How to Find Trending Topics on TikTok in 19 Ways
Virlo Team
Dec 25, 2024
TikTok is a treasure trove of viral trends, from catchy songs to creative challenges and everything in between. As the platform evolves, so do its trends, making it crucial to stay on top of what's trending to boost your content's performance.
So, how to find Social Media Trends before they fizzle out? In this guide, we'll explore how to find trending topics on TikTok so you can boost your content’s engagement and get ahead of the game.
One way to quickly discover viral TikTok trends is to use Virlo ai's virality analysis tool. This handy tool helps you quickly identify trending topics on TikTok (and other social media platforms) so you can create content that aligns with your marketing goals.
Table of Contents
What Are TikTok Trends?
TikTok trends represent a collection of viral short videos that use popular features, songs, sound effects, and/or hashtags. They emerge nearly daily and are a big part of why TikTok is among the most entertaining social media platforms. Trends are basically “memes 2.0,” according to Evan Horowitz, CEO of Movers+Shakers, and the mind behind what AdWeek deemed “the most viral campaign in TikTok history,” which his agency created on behalf of e.l.f. Cosmetics. “I’d say over half, maybe the vast majority, of TikTok content follows a trend,” he says.
Trends are a community-wide conversation across TikTok, and people express themselves through their various interpretations of them. Brands that want to join this conversation must understand this process to engage with TikTok users organically. The brands that do this well can smoothly join users’ feeds, becoming part of the community without appearing too polished or salesy.
“When people are going through their feeds and your [brand’s] video comes up, it’s like, ‘Oh, that was really funny how that brand hopped on that trend and worked their product or their message or whatever in just a fun way,’” Horowitz says. “It makes your brand just be much more relevant in the conversation.”
Benefits of TikTok Trends for Brands
Participating in TikTok trends isn’t just a chance to push your product by turning the latest craze into an ad. It’s about engaging with users and increasing your visibility on the platform.
Expand Your Brand’s Reach
TikTok’s algorithm gives preference to trending TikTok videos, so you’ll get more views — and engagement — when you jump on a trend. Plus, users enjoy exploring various interpretations of trends and often watch video after video, which can lead to the organic discovery of your brand. “Trends are so important for brands looking to increase their relevance on TikTok because it gives them that extra viewership,” Horowitz says. “You tap into the algorithm, and it also gives you that credibility, like you get the conversation on TikTok, and your brand fits in natively.”
Make Your Brand Relevant and Relatable
Having a brand channel on TikTok and participating in trends is all about reaching your audience where they are. It demonstrates that your brand understands the platform, can entertain users, and have fun. In other words, it’s top-of-funnel awareness marketing. While it’s challenging to drive click-throughs on TikTok, it’s easy for brands to derive a “cool factor” from it, according to Horowitz. “A lot of brands are trying to figure out how they fit into the TikTok conversation in a native way,” Horowitz says. “If you want to have a successful TikTok presence as a brand, trends [are] just a super amazing hack to grow your audience faster and increase your engagement.”
Discover Potential Influencer Partners
Because of TikTok’s colossal reach and incredible growth rate (especially among Gen Z and millennials), finding and partnering with TikTok influencers already on the platform is more important than ever. Working with established influencers goes a long way in building consumer trust around your brand. According to TikTok’s Trend Report, among people who took an off-platform action as a result of a TikTok, 72% say they obtained reviews from creators they trust on TikTok more than any other platform.
You can find relevant influencers by searching for specific hashtags. Beauty brands could search #BeautyTips. Apparel brands could search #OutfitInspo or #Fashion. You can also browse TikTok’s For You page (FYP) or search for the #foryou. You can also allow generative AI and advanced filters to find TikTok partners for you. You can also tweak your language to search for influencers by location. For example, if your target audience lives in Europe, you could change my language to German or French, so TikTok’s algorithm displays more European influencers.
