Instagram Trends - January 2026

Introducing "Instagram Trends 2026" – your source for staying ahead of the game on the latest Meta craze!

Staying ahead of the latest trends on Meta (Instagram and Facebook) can be tricky, but don't worry, we’ve got you covered!

Every two weeks, we’ll update you on the hottest trends across Meta platforms, helping you stay on top of what’s catching fire on Instagram and Facebook. Whether it’s trending hashtags, viral sounds, or popular formats, we’re here to help you create content that resonates.

Please note:

• Regular updates: Instagram trends are updated every two weeks, giving you enough time to test, learn, and adapt without the pressure to move too fast.
• Across platforms: Our focus here is Meta, but we also track TikTok trends on our TikTok Trends page, updated weekly. Testing trends on both platforms helps you see what really resonates.
• Stay true to the trend: Instagram favors clean, relatable, and authentic formats. Avoid forcing promo moments; short, on-trend videos that fit your brand voice perform best.
• Pick what fits: Not every trend will work for every brand. Use the ones that align with your goals and audience but we’ll flag the most relevant use cases to guide you.

Want creators to turn these trends into ads for your brand or your clients? 👉 Book a demo here.

7 Jan 2026

What's on my mind

This trend uses a still image and a collage-style cut to visually show what’s “inside” the creator’s head. The image is sliced open around the brain area, revealing a mix of photos, objects, text, or symbols that represent current thoughts, moods, or obsessions. It’s expressive, aesthetic, and instantly scroll-stopping.

How to do the trend

• Start with a still photo of yourself, facing the camera
• Cut the image open near the top of the head or brain area
• Fill the open space with a collage of images
  • Photos, objects, screenshots, text, textures
• Keep the layout intentional and aesthetic, not cluttered
• Add minimal on-screen text like “What’s on my mind” or let the visuals speak
• Export as a Reel or post as a static image

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You're so lucky

This trend flips the idea of “luck” on its head. It starts with the phrase “You’re so lucky”, then reframes luck as consistency, effort, and discipline rather than chance. The tone is confident but grounded (not braggy) which makes it motivating and highly relatable.

How to do the trend:

• Start with on-screen text or audio: “You’re so lucky”
• Respond directly to it, either spoken or with text
• Reframe “luck” by explaining what’s actually behind it
  • Showing up consistently
  • Repeating small actions daily
  • Putting in work when no one’s watching

For this trend, use this sound.

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I asked the universe for a sign

This trend plays on manifestation culture with a visual twist. Creators “ask the universe for a sign,” then use AI-generated text appearing in the sky or clouds as if the universe is replying. It can be sincere, ironic, or funny and it works because it feels magical but self-aware.

How to do the trend

• Start with on-screen text: “I asked the universe for a sign”
• Film a shot of the sky, clouds, or an open outdoor scene
• Use AI or editing tools to add a word or short phrase into the sky
  • Keep it simple and readable
• Let the “sign” answer your question
  • Sincere (affirmations, goals)
  • Playful or ironic (low-stakes jokes, everyday decisions)

For this trend, use this sound.

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Sorry I lied

This is a carousel-first trend built around confession-style hooks. Each slide reveals one unexpected or slightly shocking truth, starting with the line “Sorry, I lied.” The format feels raw, honest, and bingeable and it works because it keeps people swiping.

How to do the trend

• Create a carousel post (shorter, cropped slides work best)
• Slide 1: Use the hook “Sorry, I lied”
• Each following slide reveals one confession
  • Keep them surprising but relatable
  • Short, direct sentences work best
• Pair with a casual photo set or consistent visual style
• End with the most relatable or unexpected confession

There’s no sound for this trend, but don’t forget to mention the phrase “Sorry, I lied”.