Pinterest Predicts 2023: Part 1

Includes: the PDF shared by my Pinterest rep & creative ways to leverage these trends in future UGC concepts. BONUS: unique discount code for my UGC guide that just launched today!

Hello UGC and marketing friends!

WOW, what a crazy past few weeks. I want to loop you in on some recent updates. If you didn’t see it on Twitter or TikTok, I recently accepted a new full-time opportunity with one of my UGC clients. It’s very similar to the work I was doing at my past company as a Creative Director but with a company that’s more established and spends significantly more on Facebook ALONE (we’re talking 8-figures annually) - not including other social platforms like Google/Youtube, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. This was an unexpected opportunity; I say this because I found out a few weekends ago, on a random Saturday, that the founders were so happy with the performance of my UGC and creative strategy that they wanted to have a conversation with me the following Monday. Fast forward to Monday morning, and what do you know… one of their founders gave me a full-time offer I could NOT turn down!

From that moment on, it was an absolutely crazy few weeks. It was two weeks of off-boarding, followed by one week of onboarding and a last-minute business trip to LA! Unfortunately, my UGC and coaching businesses definitely became secondary without my intention. This is why you haven’t heard from me in over a month, and I want to apologize but also thank you for your patience and understanding while I ironed things out in my personal and corporate life. All that goes to say, today I will be going over Pinterest Predicts 2023 Part 1, followed by Part 2, which will be coming out nextOf weekend, along with additional articles coming through at the end of March that account for this month's deliverables. Again, thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. I truly appreciate each and every one of you! And as a thank you, I have a special surprise for you at the bottom of this article… SPOILER ALERT: it’s an exclusive discount for my UGC GUIDE that will not be shared anywhere else but with my paid newsletter subscribers in this article.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Pinterest Predicts 2023 Part 1!!

Why should you be aware of predicted trends in 2023 and include them in your UGC concepts?

Marketing has A LOT to do with psychology. Whether verbal or visual, you are communicating to your viewers - and this isn’t limited to just the script or creative brief you’re following. Off the top of my head, here are some questions to keep in mind when it comes to visual examples:

• What are you wearing?

• How is your hair styled?

• What type of makeup did you do?

• What does the background/backdrop look like?

When it comes to verbal references, the sky is the limit. If your audience is Gen Z, you’ll want to ensure you’re up to date on their ever-growing dictionary of slang terms and consider slipping them in when fitting. For Millennials, we’re entering the stage where you’re either having kids, planning to have kids, or announcing you’re choosing the child-free lifestyle. Depending on the brand you’re working with and their demo, this could be something to keep in mind. This is just one example of MANY!

In this article, I will go through Pinterest Predicts and point out creative ways to incorporate these trends into future UGC concepts. If you aren’t familiar with their annual predictions, here’s the tea:

People use Pinterest to plan for the future. That means we know what’s next. In fact, for the last three years, 80% of our report predictions came true.¹ 

This isn’t another year-end trend report. This is a not-yet-trending report—a window into the future, from the place where people go to plan it. Here, you'll find the top 27 emerging trends for 2023. Let's look forward, together.

Alright, let’s get started…

Airy Styles

Femme for all in 2023. Ruffles will rule the fashion tulle kit.

2023 fashion will be filled with lace, tulle, ruffles and shimmer for everyone based on rising searches from Gen Z and Millennials. “Ruffle shirt for men” and “sheer pants outfit” are just two examples of this tulle-y trend. Time to trade in that moto jacket and your combat boots for ethereal details—no matter how you identify. This year will be a femme for all.

Creative ways to implement “airy styles” could include but are not limited to styling outfits for clothing, accessory, or jewelry brands you’re working with.

Rust Married

Burnt orange will make the wedding guest list this year.

So long, something blue. Hues of terracotta, copper and burnt sienna will be frequent guests at weddings this year. Based on rising searches from Millennials and Gen X, you’ll see this smoldering color everywhere in 2023, from floral arrangements to bridesmaid dresses. And hey, if a big wedding isn’t your thing, you can-elope (sorry).

