presence as the platform continues its upward trajectory.

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