In a scroll-heavy world where attention is currency, it’s not the sleek, polished products that often go viral — it’s the oddball, colorful, or weirdly specific ones. Quirky, aesthetic items are dominating TikTok feeds, popping up in Instagram Stories, and getting shared in group chats not just because they’re useful, but because they’re delightfully different.
And it’s working. According to a 2023 HubSpot consumer trends report, 73% of Gen Z shoppers say they’re more likely to buy a product if it’s “aesthetic or unique” — even if they don’t need it immediately. That impulse-driven, visual-first shopping behavior is driving serious traction for brands that understand the moment.
Here’s a closer look at why quirky, aesthetic products are winning on social — and how businesses can tap into the trend.
Visuals Are Everything on Social
The algorithm rewards engagement — and engagement starts with a scroll-stopper. Bright colors, unexpected shapes, and nostalgic references perform well not because they’re new, but because they feel new in a crowded feed.
What gets attention:
- Unusual shapes – Think cloud lamps, blob mirrors, or donut-shaped vases
- Color-coded setups – Entire posts themed in pink, green, or “Y2K chrome”
- Unexpected product combos – A cute teapot that doubles as a planter
- Playful packaging – Stickers, pouches, or messages inside the box
- Functional decor – Items that do something and look good doing it
For example, cool bongs — shaped like pineapples, aliens, or glittery mushrooms — are having a moment. They combine functionality with novelty, making them ideal for unboxing videos, aesthetic shelfies, and personal brand expression.
It’s About Self-Expression, Not Just Utility
Today’s consumers — especially younger ones — buy products that say something about who they are, not just what they do. A pastel stapler, a lava lamp humidifier, or a croissant-shaped shoulder bag? Those are personality purchases.
Social media has turned shopping into a form of identity building. Users post:
- Their morning coffee in a frog-shaped mug
- A bookshelf styled with cartoon candles
- Desk setups color-matched to their mood board
- Bathroom shelves lined with products that “spark joy” even if they’re $5 gimmicks
It’s not about the most efficient or minimal choice — it’s about curating an experience that feels personal and post-worthy.
Quirky = Shareable
Products that make people smile, laugh, or double-tap are inherently more shareable. That shareability fuels virality — and gets people talking.
Things that help a product go viral:
- Humor – Products that lean into absurdity or irony
- Nostalgia – Y2K styles, ‘90s color palettes, or vintage fonts
- Tiny or oversized versions – Mini anything = adorable
- ASMR-worthy texture – Soft, squishy, glossy, or glittery
- Built-in surprise – Packaging that changes colors, or hidden features
Quirky products become social content. They get shared, duetted, meme-ified — and that’s free marketing.
Influencers Love Aesthetic Props
Content creators are constantly on the hunt for items that elevate their videos — visually, thematically, or comedically. A unique, aesthetically-pleasing product becomes a prop, a talking point, or even a signature feature of someone’s brand.
Here’s why that matters:
- Creators want to stand out with fresh content
- A cute or funny product gives them an instant hook
- It encourages product demos and UGC (user-generated content)
- Fans start asking “Where’d you get that?” — and that’s when the link clicks roll in
Products that do well in influencer hands are often the ones designed to be seen, not just used.
Final Thought
Aesthetic isn’t just about design — it’s a strategy. Quirky, visually compelling products thrive because they earn attention in a crowded digital world. They’re fun to share, easy to love, and they give people a reason to engage beyond the product itself.
For brands, the takeaway is clear: don’t be afraid to lean into playful design, bold visuals, or even weirdness. If your product sparks curiosity, joy, or conversation, it’s already ahead of the game.
Because on social media, being useful is nice — but being unskippable? That’s what sells.
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