Is the "Perfect" Post Dead? Why Real & Raw Content is King Now
Is the perfect post dead? Social media trends are shifting towards raw and authentic content. People are craving real moments and relatable experiences over staged perfection.
Scrolling through social media used to be a curated journey through flawless feeds - remember when everything had to be insta-worthy? Every photo screamed #goals, every video a perfect highlight reel. But lately, something's shifted. Have you noticed? The age of the perfectly posed picture might be over.
Bye-Bye "Insta-worthy," Hello Authenticity:
Have you noticed people filming their 9-5’s and seemingly mundane life take center stage recently? Heck, didn’t you see that a video of strawberries on TikTok got almost 100 million views? What does this say about the content creation landscape?
Users have turned from ‘Insta-worthy’ content and are craving content that feels real, raw, and relatable. That perfectly staged latte art? Yawn. The hilarious struggle to get that latte art? Now that's engaging!
Why the change? Ever since covid there has been a shift in people’s behaviour. Since then, people are tired of inauthentic perfection. It feels forced, unapproachable, and frankly, a little boring. We are able to connect vulnerability with the moments that show us just being humans navigating this crazy world!
Why Raw Content Rules:
Real is relatable: When we see someone struggling with the same things we do, or doing the same things we do, it creates a connection. It shows us we're not alone, and that can be incredibly powerful.
Authenticity builds trust: The staged pics and lives while may look amazing, doesn’t create connection - because it’s not real. People are more likely to trust and engage with content that feels genuine. When you show your true self, you build a stronger bond with your audience.
Raw content is refreshing: In a sea of perfectly curated feeds that have been fed to us over the years (especially on Instagram), a glimpse of real life is a breath of fresh air. It's funny, endearing, and keeps things interesting.
Whats Trending Right Now?
Ready to move with the times? Here's a sneak peek at what's hot in the world of raw and authentic content:
Behind-the-Scenes Magic: People love a glimpse into the "real you" or the real moments. Share snippets of your workspace, brainstorming sessions, or even bloopers from your content creation journey. I’ve seen people on TikTok recording their day in the life of a 9-5, and it’s got a lot of views. People are wanting raw and real!
@hubs.life Normalize the norm #hubslife ♬ where is my mind (piano version) - your movie soundtrack
Unfiltered Humour: Life can and will be messy, and sometimes hilarious! Don't be afraid to capture those funny moments, even if they're a little rough around the edges. A relatable struggle or a well-timed meme can be pure gold. A TikToker I love watching is called PeachPRC, and she does just this. She is always raw, unfiltered, and hilarious with all of her content she posts! I’ve found myself following her for years for her realness.
Embrace the #NoMakeupMonday Movement: I think this ones been around for a while, but honestly just let your natural beauty shine through! This trend extends beyond makeup-free selfies; it's about showing your authentic self, all up in the grill of the camera or even just hanging out in sweatpants with messy hair.
Live & Unfiltered Photos/Videos: Go and live stream and chat with your audience in real-time. Your audience loves connecting with you! Live video allows for genuine interaction and fosters a sense of community.
Raw Photos in the Moment: No I’m not talking about staged candids, I’m talking about the real ones! The ones that are blurry, maybe don’t show your best angles, but maybe you have the biggest smile on your face that was real. People love that! I’ve noticed film photos have really started taking the world by storm because you really can’t check them until later, but people are going back to the classics to take beautiful memories and photos that are raw and relateable!
So, How Do You Embrace the Raw and Real?
Here are some tips to ditch the perfection and create content that resonates:
Focus on experiences, not aesthetics: If you’re making a travel video for example - don’t just show me the amazing things, show me what sucked, what was unique, what was funny, that is way more engaging than a bunch of pretty shots put together with some music. Capturing the real moments and the behind-the-scenes glimpses will guarantee engagement!
Don't be afraid to show your flaws: News flash, we all have them! Don’t be afraid to be raw and open because chances are, 99.999% someone is experiencing exactly what you are, and they will find solace knowing someone is going through the same thing. Embrace your quirks and imperfections, they'll make you more endearing and interesting!
Be you, unapologetically: Who cares what someone may thing, using your unique voice is guaranteed to set you apart from others with your unique perspective. Let your spicy personality shine through!
Interact with your audience: Might seem obvious, but people love hearing from someone they look up to. Respond to comments, answer questions, and have real conversations to connect with your audience.
Remember, the most engaging content is the content that makes people feel something. It can be funny, thought-provoking, inspiring, or even a little messy. The key is to be true to yourself and let your authenticity shine.
Ready to ditch the "perfect" post and embrace the raw and real? Let's get started! Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
