If you have a social media presence, then chances are that you’ve heard the term “trending.” Trending is when a hashtag, topic, or post is being talked about by a large number of people at the same time. These topics can range from current events and news stories to celebrities and pop culture. Being featured on the trending list can help increase the visibility of a post, increasing engagement and reach. It can also help boost a post’s search engine optimization (SEO).

But what exactly determines trends? The algorithms created by each platform determine which trends appear on their trending lists. Some trends are specific to each individual user, based on their location and who they follow. Others are broader, showing what is being discussed the most across all users of that platform.

YouTube’s trending algorithm, for example, factors in the amount of views that a video has received as well as how many likes and comments it has. It also takes into account the amount of time people spend watching the video. The trending list is updated every 15 minutes, so a video could rise or fall in the rankings as it gains traction. However, YouTube does not allow hate speech or violent content to be displayed on the list.

Other platforms use similar algorithms to create their trending lists. Twitter, for instance, allows users to personalize what they see in the trends section by changing their location and preferences. This customization allows them to see trends that are relevant to them and their interests. The ability to tailor what is seen by each individual user can be beneficial for brands, influencers, and individuals looking to get their posts or videos on the trending list.

Getting a post or hashtag to trend can be incredibly challenging, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. One is to create a unique hashtag that hasn’t been used before. This can make it easier for the hashtag to gain traction, as the platform’s algorithm will look for a sudden, concentrated spike in usage.

Another way to get a post or hashtag to trend is to create a call to action that sparks engagement and participation. For example, the Coca-Cola ShareACoke campaign had customers tweet photos of themselves with Coke bottles printed with their friends’ names, using the #ShareACoke hashtag. This resulted in a huge viral buzz, and helped the hashtag to gain momentum and trend on Twitter.

Trending is important for businesses, as it can help raise awareness and increase the visibility of their content. However, it’s important to remember that just because a post or hashtag is trending doesn’t mean that it will generate the desired level of engagement. It’s important to create timely content that aligns with ongoing discussions, and consider partnering with influencers or other social media users to boost the potential of your post or hashtag. Lastly, don’t be afraid to try new things – if something is working, keep doing it!