What makes a topic trend on Twitter and how can this benefit your brand or business?
Well, let me break it down for you.
Twitter trending topics show real-time subjects capturing people’s attention. Viral hashtags, breaking news, and social media challenges on Twitter create opportunities for brands, small businesses, influencers, and news channels to join conversations.
Why should you care?
Trending on Twitter enables brands to join conversations when they matter most. Using trending topics strategically puts your brand in front of millions of users, creating engagement and increasing visibility.
First, let’s examine:
What Are Twitter Trending Topics and How Do They Work?
Twitter trending topics represent what’s happening on the platform at any moment. The Twitter algorithm generates trends by tracking real-time user activity, focusing on the most discussed subjects, including hashtags, news events, and viral conversations.
Twitter decides what becomes a trend through:
What Makes a Topic Trend on Twitter?
Twitter determines trends based on the number of tweets about a specific subject, sudden spikes in discussions, and regional interest. Topics trend primarily because of surges in mentions within short time frames rather than the highest overall tweet volume.
Global vs. Local Trends
Twitter displays global trends based on worldwide conversations and local trends that are region-specific, such as US trending Twitter topics influenced by users in particular geographic areas.
How Trending Topics Appear on Twitter?
Trending topics appear on the Explore page, which displays a curated list of subjects gaining traction. The trends list updates in real time as conversations evolve.
Why Should You Care About Trending Topics?
Twitter trends help reach new audiences. Content using trending hashtags gains exposure to people who wouldn’t see your posts otherwise, similar to joining active conversations at optimal times.
How to Watch What’s Trending on Twitter
Finding top trending topics on Twitter right now is straightforward. Small business owners and influencers who stay updated on trending topics can join conversations relevant to their audiences.
Ways to see what’s trending:
Use the Explore Page
Find today’s trending hashtags and other Twitter trends on the Explore page. Both the mobile app and desktop versions feature a tab showing trending topics. This section displays Twitter trending topics today globally or locally, including news, entertainment, sports, and trending hashtags.
Customize Your Trending View
Twitter allows users to adjust the trends list based on location to monitor today’s Twitter trends in specific regions. This location-based customization helps brands and news channels track trends relevant to their local business markets.
Use Third-Party Tools
Tools like Tweetdeck and Trends24 provide deeper insights into global Twitter trends and industry-specific trends. These platforms offer historical trend analysis, sentiment tracking, and trending hashtag monitoring over time. Users can set notifications for alerts when specific topics start trending.
Follow Popular Hashtags and Accounts
You can also follow relevant hashtags or accounts to stay updated. Twitter allows you to set up notifications so that you’re always in the know when a topic you care about gains traction. Following thought leaders, influencers, or industry-specific hashtags can keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to trends that matter.
Utilize Twitter Advanced Search to uncover and analyze relevant hashtags by narrowing down tweets through specific trending topics.
How to Track Twitter Trends Worldwide
While Twitter offers both global and local trends, many users specifically want to track Twitter trends worldwide to get a broader perspective on what’s capturing global attention. Here’s how you can effectively monitor worldwide trending topics:
Use the Explore Page with Global Settings
The simplest way to view worldwide trends is through the Explore page. When accessing trending topics, you can switch from your local trends to worldwide trends by:
- Navigate to the Explore tab
- Click on “Settings” near the trending topics section
- Select “Show content from: Worldwide” instead of your current location
- Save your preferences
This adjustment allows you to see what’s trending globally rather than just in your region, giving you insight into conversations happening across different countries and cultures.
Leverage Third-Party Tools for Global Trend Analysis
Tools like Trends24 and Trendsmap are particularly useful for tracking Twitter trending worldwide topics. These platforms offer:
- Visual heat maps showing where topics are trending globally
- Historical data on worldwide trends
- Comparison of features between different regions
- Real-time updates on emerging global conversations
For brands looking to reach international audiences, these tools provide valuable insights into what’s capturing attention across different markets simultaneously.
Follow International News Outlets and Influencers
Another effective strategy for staying on top of worldwide trends is following major international news organizations and global influencers. These accounts often engage with and amplify trending topics that have worldwide significance, helping you identify conversations with truly global reach.
By monitoring worldwide trends, you can identify opportunities to participate in global conversations that might help expand your brand’s international presence and connect with audiences beyond your local market.
Why Trending Topics Are Key to Your Social Media Strategy
Engage in Real-Time: Trending topics connect brands with attentive audiences. Joining relevant conversations makes your brand part of active discussions, increasing visibility when users search for and interact with trending content.
Increase Your Reach: Trending hashtags expose content to non-followers. Regional trending topics boost local visibility while global trends expand international reach.
Build Relevance: Participating in timely conversations demonstrates to your target audience that your brand understands current events, building credibility and relatability.
Higher Engagement: Trending topics generate more retweets and replies when your content adds relevant, timely value to the conversation.
Audience Insights: Twitter trends reveal what resonates with your audience, providing data that shapes future campaign strategies and content planning.
