Last week I participated in a Meetup for social media creators in Sao Paulo. The main topic were Instagram trends.

The algorithm prefers accounts with a main character, we know that. But as it’s getting more and more difficult to get any engagement on today’s internet, creators are going for some quite strong aesthetic choices.

Do You Really Need to Go Full MySpace on Instagram? Why Trend Participation Shouldn’t Mean a Full Overhaul

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed a wave of scrapbook-style posts, digital sticky notes, and “tacky” graphics that look like something from the MySpace era.

It’s nostalgic, it can be playful, and - with Gen Z - it’s getting plenty of engagement. But before you rush to turn your feed into a digital collage, let’s pause for a quick reality check.

Not Every Trend Fits Every Niche

The MySpace aesthetic can be fun, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all. For a lot of brands and creators — think luxury goods, tech, wellness, or business services — the scrapbook vibe can feel so off-brand that it can undermine the trust and polish you’ve worked hard to build.

Your customers might actually be looking for the clean lines, sophisticated visuals, or a sense of calm that the general Instagram user doesn’t want. The “tacky” trend just won’t deliver for them.

But on the other hand - you need to use some trend to get seen at all.

Trend Participation ≠ Losing Your Voice

Here’s the good news: You can still participate in current trends without completely overhauling your Instagram aesthetic.

Trends like “I almost forgot…” or “I’m in my [something]-era” are incredibly versatile and with a bit of humor can be adapted to almost any niche or visual style.

These trends let you show that you’re in touch with the cultural moment without sacrificing your brand identity.

For example:

• A law firm could do a “I’m in my winning-cases era” post with a sharp, on-brand graphic.
• A luxury spa might use “I almost forgot… how good a massage feels” with their signature serene visuals.
• A cute, local cafe could jump on the “era” trend with “We’re in our soft life era here” using photos of their interiors.

Multiple Trends, Multiple Choices

The truth is, there are always multiple trends running at the same time on Instagram. Some are visual, some are about tone or format, and some are just clever captions. You don’t have to chase every new look—just the ones that fit your brand and audience.

Another truth is that every strong trend generates an anti-trend. That’s why we’re seeing so much of “old money” content alongside the “tacky” content.

At the end of the day it’s a matter of positioning. There will always be enough trends to pick from.

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Tips for Trendy (But On-Brand) Content

• Watch what’s trending, but filter through your brand lens.
• Try trend-inspired captions or stories before changing your main feed.
• Use carousel posts or stories to experiment with new formats without altering your core aesthetic.
• Remember that authenticity and consistency matter more than trend-chasing.

The Bottom Line

Staying relevant on Instagram doesn’t mean you have to turn your feed upside down every time a new trend pops up. The MySpace aesthetic is just one of many ways to engage your audience. The real secret? Know your brand, know your audience, and find ways to participate in trends that feel true to both. Sometimes, a clever caption or a subtle nod to what’s trending is all you need to show you’re in the loop—no scrapbook scissors required.