🎯 Lesson Goal:
To teach creators how to use TikTok trends strategically — blending popular sounds, formats, and styles with their unique niche and voice to grow authentically.
Why “Staying on Trend” Isn’t Always the Answer
TikTok trends can be a rocket boost for visibility — but if you’re not careful, they can also pull you off-brand.
Many creators fall into the trap of chasing every trending sound or challenge, hoping for viral reach.
But here’s the truth: trends get attention; authenticity keeps it.
If a trend doesn’t fit your message, your energy, or your audience, it might win views — but it won’t win hearts.
💡 You don’t have to follow every trend. You have to own the right ones.
Step 1️⃣ – Understand the Purpose of Trends
Trends work because they’re built on shared recognition.
When people see a trending sound or format, they instantly know the context — that’s why it draws attention.
But the purpose of a trend isn’t to copy others — it’s to connect your message to what people are already engaging with.
💡 Trends are vehicles — your message is the driver.
Step 2️⃣ – Evaluate Every Trend Through Your Niche Lens
Before jumping on a trend, pause and ask:
1️⃣ Does this align with my audience’s interests?
2️⃣ Can I adapt this trend to communicate my message?
3️⃣ Will this feel authentic to my usual tone and style?
If you can answer “yes” to at least two of those, it’s probably worth doing.
If not — skip it and focus on something that fits better.
💡 Every trend should amplify your voice, not replace it.
Step 3️⃣ – Adapt Trends, Don’t Imitate Them
The best creators don’t just copy — they reinterpret.
When you use a trending format or sound:
✅ Add your own spin, opinion, or personality.
✅ Change the context to fit your niche.
✅ Make it instantly recognisable as “your” version of the trend.
Example:
If the trend is a viral sound about “Monday motivation,” a fitness creator might use it to share a 10-second home workout, while a business coach could use it to give a quick productivity tip.
💡 Copying gets attention. Creativity earns connection.
Step 4️⃣ – Mix Trend Content Into Your Strategy (The 20% Rule)
Trends should support your content — not define it.
Aim to dedicate around 20% of your content to trend-based videos.
That’s enough to keep your page fresh and algorithm-friendly, without diluting your message.
Use trends strategically to:
🔥 Boost reach and visibility.
🎯 Attract new audiences into your niche.
💬 Encourage light, shareable engagement.
💡 Trends open doors — your niche keeps people inside.
Step 5️⃣ – Identify “Trend-Compatible” Formats in Your Niche
Every niche has trends that fit better than others.
For example:
- Beauty & Fashion: Audio trends, transitions, “get ready with me” formats.
- Fitness & Wellness: Challenge trends, time-lapse workouts, motivational audio.
- Education & Coaching: “Did you know…” voiceovers, reaction trends, duets.
- Comedy & Lifestyle: POV trends, relatable skits, sound remixes.
Study your niche’s trending formats regularly and pick the ones that enhance your message, not distract from it.
💡 Every niche has its own rhythm — learn yours.
Step 6️⃣ – Keep Your Core Message Front and Center
When using a trend, make sure your main message still shines through.
Ask yourself:
“If someone muted this sound, would they still know what I stand for?”
That’s the test of true alignment.
Trends should be the wrapper — your brand is the gift inside.
💡 Don’t get lost in the noise — stay rooted in your voice.
Step 7️⃣ – Use Trends as Entry Points, Not Endpoints
A smart trend strategy attracts new viewers — but then transitions them into your core content.
For example:
🎥 Use a trend to capture attention.
🎥 Follow up with a video that builds value or tells your story.
This way, you turn fleeting curiosity into long-term connection.
💡 Trends bring the crowd. Consistency builds the community.
Step 8️⃣ – Create “Trend Templates” for Easy Adaptation
When you find a trend that works for your niche, create a simple system to reuse the structure.
Example:
If a certain sound works well for quick tips, make it a recurring series:
- “Marketing tip of the day 💡”
- “Fitness fact Friday 💪”
- “Mindset Mondays 🧠”
Each time, keep the same structure but change the message — consistency inside creativity.
💡 Structure saves time — repetition builds recognition.
Step 9️⃣ – Track Trend Performance
Not every trend will hit — and that’s okay.
Use your analytics to see which ones:
📈 Increased reach.
💬 Drove engagement.
🎯 Attracted new followers.
If certain types of trends consistently perform well, incorporate them more often.
If not, focus back on your evergreen content.
💡 Your data tells you which trends deserve a sequel.
Step 🔟 – Stay Authentic Through All Seasons
Trends fade fast — your brand shouldn’t.
Always bring every trend back to you: your tone, your message, and your reason for showing up.
That’s what your audience follows, not the latest hashtag.
💡 You can ride the wave without losing your direction.
The Takeaway
Use trends to enhance your reach — not to erase your identity.
Your strength as a creator comes from consistency in your message and courage in your creativity.
When you align trends with your niche, you blend the best of both worlds — visibility and authenticity.
💡 Trends give you reach. Identity gives you roots.
Now that you know how to blend trends with your authentic style, it’s time to zoom out and assess your whole content direction.
In 15.3 – Recognising When Your Content Strategy Needs a Refresh, you’ll learn the signs that your content has gone stale — and exactly how to pivot before your growth plateaus.