Here’s a clear, practical guide on how to find trending topics, followed by the Top 10 trend-spotting tools marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs actually use.
How to Find Trending Topics (Step-by-Step)
Before tools, here’s the process professionals follow:
Decide your niche
Trends differ wildly by industry (tech ≠ fitness ≠ finance).Track early signals, not just viral hits
Look for rising interest, not peaks that are already fading.Cross-check multiple sources
If a topic appears on 2–3 platforms, it’s likely real.Validate search intent
Make sure people are searching, not just scrolling.Move fast
Trends reward speed more than perfection.
Top 10 Trend Spotting Tools (Ranked & Explained)
1. Google Trends – Best Overall (Free)
Why it’s powerful
Shows real search demand
Identifies rising vs breakout trends
Location & time filtering
Best for: SEO, content marketing, product ideas
Pro tip: Sort by Rising instead of Top
2. Exploding Topics – Best for Early Trends
Why it’s powerful
Finds trends before they go mainstream
AI-powered discovery
Category filtering
Best for: Startups, investors, niche bloggers
Free + paid
3. TrendHunter – Best for Consumer & Lifestyle Trends
Why it’s powerful
Global trend reports
Consumer behavior insights
Visual inspiration
Best for: Branding, product design, retail
Mostly paid
4. Twitter/X Trends – Best for Real-Time Buzz
Why it’s powerful
Instant visibility
Event-driven topics
Hashtag discovery
Best for: Newsjacking, social media, PR
Limitation: Short lifespan
5. Reddit – Best for Deep & Emerging Discussions
Why it’s powerful
Honest, early discussions
Niche subreddits
Product pain points
Best for: SaaS, content ideas, audience research
Pro tip: Sort by Top → Past Month
6. TikTok Creative Center – Best for Short-Form Trends
Why it’s powerful
Trending sounds & hashtags
Region-specific insights
Fast trend cycles
Best for: Creators, influencers, ecommerce
7. BuzzSumo – Best for Viral Content Analysis
Why it’s powerful
Tracks most-shared content
Influencer discovery
Competitive analysis
Best for: Content marketers, agencies
Paid tool
8. Pinterest Trends – Best for Visual & Shopping Trends
Why it’s powerful
Long-term trend forecasting
Strong buyer intent
Seasonal insights
Best for: Ecommerce, fashion, home, DIY
9. YouTube Trending & Search Suggestions
Why it’s powerful
Video content demand
Search-based discovery
Great for tutorials & reviews
Best for: YouTubers, educators, reviewers
10. AnswerThePublic – Best for Trend Validation
Why it’s powerful
Reveals real user questions
Long-tail keyword ideas
Search intent mapping
Best for: SEO, blog planning
Limited free searches
Best Tool by Goal (Quick Pick)
| Goal | Tool |
|---|---|
| SEO & search demand | Google Trends |
| Early trend discovery | Exploding Topics |
| Social media virality | Twitter/X, TikTok |
| Content ideas | BuzzSumo, Reddit |
| Ecommerce trends | Pinterest Trends |
| Question-based content | AnswerThePublic |
Final Tip: Stack Tools for Best Results
Example workflow:
Exploding Topics → Google Trends → Reddit → AnswerThePublic
This confirms:
✔ Early signal
✔ Search demand
✔ Audience pain points
✔ Content angles
If you want, I can:
Recommend tools for your specific niche
Build a trend-spotting workflow
Help you turn trends into content or products
Just tell me 👍