Stay Abreast of User Sentiment
If your brand invests in social media marketing, you may tap into social listening to collect customer sentiment. And if you’re not, now’s the time to start. You should care about straightforward metrics like trending videos, number of views, likes, and shares — available in TikTok Analytics if you have a professional account. But ultimately, user sentiment goes beyond the metrics. To stay on top of user sentiment on TikTok, you’ll also need to use a sentiment analysis tool that uses natural language processing (NLP) to glean insights from comments and hashtags.
Stay Informed of Competitor Strategies
In Q1 2023 alone, consumer spending on TikTok surpassed $1 billion. So, you can’t afford to miss the boat — your competitors sure won’t. So, take this opportunity to research and see how your competitors, industry influencers, and audience interact with the social media platform to gain fresh insights into your marketing strategy.
Follow your competitors on TikTok to see what people are posting about them and what types of content are netting them the most engagement. According to The Indicator podcast, you can also search #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, which has about 8 billion views. This viral hashtag helps to drive sales for previously unknown brands and can help you stay current with the next wave of competition.
Related Reading
• How to Keep Up with TikTok Trends
• How to Find Trending Topics on YouTube
• How to Find Trending Topics on Instagram
• How to Use Google Trends for YouTube
How to Find Trending Topics on TikTok in 19 Ways
1. Use Virlo
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today's fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy.
We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you're just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo enables you to navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo's virality analysis tool.
2. Check Out Top Creators
You can find videos from top TikTok creators and influencers in the Trends section of TikTok Creative Center when you select the Creators tab. Not only can this help you find TikTok trends by seeing what patterns top creators are following, but it can also uncover potential influencers for your brand to work with.
3. Browsing the Explore Page on TikTok
TikTok’s Explore page is an excellent tool for spotting trends and staying up-to-date with the latest viral content. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the Explore page like a pro: Keep your eyes peeled for the “Explore” tab, where you’ll find the most popular videos and hashtags. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration. Explore the different categories: Trend discovery is divided into different categories, such as “Fashion,” “Beauty,” and “Food & Drink.”
Click on each category to see the trends currently making waves in that area. Look for patterns: Scrolling through the Explore page, you might notice specific themes or styles popping up repeatedly. These are likely trends that you can incorporate into your content. Remember, TikTok trends can come and go in blinks, so it’s essential to stay alert and keep your finger on the pulse.
4. Look at the Trending TikTok Videos Tab
In the Videos tab of TikTok Creative Center Trends, you can see what videos are trending on TikTok regardless of whether they are from a highly followed creator. This is a great place to source viral videos your business could mimic, duet, or stitch.
5. Review Popular Hashtags
In the TikTok Creative Center, under Trends, the Hashtags tab allows you to track trending TikTok hashtags related to your industry. Use the search bar to find hashtags related to keywords your business may be targeting.
6. Find Popular Songs
The Songs tab is the final part of the Trends section of TikTok Creative Center. Here, you can discover trending TikTok audio clips and songs for your videos. It’s broken out into two sections. The popular section can help you find the most frequently used songs within your selected timeframe, and you can filter out those approved for business use. The breakout section includes songs and user-generated audio clips that are rising in popularity—which can help you get ahead of TikTok trends.
7. Use the TikTok Commercial Music Library
In addition to the Trends section within the Creative Center, you can use the TikTok Commercial Music Library (found in the Creative Tools section) for trend discovery. The Commercial Music Library holds all pre-cleared music for organic TikTok content and ads. You can filter and sort your results in many ways to find trending songs that best fit your content. Alternatively, check out the Playlist tab for a viral TikTok music playlist. Plus, find tons of other playlists of new songs, songs popular in video games or memes, sounds for businesses, and more.
8. Research Successful TikTok Creative Strategies
Discover which TikTok trends have been successful in the past using the Creative Strategies page under Creative Center’s Education tab. You can find TikTok marketing case studies, creative tips, and quick TikTok tutorials here.
9. Use the TikTok Ads Library and Top Ads Dashboard
The TikTok Ads library can be a secret weapon for businesses looking to make TikTok trend discovery since it allows you to research TikTok ads from competitors. If you’re familiar with the Facebook ads library, know that the TikTok ads library functions in the same way where it’s meant to provide transparency for users and help businesses source video inspiration.
