Don’t Chase Every Trend 

Yes, we all want to be that brand with the witty tweet that blows up, but let’s be real: jumping on every viral trend screams desperation. Don’t be that cringey uncle trying to use TikTok slang. Your brand’s vibe has to match the trend, or it’ll feel like you’re forcing it.

Be Quick but Thoughtful

The internet has the attention span of a goldfish—by tomorrow, your viral moment could be old news. But that doesn’t mean you should rush and post something half-baked. One poorly thought-out post can backfire harder than that time when your favorite show killed off the wrong character (still not over Derek dying, thanks, Grey’s Anatomy). 

Here’s the golden rule: if a meme or trend hits your inbox, it’s probably already stale. The best brands have their social teams plugged in and ready to post while the trend is still fresh.

Embrace the Chaos…But Stay On-Brand 

Viral moments are wild, unpredictable, and sometimes downright bizarre. Lean into that chaos, but make sure your brand’s personality is front and center. The key is striking a balance between riding the wave of what’s trending and staying true to who you are as a brand.

Think of any viral video on tiktok or any viral sound, if you can find a way to spin the TikTok to fit your brand and vibe, do it. The best brands jump on these trends and make them their own, seamlessly tying them back to their unique voice and offerings. If you can find a way to spin a trend to fit your vibe, it’s game on.

Take Beis for example, they are great at taking sounds, trends, and funny moments and spinning it into selling their products. Whether it’s humor or nostalgia, Beis nails the art of weaving their brand into the narrative of a trend.

Another great example? The Kevin James meme. Out of nowhere, an old image of Kevin James from The King of Queens resurfaced and took the internet by storm, becoming a viral meme format. Brands quickly adapted the trend to their own products or messages, pairing James’s awkward smirk with captions that resonated with their audiences.

Imagine your brand hopping on a moment like this—whether it’s a meme format or a trending sound—while staying on-brand. The result? A connection with your audience that feels fresh, authentic, and most importantly, fun.

When the internet throws a curveball, don’t duck—catch it, own it, and make it work for your brand.

Let the Fans Do the Work 

Ever notice how fandoms blow up content? Yeah, that’s what you want. Engage with the people who are already hyped, retweet their memes, reply to their comments, and let them do the heavy lifting. 

You don’t need a million-dollar campaign—sometimes all it takes is a well-placed GIF. When Snoop Dogg became the unofficial “hype man” of the Olympics with his hilarious, unfiltered commentary, fans went wild. The internet took his soundbites and reactions viral, creating endless memes. If you let your fans spread the word in a similar way, your brand can take on a life of its own.

Make It Yours—Or Don’t Do It at All

Here’s the truth: copy-pasting a trend without adding anything unique can make your brand look like a knockoff. If you’re going to join a trend, put your own spin on it. Let’s say everyone’s posting about their favorite “unpopular opinion.” Instead of just adding your brand’s version, tie it into something clever about your industry. Or add a visual twist that your audience will instantly recognize as your brand’s style.

A unique take shows you’re not just following the crowd—you’re bringing your own perspective. And that’s way more memorable.

Keep an Ear to the Ground (Or Just on Twitter)

Part of staying in the game is knowing what’s happening—right now. No one can predict the next viral hit, but you can stay in the loop. Follow trending hashtags, keep an eye on Twitter’s “For You” tab, and get familiar with the meme accounts that are driving conversations. It doesn’t hurt to have a dedicated team member monitoring these spaces to make sure you’re on top of the latest internet shifts.

The good news? Once you’re regularly plugged in, you’ll start to spot the patterns and understand the kinds of trends that are a good fit for your brand.

Know When to Leave the Party 

Just like when you’re binge-watching a show and know it’s time to hit “stop” (but don’t), brands need to recognize when to exit the viral conversation. Don’t overstay your welcome—know when it’s time to bow out gracefully and start planning for the next wave. Brands that stay past the trend’s prime just end up looking tired. Leave them with a taste, not an overload.

So, whether you’re jumping on the latest meme or getting involved in a viral conversation, remember: timing, tone, and knowing your audience are everything. Keep it fresh, stay memorable, and watch your brand ride that wave like a pro.

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