As the temperatures rise, so does the volume of content on social media. From poolside posts to concert clips, summer is prime time for scrolling, sharing, and sparking conversation. But the question remains: what’s actually trending this season, and how can your brand tap in without looking out of touch?
The summer of 2025 is bursting with creativity, challenges, and conversation starters that marketers and content creators can leverage to stay relevant, boost engagement, and ride the viral wave. Whether you’re planning your next content calendar or looking for a quick idea to break through the algorithm, here’s a rundown of what’s trending now on social platforms in July and August—plus actionable tips to join the fun (authentically).
Let’s start with the trends that are heating up across platforms: First up, “Core Culture” Aesthetic Trends. TikTok and Instagram Reels continue to thrive on niche summer identities like “Tomato Girl Summer,” “Linen Dad Aesthetic,” and “Hot Book Summer.” These playful personas are creating space for creative content that blends lifestyle, humor, and fashion. If your brand leans into lifestyle or visual storytelling, this is a goldmine. Think curated mood boards, outfit inspiration, or even product roundups inspired by each aesthetic. For example, a skincare brand could do a “Tomato Girl Essentials” post, while a fitness studio could show “Linen Dad Workout Routines.”
Next, the #Barbiecore glow-up is still going strong post-Barbie movie buzz, showing up in pink-forward fashion, playful brand palettes, and nostalgic nods to Y2K pop culture. Brands are still creating “Barbie Box” memes and packaging themselves like action figures or dolls, which works brilliantly for everything from professional bios to product mockups. Pair this with hashtags like #Barbiecore, #HotGirlSummer, and #SummerSlay for maximum traction.
Speaking of heat, summer challenge content is getting an upgrade. Instead of generic dance trends, brands and creators are launching theme-based challenges that encourage engagement without requiring choreography. Think “5-Day Summer Reset Challenge,” “Fridge Restock Aesthetic,” or “Your Summer in 4 Photos.” These types of challenges invite UGC (user-generated content), are easy to duplicate, and naturally build community. For service-based businesses, you can adapt these trends with prompts like “What does self-care look like for you this summer?” or “Show us how you work from anywhere.”
Another trend making waves is “Low-Effort High-Vibe” Content. As burnout around perfectly polished Reels grows, creators are leaning into casual, behind-the-scenes, day-in-the-life content that feels more relatable than rehearsed. This is your cue to let your team show their personalities, use more first-person storytelling, and drop the filters. Whether you’re showing a messy workspace, a blooper reel, or just your morning coffee setup, the realness builds trust.
Now let’s talk hashtags. While timeless tags like #SummerVibes and #OOTD still work, specific seasonal and trending hashtags get more traction. In July and August, try:
#JulyDump / #AugustDump (photo dump-style content is still trending)
#GrillTok (great for food content or summer parties)
#VanLife or #WorkFromAnywhere (for travel/lifestyle brands)
#CoolDownChallenge (for summer-themed health or wellness campaigns)
#BackToSchool2025 (start using this mid-to-late July!)
#PoolsideReads and #BeachBagEssentials (for ecom, books, and accessories)
Always pair these with 1-2 brand-specific hashtags and location tags when relevant.
So, how do you ride these waves without looking like you’re trying too hard? The key is context and customization. Don’t jump on every trend—pick the ones that genuinely align with your brand’s personality, audience interests, or values. For example, a law firm could get in on #HotTakes with myth-busting legal tips for summer (“No, your landlord can’t actually turn off the A/C just because it’s August”) while a marketing agency might participate in the “4-photo Summer Recap” using photos from different campaigns, team retreats, or creative wins.
And don’t underestimate the power of seasonal storytelling. Share relatable summer pain points (like back-to-school stress or how to stay productive when it’s 90+ degrees). Show how your product or service solves a specific summer struggle. Use humor. Use lists. Use visuals. The more you acknowledge what your audience is feeling right now, the more likely they are to engage.
Finally, don’t forget to plan for real-time engagement. Viral moments can’t always be predicted, so leave space in your calendar to react to trending news, viral audio clips, or internet moments. Whether it’s a pop culture meme or a tweet that everyone is reposting, speed matters. Keep Canva templates or caption frameworks ready to roll so you can publish while the moment is still hot.
In summary, summer doesn’t have to be a slow season for content—in fact, it’s one of the most emotionally rich, visually vibrant times of the year to connect with your audience. Lean into aesthetics, humor, low-pressure challenges, and well-researched hashtags to keep your content fresh and relevant through August. Remember: you don’t need to go viral to ride the wave. You just need to show up with purpose and personality.
Need help jumping into the trends while staying true to your brand? Teal Marketing can help you build scroll-stopping content strategies that work seasonally and sustainably. Let’s make this your hottest summer yet—online and off.
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Sincerely,
Anna Teal
Anna is an author and writer who is passionate about the art of storytelling. She enjoys connecting with small businesses in her community while taking their marketing efforts to the next level of growth.
