Trend jacking, also known as newsjacking, is a technique used in social media marketing where brands or individuals leverage current trends, news stories, or viral topics to engage with their audience and gain visibility. The goal of trend jacking is to align a brand or individual’s message or content with a popular or trending topic, riding the wave of attention and engagement that the trend generates.
The process of trend jacking involves monitoring social media platforms and news outlets for trending topics, hashtags, or discussions that are relevant to a brand’s industry or target audience.
Once a suitable trend is identified, the brand or individual creates content that connects their message or product to the trending topic. This can be done through clever and timely posts, videos, memes, or other forms of content that capture the attention of social media users.
Trend jacking can be an effective strategy because it allows brands to tap into the existing popularity and interest surrounding a particular topic. By participating in the conversation, brands can increase their visibility, attract new followers or customers, and enhance their brand image.
It also helps brands appear current, relatable, and in tune with the latest trends, which can strengthen their online presence.
Use Caution
However, it is important to approach trend jacking with caution. Brands should ensure that the trend they are leveraging is relevant to their industry or target audience and aligns with their brand values. They should also be mindful of the tone and context of the trend to avoid coming across as opportunistic or insensitive.
Authenticity and relevance are key to successfully executing trend jacking without alienating or misleading the audience.
Twitter is threatening to ban accounts that use trend jacking. For example, gaming replies to generate free advertising.