The new year brings with it a stream of new opportunities for businesses to grow online. If you want to increase your profits and grow brand awareness but you’re stuck for content ideas, getting involved in social media trends can help.
But which trends are worth your while? I’ve found the four social media trends that businesses have been using to boost engagement with their Instagram and TikTok profiles this January. With step-by-step instructions and links to trending audios, it’s easy to replicate their success.
TikTok Trend: “Vision Boards Don’t Work”
🎵 Trending audio: Everything Is Romantic remix by Charli XCX
People tend to be either believers or cynics when it comes to vision boards. This TikTok trend for January targets both groups, combatting the statement “vision boards aren’t real” with footage turning their dreams into reality.
Businesses can use this trend to acknowledge their achievements, posting images they once aspired towards with their own footage. Not only will this inspire other small businesses, but also help build connections with your audience.
- Find around five to 10 images that show your biggest business achievements. These are your “reality” photos
- Use photo apps like Pinterest to find third-party images that closely match your reality images to act as your “vision board” pictures
- Click the linked sound and select “Use sound”
- Select your images, pairing each vision board shot with its matching reality picture
- Over the images, write the captions “vision board” and “reality”
Instagram Trend: Sorry, I Lied…
New Year, new you. This January, creators have taken to Instagram to come clean about the white lies they tell, which range from purposely gatekeeping their outfits to being secretly relieved when plans fall through.
This Instagram trend is a lighthearted way to show the human side of your brand. You could ‘fess up to any bad habits you have at work, or put a positive spin on it by sharing the elements that you secretly love about your job.
- Create a new Instagram post and select multiple photos
- Add the caption “Sorry, we lied…” to the first photo
- Add one short confession caption to each photo
TikTok Trend: It’s Got Wabi Sabi
🎵 Trending audio: Whirly Bird remix by Lux
Ever heard the term “Wabi Sabi”? This is the Japanese tradition that celebrates the beauty in imperfection. And after it was discussed on cartoon King of The Hill, TikTok creators quickly began using the soundbite to embrace their own quirks and imperfections.
Consider using this trend in January if you sell handmade products, like cakes, pottery, or artwork. I’ve seen this sound used to make fun of products that haven’t gone to plan, such as oddly shaped soaps, or even to upsell them (provided they still work as advertised).
- Click the linked sound and select “Use sound”
- Take multiple short videos showing your imperfect, personalized, or handmade products
- Add the caption “it’s got Wabi Sabi” at the 8-second mark
Instagram Reel Trend: How Life Sounds When…
🎵 Trending audio: Go Go Juice by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s upbeat and relatable songs make them a perfect addition to trending social media posts. A popular Instagram Reel trend for January uses her song Go Go Juice to encompass moments of carefree bliss, such as going on a shopping spree or taking a well needed nap.
Businesses can jump on this social media trend from a customer’s perspective, showing how great life can be with their product. Alternatively, it’s a great way to celebrate exciting business moments like selling out your stock or reaching record profits.
- Click the linked sound and select “Use audio”
- Film a video showing your moment of bliss or excitement
- Add the caption “How life sounds when [describe the moment]”
January Dates for Your Social Media Calendar
Serious online growth requires consistent posting and a clear social media strategy. Be aware of the key social media calendar dates for January to help you come up with timely and relevant content ideas:
| 📅 Date | 📌 Event | 💡 Content Idea |
| All month | Dry January/Veganuary | Share informational posts and tips throughout the month. Vegan and alcohol-free drinks brands can also promote their products |
| Jan 8 | World Typing Day | Compare typing speeds around the office |
| Jan 11 | Golden Globe Awards | Give awards to your products or team members |
| Jan 12 | Clean Off Your Desk Day | Post two stories of a desk before and after being cleaned with the caption “Tap to clean” |
| Jan 15 | National Hat Day | Promote a one-day flash sale on hats |
| Jan 16 | Get to Know Your Customers Day | Create a flowchart quiz to match customers to the right products, share story polls and Q&As |
| Jan 16 | International Hot and Spicy Food Day | Create a spice level chart for your products or services, rating them from mild to extra hot |
| Jan 19 | Blue Monday | Share self care tips and small product discounts to brighten your customers’ days |
| Jan 24 | International Education Day | Share life hacks related to your industry |
| Jan 25 | Opposite Day | Post your team doing a day-to-day process backwards |
| Jan 28 | International Lego Day | Build your team, brand logo, or recognisable product out of lego, or generate with AI |
| Jan 31 | Inspire Your Heart with Art Day | Post behind-the-scenes snippets of the artistry that goes into your day-to-day business operations |
➡️ Want to start planning for February and beyond? Check out our 2026 Social Media Content Calendar for all the dates you need.
Posting Mindfully In January
Ecommerce sales tend to be slower in January as consumers recover financially from the festive period. With this in mind, customers will likely respond better to informative content that helps them make smart purchase decisions, as well as sales that lower prices. Social media trends are a great way to increase awareness around your products and offers subtly, helping you to secure more sales.
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