Most Trending Topics (Trending Hashtags) on Twitter Ever
Record-breaking Twitter topics have maintained relevance in public conversations for years, demonstrating what drives global engagement.
Here are some of the top Twitter trends that have made history:
1. Ellen’s Oscar Selfie
If only Bradley's arm was longer. Best photo ever. #oscars pic.twitter.com/C9U5NOtGap
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) March 3, 2014
In 2014, Ellen DeGeneres posted a star-studded selfie during the #Oscars, which became one of the most retweeted images ever, garnering millions of interactions. This event highlighted how a simple, relatable moment can go viral.
2. #BlackLivesMatter
The #BlackLivesMatter movement became one of the most powerful and enduring Twitter trends, starting as a response to police brutality. It’s an example of how social movements can gain momentum through trending hashtags, becoming a global conversation about justice and equality.
3. BTS and Their Fandom
K-pop group BTS has consistently topped the Twitter trending charts thanks to their passionate fanbase, known as ARMY. With millions of tweets dedicated to their music, events, and members, BTS has set records for most mentioned accounts and hashtags (#btsarmy).
4. #COVID19 and #StayAtHome
As the world grappled with the pandemic, hashtags like #COVID19, #StayAtHome, and #FlattenTheCurve became major global Twitter trends. These hashtags united people across the world, providing a platform for sharing information, offering support, and spreading health awareness.
5. #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement sparked a worldwide conversation about sexual harassment and assault, leading to one of the most significant viral trends. This hashtag empowered millions to share their stories, leading to social and legal reforms in many places.
These examples show how trends are not just fleeting conversations—they can shape social movements and change narratives.
Top Twitter Trends in the US
When it comes to US trending Twitter topics, certain categories consistently dominate. These trends often reflect what’s happening in real-time across entertainment, politics, sports, and social movements. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common and impactful trends in the US:
1. Entertainment and Celebrity Culture
Entertainment trends like award shows (#Oscars) or movie releases often top the charts. For example, hashtags related to TV shows or music releases, such as #BTSArmy or #StrangerThings, frequently trend due to large fan engagement. Celebrity news also tends to go viral quickly, with stars like John Cena and Taylor Swift often sparking trends with new releases or viral moments.
2. Sports Events
Major sporting events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and NFL games regularly take over Twitter. Hashtags like #NFLPlayoffs or specific player names like #LeBronJames trend during big games, as fans share their reactions in real time. Sports trends aren’t just limited to the US either, with events like the World Cup also making the list.
3. Politics and Social Issues
Political topics often dominate the US trends, especially during elections. Hashtags like #ElectionDay, #Debates, and names of political figures frequently trend as the nation discusses policies, candidates, and events in real-time. Social issues like #BlackLivesMatter or #MeToo also continue to be significant trending topics as they mobilize millions of people online.
4. Viral Challenges and Social Media Campaigns
Fun viral trends like the #IceBucketChallenge or #MannequinChallenge have taken over Twitter in the past, and new viral challenges continue to emerge. These trends are usually driven by social media platform users, with brands sometimes jumping in to get involved.
Case Studies: Brands That Got It Right (and Wrong)
Real-world examples demonstrate how to use Twitter trending topics effectively. Here are two cases—one success and one failure—that show how to navigate trends wisely.
Success: Oreo’s Super Bowl Blackout Tweet
Power out? No problem. pic.twitter.com/dnQ7pOgC
— OREO Cookie (@Oreo) February 4, 2013
During the 2013 Super Bowl, there was an unexpected power outage, and Oreo seized the moment with a tweet: “You can still dunk in the dark.” This clever and timely post, paired with the ongoing trending topic of the Super Bowl blackout, went viral and remains one of the most successful examples of real-time marketing. The tweet received thousands of retweets and likes, and it’s still referenced today as an example of perfect timing and relevance.
Failure: Kenneth Cole’s Arab Spring Tweet
In contrast, fashion brand Kenneth Cole attempted to jump on the trending conversation during the Arab Spring—a series of protests and uprisings across the Middle East. The brand tweeted about its new clothing line, tying it to the serious political movement. This misstep was met with heavy backlash, as users criticized the brand for being tone-deaf and exploiting a tragic event for marketing purposes. It serves as a reminder to approach sensitive trends carefully and avoid trivializing important issues.
These examples show that while trending on Twitter can boost engagement, timing and sensitivity are key.
Twitter Promoted Trends: Paid Marketing Strategies
Twitter Promoted Trends guarantee exposure by placing brand content at the top of trending topics for 24 hours. This paid strategy works well for product launches, campaigns, and key events when conversation dominance matters.
What Are Promoted Trends?
Promoted Trends are sponsored placements in the top trends list on Twitter’s Explore page, ensuring visibility to millions of users checking current trends.
Benefits of Using Promoted Trends
Promoted Trends provides exclusive 24-hour placement where no other brand can appear, benefiting product launches, campaigns, and special event awareness.
How to Use Them Effectively
Plan for Major Events: Promoted trends perform best when connected to product launches, holidays, or industry events.
Create Engaging Content: Maximize Promoted Trend impact with polls, videos, or interactive hashtags that drive conversation.
