Success on YouTube isn't a mystical algorithm-pleasing ritual. It's actually pretty simple: give viewers what they want. Sure, sometimes that happens by complete accident—nobody planned for an adorable British child crying "Charlie bit me!" to become a sensation. But most successful creators aren't sitting around hoping to capture lightning in a bottle. They're strategically paying attention to what people are searching for, clicking on, and actually watching.

Learning to identify trending topics isn't just algorithm-chasing—it's understanding what your audience is genuinely curious about right now. This lets you create content that meets real demand while still maintaining your channel's unique voice. Combine trend awareness with basic SEO practices, and you've got a much better shot at reaching viewers than relying on those random ideas that hit you between shampoo and conditioner.

This guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly how to leverage YouTube search trends for generating video ideas people actually want to watch. No mystical algorithm secrets or empty promises—just practical ways to understand what your audience is looking for, so you can deliver it in a way only you can.

Table of contents:
Why follow YouTube search trends?
How to find YouTube trends (and use them to plan your next video)
1. YouTube's "Trending" page
2. Google Trends for YouTube
3. Research tab in YouTube Analytics
4. YouTube's "Popular on YouTube" page
5. Using a third-party tool
Bonus: Using social media to stay up-to-date on trends

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Why YouTube search trends matter for creators

• Brainstorming video ideas: Analyzing successful content creators and trending videos in your niche can help you come up with effective topics for videos.
• Staying ahead of the competition: With more than 500 hours of content uploaded to YouTube every minute, it's crucial to differentiate yourself. Identifying trending topics can help determine what works on YouTube and help you compete in a crowded space.
• Reaching a larger audience: Put simply, making videos that match what your target audience is searching for will help them find your content.
• Creating an effective long-term YouTube content strategy: Analyzing historical data and trends will help you identify broader patterns to get a jump on content months ahead of time. For example, say you're a cooking channel and you notice there's always a spike in search queries about how to cook lobster around Valentine's Day. You can plan to create a video on that topic in advance so it's ready for next February.

Short-form content gaps: how to stand out with YouTube shorts

Although traditional videos still hold value, YouTube Shorts present a massive opportunity for creators looking to capitalize on short-form trends. They have soared to over 70 billion daily views, allowing savvy channels to rapidly expand their reach according to Search Engine Journal. By participating in popular challenges, using compelling audio, and adding strong visuals, you can quickly grab viewers’ attention. In fact, consistent posting and tailoring content to your target audience’s preferences can lead to steady growth and fill key content gaps highlighted by YouTube’s official resources. As you iterate, remember to keep each short authentic to your channel’s style, so it doesn’t come across as a gimmick. Above all, respond to comments and encourage shares to foster a growing community around your short-form creations.

How to find YouTube search trends for video ideas

There isn't one single place to find YouTube search trends. Instead, the best approach is to check several places and let all of the information inform your content strategy. Here are five places to look:

1. Using YouTube's Trending page

Discover popular content within your country and get new video ideas by checking out YouTube's Trending page: just click the “Trending” tab in the left panel. According to YouTube, it updates the list every fifteen minutes and displays the same videos to all the users within the same country (in most countries).

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In some countries, YouTube highlights new creators and artists on the top of the Trending page. Moreover, Trending YouTube shorts are also displayed now. These are great opportunities for upcoming channels to reach more viewers.

Understand what clicks with viewers by spotting patterns in trending videos. Use these insights for your content and marketing strategy, but be authentic and avoid clickbait or violent content. Finding trending YouTube keywords this way can significantly improve your video's discoverability.

According to YouTube's Culture and Trends report 2023, 54% of viewers prefer creators to break down major events, indicating a demand for reaction or explainer videos. Events like the Oscars can inspire content like reaction videos or tutorials. Crafting content around these findings caters to your audience's preferences. It enhances your visibility on YouTube, potentially landing your video on the trending page or getting a boost from YouTube's algorithm.

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Regularly monitor the Trending page to swiftly adapt to shifting trends and stay ahead of viewer preferences. For example, The Deal Guy's video," Top 50 Amazon Prime Day 2023 Deals 🤑 (Updated Hourly!!)," was trending at #4 in the US during the Amazon Prime Day 2023 sale.

