YouTube trends evolve rapidly, with new challenges, hashtags, and viral formats gaining popularity all the time. As a content creator, it’s essential to stay on top of these trends and incorporate them into your videos to keep your content fresh and relevant. By jumping on popular trends at the right time, you can increase your visibility, attract more viewers, and potentially go viral.
However, blindly following trends without understanding your audience or how the trend aligns with your content could backfire. The key is to incorporate trends strategically to make your content feel timely while staying true to your brand and audience.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify popular YouTube trends, why trends matter, and how you can creatively incorporate them into your content for maximum impact.
1. Why You Should Incorporate Trends Into Your YouTube Content
Incorporating trending topics and formats into your YouTube content offers several benefits that can contribute to your channel's growth and visibility.
a. Increase in Visibility
When you create content based on popular trends, you’re increasing the likelihood that your videos will appear in search results and suggested videos. YouTube’s algorithm favors trending content because it’s timely, relevant, and actively sought after by users. By jumping on a trend, you give your videos a better chance of being discovered by a wider audience.
b. Attracting New Subscribers
When your video is part of a viral trend or challenge, there’s a higher chance of attracting new viewers. If people enjoy your trend-based content, they’re more likely to subscribe to your channel for more content that aligns with their interests.
c. Engagement Boost
Trends often come with high engagement rates. If your video taps into a popular trend, viewers will be more likely to comment, like, and share it. High engagement signals to YouTube that your video is valuable, which boosts its chances of being recommended to others.
d. Keeping Content Fresh and Relevant
Even the most niche YouTube channels can benefit from timely, trend-based content. By incorporating popular trends into your content calendar, you ensure that your channel stays relevant and exciting. This also gives you the opportunity to connect with a broader audience who may be interested in these trends but are unaware of your channel.
e. Creating Viral Content
YouTube trends often have the potential to go viral, especially if you’re one of the first creators to jump on the trend. Viral content can significantly boost your channel’s growth by attracting massive numbers of views in a short amount of time.
2. How to Identify Popular YouTube Trends
Finding the right trends to incorporate into your YouTube content is key. Here are several methods to help you identify current YouTube trends:
a. Explore the YouTube Trending Page
The Trending page on YouTube is a valuable resource for discovering what’s currently popular across the platform. The page is curated by YouTube’s algorithm and shows viral videos, new challenges, and trending topics. To access it, simply click on the Trending tab in the YouTube app or website.
- Browse through the top trending videos in your country and niche.
- Pay attention to the type of content, including video format and topic.
- Check for recurring themes, hashtags, and viral moments.
b. Use Google Trends
Google Trends allows you to track what people are searching for on Google. It can also help you spot trends before they go viral. By using Google Trends, you can identify rising topics and see whether they are gaining momentum.
- Type in a keyword related to your niche and analyze its search interest over time.
- Compare multiple keywords to see which one is currently trending more.
- Filter by region to focus on trends relevant to your target audience.
c. Trending Hashtags on Social Media
Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are excellent places to find trending topics. These platforms often generate viral hashtags, challenges, and memes that make their way to YouTube.
- Keep an eye on trending hashtags on Twitter and Instagram.
- Look at TikTok trends that are gaining popularity—many of these eventually translate into YouTube trends.
- Follow popular influencers and creators in your niche to see what trends they’re participating in.
d. Analyze Competitors
Competitor research is an essential part of staying on top of trends. By observing what other creators in your niche are doing, you can identify which trends are driving their growth.
- Check the types of videos your competitors are making and which ones are getting the most views.
- Look for patterns in the videos that have high engagement (likes, comments, and shares).
- Experiment with similar trends while maintaining your unique voice and brand.
e. Check Out Trend Aggregator Websites
Several websites track viral trends and can help you identify current YouTube trends. These sites compile lists of trending topics, memes, challenges, and viral videos from across the internet. Some popular websites include:
- TrendHunter
- BuzzSumo
- Reddit's trending sections
These platforms can help you spot rising trends early and give you a head start on creating content around them.
3. How to Incorporate Trends into Your YouTube Content
Once you’ve identified a trend, it’s time to get creative and incorporate it into your YouTube content. But how do you make sure that your trend-based videos align with your niche and feel authentic to your brand? Here are some strategies to help you incorporate trends effectively:
a. Put Your Unique Spin on It
Simply copying a viral video or trend isn’t enough. To stand out, add your unique touch to the trend. Whether it’s your sense of humor, a different approach to the content, or a perspective that others haven’t covered, make sure to put your personality into the trend.
- Example: If you're doing a reaction video to a trending challenge, add your personal commentary or insight that others might not have considered.
- Example: If you’re covering a viral product review, incorporate your experience or a comparison with other similar products.
b. Tie the Trend to Your Niche
While trends can bring in new viewers, it’s important that the trend fits within the overall theme of your channel. You want to create content that attracts new subscribers without alienating your current audience.
- Example: A fitness YouTuber could participate in a popular food challenge (like trying viral recipes) while still tying it back to healthy eating or nutrition advice.
- Example: A beauty YouTuber could participate in a makeup challenge, but ensure it aligns with their niche by discussing the products and techniques used in the challenge.
c. Use Trending Topics to Drive Engagement
Don’t just use trends for views—use them as an opportunity to engage with your audience. Encourage your viewers to comment, share, and participate in the trend as well. Ask them to share their own takes on the trend or join in on a challenge that you’ve created.
- Example: Ask viewers to share their thoughts or experiences in the comments section, or use polls to ask for their opinions on the trend.
- Example: Run your own challenge and ask viewers to post their responses using a specific hashtag.
d. Stay Authentic
While it’s important to incorporate trends, always stay authentic to your content and audience. Don’t chase every trend that comes your way. Pick the ones that align with your values, niche, and style. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity, and it will build trust over time.
- Example: If you’re known for educational content, don’t just jump on a trend for the sake of views. Find a way to add value to the trend by incorporating useful information or insights related to your niche.
- Example: If you’re a vlog-style creator, keep your personal touch and voice consistent, even when participating in a trend.
e. Use Thumbnails and Titles to Amplify the Trend
Your thumbnail and video title are crucial to maximizing the success of your trend-based video. Make sure that your title and thumbnail clearly communicate the trend and why viewers should click on your video.
- Title: Make sure your title contains relevant keywords related to the trend. You can also create curiosity by adding a twist to the title.
- Thumbnail: Create an eye-catching thumbnail that highlights the trend. Use bright colors, big bold text, and action shots to grab attention.
4. Types of Content to Create Around Trends
Here are a few popular YouTube content formats that you can incorporate with trending topics:
a. Challenges
Participating in viral challenges is one of the quickest ways to join in on a trend. You can either take on a challenge yourself or create your own challenge for others to follow.
b. Reaction Videos
Reacting to trending events, videos, or news can help you stay relevant while showing your personality. These videos often attract high engagement and provide your unique perspective on trending topics.
c. Product Reviews and Unboxings
If a new product or service is trending, consider reviewing it. Product reviews and unboxing videos are very popular, and people are always looking for unbiased opinions.
d. Viral Memes and Trends
Meme-based content is another great way to leverage trending topics. Incorporate popular memes or trends in your videos to add humor and stay relevant.
Incorporating trending topics into your YouTube content is a great way to attract new viewers, boost engagement, and grow your channel. By following the steps outlined in this guide—researching trends, adding your unique spin, and staying authentic—you can create timely content that resonates with your audience. Stay proactive in your content planning, and you’ll soon see the rewards of participating in YouTube trends.