5 Rising TikTok and Instagram Trends + Content Ideas For January 2026

Here are the top 5 rising TikTok and Instagram trends, viral content ideas, and trending topics going into January 2026:

1. Pretending I’m

Pretending I’m… is a funny social media trend. Post a video with a text overlay like “Pretending I’m a successful entrepreneur because I’m bored”, sharing satirical and relatable content.

@octopusslover8

under pierpoint please #industry

♬ original sound – Jake Shane

2. How To Go Viral

How To Go Viral is exploding on TikTok, rising 100% in the past 7 days. Post a video with a text overlay like “How to go viral on TikTok as an entrepreneur”, sharing helpful tips and insights with your audience.

@viralclubhouse_

I’ve seen this work over and over again #easy #tiktoktips

♬ original sound – Gabby Garcia

3. Skincare

Skincare is taking over TikTok, with the trend increasing by 102% in the last week. If you’re in the beauty or personal care niche, share valuable skincare tips and advice. 

@itsbabykelz

imma need you guys to lock in! 👀 this is the skincare routine that fr TRANSFORMED my skin ✨ lmk what some of your fav skincare products are right now 🫢 @Biodance Store US @ma:nyo global @rhode skin @anua_global @TORRIDEN US @Glow Recipe @medicube global @belif USA @Vaseline #koreanskincare #glassskin #skincareroutine #skincaretips #kbeauty

♬ original sound – kelly

4. Try This

Try This is an exploding TikTok query, with a 104% increase in volume in just 7 days. Post a video with a text overlay like “If you’re struggling to get leads, try this instead”, sharing actionable tips related to your niche. 

@willmccune12

Must try this if you want some absolute succulent, large, triceps #fyp #gym #gymtok #gymtips

♬ son original – 𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞

5. When You’re Trying To Debrief

When You’re Trying To Debrief is a popular content idea. Post a video with a text overlay like “When you’re trying to debrief to your boss, but he is too addicted to watching the NFL”, sharing relatable and humorous content. 

@helennichole3

And that’s on being humbled.

♬ original sound – mark.payton.tiktok

You may also want to check out some of our other social media trend updates.

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