I stay updated on Instagram and TikTok trends by actively using both platforms with a creator-mindset, not just as a consumer. I regularly monitor my For You Page and Reels to spot recurring sounds, formats, and visual styles, and I save trends early so I can track how they evolve. I also follow creators, social media strategists, and brand accounts that consistently experiment with new formats, and I pay attention to comment sections and engagement patterns to see what’s actually resonating. On top of that, I use tools like trend roundups, platform insights, and analytics to validate what I’m seeing organically and understand which trends are worth adapting for a brand versus skipping.

I’m drawn to influencer and social media marketing because it lives at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and strategy. Where brands can show up in ways that feel authentic, relatable, and human. Social platforms are where trends start, and conversations happen in real time, and influencer marketing allows brands to tap into trusted voices who can translate messages naturally to their audiences. I’m especially excited by the balance of creativity and analytics, combining content ideation and cultural awareness with performance insights to build strategies that are both engaging and impactful.

One TikTok trend I would use for a niche beauty product is The “Morning Shed”, which highlights high-maintenance nighttime routines for low-maintenance results. I’d position the product as a must-have step in an overnight transformation, showing it layered into a routine and then revealing visible results in the morning. This works especially well for niche treatments like barrier-repair masks or targeted overnight products because the before-and-after payoff is immediate and satisfying.

Another effective trend is food-inspired “color story” aesthetics, such as Guava Girl, Pomegranate, or Matcha Latte. If the product has a distinctive shade, ingredient, or scent, I’d build content around these searchable aesthetics to make the product feel both trendy and discoverable. This approach helps niche products feel “named” and easy to find while tapping into highly engaged micro-communities on TikTok.

Lastly, I’d use silent storytelling and voiceless product demos that rely on clean visuals, macro-texture shots, and subtle ASMR instead of narration. Showing the product’s texture, application, and instant results within the first second keeps viewers engaged and makes the sales pitch feel less sales-driven. This is ideal for niche beauty products with unique finishes or formulas, especially for users who watch without sound or prefer visually soothing content.