Why Storytelling Trends Last (And How to Use Them to Build Trust and Grow Your Brand)
Trends come and go faster than you can say "algorithm change," but if you're a business owner or content creator constantly chasing the next big thing, it can feel like you're always two steps behind. So how do you know which trends are worth your time? And more importantly, how do you create content that actually connects with your audience and builds trust, instead of just collecting views?
Let’s dig into the difference between fleeting trends and lasting storytelling, and why leaning into the right kind of trend can be one of the smartest moves for your brand.
The Fast-and-Fleeting Nature of Entertainment Trends
We all love a viral moment. The audio that takes over Reels. The meme that hits at just the right time. The trending format everyone is jumping on. These are the trends that typically fall under the entertainment content pillar. They’re often tied to a specific event, cultural moment, or inside joke that’s hot for a week—maybe two—and then it’s over.
Think about the Golden Globes, the Met Gala, or a celebrity soundbite. You’ll see dozens of brands and creators jumping on those audios or themes within 24 hours. They work because they’re timely. They show your audience that you’re paying attention and plugged in. But if you miss the window? The moment is gone, and using it later can make your content feel out of touch or irrelevant.
Does that mean these trends aren’t worth doing? Not at all. Entertainment trends are fun, engaging, and often get a ton of reach. But they need to be used quickly, intentionally, and in a way that still aligns with your brand voice and message.
The Power of Storytelling-Based Trends
Now let’s flip the script. Storytelling-based trends fall under educational or inspirational content pillars. These are the trends that allow you to share behind-the-scenes insights, your brand journey, client transformations, or even relatable struggles and lessons you’ve learned. These trends have longevity. They create an emotional connection. They show the heart behind the hustle.
And most importantly? They build trust.
Storytelling doesn’t expire the way entertainment does. It gives people something to connect to. It gives your brand depth. And when you layer that with a trending format—like a specific audio or visual structure that supports your story—you create content that is not only engaging, but meaningful.
Think about the difference: a trending audio used to make a funny lip-sync video might get you a few laughs and some likes. But a video that shares how you built your business from your kitchen table to your first storefront, set to a trending audio? That’s the kind of content people remember. That’s the kind of content people follow for.
Why Storytelling Trends Stick Around
The beauty of storytelling trends is that they’re often evergreen. If a trend is rooted in narrative—a moment of growth, an insight, a transformation—it can be revisited again and again. These trends aren’t locked to a single moment in time; they evolve with your brand.
We’ve seen creators and businesses jump on storytelling-style trends months after they "peaked" and still get strong engagement, simply because the content resonated. When you prioritize connection over virality, the payoff is long-term.
Plus, storytelling content tends to perform better with the algorithm in the long run. It holds attention longer. It gets shared in DMs. It gets saved. All of these signals tell the algorithm that your content is valuable—and that leads to more reach, more trust, and more brand loyalty.
How to Know Which Trends to Use
Here’s the secret: it’s not about jumping on every trend. It’s about knowing which trends align with your content pillars and brand voice. Before you jump on something viral, ask yourself:
Does this trend align with my brand values?
Can I use this format to tell a story or educate my audience?
Will my audience care about this?
If the answer is yes, go for it. If it feels forced, skip it.
Remember: trends are tools, not strategies. They should support your message, not replace it.
Why Storytelling Builds Trust (and Converts)
People don’t buy products. They buy stories. They buy a connection. They buy into you.
When your content consistently shows the behind-the-scenes, the lessons learned, the wins and the losses—your audience sees the human side of your business. That’s where trust is built. And trust is what leads to engagement, loyalty, and sales.
This is true for product-based businesses, service providers, coaches, creatives—anyone who wants their audience to feel something, remember them, and ultimately choose them.
Your Next Step: Lean Into Storytelling Trends
If you’re ready to stop chasing trends and start building content that creates connection, here’s your move:
Audit your last 10 posts – Which ones had a story element? Which ones were simply trendy?
Define your brand story – What are 3 core stories you can tell over and over again?
Follow creators and brands who do this well – Study their formats and adapt them to your brand.
Download our list of storytelling trends – Yep, we made it easy. 12 trends you can plug your story into right now.
You don’t need to be first on every trend. You need to be strategic with the right ones.
Storytelling is what turns followers into fans. It’s what makes content feel less like marketing and more like a movement.
And when you get that right? You’re not just playing the social game—you’re winning it.
