Discover 6 Instagram trends for Summer 2016 to see how Millennials are utilizing trending hashtags that diversity their posts and create a digital community. Use these trends and join the conversation to optimize the social media strategy for your business this summer.
2. Rebecca Bell Alexis Pastrana
What are some of the biggest trends among Millennials for #summer2016?
Using the popular app Instagram, which boasts over 90% of its 400 million users being under
the age of 35, we relentlessly researched to see whatâs driving the largest generation now
living in the United States so you and your business can capitalize.
Based in New Orleans, weâve used our vibrant city to demonstrate these trends.
Use them as part of your summer strategy to make some noise in the typically quiet months.
3. 1. Summer Treats
Millennials canât resist snapping a photo before they indulge in unique cuisine. These new and
trendy foods blow up Instagram because of their brightly colored, symmetrically organized,
and aesthetically pleasing presentation. This phenomenon has progressed so far to the point
that people buy foods for the sole purpose of Instagramming them. The hashtags #fortheinsta
and #picsoritdidnthappen are used to prove their #foodie reputation.
4. Acai bowls
Acai bowls are the new smoothies. Popular for
breakfast and a post-workout snack, these
bowls are packed with superfoods that make
them delicious and healthy.
More importantly, these bowls act as a blank
canvas for extremely elaborate designs; this
trend has essentially evolved from a nutritious
snack to a piece of art.
Our favorite local spot is Beaucoup Juice, but
the bowls are surprisingly easy to make at
home. Find some inspiration for your next one
by searching #smoothiebowls and #acaibowls.
SUMMER TREATS:
5. Sushi Burrito
The sushi burrito originated from San
Francisco and is quickly gaining momentum
across the country. It combines the freshness
of Japanese cuisine with the flare of a
Mexican classic all rolled into one.
The colorful ingredients capture your eye as
you scroll through Instagram. The moment
you see this invention, your mouth is
guaranteed to water.
Check out the original restaurant, @Sushirrito,
and the hashtag #sushiburrito.
SUMMER TREATS:
6. Dat Iceroll Nola
Although weâre still waiting for the sushi
burrito to make its way down to New
Orleans, this new dessert is an innovative roll
of its own.
Dat Iceroll Nola creates uniquely shaped ice
cream in the most mesmerizing way.
Customers and onlookers alike are hypnotized
as they watch the curling of this delicate treat.
Itâs limited availability increases the demand
for Instagrammers across New Orleans, but
the lucky ones hashtag #daticeroll.
SUMMER TREATS:
7. 2. Glasses and garnishes
We canât imagine a summer without a tasty and trendy drink. To succeed in the social media world,
presentation is the #majorkey (shoutout @djkhaled). This season, we take our beverages iced, frozen,
and fun. A decorative topping or odd shaped glass will make your #summerdrink distinctive this year.
8. Unique Glass
Drinks can never go out of style, but glasses can.
A creative way to serve a delicious beverage
will encourage Instagrammers to share.
One of our favorites is hollowed fruit which
pairs perfectly with a classic drink or unique
#mixology. Whatever the occasion, a new
presentation is the way to let your posts shine.
A night out in New Orleans pairs perfectly with
a #handgrenade which you can find almost
anywhere on Bourbon Street.
GLASSES AND GARNISHES:
9. Drink with
a Flare
Adding a garnish or a little
something extra will make your
beverage just as fun as your summer.
Give your drink some personality and
make it Instagram worthy with an
innovative style.
Lucyâs Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
succeeds by adding a friendly shark
or a bathing mermaid to your
refreshment of the day. Check them
out at #lucysnola.
GLASSES AND GARNISHES:
10. 3. Fit for Summer
Itâs not about being skinny. Itâs about being strong. Instagram has created a support system that
serves as a platform of encouragement for women and men of all ages. Progress photos,
inspirational quotes, and healthy recipes cover our feed. The hashtags #fit, #justdoit,
#fitforsummer, #ripped, #shredded, and #gains represent the health movement this summer.
11. Fitness Fun
Regular workouts just donât cut it anymore; not
only do we want results, we want to have fun.
CrossFitâs popularity stems from its multifaceted
approach while classes like Zumba make people
forget theyâre working out all together.
One of our favorite innovative workouts in New
Orleans is City Surf. This group fitness class
inspired by surfing tests your balance while
improving your endurance.
Find a new way to increase your heart rate by
checking out the hashtags #crossfit, #citysurf,
#zumba, #gymlife, and #girlswholift.
FIT FOR SUMMER:
12. Kayla Itsines
BBG
Kayla Itsinesâ fame came from
advertising her Bikini Body Guide (BBG)
on Instagram. Her account is filled with
inspirational quotes, rock hard abs, and
incredible before and after photos of
the many women who use her program.
The #bbgcommunity embodies a
positive image both physically and
mentally. The hashtag #bbg and
#bbgprogress show thousands of
womenâs success stories and the
appreciation they have for
Kaylaâs workout.
