Every week a format, a sound or a joke sweeps through a network. Joining can bring a burst of reach. It can also make an account look like everyone else’s. A short test decides.
Four questions
- 1Does it fit what you make? A trend about cooking suits a bakery, not an accountant.
- 2Can you add something of your own? If you would be copying exactly, there is no reason for anyone to watch yours.
- 3Do you know what it means? Trends are sometimes jokes about something you would not want your name near. Look it up.
- 4Is it still alive? A trend is often finished within days. If you cannot post it quickly, skip it.
Sounds and music
A trending sound may not be yours to use on a business account or on another network. Check the licence for where you are posting. Our article on music rights explains the main traps.
When to skip without guilt
- It would take you away from your voice.
- It makes light of something serious.
- You would need to hurry and the result would be rough.
Not joining is a strategy
A trend is short-lived. A reputation for being consistent and useful is not. Most small accounts do better building the second.
If you cannot say why your audience would want it, it is not for them.