6 social media trends you should be aware of in July 2026

1. 1 phrase, 4 emotions

Sound: Any

This latest TikTok acting trend has creators channeling their inner thespian by delivering a single line in four distinct emotional tones, such as happy, angry, sarcastic, and flirty. 

Phrases include anything from “We need to talk” to “Oh, okay”, with the humour coming from how a simple change in tone and facial expression can completely transform the meaning of the words.

The 1 phrase 4 emotions challenge isn’t just for everyday creators, though, with acting royalty like Ed Westwick recently jumping on the viral format.

The flexibility of the trend makes it a great fit for businesses too. Whether it’s a barista saying “Your order’s ready” or a customer service team saying “We’ll get that sorted”, it’s a great opportunity for brands to inject a bit of personality into everyday moments.

Source: iamamyjackson (TikTok)

2. XCX’s “Rock Music” glitch edits

Sound: Rock Music – Charli xcx

In the wake of Charli xcx releasing her new hyperpop song “Rock Music”, fans have been quick to jump on the viral glitch edit trend, spearheaded by Charli herself. 

Creators have been editing their videos to glitch in sync with the distorted drop in the song. The end result perfectly matches the chaotic production of the song, featuring digital distortion and rapid visual shifts that reflect the song’s glitchy sound design.

While fans haven’t quite made up their minds on Charli’s latest song, the trend has been an undeniable hit, and it can easily be adopted by any type of creator or business.

Source: agatherenou (TikTok)

3. Dai Dai World Cup dance

Sound: Dai Dai – Shakira, Burna Boy

With World Cup Fever spreading around the globe, football fans are embracing the song Dai Dai by Shakira and Burna Boy, alongside a viral dance inspired by the track.

Dai Dai has been positioned as the anthem of the FIFA World Cup, with its official video featuring footage in a football stadium, and the artists Shakira and Burna Boy performing it live at the opening match of the tournament. 

The song has already been featured on over 5.3 million posts on TikTok, as scores of users take part in the dance trend which is characterised by high-energy choreography and beat-synced movements. Adopting the trend is also an open goal for businesses as it allows brands to create shareable content that taps into the hype of the World Cup.

Source: cadelandmia (Instagram)

4. Girls don’t know anything about football

Sound: Any

Another trend that has been sparked by the FIFA World Cup is the ‘Girls don’t know anything about football’ stereotype-flipping format, which challenges the notion that women are less clued up about the sport.

As part of the trend, female social media users are challenging gender-based assumptions on Instagram and TikTok by correctly analysing matches and reacting to key moments. Others lean into the satire of the stereotype, posting humorous montages of handsome footballers and clueless fan behaviour.

Whichever way you choose to approach it, the trend highlights that football fandom is a level playing field, diverse and not defined by gender.

Source: _boblow (TikTok)

5. How You Like Me Now audio

Sound: How You Like Me Now – The Heavy

As younger Gen Z and Gen Audiences continue to lean into “second-hand nostalgia” through older music and fashion, thousands of creators are using the alternative rock song How You Like Me Now, by The Heavy, as a backdrop for their short-form transformation videos.

The song is most commonly being used in glow-up reveals, where creators begin with a “before” moment – often low-energy, messy, or understated –  before cutting sharply into a confident “after” reveal as the beat drops.

Using the trending audio is also a smart way for brands to boost content discoverability. You can use the glow-up format to showcase product upgrades, before-and-after results of professional services, and more. 

Source: BATSHEVA (TikTok)

6. The Promise dance

Sound: The Promise – When in Rome

The Promise dance trend is another viral phenomenon that taps into older music for a more cinematic feel. 

The song, which was released in 1987, has a romantic, dream-like quality reminiscent of music by other rock and synth-pop bands of the era like Fleetwood Mac or Eurythmics. The dance mirrors this tone, featuring soft, flowing movements and step-based choreography where groups of up to five dancers rotate positions. 

The beauty of this trend lies in the simplicity. Unlike high-energy, renegade-style dances that once dominated the platform, the focus here is more relaxed and aesthetic. 

This chimes with other trends taking place on social media platforms, as younger users continue to seek comfort in emotionally grounded, slower content. 

Source: JazFever (TikTok)