Instagram isn't the only social channel brands are using nowadays. And with video content becoming more and more popular, many brands are challenged with figuring out what kind of content to put out for what channel.  Not only do they want to provide both valuable content geared towards their audience, but they also want to create relevant content that incorporates popular social media trends. So what if we told you, you can create both evergreen content that translates into most relevant content formats for any platform while also staying up to date with what's trending on social media, would you believe us?

Here, we'll share a list of our 12 content ideas to try all year long no matter the trend. Each idea is sure to unblock your creativity and get you into content creation mode in no time.

Let’s get started!

1. Content Series

Content series are no longer exclusive to static or Carousel posts. Instead, content series can exist as any content type. Whether that be on TikTok or Instagram, as a Reel, Story, or Live Stream, the choice is yours. The only rule we have is that your content series stay consistent for at the least the first three posts. For example, if it starts as Reels, keep it a Reel, until it's time for a content series refresh.

Here are few ways to get started on your new content series:

• Analyze your content buckets. Decide which buckets have the highest-performing content and see how you can tap into that to create a series. For example, whenever PLANOLY's social team shares nostalgic social media content it tends to perform higher than some of our regular content. We tapped into that insight and created a TikTok series called the "Social Rewind." For each part in the series, we record a video talking about old trends on social media. Our latest one talks about MySpace songs.

• Identify the goal of your content series. Whether the purpose of your content series is driving sales, building brand awareness, or promoting community engagement, you'll want to figure that out. For example, if you want to build brand awareness while promoting community engagement a weekly ask-me-anything on Instagram Stories is a good way to do that.  

Having a  content series is a surefire way to regularly and consistently keep your audience engaged and knowing what to expect next. Content series can be any type of content posted consistently on the same day for how often you want. Make sure it aligns with your business, brand, or industry.

2. Video Tutorials  

Video is the go-to content format for most platforms. Not only is video more entertaining and engaging than a static post, but it's also easier for showcasing educational content. By sharing tutorials or how-tos through short-form video content, you can easily break down your educational content without taking up a whole lot of time. TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts allow you to add text and transitions and edit your video content, so it’s more accessible and digestible for your audience. See how Chillhouse shares a TikTok tutorial showing how users can use their press-on nails, Chill Tips, to achieve salon-worthy nails.

3. Branded Memes (Static, Video & Carousel)

Branded memes that follow popular "memes of the week" usually aren't evergreen. That's because they follow a trending piece of content. However, memes don't always have to use a trending meme image. Instead, you can use funny images from user-generated content (UGC) or from pop culture and make them relate to your brand or industry. Adding branded memes to your weekly or monthly content strategy is an easily relatable, shareable, and likable way to approach content creation. The bonus is that memes maintain your cultural relevance for your followers. Plus, memes don't always have to be static either. Memes exist in video form, IG Carousels, and more. See how Bulletin created a meme carousel. They used a pop culture reference their audience would understand and made a few different versions of it. Carousel memes provide users with more chances to relate and share it to their Story.

And if you’re worried about a meme format not fitting your grid aesthetic, we have a blog dedicated to incorporating memes into your content strategy. Hint: Keep it simple by sticking to a text format using your brand colors.

Related: We Meme Business: How to Leverage Memes in Your Content Strategy

4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Adding user-generated content to your content mix is a way to add a trustworthy and community-driven element to your content channels. Start by resharing posts or Stories you’re tagged in by loyal customers or followers. Not only can this expand your reach, but it can turn more followers into customers.  You can also ask to use video content from your community and share it as a short-form video.

Note: Make sure you’re asking for permission to reshare on your grid and always credit the original creator by tagging them or giving them a shout-out in your caption.  

PLANOLY Pro-tip: Use PLANOLY’s discover feature on IG Planner to search user-generated content. Search either by username or hashtag. Available on mobile and web.

5. Behind-The-Scenes (BTS)

Followers love a behind-the-scenes look into your brand or company. Share BTS content to either of your channels. Former Special Projects Editor for Instyle, Peyton Dix, shared a BTS look for a photoshoot she pitched and helped direct. Try this out with your product photoshoots.

6. Team & Community Highlight

Followers love learning more about your company. By spotlighting your team members, you’re giving your followers a glimpse into one of their favorite companies while increasing more visibility and transparency among your audiences. For example, we have a content series called Hacks from PLANOLY People, where our employees share their favorite PLANOLY features and how they use them. This series not only highlights our team members but is educational too. Businesses looking to try this out can tap on a team member so they can share a little bit of themselves and the product they can’t live without.

In addition to team member, a great way to thank your community for all the support they’ve given you is by spotlighting your community members. Thinx, an underwear brand for people on their periods, highlights their community member stories about why they use and trust Thinx underwear during their time of the month. Community highlights or testimonials help bring new perspectives and voices into the conversations surrounding periods.

7. Account Takeovers with Local Businesses or Influencers

Instagram Story Takeover can expand your audience. Partner with influencers, creators, or other brands & businesses to take over your story for the day. Make sure they relate to your industry or cater to your specific target audience. For example, Bon Appetit gets creators in a related industry to share helpful tips on the Bon Appetit Story.

8. Live-Streaming

Like Instagram Stories, this is your chance to answer any follower or customer questions. Instagram Live allows you the opportunity to respond in real-time. Followers can directly ask their questions in the live-streaming chatbox. To promote your Live Q&A, share countdowns on your Story or create posts that promote the live event.

9. Breaking News

Share Stories or posts about breaking news in your industry or your brand. Ask your followers to respond in the comments about their thoughts.

10. Mental Health & Wellbeing Content

Audiences love a good inspirational quote or wellness tip from time to time. It’s the perfect way to break up a user’s feed and stop them from continuously scrolling while brightening their day or offering some much-needed advice.

11. Astrology, Enneagrams, or Personality-Based Content

Astrology memes and other personality-based posts bring in engagement. Even if your users aren’t into astrology, etc., they can still relate based on their zodiac sign or personality type.  Popular meme accounts and brands often base this type of content on popular tv shows, holiday themes, etc. Tie it to relevant pop culture moments.

19. Product + Lifestyle Shots

Shoot your product in various ways. Product shots are perfect for an up-close view of your product. Lifestyle shots put your product or service in real-life situations that better relate your product to your audience.