TikTok continues to dominate as one of the fastest-growing platforms in 2025, and I’m here to help you stay ahead of the curve. From trends your brand should be hopping on, to the ones it’s time to say “bye-bye” to, this is your guide to your next big idea. Whether you’re a small business trying to grow or a bigger brand stuck on “what do we post next?”, I’ve got you. Especially because this is all coming from the brain of a 19-year-old who lives on the app.
GRWM (Get Ready With Me)
Let’s start strong: GRWM will still be thriving in 2025. These videos feel like Facetiming a friend. There’s comfort in the chaos of someone brushing their hair while spilling life updates, or prepping for work while giving skincare recs. But it’s not just about makeup or outfits anymore. It’s about relating.
At Keep It Real Social, we say it all the time:
“People buy from people.”
Whether it’s your esthetician casually recommending her favorite cleanser while rolling on her under-eye patches or a sales rep showing off her cute outfit and where she got her boots, it’s the personality and honesty that pull people in. While doing this, promote your brand. Get your name out there. Even collaborate and send your product to a famous influencer to show off. Let this be your sign to hit record and start connecting with your audience.
Creators Who Promote Brands
–Alix Earle
–Mikayla Nogueira
–Katie Fang
–Halle Simons
POV (Point of View)
Being in the moment keeps people watching, and that’s precisely why POVs are a cheat code for promoting your brand in a humorous, casual way. Whether it’s a quick 20-second skit like “POV: the types of coworkers in the office” or “POV: my face after getting Botox for the first time,” these videos hit different.
POV content brings something most marketing videos lack: relatability. It stops people mid-scroll, pulls them into a feeling or memory, and makes them think, “Wait… that’s me.” It’s storytelling in seconds; that emotional click builds loyal, engaged audiences.
Brands Who Create POV’s
–Quizlet
–Duolingo
–Ryanair
“Propaganda I’m Not Falling For”
Lately, I’ve been into this trend called “Propaganda I’m Not Falling For.” It’s a series of swipe-through photo slides where creators or brands call out popular trends and hype they refuse to buy into. The videos are super relatable because they make you nod along with every point, like, yes, someone else gets it!
One brand that did this well is Chipotle. Their video humorously called out common fast-food myths that they’re just not about, and I found myself thinking “yep, I’m with you” after each swipe. It’s a clever way for brands to show personality, connect with their audience, and build trust by being upfront about what they do and don’t stand for.
Brands That Have Made These
–Chipolte
–Aerie
–Pura Vida
DIML (Day in My Life)
It’s in our nature to wonder how other people live their day-to-day lives. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole myself. Lately, I can’t stop watching a YouTuber named Mary Sergi. She’s a recent college grad who shares super engaging DIML videos, all in that dreamy “clean girl” aesthetic.
Something about the way she films her mornings, skincare routine, and coffee rituals instantly makes me want to tidy up my space and reapply my favorite serums. Her content doesn’t just entertain, it motivates. That’s the magic of DIMLs. They’re relatable, inspiring, and make viewers feel like they’re in it with you.
Brands can tap into the same magic. Show a day in the life of your founder, team, or even customers using your product. Don’t overthink it, just make it real. Package orders, test products, and brainstorm ideas. Add in popular trends, music, or aesthetics. Suddenly, your content feels less like marketing and more like a lifestyle.
Brands That Create DIMLs
–Glossier
–Gymshark
–Lululemon
Commenting
Sometimes, you don’t even need to make content to gain attention. Making TikTok’s is cool, but have you ever seen a brand destroy someone in the comment section? Life360 does it best. I still laugh thinking about a comment and reply I saw: “My mom found me at a party because of you,” and Life360 goes, “Being alone in your room doesn’t count as a party.” Like… the audacity, and I love it. It’s low-key genius. They don’t even have to try hard. Just a couple of savage replies, and boom, everyone’s talking about them. People will remember who made them have a deep belly laugh. Rather than the brand that was only serious, and pushing their brand on you in a boring manner. As a Gen Z’er, I highly recommend handing the phone over to a younger person on staff and letting them get to commenting. They will understand the audience the best and be able to come up with some pretty creative humor.
One of the best things about commenting as a brand is that you naturally stand out. Your username appears bold, often rising to the top of the comment section, making it way more likely people will notice and click on your profile. And if your comment is funny or relatable? Even better. People love engaging with brands they feel like they’re relating to. It’s a simple way to get eyes on your page without putting in much effort. It’s a clever little hack to boost your visibility and drive engagement.
Brands Who Comment Playfully
–Life360
–Wendy’s
–Duolingo
BTS (Behind the Scenes)
When it comes to choosing a brand, the unknown can feel intimidating. Are you more likely to buy from a company that shares what goes on behind the scenes or one that keeps everything a mystery? Most people naturally gravitate toward the brand they know and trust rather than take a chance on something unfamiliar.
That’s why BTS content is such a powerful tool. Whether it’s a peek into your team’s day, a look at how your product is made, or a glimpse of your workspace, BTS videos and photos give your audience a sense of connection and transparency. It’s like inviting them into your world, making your brand feel human and approachable.
At the end of the day, people want to do business with brands they feel comfortable with, and showing your company’s real, authentic side helps build that trust before any purchase is made. So, to stand out and create loyal customers, start sharing what’s happening behind the scenes. Because when your audience knows you, they’re more likely to stick around and feel like they’re relating to you.
Brands That Have Posted BTS
–Sephora
–Nike
–Ben and Jerry’s
You probably noticed I kept boldly putting the word related throughout this blog. That’s because it’s super important. Being related isn’t just about having something in common, but feeling like someone gets you. It’s that nice feeling when you realize you’re not alone and there are people out there who understand what you’re going through. That’s exactly what you want your brand to do. People don’t just buy stuff. They connect with brands that feel real and relatable. Think about it: growing a business isn’t just about having a cool product or fancy ads. It’s about connecting with real people in a way that feels honest and easy to understand. When your audience feels like your brand gets them, they’re way more likely to trust you and stick around. So yeah, relating might seem simple, but it’s one of the biggest things that helps a brand grow. If you can get that right, everything else will follow. Especially that following count 😉
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Maggie Grant is a marketing intern at Keep it Real Social, where she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to digital marketing. She’s currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Sports Media and plays college softball. Maggie has over two years of experience behind the camera, capturing photo and video content that tells a story. When she’s not studying, playing ball, or creating content, she enjoys fishing, reading, and indulging in her favorite treat—ice cream.