Creative ways to implement “rust married” could include but are not limited to staging for any clients that have products and/or services related to weddings or special occasions. Off the top of my head, if you work with a floral company and a huge part of their business is dedicated to weddings, you should consider incorporating “rust married” into future UGC videos and/or photos.

Gemini Hair

Two-toned, not two-faced: dual hair colors will spike this year.

Geminis don’t have to choose—your hair shouldn’t have to either. In 2023, two-toned tresses will take off more than ever. Gen Z and Millennials are behind this rising trend in hair color that mixes natural hues with bright blues, purples and pinks—“blue and black braids” and “lavender and blonde hair” are on the up. Two is always better than one, just ask the Gemini in your life.

Creative ways to implement “gemini hair” could include but are not limited to DTC hair dye brands. I’ve seen brands do this already - putting the “gemini hair” style in the visual hook of their hair dye ad. Depending on the brands you work with, this hairstyle could help you stand out as a creator. Some brands may say that style isn’t “on brand for them,” but it may be something that sets you apart from other creators depending.

Micro Makeover

Bobs, braids, nails: the future says cut’em shorter.

From micro manis to barely-there bobs, this year’s beauty looks will be a cut above the rest. Millennials and Gen Z are trading in their long, coffin-shaped nails for mini French manis. They’ll opt for short braids and chopped bangs instead of long, luscious locks. In 2023, small beauty gets its big break. Farewell, so long.

Creative ways to implement “micro makeover” could include but are not limited to your evergreen look as a creator. The more UGC becomes mainstream, the more you want to stand out as a creator. How you look is just one of the many ways to do this successfully! If there is a statement makeover that compliments you and helps you stand out amongst a sea of creators, consider doing this. This is something I’m figuring out for myself.

For example, it isn’t related to this trend, but I’m even thinking about penciling in my mole on my cheek to make it more prominent (when I wear makeup, it’s very subtle), with the end goal of standing out visually as a creator. Brands want a diverse roster of creators, so consider creative ways to stand out visually; micro makeover is just one of the many ways to do this!

Pool Pawties

Your pup needs a pool party - invitations and all.

Dogs diving! Puppers paddling! Barking belly flops! In 2023, pool parties are going to the dogs. We’re talking party invitations, party favors, party decorations—Gen X and Boomers don’t plan to hold back for their next pet pool party. Jump on in, doggo, the water’s fine.

Creative ways to implement “pool pawties” could include but are not limited to basically any dog company in existence. Are you working with a dog food brand? Have the hook be of a staged pool pawty with the dog food being the main course. Or are you working with a dog accessory company? Reference it was a gift from your dog's pool pawty and have the concept be an unboxing video. We're just scratching the surface here - but you get what I mean!

Chance of Showers

Baths are so 2022. People will opt for a new rinsing ritual.

No bath? No problem. 2023 will be all about the elevated shower routine. Gen X and Boomers will turn rinsing into a ritual in the year ahead, searching for shower bombs and home spa bathrooms.

Creative ways to implement “chance of showers” could include but are not limited to any product that would be either used in the shower or in your GRWM routine. Some DTC products that come to mind are shampoo/conditioner, body wash, bath bombs, shower steamers, face wash, razors, etc.

Sci-fi Fits

Replace your OOTD with the OOTF with these futuristic ‘fits.

2023 fashion will be light-years ahead. Searches for dystopian outfits and futuristic fits will spike as Gen Z and Millennials opt for cyber streetwear, galactic glasses and gamer-girl styles.

Creative ways to implement “sci-fi fits” could include but are not limited to styling outfits for clothing, accessory, or jewelry brands you’re working with.

Rainscapes

Mover, move over. Enter drought-tolerant landscapes.

Green living has flourished, but in 2023, people will take water conservation to new heights. And this doesn’t just apply to drought-stricken environments: Boomers and Gen X all over the globe will invest in rainwater harvesting, rain barrels and drought-tolerant landscaping for natural ways to make their homes more sustainable.

