Have you ever wondered what makes a topic trend on Twitter and how it can benefit your brand or business?
Well, let me break it down for you.
Twitter trending topics are a real-time snapshot of what’s capturing people’s attention. Whether it’s a viral hashtag, breaking news, or a social media challenge, trends on Twitter offer a massive opportunity for brands, small businesses, influencers, and even news channels to join the conversation.
Why should you care?
Trending on Twitter isn’t just about staying in the loop. It’s about jumping into a conversation when it matters most. When done right, using these trending topics can put your brand in front of millions of users, creating engagement and increasing visibility.
Let us first understand –
What Are Twitter Trending Topics and How Do They Work?
Twitter trending topics are the heartbeat of what’s happening on the platform at any given moment. These trends are generated by an algorithm that tracks real-time user activity, primarily focusing on the most discussed and interacted with subjects, including hashtags, news events, and viral conversations.
So, how does Twitter decide what becomes a trend?
Here’s a breakdown:
What Makes a Topic Trend on Twitter?
Twitter determines trends based on a combination of factors, such as the number of tweets around a specific subject, the sudden spike in those discussions, and regional interest. Topics don’t necessarily need to have the most tweets overall; they often trend because of a surge in mentions within a short time frame.
Global vs. Local Trends
Twitter offers two types of trending topics: global trends and local trends. Global trends are based on conversations happening worldwide, while local trends are region-specific and influenced by the users in a particular area, like US trending Twitter topics.
How Trending Topics Appear on Twitter?
You can easily find trending topics on the Explore page, which offers a curated list of what’s gaining traction. It’s updated in real time, meaning that the trends list evolves based on ongoing conversations.
Why Should You Care About Trending Topics?
Twitter trends are invaluable for reaching new audiences. By tapping into trending hashtags, your content can gain exposure, putting you in front of people who might not have seen your posts otherwise. Think of it as jumping into a conversation that’s already happening—at the right time.
How to Watch What’s Trending on Twitter
So, how do you keep track of what’s trending today on Twitter? It’s simpler than you might think! Whether you’re a small business owner or an influencer, staying updated on trending topics can help you join conversations that matter to your audience.
Here are a few easy ways to see what’s hot:
Use the Explore Page
The easiest way to check out X Twitter trends is by heading to the Explore page. On both the mobile app and desktop, you’ll see a tab dedicated to trending topics. This area provides a curated list of what’s being talked about globally or locally. It includes top news, entertainment, sports, and trending hashtags.
Customize Your Trending View
If you want to keep tabs on what’s trending on X Twitter specifically in your region or a specific area, Twitter lets you adjust the trends list based on location.
You can change this setting to view trends relevant to your business market or region. This is particularly useful for brands and news channels looking to stay local.
Use Third-Party Tools
Sometimes, you need more insights into Twitter trends globally or trends relevant to specific industries. That’s where tools like Tweetdeck and Trends24 come in handy.
These tools allow for deeper analysis, including historical trends and sentiment analysis, helping you track trending hashtags over time. You can even set notifications to alert you when specific topics or hashtags 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.
Why Trending Topics Are Key to Your Social Media Strategy
Engage in Real-Time: Trending topics offer a unique opportunity to engage with an audience that’s already paying attention. By joining relevant conversations, your brand becomes part of the action. This helps increase visibility as users are more likely to search and interact with content linked to trending discussions.
Increase Your Reach: Using trending hashtags exposes your content to people outside your follower base. Trending topics, especially those in your region are great for boosting local or global visibility.
Build Relevance: Participating in timely conversations shows your audience that your brand is in touch with what matters. This builds credibility and can make your brand more relatable.
Higher Engagement: Trending topics often generate more engagement. Whether through retweets or replies, trends provide fertile ground for increased interaction when your content is relevant and timely.
Audience Insights: By observing Twitter trends, you learn what resonates with your audience. This data can guide future campaigns or content planning.
