August 2025 TikTok and Instagram Trends for Brands

If July was about bold entrances, August feels like the month we all gave in to our impulses. We clicked “add to cart,” we danced in sync, we laughed at inside jokes only Gen Z could invent, and somehow a pink cardigan became a cultural reference point.

The beauty of these trends is not in how polished they are, but in how familiar they feel. They capture the small temptations, the awkward stares, and the over-the-top routines that make everyday life entertaining. And for brands, that familiarity is gold. When the humour already makes sense to the audience, your product just slips naturally into the scene.

Here are the TikTok and Instagram trends ruling August, and how your brand can ride the wave.

“Don’t Do It” Trend

This trending audio loop, “Don’t do it… do it,” is having a hilarious moment. It starts with that warning voice, only for the action to unfold right after. Think of it as giving in to your impulses with dramatic flair.

It taps into a universal internal dialogue: that little voice telling us not to do it, followed by a “just do it” moment we all recognize. It is playful, relatable, and perfect for highlighting those small indulgences.

How Brands Can Use It

• Food and Beverage: Show someone staring at a cookie on the counter, resisting… then cut to them happily eating it.
• Beauty and Self Care: Film the hesitation of holding a product in store, then the next scene is them applying it with satisfaction.
• Retail and Lifestyle: Start with someone scrolling online, hovering over “Add to cart,” then reveal them unboxing and enjoying the product.

Justin Bieber’s “Yukon” Trend

Justin Bieber’s “Yukon” remix is everywhere on Instagram right now. The smooth, catchy beat has become the backdrop for a wide mix of content, from GRWMs to hair transformations and quick makeup tutorials. Its versatility is what makes it stand out.

The audio has an effortless vibe that feels polished but laid back at the same time. It adds a cinematic quality to everyday routines, turning simple get-ready content into something scroll-stopping.

How Brands Can Use It

• Beauty and Skincare: Pair the audio with product demos, before-and-after shots, or step-by-step makeup looks.
• Fashion and Retail: Use it in GRWM style clips to show outfit changes or seasonal looks featuring your products.
• Lifestyle and Wellness: Highlight morning routines, gym fits, or self-care rituals that align with your brand.

“Illegal” by PinkPantheress Trend

The trending audio “Illegal” by PinkPantheress is being used to show a moment when two people realise they share the same thought, trait, or quirky habit. It usually plays out as a simple handshake, a nod, or a knowing look, making it lighthearted and instantly relatable.

The trend taps into the joy of being understood. It celebrates those small but powerful moments of connection that feel personal and universal at the same time. That recognition factor is what makes viewers smile and share.

How Brands Can Use It

• Food and Beverage: Two people with similar ideas of the same snack or drink, sealing it with a handshake.
• Fashion and Lifestyle: Matching outfits or accessories that spark the handshake moment.
• Wellness and Fitness: A shared habit like finishing a tough workout or sticking to a healthy routine, shown as a playful agreement.

“Friends on the Other Side” Trend

This trend is all about magic. Influencers set up quick, surprising tricks that end with a clever reveal. The fun twist is how many use the format to sneak in smart product placements, making the surprise feel even more memorable.

It is theatrical, playful, and impossible to scroll past. The setup builds anticipation and the reveal delivers satisfaction. That combination makes it ideal for showing off products in a way that feels entertaining instead of forced.

How Brands Can Use It

• Retail and E-commerce: Turn the reveal into a product switch or unboxing that feels like magic.
• Food and Beverage: Make a snack, drink, or meal appear as the punchline of the trick.
• Beauty and Fashion: Use the transformation format to spotlight a dramatic before-and-after moment.

Soda Pop Dance Trend

The Soda Pop choreography from the Netflix film KPOP Demon Hunters has exploded into a TikTok favourite in Singapore. The moves are upbeat, stylish, and easy to follow, which makes the trend highly shareable. Influencers are putting their own spin on it, from solo routines to group performances that amplify the energy.

How Brands Can Use It

• Fashion and Retail: Use the routine to showcase outfits or accessories in a fun, movement-driven way.
• Food and Beverage: Feature your product as part of the choreography, turning it into a playful prop.
• Entertainment and Lifestyle: Tap into the hype of K-pop culture by associating your brand with the energy and style of the trend.

“Pink Cardigan” Trend

Videos tagged “pink cardigan” trace back to TikToker @jayyburt. The original vibe is low‑fi and slightly surreal. He stands outside a restaurant window, sticks his tongue out at a couple inside, and holds a deadpan stare while the camera pans between them. The clip uses a throwback filter and a familiar TikTok sound. 

The name comes from the pink cardigan he often wears. It leans into Gen Z’s love for absurd humour. The awkward stare, simple action, and unexpected reactions make it easy to copy and endlessly entertaining.

How Brands Can Use It

• Food and Beverage: Recreate the tongue-out stare outside your restaurant, cafe, or fast-food spot and cut to your product as the final reveal.
• Fashion and Retail: Use the pink cardigan as a styling piece or swap in your own product as the recognisable hook.
• Lifestyle and Entertainment: Stage the stare in places like gyms, cinemas, or events, with the reveal tied to your brand or service.

What August’s Trends Mean for Your Brand

August showed us that trends do not need big production to make a big impact. From playful impulse moments to cinematic routines, what matters most is timing, creativity, and a natural fit between content and product. The brands that win are the ones that step in early, adapt quickly, and keep things relatable.

AtisfyReach makes this easier by connecting you with influencers who are tuned into the culture of TikTok and Instagram and who know how to turn fleeting trends into lasting results.

Book a demo today and see how AtisfyReach connects you with the right influencers to keep your campaigns relevant, reliable, and ready to perform.