10. Read Up on TikTok Trend Perspectives
The TikTok Creative Center also includes a Trends section for Trend Perspectives to make TikTok trend discovery even easier. Trends Perspectives aims to educate TikTok marketers and advertisers on TikTok audience behaviors. With this resource, you can predict how TikTok trends in your industry may grow and evolve.
11. Find Hot Keywords With Keyword Insights
Also within the Inspiration section of Creative Center is the Keyword Insights tool. With this resource, you can explore trending keywords to ensure your TikTok video scripts and captions hit all the right buzzwords for your business to connect with your target market. This can be key (no pun intended) to your TikTok trend discovery because you can see which keywords have had the biggest jumps in popularity and related videos that could inspire your own. Get an idea of the core terms you want to target using other keyword research tools first.
12. Discover Trending TikTok Products
If competitive analysis is something your business needs to prioritize during your TikTok trend discovery process, the Top Products section of the Inspiration tab within Creative Center should be your go-to tool. It provides you with information on trending products within a chosen category.
13. Use the TikTok Trend Discovery Page
Finally, since TikTok content heavily relies on what’s trending, there’s a dedicated TikTok trend discovery page right from within the platform. Users can browse this app portion to see videos about the biggest TikTok trends.
14. Look at YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are short-form videos on YouTube that are comparable to TikTok videos in length, styling, and format. Because of this, brands typically have some crossover between their TikTok and YouTube Shorts content. So, if you scroll through popular YouTube Shorts, you’ll also likely be able to discover new TikTok trends.
15. Browse Your TikTok FYP
What is the best resource for discovering TikTok trends? Your TikTok FYP! The TikTok For You Page (FYP) contains content related to other accounts and videos you’ve interacted with. Try to be active on your TikTok account and get into the mind of your ideal customer. Once you start seeing relevant content on your TikTok FYP, you can get a feel for which TikTok trends your audience favors the most.
16. See What’s Trending on Instagram Reels
Like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels are another opportunity to find trending short-form videos similar to TikToks. You’ll likely see many of the same concepts trending on Instagram Reels and TikTok. It’s not uncommon for viral TikToks to be reposted to Reels!
17. Refer to Your Historical Performance
The best way to discover which TikTok trends may or may not work for your business is through trial and error. As you start on TikTok, find a few TikTok trends to test. As you continue to market and advertise on TikTok over time, benchmark your progress. Over time, you can look back at your historical performance using your TikTok analytics and make data-backed conclusions about how new TikTok trends may evolve based on your past videos that were more or less successful.
18. Try Google Video Search
You can discover more TikTok trends using Google video search. Google video search ranks videos based on indicators such as popularity and relevancy to your search query—making it a great option to get TikTok trend ideas from top sources like YouTube, TikTok, and industry websites.
19. Use Your Marketing Planning Calendar
You can predict what might be trending on TikTok based on upcoming events throughout the year. Use a marketing planning calendar to prep your content according to what’s relevant to your audience during any given month or season.
How to Leverage TikTok Trends
1. Stay Updated on Trends
To leverage TikTok trends for your business, you must first keep up with the latest happenings on the platform. Here are some ways to stay updated on TikTok trends:
Monitor the Discover page
Regularly check TikTok’s trending hashtags, sounds, and challenges to identify what’s popular.
Follow influencers and trendsetters.
Keep an eye on creators who are early adopters of trends, as they often shape TikTok’s culture.
Use trend analysis tools.
Leverage tools like TrendPop or TikTok’s Creative Center to spot emerging trends.
2. Participate in Viral Challenges
Viral TikTok challenges can quickly boost your brand’s visibility on the platform. You can jump on existing trends or create your own.
Engage with existing trends.
Create content that aligns with trending challenges while subtly yet creatively integrating your product or service.
Launch your challenge
Develop a branded hashtag challenge encouraging users to create content with your product. Offer incentives like giveaways to boost participation.
3. Utilize Trending Sounds and Effects
Sounds and music are vital to TikTok culture. Incorporate trending audio into your TikTok videos to increase your content's visibility. TikTok’s algorithm favors videos with popular audio, so using these tracks can help discover your content. Create a catchy and brand-relevant audio clip that others can use for their videos, turning it into a potential trend.
