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Insight of the Day: Brands jumping on viral trends is a turnoff for consumers

Writer's picture: InsightTrendsWorldInsightTrendsWorld

Why it is the Topic Trending

Brands jumping on viral trends often elicits strong opinions from consumers, making it a hot topic of discussion. Consumers are drawn to the balance between authenticity and cultural relevance, leading to ongoing conversations about brand behavior on social media.

Overview

The 2025 Sprout Social Index highlights the tension consumers feel about brands engaging with viral trends. While they want brands to stay up-to-date, many see this behavior as embarrassing if not done authentically. The report underscores the importance of originality, authenticity, and combating misinformation in the social media landscape.

Detailed Findings

  • Authenticity and Relatability: Consumers value these traits most in brands.

  • Original Content: Unique content helps brands stand out on social media.

  • Combatting Misinformation: There's a high expectation for brands to address and correct misinformation.

  • Platform Preferences: Facebook remains a key platform for purchases, with TikTok leading among Gen Z and Millennials.

Key Takeaway

Brands need to engage meaningfully with online culture rather than chasing every viral trend.

Main Trend

Cultural Relevance over Trend-Chasing Brands are expected to engage deeply with online culture and their communities instead of jumping on every viral trend.

Consumer Motivation

Consumers seek brands that feel genuine and can relate to their values and interests.

What is Driving the Trend

A growing sophistication in consumer demands and a desire for meaningful engagement on social media.

What is the Motivation Beyond the Trend

Consumers want to connect with brands that reflect their own values and engage authentically.

Description of Consumers

  • Age: Varies, but with a focus on Gen Z and Millennials.

  • Gender: Diverse, encompassing all genders.

  • Income: Middle to higher income brackets.

  • Lifestyle: Digitally savvy, socially conscious, and trend-aware.

Conclusions

Brands must prioritize authenticity and meaningful engagement over simply jumping on trends.

Implications

  • For Brands: Need to balance staying relevant with being genuine.

  • For Society: A push towards more authentic interactions and trust in brand communications.

  • For Consumers: Higher expectations for brand behavior and content.

  • For Future: Increased emphasis on authenticity and combatting misinformation.

Consumer Trend

Authenticity Expectation Consumers demand brands to be genuine and relatable in their social interactions.

Consumer Sub Trend

Originality in Content Original and unique content is crucial for brand differentiation on social media.

Big Social Trend

Combatting Misinformation Consumers expect brands to play an active role in addressing and correcting misinformation.

Worldwide Social Trend

Digital Sophistication Consumers across the globe are becoming more sophisticated in their online engagement.

Social Drive

Meaningful Engagement A drive towards deeper and more meaningful engagement between brands and consumers on social media.

Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025

Focus on authenticity, originality, and meaningful engagement. Combat misinformation actively and engage with what truly matters to their communities.

Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025

  • Build genuine relationships with your audience.

  • Create unique and original content.

  • Actively listen and respond to your community.

  • Focus on meaningful and culturally relevant engagement.

  • Combat misinformation transparently and effectively.

Final Sentence

Main Trend Summary Brands must prioritize authenticity and meaningful engagement to stay relevant and respected by consumers.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend

  • Core Trend: Cultural Relevance over Trend-Chasing - Brands are expected to engage deeply with online culture and their communities instead of jumping on every viral trend.

  • Core Strategy: Authenticity and Relatability - Focus on being genuine and relatable in all brand communications.

  • Core Industry Trend: Original Content Creation - Develop unique and original content to stand out on social media.

  • Core Consumer Motivation: Desire for Genuine Connections - Consumers want to connect with brands that reflect their own values and interests.

Final Conclusion

To succeed in 2025, brands must engage with their communities in a meaningful and authentic way, create original content, and actively combat misinformation. Prioritizing these strategies will build stronger connections and trust with consumers.

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