January 2026 TikTok Trends: Viral Moments You Need to Know
What’s Trending on TikTok in January 2026
The new year is already delivering TikTok moments that blend nostalgia, confession, community, and transformation. From year-end recap content synced to Drake’s “Slime You Out” to awkwardly perfect Charlie Brown x GloRilla dance mashups, January 2026 trends are hitting with emotional resonance and shareability. We’re seeing creators embrace regret confessionals, Pilates challenges, and music-driven storytelling that taps into major life themes. These aren’t just viral clips—they’re emerging creative formats your brand needs to understand.
Below, we break down the trends already gaining traction this month—plus how brands are showing up in the mix. Missed last month? Catch up on December 2025’s top trends here. And if you're planning ahead, don’t forget to check out our FYP Report and our monthly TikTok Trend Reports for deeper strategy and creative opportunities.
Week of January 1, 2026 – Year-End Recaps, Mashups & Movement Resets
TikTok rang in the new year with a rush of reflection, nostalgia, and glow-up energy. Creators leaned hard into cinematic storytelling, confessional content, and viral mashups—setting the tone for a culture-first start to 2026.
Trend #1: "Slime You Out" 2025 Year Recap
Drake's "Slime You Out" has become the unofficial audio for 2025 year-in-review content, and it's hitting different than your standard photo dump. The song features a verse where Drake lists all 12 months chronologically—"January, you pretend to see life clearly, yearly / February is the time that you put the evil eye and the pride aside"—telling a full narrative arc from January to December. Creators have turned this into the perfect template for visual storytelling: syncing photos or video clips to each month as Drake mentions it, adding on-screen text labeling the month, and creating a cinematic recap of their entire year. What makes this trend pop is the hook—creators are framing their recaps with attention-grabbing intros like "an unexpected year," "the year I quit my job," "plot twist of the century," or "how it started vs. how it's going" to create narrative tension before revealing the month-by-month journey. Some are documenting major life changes (career shifts, breakups, relocations), others are showing glow-ups and transformations, and many are simply capturing the emotional arc of 12 months compressed into one satisfying edit. The trend works because Drake's lyrics already tell a story of change and growth, so it naturally lends itself to personal retrospectives, and the monthly structure makes it easy to organize a year's worth of content without overwhelming viewers.
How to Execute: Use the "Slime You Out" audio by Drake featuring SZA—specifically the verse where he lists January through December. Before filming, gather your best photos or video clips from each month of 2025. Start your video with a hook that creates intrigue: overlay text like "the year I _____" (quit my job, got divorced, moved across the country, became unrecognizable, lost everything then built it back, etc.). Then, sync one photo or short video clip to each month as Drake says it. Add on-screen text showing the month name to help viewers follow along. The content for each month can show major life events, subtle changes, travel moments, relationship updates, career milestones, or just the general vibe of that time in your life. Many creators use a mix of selfies, candid moments, and significant events to show the full story. The key is pacing—each month gets roughly 2-3 seconds of screen time, so choose visuals that immediately communicate what was happening. Some creators add additional context text for specific months ("this is when everything changed" on a pivotal month), but the monthly labels are usually enough. The most engaging versions have a clear narrative arc—starting one place emotionally, physically, or professionally and ending somewhere completely different by December. Works especially well for transformation content, major life transitions, or documenting an unexpectedly chaotic year.
Trend #2: Charlie Brown Christmas x "Yeah Glo!" Mashup Dance
The Peanuts gang just got a hip-hop makeover, and TikTok is losing it over the results. Creators are recreating the iconic dance scene from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"—you know, the one where every character breaks out their signature awkward moves—but set to producer noteliwood's mashup of GloRilla's "Yeah Glo!" layered over Vince Guaraldi's classic piano theme. Groups of friends, families, and coworkers are assigning each person a Peanuts character (Charlie Brown's shuffle, Snoopy's head bobs, Pig-Pen's foot slides, Lucy's fist pumps) and recreating their specific choreography in perfect chaotic harmony. The format typically opens with a zoom-out of everyone dancing together in a room, then cuts to the original cartoon character doing their move, followed by a close-up of the person mimicking it. What makes this trend hit different is how the mashup bridges generations—boomers who grew up with the 1965 special and Gen Z discovering it through viral audio are both participating. One video from @itisjamarmar threatening to bring these moves to the club racked up 4.3 million views, with comments calling the trend "Nobel Peace Prize worthy" for uniting people across the internet during the holidays. Some creators are even recruiting live piano players (@saddest.alex) or dressing their entire family as the full Peanuts cast (@ellabeanandmommy), turning it from a dance challenge into full-on holiday nostalgia performance art.
How to Execute: Use noteliwood's "Yeah Glo! x Charlie Brown Christmas" mashup audio. Gather your group—the more people, the better, since the original scene features the whole gang. Assign each person a Peanuts character based on their personality or dance style: Charlie Brown (basic two-step shuffle), Snoopy (exaggerated head bobs and shoulder shimmies), Lucy (aggressive fist pumps), Linus (gentle swaying), Sally (arm windmills), Pig-Pen (foot slides), Schroeder (imaginary piano playing). Watch the original dance scene from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to nail each character's specific moves—the awkwardness is the point, so commit fully. Film a wide shot of everyone dancing together in character, ideally in a living room or festive setting. Then film close-ups of each person doing their character's signature move. Edit the video to show: wide shot of the group → cut to the original cartoon character → cut to your person doing that character's dance. Some creators intercut all the characters rapid-fire, others focus on one or two standout performances. For bonus authenticity, recruit someone who can play piano to perform the "Linus and Lucy" theme live in the background. The key is fully embodying the stiff, goofy energy of the original animation—no polished choreography, just pure awkward holiday joy. Text overlays identifying which character each person is playing help viewers follow along and appreciate the accuracy.
