Welcome to #VIRAL, The Newsletter from Girl and the Gov®, sharing need-to-know content trends and concepts for Dem social media, digital, and comms professionals. For 1v1 tailored help building out your social media, book an Office Hours Session or an Audit here.

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Give these a whirl (and post them on Reels & Shorts too)

→ “Trump has more photos with Epstein than…” Trend: This trend has creators pointing out someone that they have fewer photos with than Trump does with Epstein – in other words, Trump has loads of pictures with Epstein. The range on who is pointed out can be realistic like “the Pope” or with a bit of sass, someone like one’s best friend for forever but nary a picture exists of the duo. The style of the trend is a b-roll video of the creator like this, added text as seen, and this audio.

→ “Just two baddies who hate Trump” Trend: This trend, as seen here with Tayhlor Coleman’ post, is centered on bringing in like-minded viewers. Specifically, it uses a static image [a short b-roll video of the creator would work too] and is paired with this on-screen text formula: “just two baddies who hate Trump staring back at each other.” The trend also uses this audio. 

→ “Clap if you’re against it” Trend: The first half of this Wendy Williams audio has become especially useful for creating short TikToks like this in which a creator shares a belief they’re unsure others will agree with. The trend is typically done solo, with the creator filming a brief video and pairing it with a personal opinion they’re “testing” in front of a new group or individual they’re engaging with. To participate, simply choose a somewhat polarizing viewpoint of your own and record a short clip in this style to see how it lands.

→ “But you’re playing on your phone” Trend: This carousel trend is two slides. The first slide is of the creator and shares words that always seem pointed at them, “but you’re playing on your phone.” The second slide reveals what the creator is always doing on their phone – aka working. For a political variation on a theme, that second slide is where to shine, showing something from creating a fundraising email, out at an event, a bill being worked on, etc. For the trend, use this audio.

Trending TikTok audios for creative uses and b-roll

AUDIO → I’m proud to be a New Jerseyan *use this audio with share/highlight your NJ pride – this has potential to be the new NJ anthem

AUDIO → Original sound Arden Jones *use this audio for a day in the life round-up, or another type of recap carousel

AUDIO → The Olympic Theme *use for content involving the Olympics, whether supporting athletes from your neck of the woods or reacting to sagas, dramas, and sports that you can’t believe are sports

AUDIO → The Chain *use for b-roll style video recaps or BTS captures

AUDIO → Sonido original *use this to share the lead up to a funny or bombastic situation

Creative content concepts to try

→ “If you’re having a bad day” Trend: This trend is comedy gold for anyone that’s worked for a horror show of a boss [Republicans that have now come out against Trump or Monica Lewinsky come to mind]. The trend is easy to accomplish, with a short b-roll video of the creator paired with text on screen with this formula: “As I always say, if you’re having a bad day, just remember someone is currently working for your old boss + and my old boss is [NAME OF THE BOSS].” For the trend, use this audio.

→ “To protest AI, ask me anything” Trend: This trend actually originated somewhere in the TikTok universe, but is now making waves on Instagram. The trend has creators sharing their distaste for AI, and suggesting that people should ask them their questions instead – often especially because they use less water. It’s not a real replacement, it’s a set-up for a fun, silly, and sarcastic comment section; in other words, think of this trend as a push back on AI and a fun way to create engagement. In the directly political sense, the trend can swap in “ask me anything about politics/specific political topic,” thus zero-ing in on a creator’s area of expertise, and perhaps evolving the trend out of sarcasm ally and into providing real answers.

→ “Secretly decluttering by…” Trend: This trend has creators “decluttering” by leaving random things of theirs at people’s homes – friends, family, etc. However, the trend could also be taken in the office humor direction, having a member or their staff leaving random items from their office in other’s offices. The best variation would have the items including a distinct connection to the de-clutterer’s office – ex: an Eagles stapler if they’re from PA. This trend can also be used on TikTok and fits into the category of good ol’ wholesome fun that shows friendly dynamics between electeds.

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Background audios that make Reels move

AUDIO → Original Audio *use for bag tours or “whats in…” style content

AUDIO → aaron parnas breaking news audio *use to describe/emphasize the current state of affairs and/or the incredible speed of the news cycle

AUDIO → original audio *use to hint at a disaster coming or to tease a diabolical combination [diabolical in a bad way]

Reply or Repost to these digital notes on Threads

The Thread → Reply OR repost by sharing your POV on these Trump Admin officials being mentioned in the Epstein files.

The Thread → Reply OR repost with something people should be informed about but it sucks to be informed about because it’s bad.

The Thread → Reply OR repost with more details on what the SAVE Act is, its origins, and where it might land.

The Thread → Reply OR repost by tapping into the weird unrelated Dow diversion by Pam Bondi, and sharing a situation where you’d pivot in any way [in jest] to not give a real answer.

The Thread → Reply OR repost by giving your thoughts on Cardi B’s anti-ICE message.

The Thread → Reply OR repost by sharing how everyone benefits from abortion rights [use a specific example].

The Thread → Reply OR repost with what you’d fill in the blank.

Trending topics ATM on Bluesky

Minnesota Immigration

DHS Shutdown

Tom Homan

Ukrainian Athletes

Women’s Wrestling

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