What is Trendjacking?
Trendjacking means jumping into a hot topic, meme, hashtag, or viral social moment—and putting your own spin on it. It’s like you’re catching a wave that’s already rolling. Brands, creators, or anyone on social media use trendjacking to get noticed by riding the momentum of what’s already popular.
Why does trendjacking matter?
Trendjacking is powerful because social media is all about attention and timing. Tap into something people are already talking about, and you can:
- Boost your reach naturally, without starting from scratch.
- Connect with audiences who are already engaged with the trend.
- Show your brand is current, relevant, and culturally aware.
But it has to feel natural—anything forced or off-brand can flop fast.
How do brands do trendjacking successfully?
Here’s what smart trendjackers keep in mind:
- Stay on top of emerging trends. Watch platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and Threads.
- Act fast. Trends move quickly—strike while the momentum is still there.
- Make it relevant to you. Customize the trend to match your brand voice or values.
- Keep it authentic. A clever connection goes further than force-fitting a hashtag.
Example:
When Oreo posted “You can still dunk in the dark” during the 2013 Super Bowl blackout, it tapped a viral moment in real time and instantly went viral itself.
Can trendjacking backfire?
Absolutely. Here are some pitfalls to look out for:
- Mistiming – join too late and you look like you don’t know what’s going on.
- Tone-deafness – misreading the mood (especially with sensitive topics) can feel exploitative.
- Over-commercializing – being too salesy during a trend can feel inauthentic.
When done poorly, trendjacking can lead to brand backlash or social media call-outs.
What kinds of trends are ripe for trendjacking?
It’s not just about memes. Brands can trendjack:
- Hashtags (e.g. #EarthDay, #MondayMotivation)
- Viral challenges or audio clips on TikTok
- News events, pop culture moments, or sports highlights
- Memes and viral formats – even formats that are trending offline
Trending audio, video, or meme formats make it easier to get in on the action.
How do I know when trendjacking is right for me?
Ask yourself:
- Does this fit my brand values and tone?
- Can I join early enough to matter?
- Can I add real value or clever context, not just jump in?
If the answers are yes, go for it. If not, it’s better to sit it out or add a thoughtful twist later.
Best Practices & Quick Tips
- Listen first: Use social listening tools to spot trending topics before they peak.
- Be nimble: Set up workflows so you can post quickly—and get internal approvals even quicker.
- Measure more than likes: Look at sentiment, shares, comments, and whether the trend aligns with your goals.
- Learn and pivot: Trendjacking isn’t one-size-fits-all. See what sticks and refine your approach.
Bottom line: Trendjacking is a fun, creative way to connect with your audience—and grow your reach—by tapping into the cultural moments they care about. When you stay on top of trends, act quickly, and keep it genuine, trendjacking can be your social media secret weapon.