When a topic is trending on Twitter or another social media site, it means that people are discussing it at a higher level than normal. The trends can be based on events, hashtags or topics people are searching for. They are a good way to see what people are talking about and can help you join in on the conversation. Trends are compiled and presented by each platform, and some sites also have their own algorithms that determine what is popular.

Trends are usually displayed on the sidebar of a website or in a separate tab, depending on the platform. In Facebook, for example, they can appear on the home page, in the Discover tab or in the Explore page. Trends are tailored to each person using the social network, taking into account their location and who they follow. For example, if you have a large following of people who collect mugs, you might see trends related to ceramics in the Explore tab.

Many online retailers use trends to promote their products or services. They can create a hashtag for their brand and then use it in promotional material to get more followers. They can also track the popularity of their keywords and topics with tools such as Google Trends. These tools can also be used by journalists to find potential stories.

For example, if a celebrity dies or there is a big sporting event, that might make the news. It could then be followed by a hashtag, and the trend would be reflected in the searches on sites like Google. A trend that goes viral and gains a wide following is sometimes known as a meme, and it is often used for humour or to express an opinion.

Some online stores use trends to highlight their new or best-selling products. They can also feature them on their websites or in their search results. This helps them reach more customers and encourages them to make purchases. Trends can also be a good way to advertise events, such as sales or giveaways.

Trends are created by social forces, and they often take a long time to develop. They are not as reliable as traditional methods of measuring public interest, but they can be a useful tool for marketers and journalists. Trends are usually short-lived, but they may return again in the future. The emergence of trends has been studied by academics and social scientists. Theories on what causes them include social pressure, the way that people share ideas and the way that tastes change over time.