Trend #3: "writing's on the wall" Year of Regrets
Role model's "writing's on the wall" has become the confessional audio for 2025's most unhinged year-end content, turning regrets into entertainment. The song features the lyric "dad's on the phone and he's lecturing me" (fitting for a regrets trend), and creators are using this specific moment to document every questionable decision they made this year. The format is straightforward but brutally honest: overlay on-screen text listing regrets while either showing b-roll footage from throughout the year, photos of the actual moments, or video evidence of the regret in action. What makes this trend hit different from typical year recaps is the tone—it's self-deprecating, funny, and refreshingly real about the chaos of 2025. Creators aren't posting highlight reels; they're airing out every bad call, from "wearing shorts while skydiving" to "drunk texting my ex in March" to "quitting my job without a backup plan." The regrets range from genuinely reckless (risky activities without proper gear) to hilariously petty (unfollowing someone who didn't deserve it) to deeply relatable life choices (spending $600 on concert tickets, ignoring red flags, cutting my own bangs). The trend resonates because everyone's carrying some version of "what was I thinking" energy as the year ends, and there's something cathartic about publicly owning your mistakes set to moody indie-pop.
How to Execute: Use the "writing's on the wall" audio by role model, specifically timing your content to the "dad's on the phone and he's..." lyric section. Compile your list of genuine regrets from 2025—the more specific and visual, the better. You can either film new b-roll footage (shots of you reflecting, sitting on your bed, walking through your city, etc.) or pull together photos and videos from throughout the year that capture the vibe of your regrettable moments. Layer on-screen text listing each regret, syncing them to appear rhythmically with the music. If you have actual footage or photos of the regret happening (skydiving in shorts, the haircut you immediately hated, screenshots of the text you shouldn't have sent), use that—specificity makes the content way more engaging. Format the text clearly so viewers can read each regret: bullet points work, or rapid-fire transitions showing one regret per screen. The best versions balance humor with genuine reflection: mix silly regrets ("bought a pet fish I wasn't ready for") with bigger ones ("stayed in a situation I knew wasn't right for me"). Keep your tone self-aware but not overly apologetic—this is about owning your chaos, not asking for forgiveness. Some creators add a final text overlay at the end like "anyway here's to better decisions in 2026" or "no regrets though" (ironically). Works especially well if you've had a particularly messy, transformative, or unpredictable year.
Trend #4: Pilates by Izzy 25-Day Challenge
Australian Pilates instructor Izzy Samuel's 25-day challenge has become the New Year's resolution trend dominating TikTok, and it's not just about the workouts—it's about the entire documented journey. The program itself is simple: 25 days of 25-minute contemporary Pilates workouts (free on YouTube), combining traditional mat work with resistance training. But creators have turned it into a three-act production: Act 1 is the Five Below shopping haul, loading up on yoga mats, light weights, ankle weights, resistance bands, Pilates balls, and blocks—everything under $50, often in cute pink colorways. Act 2 is the accountability series, posting day-by-day check-ins showing themselves struggling through Izzy's deceptively brutal routines (her "hi, my girls" greeting in an Aussie accent is now instantly recognizable). Act 3 is the payoff: dramatic before/after transformations showing real changes in core strength and muscle definition after just 25 days. The challenge works because it hits every viral sweet spot—time-bound for New Year commitments, budget-friendly (no expensive gym required), results-driven (the transformations are undeniable), and surprisingly difficult (proving at-home Pilates actually delivers). Postpartum moms, fitness beginners, and gym regulars are all participating, with most admitting they massively underestimated how hard 25 minutes could be.
How to Execute: Film your Five Below (or budget retailer) shopping haul showing each piece of equipment: yoga mat, 2-5 lb hand weights, ankle weights, resistance band, small Pilates ball, and yoga block. Add text showing the total cost (under $50). Take Day 1 before photos in fitted workout clothes—front, side, and back views. Document yourself doing the first workout with genuine reactions to how hard it is; split-screen yourself alongside Izzy's YouTube video or just show your exhausted face afterward. Post check-ins throughout: Day 5 (adjusting), Day 10 (halfway), Day 15 (seeing changes), Day 20 (final push). On Day 25, create before/after comparisons showing your transformation. Be honest about which days destroyed you most, whether you took rest days (most people rest every 2-3 days), and what surprised you about the process. Many creators note visible core definition and arm tone even without major scale changes. Link Izzy's YouTube playlist and tag her. Bonus content: review which Five Below equipment held up versus what you'd upgrade, or post FAQs about modifications and what to expect. The key is authenticity—show the struggle, the sweat, and the real results, not a polished performance.
Week of January 5, 2026 – DIY Anthems, Fresh Starts & Holiday Hauls
The first full week of 2026 has TikTok caught between holding onto the holiday high and leaning into new year energy. Creators are manifesting brand deals they didn't ask for, publicly committing to goals they'll regret posting by March, and showing off every single thing they unwrapped over the holidays. It's the perfect storm of consumer content, accountability culture, and one incredibly catchy homemade jingle that refuses to leave anyone's head.
Trend #5: Dr. Pepper Baby Theme Song
TikTok just manifested Dr. Pepper's next viral campaign, whether the brand asked for it or not. Creator @romeosshow posted what she called a "theme song for Dr. Pepper" on December 23rd, and it's the definition of beautifully simple: "Dr. Pepper, baby, is good and nice." That's it. That's the whole jingle. But those seven words, delivered with genuine earnestness directly to camera, have racked up 12.6 million views and nearly 2 million likes. The internet immediately went to work—creator @thereiscoredit added a full instrumental arrangement, turning Romeo's a cappella into a legitimate earworm, and now the mashup is everywhere. Brands like Popeyes, Buffalo Wild Wings, Slim Jim, and even Indeed (who literally commented "You're hired") are in the comments begging to be part of whatever this moment is. The trend has split into two camps: creators posting themselves drinking Dr. Pepper to the theme song like it's an official sponsorship, and others jokingly calling for boycotts until Dr. Pepper cuts Romeo a check. Some are getting controversial by filming themselves choosing literally any other drink over Dr. Pepper, turning it into a playful brand roast. The whole thing captures that chaotic creator-brand dynamic where someone makes better marketing content than the actual marketing team, and everyone knows it.
