TikTok is constantly buzzing with trends, from catchy sounds to viral challenges. One of the most recent trends that made waves is the “very demure, very mindful” movement, which embraces modest, cute, and mindful aesthetics. This trend was brought into the spotlight by content creator Jools Lebron, who humorously satirised the idea of dressing conservatively at work. Their take, which started as a light-hearted jab at office attire, has since exploded into a broader cultural conversation on TikTok.
Lebron’s viral video humorously suggests that people should opt for more demure, modest styles in professional settings. But, in true TikTok fashion, this satirical content quickly spiraled into something bigger, sparking a flurry of reaction videos, memes, and spin-offs from brands and creators alike. It has even prompted big names like McDonald’s and Netflix to tap into the “demure and cutesy” trend.
But why did the demure trend take off so quickly, and how can you spot the next viral trend on TikTok? Here’s a deeper dive.
Why Did the Demure Trend Blow Up?
The demure trend took off for several reasons. First, it tapped into the growing conversation around workplace expectations. But the trend’s humour and satirical edge helped it stand out in a sea of more serious content.
Secondly, TikTok is driven by viral sounds, and the phrase “very demure, very mindful” quickly became a sound byte that other creators started using to parody their own experiences. The catchy nature of the audio, combined with its adaptability across various scenarios, helped it spread quickly across the platform. Memes, stitched reactions, and comedic takes followed, amplifying the trend’s reach.
Finally, the demure trend offers a refreshing contrast to other bold and flashy TikTok aesthetics like the “office siren look” that preceded it. Its simplicity, modesty, and mindful undertones made it approachable and relatable, allowing a wide variety of users to engage with it.
How to Spot the Next ‘Demure’ Trend on TikTok
To get ahead of the curve and spot the next viral trend on TikTok, you need to pay attention to content that stands out—something that feels different from your usual feed algorithm. Here are some tips to help you identify a trend on the rise:
- Watch for Out-of-Place Content: When you encounter a video that makes you stop and think, “What did they just say?” or “That’s random,” you might be witnessing the initial stages of a trend. TikTok thrives on quirkiness, so content that feels slightly offbeat could be a signal of something bigger brewing.
- Check the View Count: A good indication that something is catching on is the view count. If a video that seems out of place has amassed many views, it’s a clue that it is resonating with a wider audience beyond your own algorithm.
- Follow the Sound Byte: TikTok trends often revolve around specific sound clips. Keep an eye on popular sound bytes that are being reused across multiple contexts. When you see the same audio popping up in different videos, especially in ways that are being reinterpreted, it is likely a trend is forming.
- Engagement Over Virality: Look for videos that may not have gone viral yet but have high engagement in the comments and lots of saves. This could indicate a growing interest in the content before it fully blows up
Examples of How Marketers Have Used TikTok Trends
A fantastic example of a brand leveraging a TikTok trend is Reiss, which capitalised on the viral “I am looking for a guy in finance” trend. Reiss collaborated with the Ultimate Event Dancers to stage a flash mob outside a London store, aligning their brand with the finance-bro trend on TikTok. By incorporating humour and tapping into a popular sound byte, they created a fun, memorable marketing moment that boosted their visibility and engagement. Watch the Reis dance on TikTok here.
Strategies for Marketers: How to Capitalise on TikTok Trends
For brands looking to engage with TikTok trends like “demure” or spot the next big thing, here are some strategies:
- Monitor TikTok Daily: TikTok moves fast, and being slow to react can mean missing a viral moment. Have a team dedicated to monitoring trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges.
- Adapt Trends to Your Brand Voice: Once you identify a trend, find creative ways to adapt it to your brand’s voice. For example, if you are a fashion brand, you could create a series around the “demure” aesthetic, offering clothing suggestions that align with the mindful, modest tone of the trend.
- Leverage Influencers: Partner with influencers who are already engaged with the trend to create authentic content that resonates with their audience. Collaborations help ensure your brand is part of the conversation in a natural way.
- Be Playful: TikTok thrives on humour and creativity. Don’t be afraid to join in on the fun and embrace the more playful aspects of a trend. Consumers appreciate brands that can laugh along with them.
Strategies for Creators: Riding the Wave of TikTok Trends
While following trends is not for every creator, if you are interested in growing your audience quickly or gaining more visibility, hopping on the right trend can help you stay relevant. Here’s how to do it:
- Stay Engaged with Niche Communities: Keep an eye on niche TikTok communities where trends often start. These smaller, tight-knit groups are often the birthplace of viral moments.
- Be Quick to Respond: If you see a trend that is starting to gain traction, jump on it quickly. The faster you create relevant content, the more likely you are to be discovered when the trend peaks.
- Put Your Own Spin on the Trend: Don’t just copy what others are doing. Use the trend as a foundation and add your own creative flair. This helps your content stand out while still being part of the wider conversation.
- Collaborate with Others: Stitch or duet with creators who are contributing to the trend. This collaborative approach helps increase your visibility and engagement within the TikTok ecosystem.
Conclusion
As TikTok continues to be a hub for quick-to-rise and often transient trends, brands will need to become more agile and creative in how they align with these viral moments. Instead of waiting for a trend to fully mature, savvy brands will jump on board early, adapting their messaging to capitalise on short-lived but impactful trends. However, it is crucial for brands to stay true to their core values and not jump on every trend. The key is finding trends that authentically align with their brand identity and audience. Those that can creatively and swiftly engage with the right trends will thrive, while maintaining credibility and authenticity in the fast-paced digital landscape.
Spotting the next big trend on TikTok requires both a keen eye and an understanding of how the platform’s culture operates. By paying attention to quirky content, popular sound bytes, and engagement metrics, you can be one step ahead of the next viral movement. For brands and creators alike, staying nimble and creative is the key to capitalising on these trends.
The next “demure” trend is already out there—are you ready to spot it?