BAM is back with another edition of our monthly roundup of insights, trends, and updates from the social team. This month, we’re excited to highlight content trends that blend emotional storytelling with fresh design aesthetics, giving brands new ways to engage their audiences.                                     

Could we really be saying buh bye to #HASHTAGS? Join us as we explore this question in our channel updates and discover insights on Instagram's algorithm, watch times, and a feature we're curious about: Community Notes.           

Now Trending: Taking Your Younger Self for Coffee

The "Taking Your Younger Self for Coffee" concept is a heartwarming trend capturing attention right now. Originating on TikTok, it encourages reflection by symbolically taking our younger self on a coffee date.

• Evergreen Appeal: This format has been seen since early February, proving its staying power.
• Cross-Platform Potential: While it started on TikTok, the introspective nature of the trend makes it adaptable across Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even LinkedIn for a professional twist.
• Brand Integration: Brands can leverage this trend for authentic storytelling—whether highlighting company growth, featuring employee journeys, or showcasing customer transformations.

@spencer.barbosa this trend is everything to me🥹🥹🥹😓 #girls #relatable #trend ♬ Sweet Heat Lightning - Gregory Alan Isakov

https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.barbosa

Visual Trends: Stop Motion & Rounded Square Framing

In addition to heartfelt storytelling, aesthetics keep evolving. Stop motion is making a comeback, bringing playful, eye-catching movement to content. Meanwhile, the rounded square framing trend—a clean, modern design choice—helps creators attain a polished and professional look while maintaining focus on the subject.    

How to Use These Trends:

• Stop Motion: A dynamic video with a steady foreground object and rapidly changing backgrounds. This method highlights a brand's versatility and relevance and is ideal for product showcases, behind-the-scenes views, and storytelling. 

   

   

   

   

  View this post on Instagram

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  A post shared by Selene e Jonathan | Creators (@twolostvoyagers)

  IG: @twolostvoyagers

• Rounded Square Framing: A subtle yet effective way to frame speakers or images, creating a sleek and cohesive feed aesthetic.    

   

   

   

   

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  A post shared by Smith Das (@smith_das2000)

  IG: @smith_das2000

Channel Updates

#️⃣ RIP #HASHTAGS: UGC creator Jessica Stevenson found no significant effect of hashtags on content performance, concluding that branded hashtags have zero impact on success.

📹 Instagram Algorithm: Instagram now focuses more on total watch time than just video completion percentage. This means longer, engaging videos can shine as brightly as shorter ones! Learn more.

✍️ Community Notes: Meta launched a new feature enabling users to fact-check posts, promoting transparency. This allows brands to prioritize accuracy and engage in community-driven moderation.

And That’s a Wrap

This month’s update covered captivating storytelling visuals, exciting shifts in the Instagram algorithm, and more. Stay tuned for more insights on how brands connect with their audiences and the inspiring power of authentic brand values. See you next month!