I mainly use CapCut and Canva on my phone. CapCut is my go-to for video editing, especially for TikToks and Reels, because it’s really easy to use and lets me edit quickly without overthinking it. I use it for cutting clips, adding text, syncing to sounds, and just making content feel more polished while still keeping that social-first feel. I use Canva more for graphics, story posts, and anything that needs a clean, cohesive look. It’s helpful for keeping things on-brand while still being quick and easy to create. I like keeping everything on my phone because it helps me move fast and stay on top of trends in real time, instead of overcomplicating the process

I stay updated with social media trends by being really active on the platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, but also by thinking a little deeper about what actually sticks with me. One of my mentors in college always said to pay attention to what you can’t stop thinking about and I’ve started applying that to content.

If I keep coming back to a video, a sound, or even just a caption style, I try to figure out why. Usually that’s what turns into a real trend, not just something that goes viral for a second. I also look at how different brands are using those trends and what actually feels natural versus forced.

It’s less about keeping up with everything and more about understanding what’s actually resonating and why.

I usually start by keeping it really simple and personal. Maybe referencing something they just posted or a project they worked on so it doesn’t feel random. I think people can tell right away if a DM is copy-pasted, so I try to make it feel like an actual conversation. I also don’t go straight into asking for something. I’ll keep it low-pressure, maybe ask a quick question or just show genuine interest first. From there, it’s just about keeping the conversation natural if they respond. At the end of the day, I treat it like talking to a real person, not “networking,” and that’s what helps build actual rapport.