Which trends should you look for to inspire your YouTube videos? Keep an eye out for videos that:

• Spark intrigue or fascination among a wide range of viewers (e.g. “We Drove the Worst Reviewed Car in America”)
• Are relevant to your channel's theme and recent events (e.g. “Preparing for AI's impact on jobs”)
• Have potential for growth based on historical analysis (e.g. “The rise of crypto: A look into the booming industry”)
• Have an evergreen appeal and would remain interesting over time (e.g. “The science of happiness: A guide to leading a fulfilling life”)

Strategic content creation based on identifying trending topics for YouTube videos can boost your video's appeal and broaden its reach. But don't copy popular YouTube trends outright — put a twist on them with your unique voice and style.

2. Leveraging Google Trends for YouTube search

Google Trends is a free tool that shows the popularity of a topic on Google search platforms like Web, Image, News, YouTube, and Google Shopping.

Here's a quick how-to with Google Trends:

• Visit Google Trends
• Enter the topic/keyword you want to create a video on
• Select "YouTube Search" for YouTube-specific trends
• Choose the location, time frame, and category

Google Trends can be a jackpot for YouTube creators who want to catch the wave of trending topics and identify popular YouTube search terms.

For example, according to Google Trends, there's been a steady growth in interest in AI video editing since the beginning of 2023. Suppose you're a YouTube creator educating viewers on how to make money online. You can use this insight to your advantage and create a video on how to make money editing videos for TikTok by using AI, which could draw more views on your YouTube channel.

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You can also compare terms like "ai video editing" and "ai writing tools" to decide which topic to make a video on. Explore "Related queries" and the "Rising" tab for further inspiration and popular subjects. Filter insights by location to get a more granular view of your audience's interests.

Try Descript: AI-powered video editing for anyone that can use a doc.

Regularly check for patterns and themes in the data and blend trends with your unique expertise to produce new and compelling content. Remember, this isn't a one-time exercise: staying topical is vital, so you'll want to keep tabs on YouTube keyword trends over time.

Pro tip for YouTubers: Don't let language limit you. Add subtitles to reach beyond your language group. 54% follow creators with content in a non-native language. So, harness Google Trends to discover what's hot, craft relevant content, and expand your audience.

3. Analyzing the Research tab in YouTube Studio

The Research Tab in YouTube Analytics is a tool that helps content creators understand their viewers' interests by entering a search term or topic.

To use it:

• Log into YouTube Studio via your Gmail account
• Select “Analytics” from the left-side menu
• Open the “Research” tab

Integrated with Google Trends, this tab shows what YouTube users are actively searching for, helping you craft video content that aligns with that. It also highlights "Content gaps": topics with few search results or mostly outdated or poor-quality content. That's an opportunity for YouTubers to create valuable content for their viewers and stand out from competitors. For Shorts creators specifically, these content gaps can be especially valuable for quick, targeted videos.

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In the above screenshot, you can see there is an opportunity to create a YouTube video on “How to make money online using ChatGPT.”

The tab also reveals your audience's top searches and those made by viewers of similar channels, which gives you a precise picture of your viewer base. You can even filter that data by geography or language for tailored insights.

By harnessing the power of the Research tab, creators can strategize video content to match trending searches, plug content gaps, and effectively engage their audience. This approach to finding trending topics for YouTube can boost your chances of video discovery and, in turn, increase your views.

4. Exploring the Popular on YouTube page

The “Popular on YouTube” channel is a valuable resource for creators. It showcases trending and diverse videos across YouTube, except for the country-specific “Popular Right Now” category.

Make sure you check the dates, though: though the channel and the category descriptions imply it's a hub for the latest videos, only the “Popular Right Now” category shows recent content. In contrast, other categories (like “Hot New Trailers” and “The Daily 'Aww'”) display videos as old as four years.

To use this channel to inspire your own video ideas, check out the most attention-grabbing videos the channel features and analyze their view counts, engagement, and comments. Study their format, style, and themes and see how you could use those elements in your content. Pay special attention to how trending YouTube keywords are used in titles and descriptions.

Adapting trends to your channel's theme and unique style can increase your visibility and audience reach. Even better is to get your video featured on the “Popular on YouTube” channel — that can drive traffic to other videos on your channel and potentially boost your subscriber count.

