Unlocking Viral Success: Social Media Updates, TikTok Trends, and Winning Reel Formats

Welcome to issue #02 of Gen Z in Marketing, where we discuss the latest social media news, trends, and strategies with a Gen Z twist. I’m Sharon, and I’m so happy you’re here! 🤩 

Social media news from the past week 🤫 

Facebook:

• Meta's 2024 Connect conference is set for September 25-26, showcasing AI, VR, and the metaverse. It will be both in-person and webcast from Menlo Park.

x (formerly Twitter):

• X will add more analytics elements to provide more insight into your content performance. Unfortunately, this feature will be exclusive to X Premium. 

Instagram:

• New Features for Broadcast Channels: Instagram now allows IG Live broadcasts exclusively for channel members. Additionally, you can add custom themes for broadcast channels by using any picture as the chat background. Channel owners can also select which emojis their community can and cannot use in the chat. Plus, Instagram has introduced QR codes that link directly to your channel.

• Instagram clarified that single-word call-to-actions with third-party tools like ManyChat are still allowed.

• Creators can now add text overlays and re-format images in carousels.

• If you recently stumbled upon those "opt-out" stories and wondered if they work, the answer is no, they don't. You can't really opt out and prevent Meta from using your content to train AI because of the user agreement you sign when opening your account. This agreement allows Meta to use your public content for AI training and only ends when your content is deleted. To stop Meta from using your content, delete it or mark it as private or friends-only. However, this won't apply to past content—only future posts. BTW: Recent changes in European data usage regulations will soon allow E.U. users to opt out of having their posts used for AI training via the “Right to Object” option. So, if you live there, you got lucky 😁 

LinkedIn:

• LinkedIn has introduced new Premium Video Ad placements, offering marketers more visibility and engagement. The new video sponsorship program, "The Wire," allows brands to run in-stream video ads with trusted publisher content, maximizing credibility.

• LinkedIn also enhances its AI ad tools with new features in its “Accelerate” ad option. Marketers can now use Microsoft Designer for generative AI in campaign creatives and add targeting exclusions via company and third-party lists. Additionally, AI recommendations will help refine and improve ads.

The latest trends on TikTok 💥 

Use these trends wisely to incorporate humor and Gen Z vibes into your social media strategy. But remember, never jump on trends after they’re no longer relevant—that’s just cringe. 

1. The Trend: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLwhyRps/ 

   
   How to Use It:

• Original Version: Stick to the classic format. For example, a skincare brand could use:

  First Photo: "My brain when talking about politics" (a confused or unflattering image)

  Second Photo: "My brain when talking about money" (another lousy photo)

  Third Photo: "My brain when talking about skincare" (a clear, glowing image of skin or a product shot)

• Creative Spin: Tailor the Trend to fit your brand's unique voice and message. For instance, a coffee brand might use:

  First Photo: "Me before my morning coffee" (a sleepy, messy photo)

  Second Photo: "Me after one cup" (a slightly better but still tired photo)

  Third Photo: "Me after my favorite blend" (a vibrant, energized image)

2.  The Trend:  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLwhyCkc/ 

How to Use It:

• Original Version: Stick to the classic dark humor format. For example, if you’re a tech company, you might use:

  First Photo: "Rating things our CEO has done."

  Second Photo: "Introduced a software update that crashed everything. -100/10, thanks for the panic attack, Joe."

• Creative Spin: Tailor the Trend to fit your brand's voice and humor. For example, a fashion brand might use:

  First Photo: "Rating things our designer has done."

  Second Photo: "Released a neon green collection in winter. 3/10, bold but confusing."

3. The Trend: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRKb4WYN/
   This Trend is hilarious! Snap a picture of your boss standing, then use the CapCut template to make them dance. Add the text "Dance if you love your social media manager." (JK, add whatever text you like! LOL 😂)

This Week’s Deep Dive 💭 

Creating reels that perform well can be challenging, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this week’s deep dive, we’ll explore 5 trending short-form video formats on Instagram that you can recreate to make your brand go viral and get a promotion 😉 

Whiteboard Reels:

• What It Is: Use a whiteboard to break down topics visually.

• How It Works: Write key points on a whiteboard, cover them with paper, and reveal them one by one to keep viewers hooked.

• Why It Works: Visual and interactive, perfect for educational content and tutorials.

• Example for a Fitness Brand: Explain a weekly workout plan, revealing each day’s exercise routine with a hook like "The workout schedule for a 6-pack!" “Monday: Cardio Blast! Tuesday: Strength Training!” Example

Presentation Style Reels:

• What It Is: Deliver your message using a formal presentation format.

• How It Works: Film yourself presenting from your computer or TV, just like a business meeting.

• Example for a Tech Company: Showcase the latest software update, highlighting new features and improvements with a hook like “Here’s how to sell 3x more with our new marketing automation feature.” Example

Role-Playing Reels:

• What It Is: Create scenarios to demonstrate real-life situations.

• How It Works: Act out common interactions, such as customer service or sales pitches, to demonstrate solutions or highlight pain points.

• Why It Works: Engaging and relatable, it makes abstract concepts tangible.

• Example for a skincare brand: Role-play a consultation between a customer and a skincare expert to discuss solutions for different skin types. Example

Content Series Reels:

• What It Is: Create a series with a consistent theme and goal.

• How It Works: Develop a storyline or sequence, keeping viewers returning for more.

• Why It Works: It builds anticipation and loyalty and is great for in-depth topics.

• Example for a Cooking Brand: A series on “30 Days of Healthy Recipes,” with a new recipe each day to keep your audience engaged and inspired. “Day 1: Quinoa Salad! Day 2: Veggie Stir-Fry!” Example

Reaction Reels:

• What It Is: React to popular content in your niche.

• How It Works: Start with the viral reel, then share your insights or commentary.

• Why It Works: Taps into existing popularity while showcasing your expertise.

• Example for a Fashion Brand: React to a trending fashion show, giving your take on the latest styles and how to incorporate them into everyday wear. “Love this look? Here’s how you can style it!” Example

Expand Your Knowledge Even More 👀 

I've listened to this podcast episode by Join Chris Do and LinkedIn expert Jasmin (Jay) Alić and learned so much. It covers writing tips for LinkedIn and some growth strategies I'll implement this week. 

Give it a listen:

Personal Note 🥰 

This week, I’m officially kicking off my DAILY vlogging series on IG and TikTok, documenting my journey to build a $1 million personal brand. I've also adjusted my social media strategy and plan to test new short-form video techniques and fresh LinkedIn approaches. I'll be sharing my insights and progress in next week's newsletter, so be sure to follow to stay updated.

On a personal note, I've been grappling with some imposter syndrome this week. Spending so much time online and constantly researching content can make staying authentic challenging and lead to self-doubt. However, it's only my second week on this journey, and I'm optimistic that everything will fall into place soon :)

That's all for this week! Thank you for reading, and see you on issue #03! 🤗 

Sharon <3