The Science of Trendjacking: How to Ride Waves Without Selling Out

Jumping on trends can grow your brand—if you do it right.

Trendjacking is when creators tap into trending audio, formats, or cultural moments to expand reach. But done poorly, it looks desperate. Done strategically, it drives massive visibility while keeping your brand intact.

At Informal, we help creators trendjack without selling out. Here’s how to identify what to jump on, remix it with purpose, and make the algorithm work for you.

Why Trendjacking Works

Trends give your content a head start:

• The algorithm already favors the format or audio
  
  
  

• Viewers are primed to engage because it feels familiar
  
  
  

• You position yourself inside a cultural moment
  
  
  

But visibility without alignment is short-lived. To win long-term, your trendjack must match your voice, values, and niche.

The Risk of Lazy Trendjacking

Here’s how trendjacking goes wrong:

• You chase a trend that doesn’t fit your audience
  
  
  

• You copy instead of remixing
  
  
  

• You post too late—the moment’s already passed
  
  
  

• Your version lacks depth, originality, or payoff
  
  
  

End result? You confuse your followers and dilute your brand.

Use This 3-Part Trend Filter

Before jumping on a trend, ask yourself:

1. Is it relevant to my audience or niche?
   Will my followers care—or will it feel random?
   
   
   

2. Can I put my spin on it?
   How can I educate, entertain, or challenge expectations using this trend?
   
   
   

3. Does it support my brand message or offer?
   A trend should enhance your voice—not hijack it.
   
   
   

How to Trendjack Without Losing Your Identity

1. Remix, Don’t Rehash

Use the format or sound, but flip the meaning:

• Educate using a trending audio normally used for humor
  
  
  

• Use irony or contrast to add depth
  
  
  

• Surprise your audience by subverting the trend’s original tone
  
  
  

2. Build Fast Turnaround Systems

Trends move fast. You need:

• A daily scan process (or a strategist to do it for you)
  
  
  

• A 24–48 hour content creation window
  
  
  

• Templates and caption formulas ready to go
  
  
  

3. Keep the Core Message Intact

Even in a trend, your viewer should immediately recognize:

• Who you are
  
  
  

• What you do
  
  
  

• Why they should care
  
  
  

If you lose that, the trend isn't worth it.

Examples of Trendjacking That Worked

• A finance creator used a trending dance audio to break down budgeting tips—hooked the audience with contrast and humor
  
  
  

• A beauty brand recreated a celebrity red carpet look using drugstore products—tied the trend directly to their offer
  
  
  

• A business coach flipped a “relationship red flags” trend into “client red flags” content—funny, on-brand, and educational
  
  
  

How Informal Helps You Ride Trends Without Selling Out

We monitor trending content across TikTok, IG Reels, Shorts, Twitter, and Reddit. Then we:

• Match trends to your voice and offer
  
  
  

• Develop remixed concepts and scripts
  
  
  

• Edit and deliver platform-optimized content in 48 hours or less
  
  
  

You stay authentic. We move fast behind the scenes.

Be Seen. Be Smart. Stay You.

Trends don’t have to pull you off-brand.
With the right remix, they’ll push you further into your niche spotlight.

Want a trend team on your side? Book a call with Informal and let’s build your viral wave system.