How to Execute: Use Romeo's original audio or the scored version by @thereiscoredit (search "Dr. Pepper theme song"). For the straightforward approach, film yourself cracking open a Dr. Pepper and taking a sip while the jingle plays, syncing your actions to the beat. You can do this as a simple product moment, an over-the-top commercial parody, or a deadpan endorsement. Add on-screen text like "POV: you heard the theme song" or "Romeo's mind control worked." For the controversial angle, film yourself very intentionally choosing a different drink—Coke, Pepsi, root beer, whatever—and drinking it to the Dr. Pepper song with a caption like "I'm sorry Romeo but [drink] hits different" or "respectfully, I'm a [other drink] girlie." The humor is in the audacity of using Dr. Pepper's unofficial anthem to promote literally anything else. You can also get creative with the format: animate something to the song, create a cinematic edit of Dr. Pepper cans, or make a parody commercial. The key is acknowledging the absurdity that this homemade jingle is now more iconic than anything Dr. Pepper has actually released. If you're a brand, jump in with your own product set to the song—it's working for everyone else.
Trend #6: 2026 Resolutions List Reveal (Greenscreen)
New Year's resolutions are getting the TikTok treatment, and this time it's not about gym memberships you'll abandon by February—it's about putting your goals on display for accountability, community, or just the aesthetic. Creators are using TikTok's greenscreen feature to showcase their full list of 2026 resolutions typed out in their Notes app, set to motivational or aspirational audio. What makes this trend resonate is the mix of sincerity and vulnerability: people are sharing everything from "read 50 books" and "learn Spanish" to "stop overthinking texts" and "actually use my gym membership." The lists feel personal and specific, which invites comment sections full of people either hyping up the goals, relating to them, or adding their own. Some creators are getting creative with it—color-coding their resolutions by category (health, career, relationships, personal growth), adding checkboxes for visual satisfaction, or creating separate lists for "realistic goals" vs. "if I'm being ambitious." Others are doing the trend ironically, listing increasingly unhinged or impossible goals. It's become a way to manifesting main character energy for 2026 while also creating a digital paper trail that holds you accountable when someone inevitably asks "how's that resolution going?" in March.
How to Execute: Open your Notes app and type out your actual 2026 resolutions. Be specific and genuine—vague goals like "be better" don't hit as hard as "wake up before 8am on weekdays" or "send one cold email per week." Organize your list however feels right: bullet points, numbered, categorized by theme, whatever. Screenshot or save the note. In TikTok, use the greenscreen feature to display your resolution list as the background. Film yourself in front of it—you can look directly at the camera, gesture to specific goals, or just vibe while the list speaks for itself. Choose audio that matches your energy: motivational tracks work for serious goal-setting, trending sounds add relatability, or pick something aspirational that fits the main character energy you're going for. Add text overlays if you want to call out specific goals or add context. Keep your on-camera presence natural—this trend works best when it feels authentic rather than performative. You can also do a follow-up series checking in on your progress throughout the year.
Trend #7: Christmas Haul Videos
December is peak haul season, and TikTok is drowning in footage of people unpacking their holiday loot. Christmas haul videos have become the digital version of showing off your presents, except now it's organized, aesthetically pleasing, and often includes links to buy everything yourself. Creators are filming everything they received—from family gifts to Secret Santa exchanges to what they bought themselves during holiday sales—laying it all out in satisfying displays and walking through each item. The format ranges from quick montages set to festive music to detailed reviews where creators actually try on clothes, test products, or rate each gift. What makes these hauls compelling is the mix of gratitude, genuine excitement, and the aspirational lifestyle flex. People love seeing what others got, comparing it to their own hauls, and adding items to their own wish lists. It's also become a way for creators to show off their aesthetic—the way they display items, the lighting, the organization—turning gift unwrapping into content. Some are doing themed hauls (beauty products only, books, tech gear), while others are documenting everything from practical socks to luxury splurges. The comment sections are full of people asking "where's that from?" and creators dropping links or tagging brands, effectively turning their personal Christmas into shoppable content.
How to Execute: Gather everything you received or bought during the holidays and organize it by category or however makes visual sense. Set up your filming space with good lighting—natural light near a window works great, or use a ring light for evening shoots. Lay out items neatly on a bed, table, or floor in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Film yourself going through each item: hold it up to the camera, show details, and give genuine reactions or quick reviews. You can film this as one continuous take or cut between items for pacing. Add on-screen text labeling each product, the brand, or who gave it to you. Use festive trending audio or holiday music in the background. If you're feeling generous, include links to products in your bio or pin comments with product info. You can also film the actual unwrapping process for more authentic excitement, or create a "top 5 favorite gifts" shortened version if the full haul is too long. The key is genuine enthusiasm—people can tell when you're excited about something versus just showing it off for content.
Week of January 12, 2026 – Ancestral Hacks, Duet Drama & Irresistible Offers
TikTok’s second week of 2026 is giving emotional contrast in the best way. We’re seeing a blend of cultural curiosity, comedic standoffs, and primal temptation—all powered by sounds and storytelling that hit on both humor and healing. Whether it’s warm ginger tea replacing $200 supplements or a fake dating app reveal unraveling friendships, the FYP is chaotic, cathartic, and quietly brilliant.
