Since the dawn of social media, creators have been posting their “favorites” on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok as a way to interact with fans and share product recommendations. When they're not showing off their current skincare range or their latest outfit, they're browsing the contents of their bags or listing all the books they've read in a month—a nosy follower's dream come true.
Often, the most viral versions of these videos come from top influencers like Alix Earle and Tinx, who are constantly sharing their own videos (remember the viral clip-on light?). But there's a new, streamlined "favorite stuff" trend taking over on TikTok that can make anyone feel like an influencer — at least for a day. The latest show-and-tell is called a weekly “report,” and it has hundreds of videos and thousands of views on TikTok.
ICYMI is the popular "REPORT" abbreviation, which stands for Read, Eat, Play, Obsess, Recommend and Treat. In these reports, creators list their favorite projects or activities in each category, and often include cute pictures and viral songs.
Here’s what to know about this trend, and how to create your own viral-worthy “report.”
What is a weekly report?
Think of it as an aesthetic photo diary of everything you saw, drank, did, tried, and heard in each dedicated category.
Creator @mlunav shares her weekly report, saying she's been reading Mona Awad's "Rouge ," eating her favorite caprese salad, playing Betty Davis' "They Say I'm Different," and obsessing over hot girls Take a walk in the woods, recommend a honey pot-shaped lip mask, and enjoy pastries from a local French patisserie.
Plus it's set to Mitksi's hit song "My Love Mine All Mine," and it's truly the cutest snap of her week. As a bonus, the video has nearly 40,000 views, and her recommendation even sparked a book discussion in the comments section.
Another fun series from @rachellwarddd, whose weekly reports include reading Truman Capote books, having dinner with friends, playing in the wardrobe, obsessing about designing work clothes, recommending concerts, and treating yourself A glass of Guinness.
Set to catchy tunes by the Unknown Mortal Orchestra, her weekly reports have racked up 17,000 views and numerous comments inquiring about her "cramps." This trend helps you learn more about creators, whether they have thousands of followers or just a few.
One reason for the success of reports on this algorithm is that they are neatly packaged and offer a new take on the same types of recommendations that have been popular on social media for years. They often feature the most artistic photos from someone's book collection, a cozy night with the Gilmore Girls , or a trendy outfit worthy of a Pinterest following.
Like the "What's in My Bag" videos, they also have a slightly voyeuristic bent. There's something undeniably appealing about getting a glimpse into someone's life. If you enjoy participating in other people's affairs, you'll love browsing this trend.
How to create a weekly report
The weekly report can be a cute collage, like @rdmsramirez’s above, which showcases her obsessions, meals, books, and favorite products in one static image. Or, like most viral videos, you can create a slideshow for viewers to swipe through, like @janice_pham’s slideshow showing off her week of snacks, Cyclebar trips, podcast recommendations, and her obsession with water bottles.
Of course, one of the tricks to get noticed is to use a viral song or sound, and of course the hashtag #weeklyreport. That said, you can also post your weekly reports to close friends, as a mini video diary yourself - or just for fun.
