In 2026, using social media as a business isn’t just about jumping on every trend you see – it’s about using them strategically. Social platforms are a key discovery point for consumers, and choosing the right trends can drive visibility, engagement, and even boost your sales.
To help you find the best social media trends for April, I’ve spent time identifying the most successful videos for businesses and provided simple instructions of how to adapt them for your brand.
TikTok Trend: Jumpscare
🎵 Trending audio: Obsessed by Mariah Carey
My first TikTok trend for April is made for those who like the spotlight. Creators have been making loud noises in public to purposely make people jump. But the twist is that as the crowds turn, the creator poses to make it seem as though they’re a celebrity being recognized.
For the brave, this trend is a unique chance for local businesses to make their mark online and in the real world. Shamelessly pose with your product as the crowds turn to look, or film with customers in your store. Just remember to always get permission from those in your video before filming.
- Film a colleague walking past a group of people and making a noise. As the group turn, film your colleague posing with your product
- Take a screenshot of the final pose and open it in an Instagram story
- In Instagram, add the song “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey with the on-screen lyric effect
- Screen record the Instagram story and add it as the second clip in your TikTok post
Instagram Reel Trend: AirPod Switch
🎵 Trending sound: None
The concept is simple: two people collide, drop their airpods, and accidentally pick up the wrong pair. As they look at each other, music starts playing that perfectly reflects the other person’s style and personality.
This trend is a great way to show how your products can fit into different lifestyles or aesthetics. For example, fashion brands could style each person in contrasting outfits, or food and beverage brands could show them holding drinks that match their personalities. The bigger the vibe contrast, the more impactful – think Cardi B vs Lana Del Ray.
- Film two people walking into each other, cut to two pairs of airpods falling onto the floor, then back to the people putting the airpods in and looking surprised at what they hear
- Film the first persons outfit while music plays that matches their vibe
- Repeat for the second person
- Cut the music and film them swapping back and walking off like nothing happened
TikTok Trend: Throwing Shade
🎵 Trending sound: Want Some More by Nicki Minaj
A new variation of this TikTok trend comes back around every year. The creator holds their empty hand out to a trending TikTok sound, and when the beat drops, an item magically appears to fill the space. This effective transition is super easy to film and can be recreated in a few minutes.
This trend is the perfect way to promote a new product and build awareness, especially seasonal summer drops. Brands selling food and drinks are the best fit for this trend, since the products are instantly recognisable and plant the idea in viewers’ heads that they should purchase them.
- Click the linked trending audio and select “Use sound”
- Film yourself holding out your empty hand the way you would hold your product
- When the beat drops four seconds in, pause the video
- Without moving the camera or your position, place your product in your hand
- Start recording with your product while looking excited and happy
What Should I Post on Social Media in April?
April’s social media content calendar dates give businesses a chance to humanise themselves through comedic skits, brand storytelling, and goodwill gestures.
Use the table below to get inspiration for content ideas for each of the top social media marketing dates in April:
| 📅 Date | 📌 Event | 💡 Content Idea |
| Apr 10 | National Siblings Day | Family owned businesses can share a “then vs. now” picture of the siblings in charge |
| Apr 11 | National Pet Day | Create a carousel post introducing your office pets |
| Apr 16 | National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day | Show the reality of being a business owner by posting yourself in your most casual office wear |
| Apr 20 | National Look-Alike Day | Show two employees using different variations of your best selling products |
| Apr 21 | World Creativity and Innovation Day | Share the first sketch or prototype of your best seller and explain your creative process behind making it |
| Apr 23 | Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day | Show pictures of your “mini intern” helping you pack orders or organize stock |
| Apr 23 | World Book Day | Make a video asking each colleague their book recommendation for the month, then ask followers to comment theirs |
| Apr 28 | National Superhero Day | Use Gemini to photoshop your team into superhero costumes and highlight each persons “superpowers” e.g. shipping orders at lightning speed |
| Apr 28 | Pay It Forward Day | Announce that you will be donating a portion of your daily sales to a local charity |
| Apr 29 | International Dance Day | Record team members doing a celebratory dance when new orders come in |
Let the Data Lead Your Posting Strategy
Ultimately, trends are used to drive results, and not every style of video will resonate with your audience. Experiment with a wide range of trends, and keep an eye on your analytics to see which formats, themes, and post types your audience resonate with the most. Check metrics such as:
- Engagement: Likes, comments, and shares
- Retention graphs: See how attentive your audience are
- Followers gained: Learn which content grows your audience
A data-led approach to your social media strategy will help you find the content to double down on, and will always achieve more effective results than copying every viral moment.
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