Viral Video Trends: What’s Hot in Short-Form Content for 2024
In an era where content consumption is increasingly rapid, viral video trends are becoming the dominant force in digital media. Their popularity continues to surge, driven by their ability to capture attention and engage audiences with remarkable efficiency.
Short-form videos, with their concise and compelling nature, have become indispensable tools for both content creators and marketers. According to HubSpot, these videos boast the highest engagement and return on investment rates across social media platforms.
From TikTok to Instagram Reels, let’s delve into how these quick, engaging videos are shaping the digital landscape and driving significant audience interaction.
Understanding Short-Form Videos
What Are Short-Form Videos?
At their core, short-form videos are typically less than one minute long. They are crafted to be easily digestible, aligning perfectly with the fleeting attention spans of modern viewers. This format makes them ideal for delivering quick tutorials, humorous clips, or promotional content in a manner that is both engaging and accessible.
Short-form videos are versatile and can serve various purposes, from showcasing products and services to providing behind-the-scenes glimpses. Given the increasing trend of mobile content consumption, these bite-sized videos cater to the on-the-go nature of today’s audience. Their popularity underscores their role as a critical tool for marketers and video production companies.
Viral Video Trends: Top Short-Form Video Trends for 2024
Embracing the Unexpected: The “Man in Finance” Trend
A recent viral sensation on TikTok involves a trend where users create catchy content around the concept of a “Man in Finance”. This phenomenon started with a TikToker, @girl_on_couch, who requested a specific type of song related to finance. This request prompted @Tima Pages to remix the concept, and the resulting video went viral.
This trend exemplifies how unexpected content can capture widespread attention. Brands should consider leveraging such trends to enhance their visibility. For instance, Duolingo, a prominent language learning platform, has creatively tapped into this trend. Similarly, Amazon Prime Germany has also adapted this trend to resonate with its audience.
The Power of Silent Videos
Another notable trend is the rise of no-speech videos. A prominent figure in this category is Khabane Lame, known on TikTok as @khaby.lame and on Instagram as @khaby00. With 81 million followers on Instagram and 162 million on TikTok, Lame has mastered the art of silent, visually compelling content.
To capitalise on this trend, brands can showcase how their products simplify complex tasks. For example, a brand could create a short video demonstrating an overly complicated method to perform a task, followed by a clear, straightforward solution provided by their product.
Interactive Content with #ThisorThat
Interactive storytelling continues to thrive with the #ThisorThat trend, which has gained popularity since 2023. This trend involves creators posing simple choices to viewers, such as chocolate versus vanilla ice cream. This format not only engages viewers but also encourages them to interact by sharing their preferences.
Brands can utilise this trend by adapting it to highlight their products or services. For instance, a beauty brand might use #ThisorThat to compare different makeup products. This method can significantly boost engagement, as evidenced by the viral success of a beauty filter that accumulated over 6,000 uses and millions of views.
The Nasty Girl Phenomenon
Inspired by Tinashe’s hit song ‘Nasty’, the ‘Nasty Girl’ trend is one of the viral video trends that has taken social media by storm in 2024. This trend is characterised by creators embracing a bold, sassy attitude or using irony in their content.
Brands can tap into this trend by featuring user-generated content that embodies the “Nasty Girl” spirit. Collaborating with creators who align with your brand’s image can result in dynamic challenges or sponsored posts that resonate with a bold and fearless audience.
Bridging Generations and Cultures
The trend of bringing together different generations and cultures is both heartwarming and engaging. Grandparents collaborating with grandchildren on videos, parents revisiting their youth’s dance moves, and families creating makeup tutorials are all examples of this trend in action.
For brands, participating in this trend offers a unique opportunity to engage with viral video trends and promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. For example, a beauty brand might showcase its 80s products through a nostalgic TikTok video, blending past and present trends in a compelling way.
The Blink Trend: Capturing Attention in a Second
The “Blink” trend involves using a single, one-second sound effect to create fleeting, attention-grabbing videos. Moreover, this trend has become incredibly popular on Instagram, with creators using it to pair brief videos with surprising captions.
Brands can leverage this trend by crafting a series of one-second videos with cliffhanger captions, telling a short story across multiple posts. Alternatively, a beauty brand could use this approach to quickly showcase different makeup steps and products.
The Snowfall Sound for Serene Moments
The “Snowfall” sound trend has become a favourite for creating calming and inspirational content. This sound has been adopted by beauty brands to demonstrate their products in a soothing, visually appealing manner.
Maybelline, for instance, uses the “Snowfall” sound to highlight their new lip liners, conveying a sense of elegance and tranquillity. L’Oreal Paris USA has also utilised this sound to enhance their storytelling, adding a deeper layer to their promotional content.
Energising Content with The Spark
The “Spark” trend, driven by Kabin Crew’s high-energy song, features creators going from a drained state to showcasing their talents or activities with a burst of energy. This trend is ideal for demonstrating how your products or services can provide a quick boost of energy or excitement.
Brands can create engaging before-and-after videos, energetic dance routines featuring their team, or demonstrations of their products in action, all set to the invigorating “The Spark” soundtrack.
Essential Elements of Short-Form Video Content
User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content remains a powerful strategy for brands to capitalise on viral video trends. Encouraging followers to create and share videos featuring your products not only enhances brand visibility but also builds a stronger connection with your audience. UGC offers authentic reviews and showcases real-life applications of your products, effectively acting as a form of peer recommendation.
Engaging with Challenges and Hashtags
Challenges and hashtags are central to short-form content success. Platforms like TikTok have popularised viral challenges, with users continually sharing their own versions. Participating in these challenges can significantly increase your brand’s exposure and engagement. Hashtags also help categorise content, making it easier for users to find and engage with videos related to specific trends or topics.
Creating Educational Snippets
Educational short-form videos are increasingly popular, providing quick tips or insights that are highly shareable. These snippets can range from how-to guides and quick tips to industry insights and product demonstrations. They offer immediate, valuable information while positioning your brand as a knowledgeable authority in your field.
Viral Video Trends: Key Takeaways
Short-form videos have firmly established themselves as a dominant force in digital content, offering a quick and engaging way to connect with audiences. To stay ahead in this dynamic landscape, consider the following:
- Embrace the Power of Short-Form Videos: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels offer an effective way to capture attention and drive engagement.
- Monitor and Adapt to Trends: Staying abreast of current trends can help keep your content fresh and relevant.
- Focus on Essential Elements: User-generated content, challenges, hashtags, and educational snippets are crucial for creating impactful short-form videos.
- Prioritise Creativity and Authenticity: Experimenting with various formats and trends will help you discover what resonates best with your audience. In the realm of short-form videos, creativity and authenticity are key.
By integrating these strategies into your content plan, you can effectively engage your audience and maintain a competitive edge. So, dive into the world of short-form videos and start crafting content that captivates and connects.
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