Creative ways to implement “rainscapes” could include but are not limited to any DTC brand that’s actually eco-friendly (I say actually because so many brands are guilty of greenwashing). A previous example that could be easily tailored and translated to rainscapes was an ad I created for Blueland. The hook said, “going plastic-free can be challenging; trust me, I know. But thanks to Blueland, they’ve made the transition from plastic to plastic-free much more achievable.”

Similarly, you could reference rainscapes for, say, any brand that helps limit/avoid water usage by saying: “Being as eco-friendly as possible can be challenging. I already do rainwater harvesting, am plastic-free, and pay attention to the foods I eat. That said, sometimes it feels like it isn’t enough… that’s why I’m so glad I found X brand. Believe it or not, they preserve 10x more water than my rain barrels do in a fraction of the time…” You get the idea!

Hipstoric Home

Interior decorators will find new ways to honor old stuff.

In 2023, people will find new ways to honor old stuff in their homes. Got a hand-me-down handy? These searches are helping people combine vintage—often inherited—pieces with their modern styles. Thanks to the Boomers and Gen X driving these trends, antiques have never looked so chic.

Creative ways to implement “hipstoric home” could include but are not limited to styling your filming space with vintage pieces sprinkled in your mostly modernized space. This can be strategic with vintage statement pieces that may help your space stand out when filming your UGC concepts.

Primal Movement

Back away from the screen. Workouts will go primal in 2023.

In 2023, people will trade their screens for stretches and their desks for tricep dips. These primitive, anti-tech workouts invite people to put down their phones and prioritize posture. Gen X and Millennials are driving this trend up, with searches like “primal movement” and “neck hump exercises” jumping this coming year.

Creative ways to implement “primal movement” could include but are not limited to workouts you’d choose to do on-camera when filming a UGC concept for a yoga pants or sports bra brand. You could also include primal movement in a GRWM (get ready with me) UGC concept. Being able to name-drop “primal movement” and briefly explaining what it is could also make the ad itself feel more native if there’s a strategic way to do so. It could enhance view time out of the viewer's curiosity about what EXACTLY primal movement is.

The YOLO Years

More years, more reasons to party. The golden years get lit!

Sorry kids, Nana’s got plans. In 2023, Boomers and Gen X will plan epic bashes for major milestones, from 100th birthday parties to 50th anniversaries. And Oldbashes are way bigger than bingo—look no further than jubilee cakes and thoughtfully decorated cookies. You know what they’ll say: more years, more reasons to party.

Creative ways to implement “the YOLO years” could include but are not limited to any brands you may be working with that have products or services related to special occasions and events such as anniversaries or birthday parties. Even as an out-of-pocket example, if it was Shutterfly’s photo books, you could do a photo album dedicated to a particular milestone you documented, such as your grandparent's 60th anniversary or your great aunt’s 102nd birthday party.

Wildflours

Think flower bouquets, but make them baked goods.

Green thumbs, get thee a rolling pin. Gen X and Millennials are behind this trend that’s trading bouquets for bouqakes. The apothecary aesthetic comes to the kitchen, with people of all ages tackling ambitious sweet treats like wildflower cupcakes and daisy desserts.

Creative ways to implement “wildflours” could include but are not limited to CPG brands that have something to do with baked goods. Whether it be icing, baking mix, or even protein powder used during a baking concept, there are many different ways to lean into this apothecary aesthetic.

Alright, that’s the conclusion of Pinterest Predicts 2023: Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2; it will be coming out next weekend!

The big announcement I alluded to in the intro of this article is that I released my UGC Guide TODAY, and I wanted to gift all of my wonderful subscribers a unique discount code as a thank-you for supporting this newsletter. Use code: subscriber30 for 30% off my UGC Guide! For those interested in learning more about what’s included in this 80+ page UGC guide, click the link here to review the details. *Reminder that this purchase could be considered a business expense and to consult with a tax professional to see how you can legally write this purchase off.

As always, I wish you the best of luck on your UGC journey, continue to use me as a resource; I'm here to help!