Trend #8: Chinese Lifestyle Trend
TikTok just discovered Traditional Chinese Medicine and wellness practices, and the collective response is "why didn't anyone tell us this sooner?" Chinese creators are flooding FYPs with ancestral health hacks—drinking hot water instead of ice, putting warm boiled apples in tea, keeping feet warm at all times, ditching shoes indoors, eating ginger for everything—and Western audiences are converting en masse. The trend taps into something deeper than just wellness tourism: these practices feel intuitive, grounded, and refreshingly anti-hustle compared to the $200 supplement routines dominating wellness culture. Comment sections are full of people declaring themselves "Chinese now" after trying one hack and feeling immediately better, which is equal parts cultural appreciation and internet hyperbole. Non-Chinese creators are documenting their "turning Chinese" journey—buying house slippers, switching to warm drinks, meal-prepping congee, avoiding cold foods during their period. There's genuine curiosity mixed with the performative adoption, and Chinese creators are responding with explainers on the philosophy behind each practice rather than just the actions. It's becoming a gateway into understanding balance, prevention over treatment, and listening to your body's signals—concepts that feel radical in a culture obsessed with biohacking and optimization.
How to Execute: Search for Chinese wellness content on your FYP or follow Chinese health and cooking creators to find practices that resonate. Start documenting your own "Chinese" journey by trying one hack at a time—switch to hot or warm water for a week, invest in proper house slippers, make ginger tea when you feel a cold coming on, try warm apple water before bed. Film yourself trying each practice for the first time and capture genuine reactions to how it makes you feel. Share the specific hack with on-screen text explaining what it's for according to TCM principles (example: "warm feet = better circulation and energy flow"). Don't just perform the actions—explain why you're trying it and what Traditional Chinese Medicine says about the body. The key is approaching it with genuine curiosity and respect rather than just trend-hopping. Credit Chinese creators whose content inspired you to try specific practices. Create comparison content: "what wellness looked like before vs. after learning Chinese health hacks" showing your overpriced supplement shelf versus your new ginger-and-tea setup. Document any genuine changes you notice—better sleep, improved digestion, fewer colds—but be honest about what works and what doesn't for your body. The trend works best when it's treated as learning from another culture's wisdom rather than appropriating it for aesthetics.
Trend #9: Ngây Thơ Duet (Opposing Perspectives Trend
TikTok has found the perfect audio for capturing the hilarious disconnect between what people want and what reality delivers, and it's set to "Ngây Thơ" by Tăng Duy Tân. The format is deceptively simple but emotionally satisfying: two people engage in a back-and-forth conversation where their perspectives are completely at odds, with four alternating statements total (two from each side). Then, when the song hits that melodramatic "ahhhhawaahhh" drop, both people cover their faces and sway dramatically, embodying the emotional impasse. The viral toddler example nails it—kid wants a sibling now, mom's firmly in the "not until you're older" camp, and neither is budging. But the format works for any relationship dynamic where opposing desires create comedic or genuine tension: couples arguing about thermostats, roommates debating dishes, employees versus bosses on work-from-home policies, teenagers versus parents on curfews, dogs versus owners about walks. The swaying face-cover moment is crucial—it's both a comedic release and an acknowledgment that neither side is winning this argument. The Vietnamese audio adds an unexpected emotional weight that makes even mundane disagreements feel like soap opera-level drama.
How to Execute: Film a split-screen or duo video using the "Ngây Thơ" audio. Set up a four-statement exchange where two opposing perspectives clash: Person A states what they want, Person B responds with reality or opposition, Person A counters, Person B delivers the final shutdown. Keep each statement short enough to fit the audio's rhythm—think subtitle-friendly one-liners. When the dramatic "ahhhhawaahhh" portion hits, both people should simultaneously cover their faces with their hands and sway side to side in exaggerated emotional distress. The sway should feel theatrical and committed—this is the moment where both parties acknowledge the standoff. Add on-screen text for each statement so viewers can follow the argument clearly. The best executions have genuine tension or humor in the exchange—it works when both sides have valid points that are fundamentally incompatible. Try these dynamics: parent/child (screen time negotiations), couple (vacation destination debates), coworkers (meeting scheduling conflicts), pet/owner (treat negotiations), roommates (temperature wars). You can film both sides yourself using the duet feature, or actually collaborate with the other person for more authentic reactions. The contrast between the serious exchange and the melodramatic musical breakdown is what makes it work—lean into both.
Trend #10: Found Your Friend on Hinge Prank
TikTok's latest relationship prank is so perfectly engineered that even smart people fall for it every time, and the delayed realization is comedy gold. The setup: you casually tell your partner, best friend, or anyone who knows your relationship status that you found their friend/coworker/random person on Hinge or another dating app. The person being told usually responds normally at first—laughing, asking to see the profile, making jokes about the person being single. Then it hits them, sometimes five seconds in, sometimes mid-conversation: wait, why were YOU on Hinge to see this profile? The double-take is iconic. They go from amused bystander to suddenly very confused, their face shifting from laughter to squinted suspicion to mock outrage. The best part? The prankster is usually so committed to delivering the "tea" about finding someone else that the irony doesn't register immediately for either party. It works on partners ("I saw your coworker on Bumble" / "Oh really, what did his profile say?" / "Wait—why are YOU on Bumble?"), best friends ("Dude I matched with your ex" / "No way, screenshot it" / "Hold on, aren't you engaged?"), or even flipping it professionally ("I saw our boss on Hinge" / boss responds / "Why are you swiping during work hours?"). The prank's brilliance is in how naturally people accept information before questioning the source.
