Online trends come and go quickly—but the businesses that know how to spot them, understand them, and use them strategically are the ones that stand out and grow. One of the most recent examples is the AI-generated Studio Ghibli trend—a wave of content where users create whimsical, dreamlike imagery using OpenAI’s new image generator in the style of the famous animation studio. It’s creative, eye-catching, and highly shareable. But the real question for business owners is: should you jump on every trend that pops up?
As a digital marketing agency in Montreal, Mark3ting’s role is to help businesses not only stay relevant but also make informed decisions based on what fits their brand, audience, and long-term goals. Let’s explore how trends work, when to use them, and how to use them wisely.
What Is the AI-Generated Studio Ghibli Trend?
This trend exploded when creators began using OpenAI’s newly launched image generator powered by GPT-4o to reimagine familiar places, objects, and scenes in the whimsical, dreamlike style of Studio Ghibli films. With just a prompt like “a rainy street in Montreal drawn in Studio Ghibli style,” users were able to instantly generate highly aesthetic and emotional visuals. These AI-generated images quickly went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Why It Went Viral
✔️ It tapped into a shared cultural love for Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic.
✔️ It showcased the power of AI tools, which are trending in themselves.
✔️ It invited participation, with users across industries applying the trend to their own niche or location.
How AI Tools Are Powering These Trends
Creators simply enter prompts like “Montreal in Studio Ghibli style” into AI platforms to generate stunning visuals. Combined with the right hashtags and timing, these posts reach thousands.
What Is a “Trend” in Digital Marketing?
In digital marketing, a trend is any viral or rapidly spreading idea, format, or visual language that captures user attention across platforms. It can be:
✔️ A visual style (like the Ghibli effect)
✔️ A sound or meme format on TikTok
✔️ A challenge or movement
✔️ A style of storytelling
How Trends Start and Spread
Trends often begin with content creators, influencers, or niche communities, then spread through hashtags, duets, shares, and algorithmic recommendations. The more engaging and replicable the trend, the faster it moves.
My happy place pic.twitter.com/VgBq38Y4ix
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 26, 2025
The Lifecycle of an Online Trend
Most trends have a short life—from 2 to 6 weeks. Early adopters benefit the most. Once overused, trends lose effectiveness and may even feel outdated or forced.
Should Your Business Follow Trends Like This One?
When a Trend Aligns with Your Brand
You don’t need to be a media or tech company to use trends effectively. A trend might work for your business if:
✔️ Your audience is already engaging with similar content.
✔️ You can creatively connect the trend to your product, location, or mission.
✔️ The trend enhances your message, not distracts from it.
For example, a coffee shop in Montreal might use the Studio Ghibli trend to create AI images of their shop in a whimsical, magical style—paired with a caption like “Our café as if Hayao Miyazaki designed it ☕✨.”
Red Flags: When It Doesn’t Fit Your Audience
Not all trends make sense for all businesses. If the content feels forced, confusing, or off-brand, it can damage trust. Always ask:
✔️ Will this trend add value to my audience?
✔️ Does it help support my business goal?
Benefits of Leveraging Trends in Marketing
Increased Visibility and Engagement
Trends can skyrocket reach, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels where discovery is algorithm-driven.
Creating Relatable and Shareable Content
Trends help humanize your brand. When used correctly, they show that your business is modern, creative, and culturally aware.
Risks of Using Trends Without a Clear Strategy
Brand Dilution or Confusion
Jumping on every trend may make your brand appear scattered or out of touch. This is especially dangerous if the trend doesn’t align with your values or tone.
Wasted Time and Resources
Creating trend-based content takes time. Without a strategy, it may not convert, costing your business energy without results.
Stay Informed, Stay Strategic
How to Monitor and Evaluate Trends
Use tools like:
✔️ TikTok Trends Discovery
✔️ Instagram Explore Page
✔️ Google Trends
✔️ Social listening platforms
Follow creators in your niche and take note of what’s consistently gaining traction.
Why Working with a Strategic Agency Matters
An experienced agency doesn’t just spot trends—it helps you understand if, when, and how to use them. Trends are tools, not strategies. Without proper alignment, they lead nowhere.
How Mark3ting Helps You Turn Trends Into Results
At Mark3ting, we combine trend awareness with business strategy. We don’t tell clients to “jump on the trend.” We ask:
Does it support your growth? Will it speak to your audience? Will it drive leads, traffic, or conversions?
Strategy First, Trend Second
Our team ensures every piece of content has a purpose—whether it’s to educate, convert, or build community. Trends are just one tool in our content strategy toolbox.
See how we used this trend on Instagram to generate images that speak to our francophone audience:
Our Experience With Trend-Driven Campaigns
We’ve helped clients across industries—like Graphenstone Canada and Robots Montreal—gain traction with trend-aware content that felt natural, on-brand, and goal-oriented.
Aligning Creativity with Business Goals
We tailor your social media content plan to include:
✔️ Trending formats that match your niche
✔️ Smart posting schedules
✔️ Performance monitoring
✔️ Optimized content for conversions (not just views)
Want to Use Trends Without Losing Focus? Let’s Talk.
Trends like the AI-generated Studio Ghibli effect are exciting—but only if they serve your brand. At Mark3ting, we help small businesses tackle trends with purpose through smart, creative, and measurable marketing strategies.
Ready to build a content strategy that works—trendy or not?
