August TikTok Trends & Instagram Reel Ideas for Outdoor Content in 2025

Crafting viral TikTok trends for August is a part of the winning formula for outdoor creators and brand managers looking to captivate audiences with authentic UGC in 2025. These concepts will help you craft engaging content that connects with audiences and attracts awesome brand collaborations. Let’s dive into these TikTok trends for outdoor and travel UGC!

I’m Ryan Heck, a seasoned outdoor content creator with over a decade of experience capturing adventures across mountains, rivers, and campsites worldwide. As @trekker_heck and the voice behind trekkerheck.com, I’ve collaborated with top adventure brands like Kühl and Patagonia to create viral reels that resonate with outdoor enthusiasts. 

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August is the heart of summer, bursting with warm days, starry nights, and endless storytelling opportunities for UGC creators and brand managers in the outdoor industry. If you’re feeling stuck in the summer hustle or wondering how to balance adventure with content creation, these five trending reel ideas, based on real-time TikTok and Instagram trends from July 2025, are your creative spark.
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Quick Takeaways:

• Top 5 trending outdoor content formats for August 2025
• Easy UGC ideas to boost engagement and land brand deals
• Actionable tips for reels that get shared

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[Table of Contents]

1. POV Outdoor Adventure: Overcoming Doubt for Epic Moments
2. Campsite Coffee ASMR: Relax & Engage Your Viewers
3. What’s In My Pack: Efficient Unpack Reels
4. Real Creator Life: Funny, Honest BTS Ideas
5. One Perfect Day Recap: Storytelling that Connects

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August is the heart of summer, bursting with warm days, starry nights, and endless storytelling opportunities for UGC creators and brand managers in the outdoor industry. If you’re feeling stuck in the summer hustle or wondering how to balance adventure with content creation, these five trending reel ideas, based on real-time TikTok and Instagram trends from July 2025, are your creative spark. 

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 1. POV:  “You Almost Didn’t Go”

This one hits hard, especially in August when burnout or heat can make even the most seasoned explorers second-guess that early alarm.  

Trend Inspiration: POV storytelling is booming on TikTok, with the audio “Fifth of May” by Zach Bryan (46K+ videos, July 2025) driving emotional outdoor montages. Creators are using its raw, folk-inspired vibe to showcase moments of triumph, as seen in TikTok’s Creative Center. Note that tracks like “Fifth of May” may require commercial licensing for brand collaborations, so check TikTok’s Commercial Music Library or platforms like Epidemic Sound for safe alternatives if partnering with brands.

Concept: Start with a moment of doubt—maybe you almost skipped a hike due to heat or fatigue, shown in a clip of hitting snooze or pausing at the trailhead. Transition to the reward of getting there: a vibrant sunrise, a lake plunge, or a campfire glow. Sync to “Fifth of May” and add text overlays like “Almost turned back” to “Made it!” Use a voiceover or text to share the “glad I went” moment, like conquering a fear of heights. Caption with: “What’s a trail you almost didn’t take? For added engagement, embed a short clip or screenshot of your transition in your blog or portfolio to show brands your editing skills.

How to Find the Audio: Open TikTok, search “Fifth of May Zach Bryan” in the Creative Center or under #AdventureTok, and tap the sound name on a video to use it.

How to Make It Yours: Film a smooth transition, like pulling on a Kühl jacket, to show the shift from hesitation to adventure. Share a personal story in the caption, like “Thought I’d skip this climb, but the views were unreal...what’s your ‘almost didn’t go’ moment?”

‍Pro Tip: Highlight vulnerability to build trust—show the struggle, not just the win. Use a broad geotag like “[State] Mountains” to connect with other adventurers. Check out Popfly’s guide to impactful UGC storytelling for more inspiration.
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2. Campsite Coffee ASMR

Y’all this one is my favorite, so you’ll see a lot of these on my own feed.  People love to watch coffee being made, especially in a beautiful location.  