How to Execute: Set up your phone to record your target's reaction—position it casually so they don't suspect you're filming a prank. Approach them naturally and deliver the news with genuine energy: "Oh my god, I just saw [their friend/coworker/family member] on Hinge" or "Dude, I matched with [person they know] on Bumble." Commit fully to the story—add details like "their profile said they're looking for something serious" or "they had the weirdest photos." Let them respond naturally. Most people will engage with curiosity, asking questions or laughing about the person being on a dating app. Keep feeding the conversation until the realization hits them. The best moments come when they're mid-laugh or mid-question and suddenly freeze, their brain catching up. Capture that exact moment when their face shifts from amusement to confusion to "wait a minute." Some people catch on immediately and flip it back on you ("Why are YOU on Hinge?"), while others take surprisingly long. When they finally call you out, act innocent or double down briefly before revealing it's a prank. The humor is in both the delayed reaction and the self-own of admitting you were on the app. You can also do this to coupled-up friends to see if they catch that you're both being suspicious, or to your boss/coworker as a risky workplace bit.
Trend #11: Hey Mama Stop-in-Your-Tracks Trend
The slowed-down "Hey Mama" by David Guetta has become the soundtrack for a perfectly relatable comedy format: depicting the moment when shallow flattery does nothing, but the right offer makes you instantly reconsider everything. Creators film themselves running away from the camera in an exaggerated, comedic manner—arms flailing, deliberately goofy stride, fully committed to the escape. On-screen text cycles through typical compliments or pickup attempts that aren't working: "you're so hot," "I want your Snapchat," "please be my girlfriend," "you're gorgeous." The runner keeps going, unbothered and unimpressed. But then the beat drops, and the text shifts to something genuinely tempting—something so specifically appealing that it stops them cold. "I'll buy you McDonald's" is the classic, but the format thrives on personalization: "I have a Stanley cup collection you can choose from," "my dog wants to meet you," "I'll pay off your student loans," "free Chick-fil-A for life," "I'll watch your favorite show without complaining." The moment that offer appears, the creator slows their run dramatically, turns toward the camera with sudden interest, and moves closer with a "now you have my attention" energy. It's funny because it's honest—we all have that one thing that would make us stop everything.
How to Execute: Use the slowed-down version of "Hey Mama" by David Guetta. Set up your camera at a distance and start running away from it in the most exaggerated, comedic way possible—think flailing arms, dramatic strides, looking over your shoulder like you're fleeing something. Don't look at the camera during the run; stay committed to the escape. Layer on-screen text with compliments or requests that aren't landing: cycle through 3-4 shallow statements like "you're beautiful," "can I have your number," "I love you," "you're perfect." Time these to appear during the buildup before the beat drops. When the beat hits, change the text to your irresistible offer—the thing that would genuinely make you stop. This is where personalization matters: make it specific to your personality or niche. Immediately slow your run dramatically when this text appears, turn your head toward the camera with sudden interest, and move closer in slow motion. Your facial expression should shift from "absolutely not" to "okay, I'm listening." The closer you get to the camera, the more intrigued you should look. Popular variations: fitness creators ("I'll spot you at the gym" / "I have a home gym you can use"), food creators ("I know the secret menu" / "unlimited fries"), students ("I'll do your homework"), pet owners ("my dog is single too"), gamers ("I have a PS5 and no one to play with"). The humor works when the offer is oddly specific and undeniably tempting to your specific audience.
Trend #12: Holly Wheeler "You Have To Believe Me" Trend
Holly Wheeler's desperate, breathless plea from Stranger Things—"come on you have to believe me, please"—has been ripped from its supernatural horror context and repurposed for the most relatable everyday struggles, and the juxtaposition is perfect comedy. Creators are lip-syncing the audio with the same wide-eyed urgency Holly delivers, but the on-screen text reveals they're fighting battles that absolutely do not warrant this level of panic: trying to convince friends to start a show you know they'd obsess over, insisting you knew a song before it went viral on TikTok, explaining to your parents that you really did clean your room (it just doesn't look like it), begging your partner to try the restaurant you've been hyping for months, attempting to prove to coworkers that your idea in the meeting was actually good. The audio's genuine desperation makes mundane situations feel like life-or-death stakes, which is exactly how these moments feel in the moment even though objectively they're not that serious. The trend works because we've all been there—overly invested in something minor, trying way too hard to convince someone of something that matters deeply to us but ranks as a 2/10 on anyone else's priority scale. The dramatic delivery sells it.
How to Execute: Find the Holly Wheeler "come on you have to believe me, please" audio from Stranger Things. Film yourself lip-syncing the audio with full commitment—match Holly's desperate energy, wide eyes, pleading expression, the works. This isn't the time for ironic distance; you need to sell the urgency even though what you're "pleading" about is completely trivial. Add on-screen text that reveals the mundane situation you're dramatizing. The best captions are hyperspecific and relatable: "me trying to convince my friend to watch the show I've been begging them to start for months," "explaining to my mom that I really did look for my keys everywhere," "trying to prove I knew this artist before they blew up," "begging my boyfriend to try the restaurant I've been talking about," "convincing my coworkers my idea was actually good in the meeting," "me explaining to my friend why they NEED to read this book," "trying to get my roommate to believe I did the dishes (they're in the dishwasher)." The humor comes from the massive gap between the dramatic audio and the low-stakes situation. You can film this talking directly to camera as if addressing the person you're trying to convince, or stage it with a friend playing the skeptical recipient of your plea. The key is matching the audio's intensity while the text reveals how trivial the actual situation is.
Week of January 18, 2026 – Nostalgia Hits, Chaotic Confessions & Main Character Energy
TikTok is deep in its feelings this week, oscillating between sentimental throwbacks and unhinged self-awareness. Creators are mining 2016 for cultural gold, faking car crashes to reveal their Target addictions, and turning guilty pleasures into viral moments—all while the platform's sound library serves up everything from Wicked quotes to breakout Louisiana rap anthems.
