# TikTok Trend — Format

> Riding a current TikTok trend. Use trending sound, format, or transition. 15-60s.

## Format basics

- Length: 15-60 seconds
- Aspect: 9:16 vertical
- Uses trending sound / format / hashtag
- Must move FAST (trends die in days)
- Add unique twist (don't just copy)

## Trend types

### Sound trends
- Specific song/audio clip currently popular
- Use the original audio
- Match cuts to beats

### Format trends
- Specific structure ("Tell me without telling me", "I bet you can't...")
- Use format with your content

### Visual trends
- Specific transition (drop, swipe, snap)
- Specific filter or effect

### Dance trends
- Choreographed dance to specific song

### Challenge trends
- Specific task or activity

## Structure (varies by trend)

Generally:
```
0-2s    HOOK
        Trend recognized immediately

2-15s   YOUR TWIST
        Your unique take

15-30s  CONTENT
        Format completion

End     CTA / hashtag
```

## Sample TikTok trend script

```
TREND: "Tell me you're [X] without telling me you're [X]"

CREATOR'S TAKE: "Tell me you own a coffee shop without telling me
you own a coffee shop"

0-2s: TEXT OVERLAY
"Tell me you own a coffee shop without telling me you own a coffee shop"

2-50s: VISUAL CONTENT
Quick cuts:
- Smelling beans, eyes closed in pleasure
- Wiping down a counter at 5 AM
- Disappointed reaction at someone making instant coffee
- Pulling out a small grinder from pocket at someone's house
- Knowing every regular's order before they order
- Side-eye at decaf orderer
- Multiple coffee mugs in dishwasher (way too many)
- Beans in pocket (carrying samples)
- Receipt printer at 6:47 AM (3 morning regulars)

50-60s: PUNCHLINE / CTA
Final shot: standing in own coffee shop, smiling.
Text: "Just opened our second location! Link in bio."
```

## Key principles

### Use the trending sound
Use original audio, not sound-alike. Algorithm rewards it.

### Move fast
Trends have 3-7 day window. Wait too long, irrelevant.

### Add unique twist
Don't just copy. Make it about YOUR content.

### Match cuts to beats
Music + video must sync.

### Native TikTok feel
Don't over-produce. Match the vibe.

## When to use

- Building reach (algorithm boosts trending)
- Riding cultural moment
- Brand activation (with trend awareness)
- Creator audience-building
- Brand humanizing

## Common mistakes

- Wrong audio (not trending)
- Trend-late (already over)
- Over-produced (lacks authenticity)
- No twist (just copy)
- Brand voice forced

## How to find trends

- TikTok Creative Center (free tool)
- TikTok For You Page
- Other creators in your niche
- Sounds that are spiking

## Brand consideration

Brands often try to ride trends. Risk:
- Authenticity
- Trying too hard
- Trend-late by approval cycles
- Brand voice mismatch

Best brand trends: feel native to platform, genuine fit with brand.
