Americans Colonizing RedNote, Peekaboo Edits, Multi-Media Carousels and More
Plus content ideas you should steal, who to follow and tools to try
Hey Digital Insiders! Welcome to this week’s edition of Actionable Social Media Report (A.S.M.R)—your go-to guide for the latest social media trends, must-try content formats, game-changing tools, and inspiring creators to follow. Let’s dive in!
Content I'm loving this week 📲
World Athletics doing engagement right
A large social media following may look impressive, but it often makes genuine connection challenging. The World Athletics Instagram page, with over 2.8 million followers, proves it’s possible to stay engaged. In a recent post, they invited users to comment their initials to find matching athletes, sparking over 4,000 comments—and they’ve been responding to every single one. That’s how you foster meaningful interaction, even on a mega-platform!
This cleverly disguised ad
This TikToker's "2024 Dating Wrapped" video in the style of Spotify Wrapped is actually a cleverly disguised ad for her podcast. The videos witty storytelling is meant to engage viewers while directing them to her podcast where she shares deeper insights on love, relationships, and personal growth.
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This tutorial on creating realistic YouTube backgrounds
In Tuesday’s post, I discussed branding your video backgrounds. I found a great tutorial on using free tools like Canva and CapCut to create realistic video “sets.” While it focuses on YouTube, the tips are useful for all video editing. It’s a fantastic starting point for elevating your content on a budget!
Prime’s take on the “That’s Mufasa” viral trend
The Prime Video social team deserves a raise for this clever promo. To promote Aaron Pierre’s new psychological thriller, they subtly used the viral “That’s Mufasa” audio from The Jennifer Hudson Show in the background of a clip—so faint, users thought they imagined it. The hashtag #ThatsMufasa eventually revealed the nod, sparking tons of buzz. A brilliant way to ride a trend and get people talking!
Check out the video here.
Nishiyama Daddy Daddy
The "Nishiyama Daddy Daddy" trend has taken TikTok by storm with its catchy tune and energetic dance moves. Originating from Japanese user nishiyama_dadydady, the trend has inspired countless creators to add their own flair. While its exact meaning remains unclear, its infectious energy and viral appeal have captivated audiences.
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Trend spotting 📈
Are Americans colonizing RedNote?
Over half a million Americans have flocked to Xiaohongshu (RedNote) in protest of the looming TikTok ban, pushing it to the top of app download charts. Dubbed the #TikTokRefugee movement, it’s a defiant response to U.S. government concerns over data privacy.
The reception from native users has been mixed—some welcoming, others uneasy about the app’s TikTok-like layout changes and fears of Americans taking over the platform. Even Americans are urging each other to “not show out” or bring negativity.
Despite the buzz, the RedNote migration feels more like a temporary statement rather than a true TikTok alternative, especially as the same laws that laid the way for a TikTok ban directly applies to RedNote and even Lemon8. Still if you’re curious here’s a helpful video on translating the app if you’re thinking of joining.
Kendrick Lamar's Peekaboo sparks viral trend
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX is already making waves, and one line from the track Peekaboo is taking on a life of its own. The line, “bing bap boom boom boom bap bam,” is reportedly a nod to internet legend SupaHotFire’s The Rap Battle Parody video, which inspired this popular meme.
But now, this playful phrase has sparked a TikTok trend where users edit their videos to match the rhythm of the delivery. Everyone from Ford truck owners and fashion bloggers to farmers and pet owners is joining in, creating fast-paced, rhythmic edits that are as creative as they are entertaining.
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Creative video editing
Speaking of creative editing, this TikToker is riding a wave of popularity with her fun and unique video editing style. Her take on the Peekaboo trend earned her over 3.1 million views and 362,000 likes, showing how effective creative editing can be in captivating an audience.
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But creative editing doesn’t have to be over the top to make an impact. This deceptively simple looking cake-cutting video edit may not have been flashy, but it was incredibly effective at capturing attention and sparking engagement. Plus, it scratched an itch in my brain.
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Jhoni Wright’s use of the click-to-change outfit editing style on Instagram takes the classic “Get Ready With Me” video to the next level.
Content formats to steal 🦝
Multimedia carousels to maximise engagement
I said it in my 2025 digital marketing webinar, and I’ll say it again: carousels are one of Instagram’s best features for boosting engagement.
When I took over managing Jamaicans.com, embracing multimedia carousels as a storytelling format was one of my first moves, and it paid off with a dramatic rise in engagement—including viral posts. Our audience loves them for being both entertaining and educational.
Creator accounts on Instagram can use up to 20 slides, plenty for telling compelling stories or explaining ideas in depth. Plus, carousels can be repurposed for Threads, LinkedIn, or even turned into Twitter threads. There’s no downside to adopting this format!
QVC-style live shopping
QVC-style live shopping videos are booming on TikTok with more businesses going live to sell directly to viewers. This trend feels like a modern revival of 90s TV shopping channels, and is a sign of the shift to WeChat-style platform models where users can shop and be entertained.
It’s not limited to TikTok—Jamaican retailers, for example, can go live on Instagram, showcase products, take orders via DMs, and pack purchases on stream. This format works for any brand, as seen with a Half-Way Tree coffee vendor who goes live daily on TikTok, boosting visibility and building a strong community.
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Who to follow this week 🚶🏿♀️➡️
If you’re looking for advice to level up your content creation game, here are three incredible creators to check out:
1. Tyler Symone – For easy-to-follow tips on editing and filming content, Tyler’s your go-to. Her insights are practical and perfect for creators at any level. Check out her Instagram.
2. Elle.Social – An Instagram coach who shares fantastic advice on making the most of Instagram’s features. Her content is packed with actionable tips to boost your presence. See her in action.
3. Shine with Natasha – Natasha is amazing for small business owners looking to create better video content strategies. Her YouTube channel is full of valuable insights. Watch her videos here.
In my toolbox 👩🏿🔧
Here are some fantastic tools to level up your projects, whether for personal or brand use:
1. Soot – A 3D tool to visualise and plan your projects creatively. Perfect for brainstorming or can be used as a mood board to lay out your ideas or a personal vision board.
2. Creator Hooks (Chrome Extension) – This tool helps you craft catchy YouTube titles by remixing popular ones. A must-have for creators looking to create SEO rich video titles.
3. Eyecannndy – Ever watched a video and wondered how they pulled off that editing style? This resource library of visual techniques is perfect for video editors looking for inspiration or wanting to replicate specific styles. Simply search for a style or category, and it provides step-by-step guidance to help you create it.
Bonus:
StartMyCar – A community-based tool for drivers helping each other solve car-related problems. A lifesaver for anyone on the road. Learn more.
Pick my brain 🧠
My January calendar is open for consultations, so let's grab some coffee/lunch and brainstorm ideas, content, or strategies together.
Thanks for reading, see you next week!