Why Weird Trends Matter
Every big idea starts small—sometimes even looking silly. What seems “weird” today often becomes tomorrow’s mainstream. Remember when people laughed at selfies, or when TikTok was “just for kids”?
As creators, entrepreneurs, or even curious learners, spotting these early signals can put us ahead of the curve.
And I learned this lesson the hard (but fun) way.
My Personal Story: From “Silly” to Spotlight
Back in 2015, when Instagram reels weren’t even a thing, I noticed young people uploading 15-second dance clips on a little app called Musical.ly. Honestly, I laughed. “Who has the patience to watch kids lip-sync?” I thought.
But something inside me was curious. I kept watching. Soon, I saw communities forming, influencers rising, and brands experimenting. Within two years, Musical.ly evolved into TikTok—and the rest is history.
I remember thinking: Had I taken it seriously earlier, I could have been among the first Indian creators experimenting there. That realisation taught me: never ignore the weird.
What Exactly is a “Weird Trend”?
A weird trend isn’t random—it’s a small cultural spark that feels quirky, niche, or even silly at first. Examples:
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“Study with me” videos once seemed boring → now a productivity genre with millions of views.
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Retro Y2K aesthetics felt outdated → now dominating global fashion runways.
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Tiny food recipes were a gimmick → today they’re part of a whole mini-cooking entertainment niche.
Weird = Early. And early means opportunity.
How to Spot the Next Big Thing
Here’s what my TikTok/Musical.ly lesson taught me:
1. Watch the Outliers
Notice what younger people or niche online communities are obsessed with. They are usually ahead.
2. Track Search & Social Buzz
Tools like Google Trends, Exploding Topics, and Pinterest Trends show you what’s quietly rising.
3. Look for Emotional Pull
Weird trends survive only if they spark emotion—nostalgia, curiosity, or humour.
4. Follow the Crossovers
When an idea jumps industries (like surrealism from art → interior design → Instagram reels), it’s ready to explode.
Why This Matters for Bloggers & Creators
From my own blogging journey, I realised:
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Authority: When you write about fresh trends, people see you as a thought leader.
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Engagement: Unusual topics spark comments and shares.
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Longevity: Trending posts continue to receive traffic as interest grows.
Action Step for You (Day 1 Exercise)
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Think about one thing you’ve recently dismissed as “silly.”
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Revisit it—check search volumes, hashtags, and online chatter.
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Write one social post/blog about it and watch the response.
If my Musical.ly/TikTok lesson taught me anything, it’s this: today’s weird trend is tomorrow’s opportunity.
👉 This is Day 1 of my 15-day series on unusual but trending ideas. Tomorrow, I’ll dive into AI video generators and how they’re changing storytelling. Don’t miss it!
This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025
Neerja Bhatnagar
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An interesting and informative take on the trends and fads that keep entering the market. This is a good way to know which ones are bound to be important.
Thanks Srivalli!