SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS FEBRUARY 2026
Niels van der Veen
From aesthetics to emotion: these social trends set the pace for February.
Smooth transitions
From simple shots to fluid stories.
Concept
In this trend, creators use deliberate, often subtle transitions to connect separate images. Think of motion-based cuts, match transitions, or letting action “flow” from one shot to the next. The power lies not in what you film, but in how you let scenes flow into each other.
Why it works
Transitions provide visual calm and dynamism at the same time. They keep the viewer engaged longer, without the need for a heavy concept. For creators and brands, this is an accessible way to upgrade low-effort footage to content that immediately feels more professional and refined.
Want more rhythm in your videos?
👉Our Visual Hooks Framework shows how transitions make your content stronger and smoother.
Things I find incredibly chic
Wishlist in een minimalistisch jasje.
Concept
Creators play curator and share a personal list of things they find incredibly chic. The format revolves entirely around personal taste and point of view, without explanation or nuance, and is very Pinterest-like.
Why it works
This type of content feels personal. Viewers stick around to get inspiration for themselves. Strong POV content builds personality and identity, and creates more engagement because it invites response.
Need wishlist design inspiration?
👉 Get inspired by this post.
Forever a Poppy-girl
Pop culture as an emotional shortcut.
Concept
This trend originates from the character Poppy in the Netflix film People We Meet on Vacation and is used to describe a personality type, stage of life, or emotional state. Creators translate this into warm, nostalgic content that plays on memories, friendships, and personal growth.
The format revolves mainly around atmosphere, emotion, and daring to be yourself.
Why it works
Pop culture references create instant recognition and emotional connection.
Anyone who knows the reference immediately understands the feeling. No further explanation needed. This makes this trend particularly shareable and suitable for storytelling-driven content.
Curious about how emotion and recognition work in brand stories?
👉 Discover our Mylène case study and how we use storytelling to really touch people.
I'm tired I need some ...
Honest feelings as a starting point for content.
Concept
Creators start with the phrase “I'm tired, I need some...” and fill it in with what they are missing at that moment: rest, change, motivation, structure, or even chaos. The images are often everyday and unfiltered. The format leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation and therefore feels sincere and human.
Why it works
This trend responds to universal feelings of fatigue and longing for change, which are particularly recognizable in the winter months. Honest, emotional content performs well because it doesn't feel like content, but like a shared moment.
TikTok yellow font
Same TikTok, new font.
Concept
Creators use the striking yellow TikTok font to display short statements or thoughts. The visuals remain calm, so that the text gets all the attention. The format is simple and strongly text-driven. The style immediately feels native to TikTok.
Why it works
The font is instantly recognizable and highly legible, even without sound. This makes this trend particularly effective as a visual hook in the first few seconds of a video, and ideal for quick statements or insights.