Trend #13: 2016 Nostalgia Wave
TikTok has entered its time machine era, and 2016 is having a full-blown cultural renaissance. Creators are flooding FYPs with throwback photos, correcting Gen Z's revisionist history, and reminding everyone what peak internet culture actually looked like. The nostalgia is hyper-specific: high-waisted jeans (not low-rise—that's a common misconception younger users are making), full beat makeup with heavy contouring and Instagram brows, green army jackets layered over everything, ankle boots as the default footwear, Juuls being passed around like contraband, and Snapchat filters that made everyone look like a glowing alien. The music is back too—Fetty Wap's recent prison release has people revisiting "Trap Queen" and "679," while other 2016 anthems like "One Dance," "Closer," and "Broccoli" are soundtracking montages of old camera roll finds. People are posting side-by-sides of their actual 2016 fits versus what Gen Z thinks 2016 looked like, calling out the difference between late 2010s fashion and the early 2000s low-rise era that's being conflated. It's equal parts celebration and cultural correction, with Millennials and older Gen Z defending their aesthetic choices while simultaneously cringing at how much has changed. The trend taps into that bittersweet recognition that 2016—despite feeling like yesterday—was nearly a decade ago, a simpler time before everything got so complicated.
How to Execute: Use photos or videos from your actual 2016 camera roll—the grainier and more unfiltered, the better. Show what you really wore: high-waisted black jeans, chokers, bomber jackets, Vans or ankle boots, oversized hoodies, ripped denim. Film yourself flipping through old photos while a 2016 song plays in the background (Fetty Wap, Desiigner, Drake, The Chainsmokers—anything that defined that year). If you're correcting Gen Z's misconceptions, create a "what people think 2016 fashion was vs. what it actually was" comparison, emphasizing that high-rise denim dominated, not low-rise. Show your full beat makeup looks if you have them—the heavy contour, boxy brows, and matte lips that defined the era. Reference the cultural touchstones: Snapchat dog filter selfies, Juuls, saying "lit" unironically, Musical.ly transitions, Damn Daniel, water bottle flips, the Presidential election anxiety, Pokémon GO taking over the summer. Add text like "2016 really hit different" or "we didn't know how good we had it" or "explaining 2016 fashion to Gen Z." The key is specificity—this isn't general mid-2010s nostalgia, it's about 2016 specifically as a cultural moment that feels both recent and impossibly distant. Lean into the collective memory: we all wore the same fits, listened to the same songs, and lived through the same internet moments, and now we're all processing how fast time has moved.
Trend #14: "Her Sister, Use Her Sister" (Wicked Suggestion)
A line from Wicked: For Good has become TikTok's go-to audio for calling out industry substitutions and sharing hilariously relatable stories about being someone's backup plan. The audio—which features someone urgently suggesting "her sister, use her sister"—comes from a pivotal moment in the film where Glinda suggests targeting Elphaba's sister Nessarose to draw her out, and creators are running wild with it. The format has split into two equally entertaining lanes: industry commentary and deeply personal callouts. On the brand side, creators are roasting fashion companies booking Kendall Jenner when they couldn't afford Bella Hadid, labels in 2020 scrambling for Dixie D'Amelio when Charli's rates went through the roof, or any casting director who's ever treated siblings like interchangeable commodities. But the real gold is in the personal stories—people are sharing genuinely unhinged moments where they witnessed someone literally suggest using their sister as a replacement. Teachers asking if a younger sibling could model for a school project when the older one said no, family friends requesting the other sister as a plus-one to a wedding after getting rejected, guys asking about a girl's sister after being turned down for a date, or the absolutely brutal stories of someone's ex sliding into their sister's DMs. The trend works because it's exposing a pattern we've all either experienced or witnessed: the audacity of treating people—especially siblings—as plan B options without a second thought.
How to Execute: Use the "her sister, use her sister" audio from Wicked: For Good. Film yourself lip-syncing to the urgent, slightly conspiratorial delivery—you can look directly at camera, act like you're whispering a suggestion in a meeting, or film it as a reaction shot. Add on-screen text revealing your specific scenario. For industry commentary, call out brands and their substitution patterns: "me anytime I see a fashion brand book Kendall Jenner," "brands in 2020 when they couldn't afford Charli D'Amelio," "casting directors when the A-lister says no," "record labels when the talented sibling passes." For personal stories, share your own experiences: "the teachers when I wouldn't stop crying in kindergarten and would pull my sister out of 3rd grade to sit with me" (like your screenshot example), "my ex when I blocked him," "the guy who asked me to prom after my sister said no," "family friends planning their wedding seating chart," "my mom when I said I wasn't coming home for the holidays." The more specific and slightly unhinged the scenario, the better. Keep your facial expression knowing or exasperated—this audio captures that calculated moment when someone decides you're replaceable, and your reaction should convey how wild that suggestion was. This works for calling out industry patterns, sharing personal stories of audacity, or even flipping it to joke about being the sister who's always plan B.
Trend #15: "I Got Like Hella Money" (Broke Flex Energy)
TikTok has found its new anthem for that specific feeling when $5 in your bank account makes you feel like a millionaire, and it's absolutely sending. Creator Kell Martin (@shutthekellup) posted a video on January 2nd of himself beatboxing and singing in his car—"I got like hella money"—before flashing a crisp five-dollar bill and calling everyone else broke. The juxtaposition of the confident delivery with the humble reality of having exactly $5 is pure comedy gold, and the song has exploded with over 30 million views and 125,000+ uses of the audio in just two weeks. The trend has spawned multiple viral formats: people are making their cats lip-sync to it, creating emoji cutout animations that move their hands in a driving motion to the beat, and—in the most viral execution—a boba shop employee recreated it with a cup of boba tea that garnered 20 million views. But the real magic is in how creators are using it to celebrate those small financial wins that feel massive in the moment: getting a random Roblox refund, finding $20 in an old jacket, your paycheck hitting at midnight, getting Venmo'd back for dinner, or literally any time you have slightly more money than you did five minutes ago. It's broke millennial and Gen Z humor at its finest—turning financial anxiety into a flex, no matter how small the amount.
