Jumping On That Train: Mastering Trendjacking for Brands
Jumping On That Train means quickly joining a trending topic or viral moment on social media to boost engagement and visibility. It’s a strategy brands and influencers use to ride popular conversations and tap into audience excitement.
What "Jumping On That Train" Means
“Jumping On That Train” is a casual way to talk about trendjacking—when brands or creators hop onto an existing viral topic, hashtag, or meme. Instead of starting something new, you piggyback off what’s already buzzing to reach wider audiences and stay relevant.
Examples in Influencer Marketing
1. TikTok Challenges: When a dance challenge goes viral, influencers film themselves doing the moves, tag the original creator, and add trending hashtags. Brands selling headphones or sportswear often join in, showcasing their products naturally in the challenge.
2. Hashtag Hijacking: During a big event like the Oscars or the World Cup, you might see unrelated brands using the event hashtags with witty commentary or memes. This puts them in front of users following that topic.
3. Timely Reels or Stories: A popular song drops on Instagram Reels—creators and brands quickly make short videos using the track, syncing product reveals or tutorials to the beat.
Why It Matters for Brands and Creators
• Increased Visibility: By joining a trend, your content appears in feeds and explore tabs that you wouldn’t normally reach.
• Relatable Branding: Audiences love seeing brands speak the same cultural language they do. Trend participation shows you’re in tune with what’s happening right now.
• Cost-Effective Reach: Instead of investing heavily in ad spend to build a topic, you leverage the trend’s momentum for free impressions.
Common Misconceptions
• It’s Not Always a Quick Win: Trends move fast. If you’re late to the party, your content may feel stale or irrelevant.
• Quality Still Matters: Slapping your logo on a meme without context can backfire. Audiences spot forced marketing instantly.
• Not All Trends Fit Your Brand: Joining everything can dilute your identity. Pick trends that align with your values and audience interests.
Practical Tips to Jump on the Right Train
1. Monitor Platforms Daily: Use tools like TikTok’s Discover page or Instagram’s Explore tab to spot rising trends early.
2. Evaluate Brand Fit: Ask if the trend resonates with your voice. If it feels off-brand, skip it.
3. Act Fast but Smart: Draft quick concepts, get approvals streamlined, and post within 24–48 hours of trend emergence.
4. Add Unique Value: Don’t just replicate—put your own spin on the trend. Showcase your product in a surprising or entertaining way.
5. Measure and Learn: Track engagement metrics. If a trend-driven post performs well, analyze why and build on that insight for next time.
By mastering the art of “Jumping On That Train,” you can stay relevant, grow your following, and make meaningful connections without reinventing the wheel.
