Step-by-Step Research Workflow for Trending Videos

Resource:  How to Pull Content Ideas From What's Trending on YouTube

Imagine you're a content creator for a popular lifestyle channel, and you notice that videos on "minimalist home decor" are suddenly gaining traction on YouTube. You realize that capitalizing on this trend could significantly boost your engagement levels. But how do you systematically discover and leverage such trending videos? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of researching trending videos, complete with examples and practical tips.

Step 1: Identify Trending Topics on YouTube

1. Use YouTube’s Trending Page: Start by checking YouTube’s Trending tab, which displays a list of currently trending videos in your region.
2. Explore Different Categories: Filter the Trending page by different categories, such as Music, Gaming, News, and more, to discover trends within your niche.
3. YouTube Analytics: If you have your own YouTube channel, use YouTube Analytics to see what types of content your subscribers are watching and which videos are getting the most engagement.

Step 2: Utilize External Tools for Trend Research

1. Google Trends: Use Google Trends to identify trending topics not only on YouTube but also across the internet. Enter keywords related to your niche and see their popularity over time.
2. Social Media: Pay attention to trending hashtags and topics on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as they often make their way to YouTube.
3. Third-Party Tools: Use tools like TubeBuddy, vidIQ, and Social Blade to discover trending topics and gain insights into viewer behavior.

Step 3: Analyze Popular Videos and Topics

1. Video Titles: Look for common keywords or phrases used in titles of trending videos. Identify patterns in titles that seem to resonate with viewers.
2. Keywords: Pay attention to keywords used in video descriptions and tags. These keywords can indicate popular topics that are driving traffic.
3. Content Themes: Analyze the themes or topics covered in trending videos. Note the type of content (e.g., tutorials, reviews, challenges) that is receiving significant engagement.

Step 4: Leverage Trends for Content Creation

1. Choose the Right Trend: Focus on trends that align with your niche and brand identity. Consider whether the trend adds value to your content and allows you to offer a unique perspective.
2. Add Your Unique Perspective: Infuse your personality into the content and provide insights that reflect your individuality. This helps differentiate your content from others and strengthens your connection with your audience.
3. Content Format and Presentation: Adapt your content format and presentation to suit the trend. This can significantly enhance its appeal and engagement.

Step 5: Optimize Your Video for Trending

1. Use Engaging Thumbnails: Create eye-catching thumbnails that grab viewers’ attention.
2. Promote Your Videos Quickly: Promote your videos as soon as they are uploaded to maximize their visibility.
3. Setup a Playlist for Autoplay: Create a playlist that includes your trending video to encourage continuous viewing.
4. Optimize MetaData: Ensure your video’s metadata, including title, description, and tags, is optimized for the trending topic.

By following these steps, you can systematically discover and leverage trending videos to boost your engagement levels and grow your channel.