Practical Sales Training™ > How To Get Attention > Trend Jacking
What is it?
Trend Jacking is when a brand or individual joins a popular online trend or cultural moment to get attention, stay relevant, or ride the wave of what people are already talking about. It could be a meme, a viral challenge, a news story, or a hashtag – like the “How it started vs How it’s going” trend that filled social media feeds with before-and-after comparisons. The key is jumping in while the trend is still hot, using your own take to connect with your audience.
Why does it work?
It works because attention is already focused on the trend. People are scrolling, sharing, and engaging with content that follows a familiar format. By joining the conversation, your content feels current and more likely to be seen. Trend Jacking lowers the barrier to engagement because it’s instantly recognisable, often funny or emotional, and easy to take part in. It also humanises your brand – showing that you’re not just selling, you’re participating in culture.
How can you use it?
You can use Trend Jacking by keeping an eye on trending hashtags, viral formats, or big cultural moments and adding your own spin that relates back to what you offer. The key is speed, relevance, and tone – if it fits your voice and audience, jump in fast while it’s still gaining momentum. Use images, humour, or contrast to stand out, and always make sure it ties back to your brand message or values. When done well, Trend Jacking can boost reach, increase engagement, and make your brand feel more alive and in tune.
Example
How it started How its going is one of the best examples of this and here is Lego’s hilarious take on it:
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