your May trends and news recap

Staying on top of Instagram trends and updates isn’t just about what’s popular, it’s about knowing how to use each moment to boost visibility, connect with your audience, and stay ahead of the curve. From playful reels to strategic platform shifts, here’s your quick guide to what’s trending now and exactly how to make it work for your brand!

trend alert: 'spend my 2pm with me'

This trend offers a thoughtful peek inside your workday. From client calls and project edits to mid-day coffee breaks, it's a simple yet effective way to highlight the rhythm of your day and the personality behind your brand.

how to use it:

Film a few candid clips or mini check-in shots around 2 PM, such as a computer screen, coffee refill, client call, or whatever your mid-day routine looks like. Add a simple "Spend my 2 PM with me" caption or voiceover, and let your audience in on the moments that make your brand you.

trend alert: 'traffic was crazy'

"I'm so sorry I was late, traffic was crazy" trend is hitting home in the best way. From creators blaming their ring lights to social media managers stuck in a maze of content planning, it's a playful (and painfully relatable) take on the creative chaos behind the scenes.

how to use it:

Start by filming yourself saying. "I'm so sorry I was late, traffic was crazy," then cut to a clip of whatever your version of "traffic" looks like, maybe it's your ring light setup, your endless email inbox, or a skincare routine. The key is to make it personal and relatable to your day-to-day. Find the trending audio and make sure your lip syncing skills are on point!

Instagram update: content focus

If you’re planning a full content pivot, especially to something completely different, Mosseri says starting a new account might make sense, but keep in mind it’s a tougher path. If possible, he recommends gradually transitioning your current account to maintain engagement and avoid starting from zero.

how to use it:

If you're shifting your content in a totally new direction, consider easing your audience into it rather than starting fresh. Begin by gradually introducing the new content alongside what your followers already know and love. This helps maintain engagement while giving you space to evolve. Only start a new account if the pivot is drastic and your current audience likely won’t relate—just know it’ll take more time to build from scratch.

Instagram update: the launch of Blend

Meta just shared five key takeaways for advertisers following its latest earnings call, highlighting where to focus for better performance. A big theme? AI. Meta is encouraging brands to lean into its AI-powered tools, especially Advantage+ campaigns, which are already showing strong results in ad relevance and engagement. Experimenting with these tools could give your ads a solid edge.

how to use it:

Start by testing Meta’s AI-powered Advantage+ campaigns, which automate audience targeting and creative combinations to drive better performance. Use them alongside your existing campaigns to compare results. Focus on high-quality creative, as Meta’s AI works best with strong visuals and clear messaging. Keep an eye on performance metrics like engagement and relevance to see what’s working, and don’t be afraid to iterate quickly.

Whether you're jumping on a lighthearted Reel trend or rethinking your entire content strategy, the key is to stay intentional and aligned with your brand’s goals. Test, tweak, and most importantly, have fun with it. Social media moves fast, but when you know how to use each update to your advantage, you’re always one step ahead!