Cost of Promoted Trends
Promoted trends require premium investment but deliver exclusivity and reach for high-impact campaigns. Costs vary based on season and target audience size.
Building a Long-Term Strategy with Twitter Trending Topics
Maximizing Twitter trending topics requires integration into your long-term social media strategy. Integrate trends effectively while maintaining brand goals through:
1. Combine Trends with Evergreen Content
Evergreen content maintains relevance while trends fluctuate. Adding trending hashtags to high-value posts boosts engagement without changing core messaging. Plan social media calendars around recurring trends like #ThrowbackThursday and seasonal events.
2. Plan Ahead for Predictable Trends
Predictable trends include holidays, sporting events, and awards shows. Prepare content in advance for these events to join conversations at optimal moments. Set reminders for brand-relevant events to ensure timely engagement.
3. Use Tools to Automate Posting
Twitter strategies become complex when monitoring multiple trends. RecurPost enables users to schedule tweets in advance for predictable trends or US trending Twitter topics while maintaining capacity for spontaneous trend engagement.
4. Stay Flexible for Unexpected Trends
Planning provides structure, but unexpected trending topics often create valuable opportunities. Flexibility enables brands to join viral conversations as they develop, reaching wider audiences.
Balancing evergreen content with trend responsiveness creates a Twitter strategy delivering both immediate engagement and sustained growth.
Conclusion
Twitter trending topics boost brand visibility and enable real-time audience engagement.
Understanding trends, using relevant hashtags, and engaging strategically grow brand reach across local or worldwide Twitter trends. Success requires consistency, authenticity, and timing.
Prepare for predictable trends while maintaining flexibility for spontaneous ones to ensure content relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do trending topics work on Twitter?
Twitter’s algorithm determines trending topics by monitoring user engagement, tweet volume, and popularity growth rates. Trends appear globally or regionally, such as Twitter trending USA topics.
2. Can small businesses benefit from trending topics?
Small businesses benefit from Twitter marketing by engaging with relevant trending conversations, connecting with new audiences, and building brand awareness without large budgets.
3. How do I know if a trend is worth joining?
Evaluate trend alignment with brand values and audience before participation. Use sentiment analysis tools to assess public perception, joining only when relevant to your business.
4. What are Twitter Promoted Trends?
Promoted trends are paid advertising slots featuring business content at the top of Twitter’s trending list for 24 hours with exclusive visibility.
5. How often do Twitter trends update?
Twitter trends update in real-time throughout the day. The algorithm continuously evaluates conversations and engagement patterns, so trending topics can change hourly or even more frequently during major events or breaking news situations.
6. Why do I see different trending topics than my friends?
Twitter personalizes trending topics based on several factors, including your location, who you follow, and your past interactions on the platform. The algorithm tailors trends to your interests and behavior, which is why you might see different trends than someone else, even in the same geographic area.
7. Can I make my hashtag trend on Twitter without paying?
Yes, organic trending is possible if your hashtag generates significant engagement in a short timeframe. Focus on creating shareable content that encourages interaction, coordinate posting times with your audience, and engage influential accounts in your niche. While there’s no guarantee, strategic planning can increase your chances of trending organically.
8. How many tweets does it take for a topic to trend?
There’s no fixed number of tweets required for a topic to trend. Twitter’s algorithm prioritizes sudden spikes in conversation rather than total volume. A topic with fewer tweets but rapid growth in a short period often trends faster than topics with higher overall tweet counts spread over time.
9. Do verified accounts have an advantage with trending topics?
Verified accounts often receive more visibility in trending conversations because their content is prioritized by the algorithm. While verification itself doesn’t make a topic trend, verified accounts typically have larger followings and higher engagement rates, which can amplify their contribution to trending topics.
10. How can I find niche or industry-specific trends that aren’t on the main trending page?
For industry-specific trends, use Twitter’s advanced search features to filter conversations by keywords relevant to your niche. Third-party tools like Tweetdeck, Trends24, or Trendsmap can help you identify emerging conversations in specific sectors. Following industry leaders and setting up custom lists can also help you spot relevant trends before they reach the main trending page.
11. What types of content perform best with trending topics?
Content that adds value to trending conversations performs best. This includes:
– Visual content (images, videos, GIFs) that relates to the trend
– Insightful commentary or unique perspectives
– Humorous takes that remain sensitive to the topic’s context
– Data or research that provides new information about the trend
– Questions that encourage further engagement from your audience
12. How can I predict which topics might trend in the future?
While you can’t predict all trends, you can anticipate potential trending topics by:
– Monitoring upcoming events in your industry or niche
– Following news outlets and influential accounts for breaking stories
– Using social listening tools to identify growing conversations
– Tracking recurring trends like #ThrowbackThursday or seasonal topics
– Analyzing Twitter’s “For You” recommendations for emerging topics
Saurabh Chaturvedi is a content writer at RecurPost. Specializing in social media management and marketing, Saurabh is dedicated to crafting engaging and informative articles. His passion for clear, exciting content keeps readers eager for more.