In the digital age, social media has become the primary source of news, entertainment, and conversation for millions of people around the world. Trends and viral stories spread like wildfire across platforms, connecting people with similar interests and quickly launching memes, news items, and other topics of conversation into the public consciousness.
Staying on top of these trends and viral stories is essential if you want to understand the online conversation, participate in the latest trends, or simply be aware of what your peers and others on social media are talking about. Here, we’ll discuss the latest trends and viral stories on social media and offer some helpful tips to stay in the know.
What are Social Media Trends and Viral Stories?
Before we dive into the details of the latest trends and viral stories, let’s define exactly what we mean by this term. Social media trends and viral stories refer to topics that gain exponentially more attention on social media than average. These topics can take the form of photos, GIFs, tweets, memes, news stories, and more. The term “virality” is often used to describe the phenomenon of topics quickly catching on and going viral among large groups of people.
Understanding What Goes Viral on Social Media
“Virality” is an elusive concept. There’s no formula or set of criteria that guarantees a post will go viral, and sometimes, it can be a little mysterious. In general, posts that invoke strong emotions tend to do best. Think of a post that makes you laugh or cry, creates a sense of wonder or intrigue, or sparks conversation on an important or controversial topic.
Another important factor is relevancy. People are usually more interested in content that closely relates to their lives in some way. Think of a story about a local issue, or a celebrity gossip story that hits close to home.
Finally, timing is important. Think of the current events cycle. Certain topics can become particularly popular when timing is right – an election year, for example, or a major news event. Knowing when to post about these topics can help gain viral traction.
How to Stay Up-to-Date on Social Media Trends
Staying on top of the latest trends and viral stories can be difficult if you’re not sure how to get the information you’re looking for. Here are a few tips to help you stay in the know on social media.
- Follow Trending Hashtags
Follow the most popular hashtags to stay up-to-date on the conversations happening around specific topics or events. These hashtags often give you insights into what topics people are discussing or what kinds of content they’re sharing.
- Use Social Media Monitoring Tools
Social media monitoring tools are a great way to keep track of what’s happening on social media platforms. You can use these tools to set up search queries and receive notifications when topics related to your interests are discussed or shared.
- Subscribe to Trend Reports and Industry Publications
Keep an eye on publications that discuss the latest trends in your industry. Many publications offer trend reports that can give you an idea of what topics, stories, and trends are gaining attention in your field.
- Keep an Eye on Influencers
Check out the accounts of influencers in your field to get a better idea of what topics they’re talking about and what pieces of content they’re sharing. This can give you an idea of what topics are currently popular among industry experts and professionals.
Current Social Media Trends and Viral Stories
Now that we’ve covered some tips for staying updated on social media trends and viral stories, let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends and stories making the rounds right now. Here’s a look at some of the top trending topics on social media right now.
1: Pop Culture
Pop culture is a major source of trends and viral stories. TV shows, movies, and music often start conversations and spark trends online. For example, Taylor Swift recently caused a stir online with her surprise album Folklore, while TV shows like The Tiger King captivated viewers around the world.
2: Political Discourse
Politics is always a hot topic on social media, and it’s no surprise why. With an election year in full swing, political discourse has become one of the hottest topics on social media. People are sharing their views on the current election and debating the major issues.
3: Coronavirus Updates
The coronavirus pandemic has been one of the biggest news stories of 2020, and social media has been a major source of updates, advice, and conversation around the crisis. People are using social media to keep up with the latest news, share advice, and support one another as everyone transitions to a new normal.
4: Social Movements
The Black Lives Matter Movement has sparked conversations and activism around the world, inspiring powerful conversations and movements for change on social media. Along with #BlackLivesMatter, other hashtags such as #MeToo and #EndSARS have been popular topics on social media.
5: Virtual Connections
In the pandemic era, many people are turning to social media to stay connected with one another. Virtual hangouts, game nights, and other activities are being hosted over video chat and gaining widespread popularity.
Tips for Leveraging Social Media Trends and Viral Stories
Staying up-to-date on social media trends and viral stories can be a great way to connect with people and stay current with conversations happening across platforms. But it doesn’t just have to be a passive activity – you can also use it to your advantage. Here are a few tips to help you leverage social media trends and viral stories in your marketing or business endeavors.
- Respond Quickly
When it comes to leveraging social media trends and viral stories, timing is key. It’s important to act quickly when a trend starts to take off, as this can help you get the most out of a post or story.
- Use Hashtags Wisely
By leveraging the power of hashtags, you can get your posts in front of new viewers and join the current conversations happening around a topic. Just be sure to use hashtags strategically – if you use too many, your post may be ignored.
- Diversify Your Content
Rather than sticking to one type of content, consider diversifying your output. Incorporate images, GIFs, and videos into your posts as well as traditional text-based content. This can help you engage a broader audience.
- Focus on Quality over Quantity
It’s better to post one quality piece of content than five mediocre pieces. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that adds something to the conversation and will draw in your audience.
- Add Your Own Flair
A great way to leverage trends and stories is to add something unique to the conversation. Give your posts your own spin and make them stand out from the crowd.
Social media trends and viral stories are constantly evolving and are often unpredictable, which can make them a challenge to keep up with. But if you stay informed and use the right strategies, you’ll be better equipped to harness the power of social media trends and stories to your advantage. With these tips, you can make sure you’re always in the know about the latest conversations happening in the social media world.