What's Trending on Social Media in 2026 So Far (Updated Bi-Weekly)
- Philip Romano
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Social media never slows down, and trends are what keep it moving. For creators and brands, jumping on the right trend isn’t just about going viral; it’s about staying visible, relevant, and in sync with what audiences care about. When done right, trends can seriously amplify reach and engagement.
Our guide will be updated regularly with the newest trends across social platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, explaining what’s trending, why it’s working, and how to adapt it to fit your content niche.
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Table of Contents:
What are the Current Top Social Media Trends? - Week of January 5th, 2026
"That's not what the fans wanna see"
The trend: Have you ever seen a post that's made you question why you follow that person in the first place? This trend revolves around celebs and creators posting things they don't wanna see. It sounds like it's super niche, but there's a lot of wiggle room in here for creative takes on it!
Jon Hamm dancing
The trend: Have you ever experienced true bliss? It sorta feels like losing yourself in a nightclub, letting go of all your inhibitions. This trending clip from Jon Hamm's new series is one to vibe with. Film yourself experiencing true bliss in your own way, and then stitch it together with the trending clip!
Audio: original sound - Sean Colby
Why do Trends Matter?
Social media platforms thrive on discovery, with algorithms prioritizing content that aligns with what’s capturing attention in the moment. When you tap into trends, your content is more likely to benefit from increased reach due to algorithmic boosts, helping you appear culturally relevant and in tune with your audience.
Trends also give you an opportunity to show brand personality, connect on a human level, and encourage deeper engagement by leveraging formats that are already familiar to users. However, not every trend is worth pursuing. Knowing when and how to engage with a trend is what separates effective content strategy from noise.
Should I Jump on Trends?
Feeling inspired? You should be. Social media is a constantly ticking clock where something new happens every single moment. By staying ahead of the trends, your content will be more relevant to your audience, and you will also gain a traffic boost from the algorithm.
When done well, jumping on trends can transform your reach, engagement, and community growth in just a few seconds of short-form video. At Advanced Creative Media, we help both brands and creators alike identify, plan, and execute trend-based content optimized for chances at virality. We don't just ride the wave - we lead it.
Want to learn how you can streamline this type of content? Reach out to Advanced Creative Media today and let's talk about what we'd do for your business's social presence.