How to Execute: Use Kell Martin's original "I got like hella money" audio. The setup is flexible depending on which format you're going with. For the classic approach, film yourself lip-syncing or dancing to the song with exaggerated confidence, then reveal your actual financial situation with on-screen text: "me when I got a random refund from Roblox," "when my paycheck hits at 12:01am," "me finding $20 in my winter coat," "when someone Venmos me back immediately," "me after selling one thing on Depop." The humor works best when there's a stark contrast between the energy and the reality. For the emoji/object animation format, create a cutout of an emoji or use an actual object (a boba cup became the most viral version) and move it in a circular driving motion in front of the camera in rhythm with the beat—the motion should be smooth and repetitive, matching the song's energy. You can also make pets "lip-sync" by moving their mouth to the lyrics. The key is committing to the vibe: act like you're genuinely wealthy over the smallest financial win. Add text that captures that specific moment of feeling rich despite being objectively not rich. This trend is relatable because we've all experienced that brief rush of having slightly more money than expected, and the song perfectly captures that unwarranted confidence.
Trend #16: "Boo" Dance OOTD Reveal (H3adband)
H3adband's "Boo" has become TikTok's unexpected outfit-of-the-day anthem, and teacher-creator @heymissteacher turned it into the ultimate fit check format with her viral execution that's racked up 2.9 million likes. The Louisiana rap track—released in October 2025 with spooky synths and a catchy hook—started as a dance challenge that celebrities like Savannah James, DaBaby, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy jumped on, but it's evolved into something even more versatile. The song experienced a 1,882% increase in streams over three weeks as the TikTok trend took off, and now creators are using the energetic beat to showcase their daily outfits through choreographed reveals. @heymissteacher perfected the format: she performs the "Boo" dance—which features head bops, arm movements, and confident energy—while simultaneously showing off her teacher outfit of the day, turning what could be a static mirror selfie into dynamic, watchable content. The trend works because it solves the age-old problem of OOTD posts feeling boring or self-indulgent—by packaging your outfit in a dance, you're entertaining while flexing your style. Teachers especially have latched onto this because it lets them show their personality and fashion sense in a way that feels fun rather than show-offy, and @heymissteacher's success (she's a fashion and disability advocate with 2.1 million followers) has inspired countless others to combine their daily fits with the infectious "Boo" choreography.
How to Execute: Use H3adband's "Boo" audio (search for the original track released October 2025). Learn the basic "Boo" dance moves—the trend features head bobs, arm movements that sync with the beat, and confident, swaggering energy. You don't need to be a professional dancer; the moves are accessible but should be performed with commitment. Get dressed in your outfit of the day—this trend works especially well for teachers, but anyone can do it. Set up your camera in a spot where your full outfit is visible. Film yourself performing the "Boo" dance while showcasing your look from multiple angles—turn around to show the back, hit poses that highlight key pieces, move in ways that show how the outfit flows or fits. The key is integrating the dance with the outfit reveal so it feels like one cohesive moment rather than dancing and then showing your fit separately. Add text like "Teacher OOTD," "Today's fit," or whatever describes your vibe. You can film in your classroom, bedroom, entryway, wherever you typically get ready. The energy should match the song—confident, a little playful, not taking yourself too seriously. This format works for any daily outfit content: work fits, casual looks, themed outfits, whatever you're wearing that day. The dance elevates what would otherwise be a static photo into something people actually want to watch, and the song's popularity means you're riding a wave of existing engagement.
Trend #17: "Lost Control of My Car"
The Kardashians' 2015 Montana car crash has been resurrected as TikTok's newest guilty pleasure confession format, and it's perfectly chaotic. Creators are using the audio from the terrifying KUWTK episode where Khloé lost control of their SUV on an icy road—complete with Kim's panicked screaming "Oh my God, I don't have my seatbelt on!" and the sounds of chaos—to fake dramatic car crashes that reveal their real destination: their favorite guilty pleasure spots. The execution is simple but effective: film yourself driving normally, add on-screen text reading "lost control of my car," then aggressively shake your phone camera right as the crash audio hits to simulate losing control. Cut to the reveal of where you actually "crashed"—which is inevitably Target, Starbucks, 7 Brew, Chick-fil-A, or whatever store you're embarrassingly addicted to visiting. The trend works because it captures that specific feeling of your car seemingly driving itself to places you frequent way too often, like you've genuinely lost control and autopilot has taken over. It's self-deprecating humor about consumption habits, packaged in a format that's funny because the dramatic audio is so overblown compared to the mundane reality of just... going to Target again. The Kardashian audio adds an extra layer since viewers familiar with the original clip know Kim literally didn't have her seatbelt on during a real accident, which makes using it for a fake Target run even more absurd.
How to Execute: Use the audio from the Kardashians' 2015 Montana car crash (search for "Kim Kardashian I don't have my seatbelt on" or "Kardashian car crash audio"). Set up your phone to film while you're driving (do this safely—mount your phone, film from the passenger seat, or film the steering wheel/dashboard angle). Start with normal driving footage. Add on-screen text that reads "lost control of my car" or "I lost control of my vehicle." Right when the crash sounds hit in the audio, shake your camera violently to simulate the crash—move your phone erratically, tilt it, make it look chaotic. Immediately cut to the reveal: your car pulling into the parking lot of your guilty pleasure destination. Popular choices include Target (the most common), Starbucks, Dutch Bros, 7 Brew, Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, Ulta, TJ Maxx, or literally any store you visit embarrassingly often. You can add a second text overlay on the reveal like "at Target again" or "7 Brew for the 3rd time today." The humor is in the contrast between the dramatic crash audio and the mundane reality that you're just... shopping again. You can also film yourself "assessing the damage" by showing your shopping bags or receipt. The trend is relatable because everyone has that one place their car seems to drive to automatically, and using genuine panic audio for something so trivial is peak internet humor.