Most Trending Topics (Trending Hashtags) on Twitter Ever
Some topics on Twitter have broken records and stayed in the public conversation for years. These viral moments offer insight into what drives engagement on a global scale.
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)
Learning from real-world examples is one of the best ways to understand 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
For brands looking to guarantee exposure, Twitter Promoted Trends provide a paid solution that places your content at the top of the trending topics list for 24 hours. This strategy is particularly useful for big launches, campaigns, or key events when you want to dominate conversations.
What Are Promoted Trends?
Promoted Trends are sponsored placements that allow brands to appear in the top trends list on Twitter’s Explore page. This ensures visibility among millions of users who are actively checking what’s trending today.
Benefits of Using Promoted Trends
Promoted Trends give you exclusive access, meaning no other brand can appear in that spot for 24 hours. This is particularly beneficial when launching new products, running campaigns, or driving awareness for special events.
How to Use Them Effectively
Plan for Major Events: Promoted trends work best when tied to significant events like product launches, holidays, or industry-specific occasions.
Create Engaging Content: To maximize the potential of a Promoted Trend, ensure your content encourages engagement. Whether through a poll, video, or interactive hashtag, aim to drive conversation.
Cost of Promoted Trends
Promoted trends come at a premium cost, but the exclusivity and reach they provide can be a valuable investment for high-impact campaigns. The cost can vary, depending on the time of year and audience size you’re targeting.
Building a Long-Term Strategy with Twitter Trending Topics
To truly maximize the potential of Twitter trending topics, you need to incorporate them into a long-term social media strategy. Here’s how to integrate trends effectively while keeping your brand’s goals in mind:
1. Combine Trends with Evergreen Content
While trends come and go, evergreen content remains relevant over time. Incorporating trending hashtags into your regular, high-value posts is a great way to boost short-term engagement while keeping your core messaging intact. For example, you can plan a content calendar around recurring trends like #ThrowbackThursday or seasonal events.
2. Plan Ahead for Predictable Trends
Some trends, like holidays, major sporting events, or annual awards shows, are easy to anticipate. Preparing content in advance for these can help you join the conversation at the right moment. Set reminders for important events that are relevant to your brand so you can engage in a timely manner.
3. Use Tools to Automate Posting
Managing a Twitter strategy can get overwhelming, especially when dealing with multiple trends. Tools like RecurPost allow you to schedule content ahead of time. You can prepare posts for predictable trends or US trending Twitter topics while staying ready for spontaneous trends.
4. Stay Flexible for Unexpected Trends
While planning is essential, some of the best opportunities arise from unexpected trending topics. Staying flexible allows you to jump into viral conversations as they happen, capturing the attention of a wider audience.
With a balance of evergreen content and the flexibility to react to trends, your Twitter strategy can achieve both immediate engagement and long-term growth.
Conclusion
Twitter trending topics offer incredible opportunities to boost your brand’s visibility and engage with your audience in real-time.
By understanding how trends work, using relevant trending hashtags, and engaging strategically, you can effectively grow your brand’s reach. Whether you’re targeting local or global Twitter trends, consistency, authenticity, and timing are key.
Stay prepared for predictable trends, but remain flexible for spontaneous ones, ensuring that your content resonates with what’s happening right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trending topics on Twitter are determined by an algorithm that monitors user engagement, tweet volume, and the rate at which a subject gains popularity. These trends can be global or region-specific, like US trending Twitter topics.
Yes, small businesses can use Twitter trends to increase visibility by engaging with relevant trending conversations. This helps connect with new audiences and build brand awareness without a large marketing budget.
Before jumping into a trend, ensure it aligns with your brand’s values and audience. Use sentiment analysis tools to gauge how people feel about the topic, and only join if it makes sense for your business.
Promoted trends are paid advertising slots on Twitter that allow businesses to feature their content at the top of the trending list for 24 hours, providing exclusive visibility.
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.