What is Trendjacking & How to Do It for Your Brand?

 

Timing is everything in today's fast-moving social media and digital marketing world. One tactic brands use to remain in the loop and attract more eyeballs is called trendjacking. But what is trendjacking, exactly? And how can your brand leverage it?

Let's get into it.

Trendjacking (also referred to as newsjacking) refers to when a brand jumps on a trending subject, hashtag, or event to produce content that's timely, relevant, and interesting.

Picture the internet like an enormous wave—and trends are those large, quick waves. Trendjacking is akin to putting on your surfboard and surfing that wave before it breaks.

Instead of always creating original content from scratch, brands use what people are already talking about to boost their visibility, engagement, and even sales.

Why Should Your Brand Use Trendjacking?

Instant visibility – When done right, your content can ride the viral wave and reach more people organically.

Increased engagement – You’re talking about something everyone’s interested in right now, so people are more likely to interact.

Mentions your brand – It indicates your brand has a personality, voice, and finger on the culture pulse.

Saves time on brainstorming – Trending topics provide pre-made content angles.

How to Identify a Trend Worth Jacking?

Not all trends are worth jacking. Here's how to identify a good one:

1. Trending Hashtags on X (Twitter)

Look at Twitter's trending topics and find out what's trending in the moment.

2. Instagram Reels & TikTok Sounds

Viral audios, memes, or challenges = trend goldmines.

3. Google Trends

Excellent for detecting what people are looking for most at the moment.

4. News & Pop Culture Events

Award ceremonies, sports victories, celebrity gossip – these tend to create viral moments.

5. Reddit & Memes

If it's trending on Reddit or meme sites, it's likely big.

How to Trendjack Smartly (Without Backfiring)

Here's how to do trendjacking the correct way:

1. Act Fast, But Stay Relevant

The trend may only be around 24–48 hours. Don't overanalyze—be fast, but keep it in line with your brand voice.

2. Be Authentic

Don't try too hard. If a trend just doesn't fit your brand, avoid it. Trendjacking that is forced reads as cringeworthy.

3. Get Creative

Give your brand twist to it. Bring humor, wit, or a message that's in line with your values.

4. Steer Clear of Controversy

Avoid tragedies, politics, or sensitive topics—unless your brand has a real connection or voice to comment on it.

5. Get the Right Hashtags & Timing

• Tweet at the peak of the trend. Leverage trending hashtags to get noticed.
• Trendjacking Examples
• Zomato's Tweets During Cricket Matches
• They post food puns during matches and go viral overnight.
• Amul Ads
• The champions of trendjacking with creative, timely posters based on current news.
• Netflix

As soon as there is a new show or meme trend going viral, Netflix India tries to get in on the action in their own distinct voice.

 Pro Tip: Plan Spontaneity

Trendjacking may be spontaneous mostly, but you can prep a small crew or workflow:

• Establish real-time trend alerts.
• Keep your designer/copywriter on stand-by.
• Ensure brand approvals are swift.

Final Thoughts

Trendjacking is like digital marketing’s FOMO weapon—if you snooze, you lose. But if you’re fast, creative, and genuine, it can create a big splash for your brand with little to no ad spend.

So next time a trend explodes online…

Don’t just scroll. Join the conversation. Ride the wave. Be seen.

Need assistance identifying the right trends for your brand or developing scroll-stopping content? Have SpyHostech assist you in standing out when it counts the most.

THANK YOU !