In the context of social media, trends refer to a topic, hashtag, or keyword that gains traction and receives more visibility or engagement than usual on a particular platform like Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. These trends appear on the site’s Explore or Trending tab.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a topic becoming trending. The most obvious is that it must be widely shared and mentioned in a short amount of time. It is also important that it has an impact on the broader community. It can be especially interesting when a local community becomes obsessed with a topic, as it gives the sense that everyone is connected to one another.
The popularity of a topic can also be determined by its current relevance in the news or public discourse. It is important to note that trends can quickly fade, as a newer and more relevant topic may take its place. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as an unpopular political statement or a new movie that has been released.
Many platforms have their own way of determining which topics are trending, but most rely on algorithms to determine the popularity of certain topics. These algorithms often take into account the location of the user, who they follow, and their past searches. For example, if you have previously searched for Target or a specific mug online, these searches will likely influence which topics are shown to you on the X for iOS app, X for Android app, and x.com.
In the case of Twitter, there is a ‘Trending Topics’ section on the homepage and within the Explore tab. In order for a topic to be included in the ‘Trending Topics’ section, there must be a significant increase in the volume of mentions (including hashtags) from many users on the platform. This includes the average Twitter user as well as popular celebrities and influencers.
Getting a trend to trend is not an easy feat, and it takes a lot of planning and creativity. It is crucial that businesses avoid posting irrelevant content, as this could lead to a backlash from the audience and possibly even lead to a suspension of the business’s account. In addition, it is important that the trend is in line with the brand’s values and does not promote harmful or offensive content.
While it is easy to get caught up in the buzz surrounding a trend, it is important for businesses to understand that a trend is not necessarily indicative of your company’s culture or values. Using trends to drive traffic, increase engagement, and promote your brand can be a valuable tool, but it is essential to remember that not every trend will be successful or productive. In the end, creating a sustainable product that is meaningful to your audience will always be more effective than simply chasing a buzz.