AboutTrendsBook AwardsSpeakingPodcastInsightsExperiencesPublicationsSubscribe
First Coined In 2013 Backstorytelling trend icon

Backstorytelling

(Originally curated 2013) Organizations use the power of stories to share their heritage, mission, and reason for existing with audiences. Their aim is to earn loyalty and position themselves as desirable places to work.

This trend was curated in the 2013 and 2018 editions of the Non-Obvious Trend Report.

Download The Full 2013 Report Free ↓ Read A Book Excerpt
The 2013 Non-Obvious Trend Report, where Backstorytelling was first coined

First published in the 2013 Non-Obvious Trend Report →

Trend Longevity Rating

A Graded A in 2026 ·
an exceptional prediction that grew more true over time

How this trend held up

If there is any trend that could be described as universally important, it would be this one. Though it has been brought back over time, the idea of stories as a way for brands to stand apart continues to be an effective strategy.

Every past trend prediction is re-reviewed and graded with a Trend Longevity Rating, measuring how much each originally curated trend still matters years later.

Where It Led

This trend evolved into a megatrend.

In 2020, Backstorytelling was identified as one of the past trends that evolved into the megatrend Attention Wealth: In the information economy, our attention is our most valuable resource, leading us to be more skeptical of those who manipulate us to get it, and instead seek out and trust those who communicate in more authentic ways.

Explore The Attention Wealth Megatrend →

Keep Exploring

Part of the non-obvious
trend collection.

Browse The Full Collection → See The 2013 Report
Rohit Bhargava delivering a keynote

Want To Use These Trends?

Book A Trend Keynote Or Workshop!

Bring this trend and more to your group with a customized keynote presentation or workshop session with Rohit Bhargava. Non-Obvious Thinkers win the future. Let’s explore how we can help you do this for yourself.

Learn More & Check Availability

Want More Non-Obvious Ideas?

Join 25K+ ReadersTo Get Weekly Insights

The Non-Obvious Insights Newsletter brings you the five or six most fascinating and overlooked stories of the week, with a quick take on why each one matters.

    One email every Thursday. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.