Trend Inspiration: ASMR content is trending with “Japanese Head Spa” vibes (3.8M posts, July 2025), using calming sounds like water pouring or crackling fires, paired with audios like “Bliss (Slowed)” (33K+ videos, July 2025) for a relaxing, sensory experience. If using for brand collabs, ensure the audio is commercially licensed or use royalty-free ambient sounds.

Concept: Capture brewing coffee at your campsite—steam rising from a Jetboil, a mug on a rock, or water pouring in slow motion. Record sounds like bubbling water or crackling twigs. Pair with a trending ASMR audio or natural sounds and text like “Trailside coffee setup.” This cozy content resonates with viewers craving outdoor serenity. You don’t need a cinematic setup.  Just capture the little details of steam rising in the morning light, a mug on a rock, slow motion of water bubbling. Keep it simple: no fancy gear needed, just focus on the sensory details. Caption: “What’s your camp coffee ritual?” Include a still image of your coffee setup in your portfolio to showcase your ability to capture immersive visuals.

How to Find the Audio: Search “Bliss (Slowed)” in TikTok’s search bar or under #ASMRRelax. Tap the audio name on a video to use it.

How to Make It Yours: Shoot at sunrise for warm visuals and add text like “My morning ritual.” Feature your favorite outdoor brand’s mug naturally in the scene. Ask in the caption, “What’s your go-to camp coffee setup?”

‍Pro Tip: Low-production, authentic clips resonate best for ASMR. Share this reel to show brands your knack for immersive content. Find adventure brands seeking creators on Popfly.

For Creators: Ready to Partner with Your Favorite Brands?

Your content has value. Showcase your work, connect with brands that need your unique perspective, and get rewarded for your creativity.

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3. “What’s In My Pack?” (Late Summer Edition)

These reels are doing well, and they’re quick to film whether you’re heading out or unpacking after a trip.  Walk through your current go-to gear setup – day pack, snacks, favorite layers, or one underrated time you don’t hike without.  You can film it all in one shot or use a “pack dump” flat lay on a rock, truck bed, or tent floor.   

Trend Inspiration: Practical “What’s in my bag” reels with tracks like “Good Vibes” by Ayra Starr (150K+ reels, July 2025) are engaging viewers with actionable insights. Verify the audio’s licensing for commercial use if pitching to brands.

Concept: Create a flat-lay “pack dump” on a rock or tent floor, showing summer essentials like a hydration pack, trail snacks, or a lightweight jacket. Alternatively, film a quick walkthrough of your pack. Sync to “You Belong With Me” and add text like “My summer trail must-haves” or “Thanks, I… found the perfect gear setup.” Highlight one unique item, like “This portable charger saved my GPS!” Caption: “What’s your non-negotiable trail item? ” Add a screenshot of your flat lay to your blog or Popfly profile to demonstrate your gear-focused content.

How to Make It Yours: Feature a branded item, like a Patagonia hydration pack, and explain its value. Add screenshotable captions with gear names. Ask in the caption, “What’s your one non-negotiable trail item?”

Pro Tip: Make it feel like a tip for your audience, not just a gear flex.  Bonus points for adding on-screen captions so people can screenshot or save for later.
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4. Real Creator Life BTS Reel

People love seeing what content creation actually looks like in the wild.  Use this idea to show a quick behind-the-scenes look at how your reels or photos come together while you’re out hiking or camping.  It could be a tripod setup in the dirt, running back and forth for self-timer shots, swapping batteries on the side of the trail, or the chaos of trying to get one good take in a swarm of mosquitos.

Trend Inspiration: Authentic behind-the-scenes content with audios like “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar (250K+ reels, July 2025) is winning over audiences with its raw, relatable feel. Other BTS content is thriving with “I’m a mommy” from Love Island (50K+ videos, July 2025), where creators humorously highlight chaotic or unexpected moments. Its quirky, cringe energy is perfect for outdoor mishaps. Ensure the audio is cleared for commercial use when working with brands.

