How to Find Trending Topics for Your Blog (2024 Guide)
Struggling to keep your blog content fresh and relevant? Writing about trending topics can boost your traffic, engagement, and authority. Here’s your ultimate guide to discovering what’s hot in your niche right now.
1. Leverage Google Trends
Google’s free tool shows what people are searching for in real-time.
How to use it:
- Visit trends.google.com
- Enter keywords related to your niche
- Filter by region, time frame, and category
- Check “Related queries” and “Rising” sections
Pro Tip: Compare multiple terms to see which is gaining more traction.
2. Monitor Social Media Trends
Social platforms are goldmines for viral content ideas.
Best places to look:
- Twitter/X: Check “Trending” tab and hashtags
- TikTok: Discover page shows viral challenges and topics
- Instagram: Explore page and Reels trends
- Reddit: Rising posts in relevant subreddits
- Pinterest: Trending pins in your category
3. Use Exploding Topics
This tool (explodingtopics.com) uncovers emerging trends before they peak.
Features:
- Tracks trends across industries
- Shows growth trajectories
- Provides related topic suggestions
4. Check BuzzSumo
See what content is getting shared most in your industry.
Key functions:
- Find most-shared articles by topic
- Identify influential sharers
- Analyze competitor content performance
5. Subscribe to Industry Newsletters
Stay ahead with curated trend reports:
- Morning Brew (business/tech)
- The Hustle (startups/marketing)
- Niche-specific newsletters in your field
6. Browse Q&A Platforms
Discover what people are actively asking about:
- Quora: Popular questions in your category
- Reddit AMAs: See what experts are being asked
- AnswerThePublic: Visualizes search questions
7. Analyze YouTube Trends
Check what’s gaining views:
- YouTube Trending page
- Most-viewed videos in your category
- Comments on popular videos (for unanswered questions)
8. Use Google News
Set up alerts for your keywords to get breaking news:
- Google News (news.google.com)
- Google Alerts (google.com/alerts)
9. Check Amazon Best Sellers
Spot rising product trends that can inspire content:
- Movers & Shakers list
- New releases in your category
- Customer questions on popular products
10. Join Facebook Groups
See what topics generate most discussion:
- Search for active groups in your niche
- Note frequently asked questions
- Poll members about current challenges
11. Use AI Tools
Generate fresh ideas instantly:
- ChatGPT: “Give me trending topics about [your niche]”
- Jasper or Copy.ai for content suggestions
- Google Bard for real-time data
12. Monitor Competitor Blogs
See what’s working for others:
- Ahrefs’ Content Gap tool
- SEMrush’s Topic Research
- Manual review of competitor sites
13. Attend Virtual Events
Webinars and online conferences reveal emerging trends:
- Eventbrite’s online events
- Industry Twitter/X Spaces
- Clubhouse discussions
14. Check Seasonal Trends
Plan ahead for predictable spikes:
- Holiday content calendars
- Back-to-school topics
- Seasonal how-tos and gift guides
15. Use Pinterest Trends
Ideal for visual niches:
- Pinterest Predicts report
- Rising search terms
- Popular pin formats
Pro Tip: Combine trending topics with evergreen angles for content that gets both immediate traffic and long-term results. For example, “How [Current Viral Trend] Affects [Your Niche]” or “[Trending Topic] Explained for Beginners.”
Action Plan:
- Pick 3-5 methods from this list
- Set up alerts/tools to monitor trends
- Create a content calendar for trending topics
- Always add your unique perspective
By consistently using these methods, you’ll never run out of fresh, relevant topics that keep your blog at the forefront of your industry.
What trending topics are you seeing in your niche right now? Share your findings in the comments!