In the context of social media, trending refers to a subject or hashtag that is gaining popularity on a given platform and receiving more visibility and engagement than usual. Trending topics are highlighted in real-time by platforms’ built-in “Trending” sections and can originate from a variety of sources including current news and events, popular culture, viral content, or online campaigns and challenges. Trends can also be localized to a specific community, location, or time period.
Trends have long been an important indicator of public interest and attention, particularly when it comes to news and events. However, the rise of social media has given trends a new meaning and relevance, with users able to share and discuss information more quickly and widely than ever before. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have taken advantage of this shift by implementing their own “Trending” features that highlight the most talked about subjects in real-time. Trending can now be driven by virtually anyone with a large following, from news outlets and influencers to celebrities and the general public.
As more people join the conversation, the trend’s momentum builds and it continues to gain visibility. It may reach a peak and then begin to decline as other topics capture people’s attention. Nevertheless, if it is relevant to your audience and fits with your brand message, there are many benefits to participating in a trend.
For example, in one YouTube video, Felix Kjellberg (better known as PewDiePie) discusses how he has been left off the Trending list numerous times and how he believes this is due to his anti-political views and the fact that his videos aren’t ad-friendly. He then runs a test that compares Trending videos in Canada and the United States to demonstrate how the results are different because of differences in culture, language, and time zones. In the end, he concludes that it’s nearly impossible for YouTube to know whether all of its creators will consistently produce ad-friendly content, which is necessary for them to be included on the Trending tab.
While there are many advantages to taking part in a trend, it’s important to be authentic and make sure that your engagement is in line with your overall messaging and values. Otherwise, it can backfire and have a negative impact on your audience’s perception of your brand. In addition, you should monitor trends regularly so that you can identify opportunities to create relevant and timely content. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, you can maximize visibility and engagement by connecting with your audience in a meaningful way.