5. Using third-party tools for trend research

While Google Trends provides a general view of current topics, third-party keyword research tools like VidIQ and Ahrefs offer more detailed insights. These tools can identify popular keywords, their search volume metrics, and the regions where they're trending.

These metrics are helpful guides, not absolute facts, and they aren't 100% accurate. Still, they can help you understand your audience's preferences and create unique videos that stand out and attract new viewers on YouTube. Tools like VidIQ offer specific insights into how to find trending topics for YouTube videos in your niche.

Bonus: Monitoring YouTube trends via social media

Social media is a powerful tool for YouTubers to stay on top of trending topics. By tracking relevant hashtags and following key influencers, creators can keep a finger on the pulse of YouTube search trends tied to their channel's niche. For example, a beauty channel can follow hashtags like #makeup and influencers like Bethany Mota to uncover trends or hot topics within the beauty sphere.

Social media listening tools can also track mentions of your brand or niche-specific keywords, providing additional insight.

Applying YouTube trends data: an advanced step-by-step strategy

Going beyond basic keyword research requires a systematic approach to translate raw YouTube trends data into actionable video concepts. First, identify potential topics using the Research tab or external tools to see what’s buzzing among a broad range of creators in current analytics. Then analyze your competition’s existing content to find untapped angles, especially where viewer questions remain unanswered. From there, refine the concept by developing a working title and potential storyline, focusing on authenticity and relevance to your core audience. Finally, optimize your upload with a compelling description, well-researched tags, and an engaging thumbnail that reflects the trending theme. With these steps in place, you can seamlessly adapt to algorithm shifts and sustain long-term channel growth.

Frequently asked questions about YouTube search trends

How do I use Google Trends for YouTube searches?

Here's how you search Google Trends for YouTube:

• Visit Google Trends.
• Enter the topic or keyword you're interested in.
• From the “Web Search” drop-down menu, select "YouTube Search."
• You can then choose your desired location, time frame, and category.

Now, you'll see the popularity of your topic on YouTube. This can help you identify trends for your next video.

How do I discover current YouTube search trends?

Explore the "Trending" page for popular content within your country to find YouTube search trends. Monitor for patterns in these trending videos and adapt your content strategy accordingly. This is one of the most direct ways to discover what's currently resonating with viewers.

You can also use Google Trends to identify YouTube-specific trends by selecting "YouTube Search." Use the "Research" tab in YouTube Analytics for trending searches and content gaps for more detailed insights. Check the "Popular on YouTube" page and use third-party tools like VidIQ and Ahrefs for keyword trends. Social media can also help spot trending topics for YouTube videos within your niche.

How can YouTube search trends help my videos go viral?

While there's no proven formula that will make your video go viral on YouTube, Google recommends creating videos that are novel, appeal to a wide range of viewers, and align with trending topics.

Use tools like YouTube's Trending page, Google Trends, and YouTube Analytics' Research tab to identify popular themes and viewer interests. Create videos that fill content gaps, match trending searches, and resonate with your audience's preferences. For YouTube Shorts specifically, focus on content gaps that can be addressed in short-form videos. Google suggests avoiding misleading or sensational content.

Consider the speed at which your video generates views, its view count, and its performance compared to your other uploads. Regularly monitor trends and adapt your content strategy accordingly. Blend trend-inspired ideas with your unique voice and style. Remember, YouTube doesn't favor specific creators or accept payment for placement on Trending.

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How do I optimize my Shorts for better engagement?

Focus on high-impact visuals, trending audio, and a concise yet clear description. Consistency is key: post Shorts regularly and tailor them to your audience’s interests as advised by experts. Make use of hashtags to categorize your content and join relevant challenges for more visibility. Even brief subtitles can boost viewer retention since they help viewers follow along without sound. Engaging with comments also signals the algorithm that your content is interactive and relevant.

How do I use YouTube trends to improve my video’s visibility?

YouTube trends can inform you about which keywords and topics are generating the most interest right now. By incorporating these insights into your titles, tags, and video outlines, you stand a better chance of appearing in searches driven by relevant topics. Pair those trending topics with your unique take or storytelling style to stand out from the crowd. Also, consider analyzing your audience's watch time and demographics in the Research tab to refine your content. This approach enables you to align with trends meaningfully rather than jumping on every bandwagon.