January 2025 Flashback: Trends That Defined Last Year
Before diving into what's dominating feeds right now, let's look back at what was trending exactly one year ago. January 2025 kicked off with its own viral energy—and some of these themes are cyclical enough that they're worth revisiting for 2026 strategy.
New Year's Audio Takeover
Cardi B's iconic audio ("Ladies and gentlemen, it was lovely to have you here, see you next year—or not") became the unofficial soundtrack of New Year's Eve 2025, with creators lip-syncing in their glam NYE outfits. It returned again this year, proving its staying power as an annual trend. The SpongeBob audio ("What's funnier than 2024? 2025!") brought comedic relief, while dedicated 2024 recap sounds gave creators space to celebrate milestones. This year, Drake's "Slime You Out" has taken over that recap space with a more narrative-driven approach.
Confessional Comedy
The Griffin from Family Guy audio ("Since we're all gonna die, there's one more secret I feel I have to share with you") sparked satirical "confessions" throughout January 2025, with creators revealing fake scars, pretend nemeses, and manufactured drama. The "Really Know What a Bad Day Is" audio let creators share exaggeratedly terrible experiences. This year's equivalent is the "writing's on the wall" regret trend, showing that confessional content continues to resonate—it just keeps finding new sonic vessels.
Viral Meme Moments
Perhaps the most unexpected sensation was "Raise Your Ya Ya Ya," a vocal coach video that exploded to over 200 million views. The clip showed a coach helping someone belt notes by encouraging "raise your ya ya ya" to open vowels, spawning countless dramatic parodies. Interactive trends like "Guess the Person" (blindfolded participants guessing who's talking) and the "Checking to See" trend (parodying Ivy League acceptance reveals with mundane scenarios like checking if restaurants were open) showed TikTok's appetite for participatory, family-friendly content that's still going strong this year.
What This Means for January 2026
If January 2025 was about celebration and comedic relief coming out of 2024, January 2026 feels more reflective and raw. We're seeing creators document transformation rather than just celebrate it, own regrets instead of manufacturing fake confessions, and build year-long narratives instead of one-off recap videos. The shift from "look how great my year was" to "look how much changed" signals a maturing platform where authenticity—even messy authenticity—wins.
FAQ: January 2026 TikTok Trends
Q1: What are the best TikTok trends for New Year's content?
New Year's trends typically fall into three categories: recap/reflection (like the "Slime You Out" year-in-review trend), resolution/transformation (like the Pilates 25-day challenge), and fresh start comedy (confessional regrets content). The most successful New Year's content creates a narrative arc—showing where you started, what changed, and where you're headed. Brands should lean into transformation storytelling while creators can embrace vulnerability mixed with humor.
Q2: Do New Year's resolution trends perform well throughout January or just the first week?
Resolution trends have legs throughout January and often into February. The key is documenting the journey, not just the commitment. Content showing Day 1 vs. Day 15 of a challenge, admitting you've already fallen off your goals, or celebrating small wins performs consistently well. The "accountability content" format (regular check-ins on a goal) tends to gain momentum mid-month as people realize resolutions are harder than expected.
Q3: Should brands participate in confession/regret trends?
It depends on your brand voice. Confessional trends work best for brands with an informal, self-aware tone (think Duolingo, Scrub Daddy, RyanAir). B2B or luxury brands should approach cautiously. If you do participate, keep it light and relevant to your industry—a travel brand can confess "bad" destination choices, a food brand can own recipe fails, a fashion brand can acknowledge past trend mistakes. The key is being genuinely funny without trying too hard.
Q4: Are mashup trends (like Charlie Brown x GloRilla) worth the production effort?
Mashup trends require more coordination and editing, but they're excellent for team building, behind-the-scenes content, and showing brand personality. They work especially well for brands with multiple team members, retail locations with staff, or companies that want to showcase workplace culture. The ROI is often in virality potential and shareability—people love tagging friends to "do this with me."
Q5: How do I know if a trend is still relevant by the time I can execute it?
Check the audio usage numbers and sort by "newest" to see if creators are still actively posting. If you're seeing fresh uploads within the last 24-48 hours, the trend still has momentum. January trends tied to New Year energy (recaps, resolutions) have a natural expiration date around mid-February, while evergreen formats (transformation content, confessional comedy) can work year-round with different sonic vessels.
Q6: What equipment do I actually need for the Pilates challenge trend?
The core equipment is affordable and available at most budget retailers: yoga mat ($10-15), 2-5 lb dumbbells ($10), ankle weights ($8-12), resistance band ($5-8), small Pilates ball ($5), and yoga block ($5). Total investment is typically $40-60. Many creators document their Five Below or Amazon hauls as part of the content journey. If you're a fitness brand, this is an opportunity to showcase your products in an authentic challenge format.
Q7: Can year recap trends work for brands or are they too personal?
Year recaps absolutely work for brands—you just need to adapt the format. Use the "Slime You Out" monthly structure to show: product launches month-by-month, campaign highlights, customer testimonials organized by month, seasonal offerings, or brand evolution. The key is having visual variety and a clear narrative thread. Beauty brands can show 12 different looks, travel brands can showcase 12 destinations, food brands can highlight 12 seasonal recipes.
Q8: What's the difference between January 2025 and January 2026 trends?
January 2025 leaned into celebration and comedic relief (Cardi B NYE audio, fake confessions, viral memes like "Ya Ya Ya"). January 2026 feels more introspective and authentic—documenting real transformation, owning genuine regrets, and building year-long narratives. The shift reflects a maturing platform where audiences crave depth alongside entertainment. Brands should adjust from pure celebration to transformation storytelling.
Creators: Turn Trends Into Opportunities
Join New Engen Creators to get matched with brand campaigns that align with your voice, earn through affiliate links, and stay ahead of viral TikTok trends like these. If you're already on the For You Page, it's time to start getting paid for it.
