7 social media trends to get your business noticed in February 2026

1. 2016 is the new 2026

Sound: Lean On — Majer Lazer, DJ Snake & MØ
Lush Life — Zara Larsson

It’s scary to think that 2016 was 10 years ago, and if there’s one thing social media is perfect for, it’s riding the nostalgia train and reminiscing on a time long past.

From chokers and the Snapchat dog filter to the Bottle Flip Challenge and the summer of Pokémon GO, people are looking back on 2016 as a simpler and more carefree era of internet culture.

Through the electronic dance hit “Lean On” and pop song “Lush Life”, the hashtags #BringBack 2016 and #2026isthenew2016 are popping up all over TikTok feeds, as people reminisce on a period referred to as “the last year of digital innocence”. 

For businesses, there’s no specific structure for this trend. Whether it’s promoting a product that screams 2016 vibes or simply using throwback visuals and sounds, it’s a fun way to connect with your target audience through collective nostalgia.

Source: Made by Mitchell (TikTok)

2. What year were you born?

Sound: None

2016 being a decade ago will make most of us feel old, especially for those born before the 2000s or hitting a milestone birthday this year.

This is something the “what year were you born?” trend exploits. The cameraperson walks around a business’s premises (such as a cafe, bookstore, or office) and asks certain team members what year they were born. The first two or three people say a year from the 2000s, but once an older member utters “19”, the video cuts off to a photo of a dinosaur with the member’s face on it, or a photo from another ancient period.

Aside from feeling old, there isn’t much point to this trend, other than to just have a laugh. Regardless, it’s still something fun for small businesses to jump on — showing your audience the personalities behind the brand and a more human side of your team.

Source: Elite Competitions (TikTok)

3. My life is a party

Sound: My Life Is a Party (R.I.O. Video Edit) — ItaloBrothers

Speaking of things that are pointless but fun, the “my life is a party” trend has also become a popular way for brands to show their silly side on social media.

The trend features a CapCut template, in which users cut and paste a picture (be it a person or item) into a nightclub background. Once added, the inserted picture will start dancing around the screen, while the lyrics to “My Life is a Party” by ItaloBrothers appear on the screen. 

The template has gained immense popularity on TikTok, and businesses have jumped on its traction. Whether it’s a product, mascot or team member, the trend gives brands a low-effort way to inject humour and personality into their content.

Source: Currys (TikTok)

4. Telephone

Sound: Telephone — Lady Gaga & Beyoncé

It isn’t always new songs that get traction on TikTok – older hits often find their way back into the spotlight when they get featured in videos.

And right now, the collective nostalgia on TikTok has seen the 2009 pop tune “Telephone” by Lady Gaga & Beyoncé jump into virality.

Rather than a specific trend or structure to follow, the song itself has become popular on the platform. This means that brands can use the sound however it fits them best — such as showcasing new products or sharing fun behind-the-scenes clips of the team.

Source: The Beauty Crop (TikTok)

5. We’re so sorry

Sound: I Love Rock ‘N Roll — Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Have you ever had to apologise for a friend’s actions? 

Whether it’s stopping something disastrous from happening or having to hold them back from getting a little too confrontational, we’ve all been there.

And that’s what this trend is about. It starts with someone walking by yelling “f*ck off” at the camera. A second person will then rush in and push them forward, before apologising on their behalf. The video will either end there, or a third person will appear and deny the apology.

However you want to spin it, this trend is another way to show off your non-serious side, leaning into humour and exaggerated scenarios that feel relatable rather than overly polished.

P.Louise (TikTok)

6. Bop it

Sound: BOP IT BETCH — BradyinSeattle (TikTok user)

We all remember the Bop It game that dominated toy stores and Argos catalogues in the 90s and 2000s. The legendary handheld audio game was a staple of childhood for Millennials and Gen Z, and has resurged as a “retro” toy on social media.

Originating from a video back in 2020 from a user playing Bop It with their dog — complete with the “bop it”, “twist it”, “pull it” instructions — this six-year-old audio has reappeared on the algorithm. 

But instead of actually playing the game, businesses are using the sound to “bop”, “twist”, and “pull” ways to use their product, or showing behind-the-scenes clips of how it’s created in the warehouse — turning a familiar childhood sound into a creative way to promote their most popular products.

Source: Bubble Skincare (TikTok)

7. Allow me to re-introduce myself

Sound: Allow me to re-introduce myself — Ulazzo (TikTok user)

Social media marketing is all about showing your target audience what you’re all about. 

But if you’ve been doing it for a while and want to attract new customers, re-introducing your brand can be a useful way to reset your message and reach new people who may not be familiar with your story.

This is something that the “allow me to re-introduce myself” offers for small businesses. Featuring Kanye West’s “Public Service Announcement” interlude, the trend uses a clip-show style template where multiple videos can be stitched together. Editable text overlays, such as “my name is -” and “I’m a -”, can then be added on top.

For businesses, this trend offers a quick, engaging way to showcase who you are and reinforce brand identity to both loyal customers and potential new ones.

Source: Hair Syrup (TikTok)

Trends fade over time, but great content lasts. Check out our TikTok for Business guide to help you plan, create, and perfect posts that grab attention and keep your audience engaged.