As August rolls on, TikTok and Instagram continue to show us how quickly short-form trends evolve. Dance routines and transformation edits remain as popular as ever, but there’s also a noticeable move towards storytelling, comedy, and even a bit of nostalgia. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new, what’s on the rise, and what might be fading.
TikTok: Movement and Storytelling in Equal Measure
Expressive Dancing
Group routines and couple-core choreography are still a central feature of TikTok’s landscape. Creators join forces to deliver synchronised moves with playful flair, often adding their own twist to stand out. Recent spins on the idea include “petty glam transformations” – where someone storms off in mock anger before re-entering the frame in full costume or glittery attire.
Slideshow Storytelling
A newer trend sees TikTok users swapping video for image-based slideshows. These usually consist of three to five still pictures, with captions leading to a punchline. Some creators use the format for comedy, while others share mini photo-essays about relationships, holidays, or personal anecdotes. It’s an accessible way to keep content fresh without heavy video editing.
Soft Confessions and Body Positivity
The appetite for relatable humour remains strong. Users post gentle, confessional captions that highlight shared insecurities or awkward situations, often tied to body positivity. A typical example is the “we’ve all been there” meme, where a cringe-worthy story is told against a backdrop of upbeat music, encouraging others to laugh along rather than feel embarrassed.
Hashtags Driving Communities
Hashtags such as #hiddengems promote local travel and discovery, while #decorinspo and #apartmenttour fuel home décor envy. In sport, #mls2025 and #tiktoksports give coverage to matches and behind-the-scenes action. Meanwhile, music festival hashtags like #lollapalooza draw in fans who want to relive the highlights or share their own clips.
Instagram: Drama, Nostalgia, and Fashion Flair
“That’s My Opinion!”
One of the livelier Reels formats features friends in mock argument, overlaying audio of someone shouting “That’s my opinion!” before posing together for a staged selfie. It’s humorous, playful, and makes light of minor fall-outs by showing they’re never that serious.
“Don’t Do It”
This format plays on the temptation to act on impulse. A Reel will often start with a creator staring at something they know they shouldn’t do—such as ordering another takeaway or sending a risky text—while the audio warns “don’t do it.” Inevitably, they go ahead anyway, much to the amusement of their followers.
Nostalgia with “The Summer I…”
Another popular Reel format uses the caption “The Summer I…” followed by personal reflections, often humorous or sentimental. Examples include “The summer I thought I could survive without air conditioning” or “The summer I danced at every wedding I wasn’t invited to.” It has a light-hearted diary-entry feel that connects with audiences.
Fashion-First Drama
Instagram continues to blend comedy with style. Reels like “throw a fit” start with a mock tantrum before transitioning into a dramatic outfit reveal. Others, such as “fridge fit change”, feature creators using their fridge door as a backdrop, shutting it in casual clothes and re-opening it to reveal a polished new look. These trends give a fashion-magazine twist to everyday life.
Already August
This trend captures disbelief at how quickly the year has passed. Creators film themselves reacting to the caption “It’s already August?!” with humour, exasperation, or even a touch of panic.
Cross-Platform Observations
- Both TikTok and Instagram are currently rewarding formats that give clear prompts. Whether it’s “show your transformation,” “tell us your confession,” or “reveal your outfit,” the winning formula is simple, repeatable, and instantly recognisable.
- Nostalgia and confession are pulling in viewers: whether reflecting on summer memories or admitting embarrassing habits, users appreciate content that feels human and familiar.
- Food, fashion, and lifestyle continue to dominate. From plated egg “flights” to fridge-door outfit changes, the best trends merge the ordinary with the unexpected.
Music Notes
Two sounds still dominate the European summer:
- “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, which provides the soundtrack to countless relationship and milestone edits.
- “I Have One Daughter” by Luke Holloway, originally comedic, but now repurposed for a wide variety of memes.
On Instagram, shorter trending audios rotate weekly. Examples include “I’ll Be There”, often used for friendship edits, and “Pantone”, where creators colour-match their outfits to a specific shade.
Summary
The currrent trends highlight the continued evolution of short-form content. TikTok thrives on movement, storytelling, and confessions, while Instagram leans into humour, drama, and fashion-forward reveals. For creators and brands, the lesson is clear: be authentic, give audiences a simple format they can copy, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
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