“The First Thing I Do” is a short-form video trend where you highlight the very first action you take in a specific situation, using a simple text overlay as the hook.
Common examples include “The first thing I do when I come into the office” or “The first thing I do when I wake up.” The clip then shows a moment that is intentionally mundane, ironic, or self-aware.
The trend is circulating widely on TikTok and Instagram Reels, especially among office workers, students, and creators documenting daily life.
Most videos are under 10 seconds and rely on visual timing rather than dialogue. The humor or relatability comes from how closely the action mirrors shared routines or unspoken habits.
Why This Trend Matters Today
This trend works because it compresses storytelling into a single beat.
You set up an expectation with the text overlay and deliver the payoff immediately. In crowded feeds, this fast clarity helps viewers understand the premise without context, which supports higher completion rates.
It also reflects growing demand for low-effort, observational content. Audiences are engaging with videos that acknowledge everyday behavior rather than polished narratives.
The format allows creators to participate without overproducing, while still tapping into shared workplace and lifestyle experiences.
How To Do The ‘The First Thing I Do’ Trend
Begin by defining the situation as precisely as possible in the text overlay.
Instead of a broad line like “The first thing I do at work,” narrow it to a specific context, such as “The first thing I do when I open my laptop” or “The first thing I do when I walk into the office.”
Place the overlay on screen in the opening frame and keep the font large and centered so the premise is clear before the viewer has time to scroll.
Next, film a single action that delivers on the setup.
This action should be immediately recognizable and require no explanation, such as making coffee, checking messages, sitting down in silence, or avoiding eye contact.
Choose whether the tone is honest or ironic and commit to it visually. Use one continuous shot or a simple cut, and avoid music or effects that distract from the moment.
Keep the total runtime short, ideally under 8 seconds.
Do not add captions that explain the joke or behavior.
The strength of this trend comes from implication, not commentary.
If possible, test multiple variations of the same setup with different actions to see which resonates more, since small changes in specificity often lead to higher engagement.
- Pro Tip: The more specific the situation, the stronger the relatability. Narrow scenarios often outperform generic ones because viewers recognize themselves in the moment.
You may also want to check out some of our other social media trend updates.
Wanna know what’s trending online every day? Subscribe to Vavoza Insider to access the latest business and marketing insights, news, and trends daily with unmatched speed and conciseness. 🗞️
