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.

26 Jan 2026

Getting ready to add

This trend uses a dramatic, hype-style audio that sounds like you’re about to do something big while the text reveals something very normal, repetitive, or slightly unserious. Creators film themselves stretching or warming up, like they’re heading onto a field, then undercut the intensity with a relatable caption.

The contrast is the joke.

How to do this trend

• Use the audio that starts with “and now 6 foot…”
• Film yourself stretching, bouncing, or warming up like you’re about to compete or perform
• Add simple on-screen text starting with “Getting ready to…”
• Make the text intentionally low-stakes or repetitive

Text overlay ideas

• Getting ready to pretend this is a new goal
• Getting ready to trust the process 3rd year in a row
• Getting ready to pretend this meeting couldn’t have been an email
• Getting ready to act like this hasn’t been on my vision board for years

For this trend, use this sound.

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Day 1 of

This trend pokes fun at starting habits and never quite sticking to them. Creators announce “day 1 of” something they’re trying to stop or start, repeat it for day 2 and day 3… then immediately reset back to day 1. The joke is that the habit is either impossible or very unserious, so of course it never sticks.

How to do this trend

• Start the video by walking into frame and saying “day 1 of…”
• Choose something small, relatable, or obviously hard to quit
  • Cutting sugar
  • No shopping
  • Not getting coffee every day
  • Not annoying my husband
• Film day 2 and day 3 the same way
• Then break the streak and cut back to “day 1 of…”
• Repeat the reset once or twice for extra effect

Examples of video concepts

• …not getting coffee
• …not shopping online
• …not annoying my husband
• …getting my finances in order

There is no sound related to this trend but make sure to use the phrase “Day 1 of”.

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21 Jan 2026

Nothing will go wrong

This trend starts with confidence… and ends in chaos. Creators open by saying something optimistic, then cut to a bunch of funny meme images showing how badly things actually went. The humor is in the contrast: thinking everything will be fine vs. reality hitting immediately.

How to do this trend

• Start with text that sets up a confident thought
  • “This should be easy”
  • “I didn’t use [this app], what could go wrong?”
• Keep the first shot positive and full of hope
• Cut to a fast sequence of chaotic meme images
  • Crying people
  • Animals destroying things
  • Screens that look stressful or broken

Text overlay ideas

• I can do this manually
• 2026 is going to be my year
• This is going to be such an easy job
• I tried doing this with [app name]. What could go wrong?

For this trend, use this sound.

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I just want you

This trend uses a Taylor Swift audio to build anticipation through repetition. For most of the song, creators show empty hands in different locations while the lyrics talk about other people getting what they want. The payoff comes at the end, when the line switches to “I just want you” and the creator finally reveals the thing they’ve been craving.

How to do this trend

• Use Taylor Swift’s Wish List audio with the lyrics:
• “And they should have what they wantThey deserve what they wantHope they get what they want”
• For each line, film your empty hands in a different setting (at home, outside, on the go)
• When the lyric switches to “I just want you”, reveal what you’ve been craving (coffee, food, a product, an app on your phone, your best friend, etc)

Video concept examples

• Show an app on your phone
• Reveal a product you’ve been waiting for all week
• Show your hand in the hands of another person you’ve been waiting to see

For this trend, use this sound.

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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”.

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Instagram Trends January | Instagram Trends February