What’s Trending: Viral Moments, Coachella Buzz & TikTok Trends [April 2025]

The internet moved fast last week, and we were strapped in like always. From Coachella chaos to TikTok vulnerability trends to brands riding the wave of nostalgia (again), the digital world served up content gold across the US, UK, and Australia.

Whether you're a business owner trying to stay relevant or a content creator looking for your next angle, here’s a curated pop culture wrap up from IMAGENCY to keep your content calendar full and your audience engaged.

1. TikTok Had Us in Our Feels (And Then Laughing at Our Trauma)

“Probably needed a hug. Did ____ instead.”

Yep, it went viral. This format blew up with creators pairing chaotic flashbacks with dry captions that summed up questionable coping mechanisms. It hit hard in Aus and the US, and smart creators turned it into a brand moment – mental health advocates, therapists, even cafes jumped in with their own cheeky twists.

Also trending: the “Hard Launch” of obsessions. Think dramatic camera pans to spreadsheets, oat lattes, or a favourite pair of shoes. Perfect meme format. Brands played it well by subtly showing off cult products (or team coffee orders).

2. Coachella Took Over the Internet

Lady Gaga headlined. Bernie Sanders appeared (yep). Jennie from BLACKPINK had her solo moment. Megan Thee Stallion’s mic was cut. And Gen Z proved that festivals aren’t just for the music – they’re content farms.

In Australia? Fashion influencers recreated the Coachella aesthetic at home. Brands that released “festival edits” and leaned into styling reels won big. If your audience loves beauty, fashion or music, this was the week to create spin-offs, memes, or styling content.

3. Relatable Luxury: White Lotus & The Self Care Audio That Took Off

A line from White Lotus went viral on TikTok:

“I just don’t think, at this age, I’m supposed to live an uncomfortable life.”

Creators used it to justify $9 iced lattes, massages, and quitting jobs. It sparked a wave of soft luxury content that fit perfectly into lifestyle and wellness niches. If you sell ease, elegance, or comfort? This audio was your moment.

4. Celebrity Collabs + Campaigns We’re Watching

• Sabrina Carpenter x Dunkin’ Donuts? Gen Z girlies approved.

• Amelia Dimoldenberg + Bumble = Quirky dating content that made everyone swipe again.

• Kim Kardashian x Nike teased inclusive activewear and had both fashion and marketing threads buzzing.

  

  
  

Want a takeaway? Your next influencer collab should feel like content, not an ad. These weren’t sell-y. They were stories.

5. Reality TV & Reputation Management

Mickey Rourke got kicked out of Celebrity Big Brother UK after less than a week. The internet went wild. But the bigger message? If you're part of reality content, be ready for backlash and praise in equal measure.

For social media managers and brands working with talent: preemptive PR strategies matter more than ever.

6. Nostalgia Is a Cheat Code (Again)

Recession Pop is the new Sad Girl Autumn. TikTokers started making playlists from 2009-2011 (Ke$ha, Gaga, Usher) as a vibe reset from 2025 chaos.

Throwback tracks. Retro filters. Mid-2000s fashion. It’s all back. If you can tap into a Millennial or older Gen Z audience, this is your sign to remix your content with a dose of early internet energy.

7. A Note on Memes, Controversy & Brand Risk

SNL made fun of White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood. She clapped back, called it mean. The internet sided with her. Comedy that punches down? Not cute anymore.

For brands, it’s a reminder: keep your humour sharp but never cruel. We’re in the era of empathetic content.

Our Advice This Week:

• If a format is trending, find your angle fast. Don’t overthink it. Just get in.

• Keep your content feeling real and community driven. That’s the winning energy.

• Use viral sounds. Use nostalgia. Use humour – but stay kind.
  

Stay in the loop. Stay agile. And if you need help riding these waves? You know where to find us - THE IMAGENCY TEAM