Trending is a feature on social media that highlights the most popular topics currently being discussed by users. These trends can be based on current events, news stories, or popular culture. Getting on the list of trending topics can have significant benefits for brands, influencers, or individuals looking to increase their visibility or awareness.

Social media platforms use algorithms to determine what trends for their users, taking into account factors such as their location, previous likes or searches, and who they follow. Many of these sites allow you to customize your trends to eliminate those that don’t spark your interest. On Twitter, for example, you can hide a topic by hovering over it and clicking the small x that appears. You can also click the “See More” button to expand your trending topics and see more options.

Some trends are driven by common interests, such as music or sports. Other trends, such as the spread of Art Deco during the roaring twenties, reflect a cultural shift and resonate with people for a long time. Similarly, a meme can quickly become popular and dominate conversations among users. Trends can also be influenced by the amount of engagement they receive. If a hashtag generates a large number of comments or reactions, it may gain enough momentum to be considered a trend.

The factors that determine what becomes a trend can be complex and vary from platform to platform. On Twitter, for instance, the algorithm is largely based on the geographic area being searched and the people followed. This can cause a certain level of bias that skews the results. Twitter has tried to remedy this by introducing a “See More” button that allows you to view trends for a wider range of locations and people.

YouTube uses a different algorithm to create its Trending page, which showcases videos relevant to viewers’ interests. This means that videos can be trending for a while, then disappear from the list as other trends take their place. YouTube also uses filters to ensure that the content on its Trending page is safe for children, including a ban on violent and profane videos.

While a trend can be a positive way to increase visibility and awareness, it can also be a challenge for creators to manage. Those who get on the list of trending topics can see a massive spike in viewership, but it can be difficult to maintain this momentum and keep the attention of your audience.

For example, Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg has a huge following on YouTube, but he’s also known for generating controversial content that sometimes doesn’t appeal to advertisers. He’s been left off the Trending page in the past, which has led to accusations of YouTube censorship and manipulation.