Trending is when a topic, hashtag, or keyword becomes popular on a social media platform and gains more visibility and engagement than usual. These topics can originate from current news, cultural or other events, viral content, holidays, and/or online campaigns and challenges. Trending topics are often reflected in the trends section on the platform or within its search results. Trending is influenced by algorithms and can vary by location, as well as who you follow or search for on that platform.

Keeping up with the latest trends can help social media marketers, brands, and influencers amplify their reach on social media as well as attract search engine traffic to their websites and blog posts. It can also help them create and post content that is timely and relevant to their audience’s interests. However, participating in a trend without tact can backfire and have the opposite effect. Trends can be over-saturated with content, so brands and influencers should participate in a trend only when it aligns with their principles and target audience.

How to recognize a trend:

Keep an eye on the “Trending” section of your favorite social media platforms, as well as search engines like Google and Bing. These sections usually display a list of trending topics that are popular at the moment based on a percentage increase in searches on that topic or term. This data is updated frequently, so it’s important to check on a regular basis for new topics.

You can also find trending topics using a tool like Ahrefs that allows you to filter for keywords, categories, and locations. Another helpful tool is Reddit which is a goldmine for topic ideas and trending topics. Reddit’s ‘trending’ section displays a list of the most popular subtopics or ‘subreddits’ on the site based on user search history.

Whether you’re looking for social media or SEO trends, there are a variety of tools that can help you identify what’s hot at any given time. For example, BuzzSumo provides a list of top trending articles from various industries and topics. You can also get a list of trending hashtags and keywords on any given platform by searching for that phrase in the search bar.

To maximize the impact of your Trending participation, be sure to use a creative prompt or unique twist that differentiates your post from the rest of the pack. This helps to increase your engagement and can make the difference between a post that is ignored or seen as inauthentic. Also, be aware of the sensitivity of certain topics and be careful not to be insensitive or inappropriate to your audience. For instance, posting about tragedies or disasters can be a good way to show empathy and connect with your audience, but it’s crucial to approach these topics with care to avoid being seen as insensitive or exploitative. It’s also a good idea to monitor your audience’s reactions to your trending participation and adjust your content accordingly.