FIT FOR SUMMER:
13. Kaylaâs not the only one encouraging
before and after photos. People share their
stories to inspire a healthy lifestyle and to
show that dedication will lead to physical
results.
This trend is about accomplishing goals
and feeling the confidence to disclose your
personal journey. The hashtags
#transformationtuesday and #progress
represent this motivational phenomenon.
Before & After
FIT FOR SUMMER:
14. Summer time is the season of bathing suits, shorts, and tanks but #accessories can be the key in
adding the extra flare. These popular accessory trends are bound to make your #summerstyle
funky, fresh, and Instagram worthy.
4. Accessories
15. Water Bottle
As the temperatures rise, staying hydrated
is a must.
Brands like #Swell and #Yeti are
becoming one of the most popular
handheld accessories of the summer.
The unique bottle designs make them a
fashion statement while maintaining the
most important function of keeping your
beverage portable and refreshing.
ACCESSORIES:
16. Choker
The #choker is back! This is an accessory that
has been in and out of fashion through the
ages, but has recently made its way back into
summer must haves.
Choker styles range from beaded to retro to a
simple piece of fabric. The accessory can be
used as a lone piece of neck art or paired with
other necklace styles to add zest to any summer
outfit.
You can hop on this trend by choosing your
own choker at the local C. Collection boutique.
ACCESSORIES:
17. Bracelets
for Men
Bracelets are the new watch. From
woven leather to dark beads, bracelets
have become a fashion forward
accessory for men.
A watch on one arm and a bracelet
or two on the other brings a twist to
#menswear.
You can find these styles locally at the
French Market in New Orleans.
ACCESSORIES:
18. Flower Crown
This fashion trend has been inspired by the ever-
popular festival season. Flower crowns are not
necessarily new but definitely hot for the summer.
The season brings us outdoors to enjoy the warm
sun on our skin and the light breeze under the
trees. Wearing your own halo or using the filter
on Snapchat, a flower crown is guaranteed to
bring out the #flowerchild in anyone.
You can check out #flowercrown and
#flowerhalo to see how the accessory is trending.
ACCESSORIES:
19. 5. Donuts
Do you remember when you could find a cupcake shop on every other corner? Times have
changed; cupcakes are out and #donuts are in. The innovative twists on the treat have moved the
donut from its place on the food chain to fashion to floaties in a pool. So âdonutâ miss out on this
amazing summer trend.
20. Donut Forget
to Post
Donuts have made their way from your plate
to your feed. Shops are decorating them and
transforming your regular glazed treat into a
work of art.
Places like District Donuts utilize Instagram to
share their flavors of the day and create
buzz with their exotic designs.
@LoveBakersDozen and @districtdonuts you
can find these mouth-watering desserts by
searching #donutart.
DONUTS:
21. Donut forget
your floaties
The round floatie has been called the donut
for as long as itâs been around, but now itâs
taken more literally. The tube is perfect for
the pool and beach as well as for taking
the perfect Instagram picture. Donât miss the
mini versions that serve as floating koozies
for your fresh summer drinks.
So head to the pool, grab your floatie, take
some pictures, and donât forget to hashtag
#donutfloat and #donutfloatie.
You can find these coveted pool accessories
in New Orleans @urbanoutfitters.
DONUTS:
22. Donut Be Out
of Style
The donut phenomenon is breaking into
the fashion world right before our eyes.
The design can be found on shirts, hats,
and even leggings.
We love shirts from District Donuts which
shows our #donutlove to not only the
dessert but the apparel, too.
Find ideas for this quirky outfit of the
summer with the hashtags #donutlife
and #donutshirt.
DONUTS:
23. 6. Beat the Heat
Although thereâs nothing better than the strong summer sun, itâs important to find ways to
cool down. Laying out poolside or feeling the sand between your toes are classic trends
that arenât going away any time soon. Instagram has made it easier to find the âcoolestâ
places in town by tagging your location and adding the hashtag #summervibes. After
all, whatâs the point of spending a day at the beach if no one knows youâre there?
24. Our favorite new spot is the rooftop pool
at Ace Hotel New Orleans. Youâll come
because itâs free, but youâll stay for the
elite feeling of sipping on a cold drink
and enjoying the beautiful view.
We suggest arriving early because it fills
up fast. But with a full food and drink
menu, we promise youâll never want to
leave. Almost everyone shares the
location Ace Hotel New Orleans on
Instagram, using the hashtag #rooftop
and #actualaces.
THE ROOF IS
ON FIRE
BEAT THE HEAT:
25. Beach life
Our love for relaxing on the beach
hasnât changed, but the photo trends
have. Weâve strayed away from smiling
group photos and now capture
panoramic landscapes.
If people are in the photo, chances are
itâs only their legs or a candid shot.
Gulf Shores is our favorite weekend
getaway, but you can see incredible
spots around the world with #beach,
#beachlife, #beachtime, and #beachin.
BEAT THE HEAT:
26. From donuts to fitness, youâre sure to
see these 6 trends covering your
Instagram feed this summer.
How will you make them unique?