Concept: Show the unpolished side of outdoor content creation—tripping over a tripod, swatting bugs, or racing for a self-timer shot. Lip-sync “Not Like Us” with text like “How my reels really get made.” This kind of content is not only funny and relatable – it also helps break down the illusion that adventure content just happens.  It builds trust, and it’s a great way to connect with other creators who know the struggle. Caption: “Tag a creator who knows this chaos! Embed a short BTS clip in your blog or portfolio to highlight your creative process.

How to Make It Yours: Feature a branded item, like Salomon shoes getting muddy during retakes. Add a CTA: “Tag a creator who knows this chaos!” Share a funny caption about your toughest shoot moment.

Pro Tip: This reel shows brands your ability to create relatable, engaging content that stands out. Checkout our blog for more UGC outdoor marketing resources. 
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5. One Perfect Day Recap

August is the peak season for big hikes, weekend road trips, and alpine hangs.  Use that momentum to make a reel that shows what one really good day outdoors looks like for you.

Trend Inspiration: Emotional montages with “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre (400K+ videos, July 2025) are trending for their upbeat, summery energy, perfect for joyful outdoor recaps. Creators use it to showcase vibrant adventure moments. Check licensing for “Sunroof” if using it in branded content.

Concept: Compile a montage of your best August adventures: hiking a new trail, kayaking at sunset, or camping with friends. Use 1-2 second clips to show different moments like packing gear, trail views, or a starry night. Pair with a recap audio and text like “August 2025: Summer done right.” Caption: “One day, all the vibes. Share your fave summer memory! Include a thumbnail or key frame from your montage in your portfolio to showcase your storytelling range.

How to Make It Yours: Edit with CapCut for polished transitions. Feature a branded item, like a North Face tent, in action. Share a personal highlight in the caption to connect with your audience.

Pro Tip: Ask engaging questions in captions, like “What’s your go-to summer adventure?” to boost comments. Save clips on Popfly for multi-platform use, such as LinkedIn posts or Instagram Stories, and adapt the aspect ratio (e.g., 1:1 for LinkedIn) to maximize reach.

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Bonus Tips to Amplify Your Reels

• Geotags: Use broad locations like “[Region] National Park” to connect with adventure enthusiasts while keeping specific trails private. 
• Trending Audio: Check TikTok’s Creative Center for sounds like “Deslocado” or “Alibi” to stay relevant for July/August events like Blazing Paddles Paddlefest (July 19, 2025). 
• Engage in Captions: Ask questions like “What’s your go-to trail snack?” to spark comments and build community. 
• Repurpose Content: Save content on Popfly for LinkedIn posts, email pitches, or portfolio updates. For LinkedIn, focus on professional storytelling, like how your content drives brand engagement, and use a 1:1 aspect ratio. For email pitches, create a concise video teaser (15-20 seconds) to showcase your reel in brand outreach.
• Showcase Versatility: Use these reels to demonstrate your storytelling range to brand managers, highlighting your ability to create authentic UGC that aligns with their campaigns.

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For Brands: Find Your Next Top Creator

Looking for talented outdoor creators who can produce authentic content just like this? Discover and manage a curated network of creators from the wild.

August is packed with content opportunities, from National Hiking Day (August 2) to World Photography Day (August 19), making it the perfect time to shine as an outdoor creator or brand manager. These reel ideas, inspired by current TikTok and Instagram trends, are designed to drive engagement and showcase your storytelling to audiences and brands alike. Whether you’re filming a serene coffee ASMR or a chaotic BTS moment, let your authentic adventures take center stage.

Ready to connect with top adventure brands? Join Popfly to create a free creator profile and explore UGC jobs that pay for your passion. For more inspiration, check out our guide on becoming a UGC storyteller. Brand managers: discover how Popfly connects you with talented creators at our brands page. 

Share this article and tag @popflyco to show off your August reels on Tiktok and Instagram. 

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