How to Find Trending Topics for YouTube Videos

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With over 2.7 billion monthly users, YouTube is a powerhouse for entertainment, education, and connection, but its competitive nature demands strategic planning to stand out.

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One of the most effective ways to capture attention and boost viewership is by creating content around trending topics. These are the subjects, themes, or events that are currently trending among audiences, driving high search volumes, and sparking conversations.

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In this guide, let’s explore proven strategies for finding trending topics for YouTube videos. Let’s dive in.

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1. Use YouTube’s Trending Tab

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YouTube’s Trending tab, accessible via the “Explore” menu on the homepage, is a goldmine for discovering what’s hot on the platform. Updated every 15 minutes, it shows videos gaining traction based on views, engagement, and geographic relevance. The tab covers categories like music, gaming, news, and movies, making it easy to spot trends within your niche.

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For example, MrBeast often capitalizes on trending challenges or viral moments. In 2021, when the Squid Game series dominated global conversations, MrBeast released “$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!” The video, aligning with the show’s hype, gained over 500 million views.

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How to Use It

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1. Go to the Trending tab and filter by category relevant to your channel.
2. Check video titles, thumbnails, and descriptions to identify common themes or keywords.
3. Adapt trends to fit your style. For example, if a new game trailer is trending, a gaming channel could create a reaction video or gameplay tutorial.

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2. Use Google Trends for Broader Insights

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Google Trends is a free tool that tracks search interest over time, offering a broader insight on what’s trending across the internet, not just YouTube. By selecting “YouTube Search” as the filter, you can see what users are searching for on the platform.

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How to Use It

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1. Visit trends.google.com and select “YouTube Search” under the search type.
2. Enter keywords related to your niche or explore the “Trending Searches” section for real-time data.
3. Compare multiple topics to check their popularity and longevity. Check regional trends to tailor content for specific audiences.

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3. Monitor Social Media Platforms

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Social media platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit are treasure troves for spotting trends before they hit YouTube. Hashtags, viral challenges, and breaking news often originate on these platforms, giving you a head start.

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For instance, Emma Chamberlain, a lifestyle vlogger, often draws inspiration from TikTok trends. When the “What I Eat in a Day” trend surged on TikTok, she created a YouTube video with her unique, humorous take on the format, blending it with her coffee obsession.

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How to Use It

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• On X, check the “Trends” section or follow topics related to your niche to see what’s driving conversations.
• On TikTok, explore the “Discover” page for trending hashtags and challenges.
• On Reddit, browse subreddits relevant to your niche (e.g., r/gaming for gaming content) and look for highly upvoted posts.
• Use Instagram’s Explore page to identify trending reels or stories.

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4. Explore YouTube Analytics and Search Suggestions

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Your YouTube Analytics dashboard provides insights into what your audience is searching for and watching. The Trends Tab in YouTube Studio highlights trending searches and content gaps—topics with high demand but limited quality content.

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How to Use It

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• Open YouTube Studio, go to “Analytics,” and select the Trends Tab.
• Review top searches and content gaps relevant to your audience.
• Use YouTube’s search bar to type niche-related keywords and note autocomplete suggestions (e.g., typing “makeup” might suggest “makeup tutorials for beginners”).
• Create videos addressing these gaps or popular searches.

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5. Check What Your Competitors Are Creating

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You can use tools like Favikon which allows you to discover top YouTubers and influencers in your niche, analyzing their content to identify trending topics. By studying what successful creators are posting, you can spot patterns and themes driving engagement.

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How to Use It

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1. Go to Favikon’s search or Network Feature and type in the YouTuber you want to check
2. Analyze their recent posts to see which topics are gaining traction based on views, likes, and comments.

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Also See: Top 10 Biggest YouTube Channels in 2025

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6. Track Industry Trends with Favikon’s Industry Watch

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Favikon’s Industry Watch feature is a game-changer for creators seeking trending topics within specific niches. This tool allows you to monitor industries, track top-performing creators, and find trending content posted by YouTubers.

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How to Use It

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1. Sign up for a free account and log in.
2. Go to the "Industries and Niches" feature and select the Niche you require.
3. Next go to “Industry Watch” and select “Create Tracking”.

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7. Follow News and Current Events

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Breaking news, entertainment, and cultural events often spark YouTube trends. Staying informed about global or niche-specific developments allows you to create timely content that resonates with viewers.

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How to Use It

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1. Subscribe to news outlets or follow X accounts covering your niche.
2. Monitor entertainment releases (e.g., movie trailers, album drops) or major events (e.g., Olympics, fashion weeks).
3. Create reaction videos, explainers, or commentary to capitalize on the buzz.

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8. Engage with Your Audience

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Your viewers are a direct source of trending topic ideas. Their comments, polls, and community posts reveal what they’re interested in and what’s buzzing in your niche.

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For example, Linus Tech Tips frequently use audience feedback to guide content. In 2023, after viewers requested more budget PC build guides in comments, Linus created a series on affordable gaming PCs, aligning with the trend of cost-conscious tech purchases.

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How to Use It

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1. Read comments on your videos to identify recurring questions or topics.
2. Use YouTube’s Community Tab to post polls or ask for video suggestions.
3. Host Q&A sessions or live streams to gather real-time feedback.

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Conclusion

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Identifying trending topics for YouTube videos requires a mix of research, creativity, and speed. By leveraging YouTube’s Trending tab, Google Trends, social media, analytics, keyword tools, news, audience feedback, and Favikon’s Industry Watch, creators can find topics that captivate viewers and drive growth.

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With strategic tools and a commitment to your unique voice, you can produce videos that not only ride trends but also build a lasting connection with your audience.

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How to Find Trending Topics for YouTube Videos: FAQ

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How do I find a good topic for my YouTube video?

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Start by thinking about what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what your audience wants to see. Research popular topics in your area using keyword tools and see what your competitors are doing to find opportunities.

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Which type of video is trending on YouTube?

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While the landscape of trending content can change, music videos consistently rank as some of the most-viewed content on YouTube. For example, the most viewed video in 2024 is "Baby Shark Dance."

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How to know what topics are viral on YouTube?

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Check the "Trending" tab on YouTube, use the search bar to see popular searches, explore Google Trends, look at trending hashtags, keep up with the news, and see what other creators are doing.

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Also See 👀

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How to Become a YouTuber: A Complete Guide

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How to become a Linkedin Top Voice

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How to Reach Out to Influencers: The Only Guide You Need

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