How the ‘Jaws’ TikTok Trend Is Changing the Way Brands Approach Influencer Marketing

TikTok trends are not just for fun—they can have a massive impact on marketing strategies. The viral "Jaws" TikTok trend, where users imitate sharks circling around in humorous ways while the iconic theme from the movie plays in the background, is a perfect example of how brands can tap into viral moments for influencer marketing.

This quirky, playful trend is not only entertaining millions of users, but it’s also reshaping how brands think about using influencers to engage with their audiences.

What is the 'Jaws' TikTok Trend?

The "Jaws" trend is simple but effective: TikTokers mimic the movements of sharks circling their prey by walking rapidly on and off screen, all while the suspenseful Jaws theme music plays. Users then overlay captions that relate to situations they connect with—whether it's leaving a party early, going shopping, or reacting to something they don’t like.

@literallymel444

This easy-to-recreate trend has exploded on TikTok, drawing millions of likes and views. The humor and simplicity of it have made it a perfect fit for TikTok's fast-moving, trend-driven environment. Influencers and regular users alike are creating variations, making the trend highly relatable to a broad audience.

Why Does the 'Jaws' Trend Resonate with TikTok Users

At its core, the trend thrives on humor and relatability. TikTok thrives on content that’s entertaining, humorous, and often draws from shared experiences. This particular trend taps into situations that many people find themselves in, such as the moment when you realize you want to leave a social gathering, or the desire to go shopping when you're in the mood.

For brands, this is valuable because it taps into real, everyday emotions that resonate with audiences. When people are laughing and nodding along to content they relate to, it’s an opportunity for brands to step in and make themselves part of the conversation.

How Brands Can Tap into the Jaws Trend

While the trend itself is lighthearted, it offers serious potential for brands looking to use influencer marketing to their advantage. Here’s how they can make the most of it:

1. Collaborate with Influencers Who Understand the Trend

Influencers are experts at identifying what resonates with their audiences. By partnering with influencers who are already participating in this trend, brands can ensure their message feels natural and not forced. These influencers can create content where they seamlessly integrate the brand into the trend, keeping the tone consistent with what’s already working for the community.

For example, a food brand might partner with an influencer to create a "Jaws" video that incorporates their best-selling menu item. The influencer could showcase themselves walking back and forth on screen in a playful way, sharing a relatable caption like "Someone mentions getting Taco Bell."

As it turns out, TikTok creators Enid Francis and Audrey Rose, who share a TikTok account under the handle @enidandaudrey, already jumped on this trend.

@enidandaudrey I’m there. ☝️🌮🔔 #tacobell #foryoupage #fyp #viral #fastfood ♬ Jaws Main Theme (From "Jaws") - Geek Music

2. Build Authenticity with Relatable Content

Brands that jump into trends like "Jaws" should aim for authenticity. It’s not about trying to overly sell products but about connecting with audiences in a fun and meaningful way.

By aligning with the vibe of the trend, brands can build a connection with their target audience, rather than just promoting a product.

3. Keep the Content Fun and Light-Hearted

One of the reasons the "Jaws" trend has become so popular is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Brands should keep that same energy. Instead of using the trend to promote a hard sell, brands should use it as an opportunity to show their playful side. This keeps the content fun, ensuring it resonates with the TikTok audience while keeping the brand’s message lighthearted.

Media A La Carte, a NYC-based social media agency, has already given influencers and brands the rundown on how to use this trend to great effect.

@media.alacarte 🚨TREND ALERT🚨 And we’ve unlocked a new level!! SAVE this post to recreate later today!⚡️ #tiktoktrendingnow #socialmediamanager #socialmediagrowth #socialmediatips #trendalert #jaws ♬ Jaws Main Theme (From "Jaws") - Geek Music

4. Leverage User-Generated Content

The "Jaws" trend is inherently user-generated, which presents an incredible opportunity for brands to encourage their followers to create their own content. Brands can ask their audience to create videos using the trend and tag them for a chance to be featured. This not only boosts engagement but also makes the brand feel more embedded within the community.

By turning to user-generated content, brands can show they’re listening to their audience, rather than just broadcasting messages to them.

The Influence of Humor and Pop Culture in Modern Marketing

Humor and pop culture references have always been powerful tools in marketing, but in the world of TikTok, they are even more impactful. The "Jaws" trend is just one example of how leveraging humor and cultural references can drive virality. For brands, participating in these trends shows they understand and embrace the evolving nature of online culture.

Duolingo, for example, has successfully used humor in its marketing to build strong emotional connections with its audience. By jumping on trends like this, brands can tap into the current moment, align with what people are already enjoying, and generate organic engagement.

Why the 'Jaws' Trend is More Than Just Fun—It's a New Marketing Strategy

The "Jaws" TikTok trend shows how brands can use humor, pop culture, and influencer marketing to their advantage. By taking part in viral trends, brands can increase their visibility, foster stronger relationships with their audiences, and create authentic, engaging content that resonates.

It’s not just about creating ads—it's about creating experiences that people want to share and engage with, giving the brand more opportunities to connect with consumers on a deeper level.

About the Author

Kalin Anastasov

Writer

Kalin Anastasov plays a pivotal role as an content manager and editor at Influencer Marketing Hub. He expertly applies his SEO and content writing experience to enhance each piece, ensuring it aligns with our guidelines and delivers unmatched quality to our readers.