4. Collaborate with TikTok Creators
One of the best ways to reach a new audience on TikTok is to partner with influencers. Look for creators who resonate with your target audience to amplify your brand’s message through authentic storytelling. While working with more prominent influencers can be beneficial, don’t overlook the value of collaborating with smaller creators with a loyal following. Micro-influencers often have higher engagement rates, so their posts may perform better and drive more traffic to your page.
5. Focus on Authenticity and Entertainment
TikTok users value relatable, entertaining, and authentic content. Avoid overly promotional material that will turn off your audience. Instead, show how your brand fits into everyday life or popular culture.
Highlight user-generated content (UGC)
Encourage and share content created by your customers to build trust and community.
6. Use Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags help make your content discoverable on TikTok. To boost your visibility, participate in popular hashtags and include them in your posts. Also, create a branded hashtag for your TikTok marketing campaign. Ensure it’s easy to remember and aligns with your marketing goals to encourage user participation.
7. Post Consistently and Engage
Like other social media platforms, TikTok has an algorithm determining how content is distributed. One of the best ways to get on TikTok’s good side is to post consistently. This demonstrates to the algorithm that you’re a reliable source of information. Experiment with posting schedules to determine when your audience is most active. Also, engage with comments on your videos. Responding to comments and interacting with your audience can boost engagement and help your content perform better.
8. Test Paid Ads on TikTok
Consider testing the platform's paid ad options to reach your target audience on TikTok quickly. TikTok has several ad formats, including:
In-feed ads
smoothly integrate your ads into users’ feeds.
Branded effects
Design filters or effects tied to your brand to engage users creatively.
TopView ads
Use prominent placement for maximum visibility during high-traffic times.
9. Monitor and Adapt
Once you launch your TikTok marketing campaign, don’t just let it run independently—track performance using TikTok analytics to measure engagement, reach, and conversions. Be prepared to pivot your content strategy to align with rapidly changing trends.
10. Build a Community
Building a community on TikTok can help your brand create a loyal following that will support your business over time.
Engage creatively
Host live sessions, respond to trends, and share behind-the-scenes content.
Encourage participation
Ask your followers to remix your content or start a trend based on your product.
How Can Virlo Help Me Go Viral on TikTok?
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy.
We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo enables you to navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
Related Reading
• How to Find Trending Hashtags on Instagram
• What Hashtags Are Trending on YouTube
• TikTok Trend Discovery
• Instagram Reels Trends
• Brandwatch Alternatives
• Google Trends Alternative
• Social Media Trend Tracker
10 Brands Leveraging TikTok Trends for Marketing
1. Chipotle: Engaging with TikTok Users Through Creative Challenges
Chipotle interacts with TikTok users through unique challenges like the #ChipotleLidFlip. This challenge drew over 100,000 attempts, showcasing the brand’s popularity on TikTok. Their participation in trending challenges boosts brand visibility and engagement, helping them connect with a younger audience.
2. NBA: Aligning with Authentic and Entertaining Trends
The NBA shares a mix of player antics, game highlights, and behind-the-scenes content to engage with TikTok users. Their approach aligns with the platform's trend towards authentic and entertaining videos, helping the brand reach a diverse audience beyond basketball fans.
3. The Washington Post: Presenting News in a Humorous Way
The Washington Post has gained traction on TikTok by adopting a humorous and relatable approach. Instead of dry, boring videos that simply report the news, they present news stories through light-hearted skits and behind-the-scenes content. This resonates with TikTok's trend towards entertaining and relatable media.
4. Gymshark: Tapping Into TikTok's Fitness Trends
Gymshark utilizes fitness challenges and motivational content to engage with TikTok users. Their community-driven approach encourages user participation and brand loyalty while tapping into TikTok's fitness and wellness trends.
5. San Diego Zoo: Sharing Cute and Educational Animal Content
The San Diego Zoo shares engaging animal videos to capitalize on TikTok's trend for cute and educational content. Their efforts attract animal lovers and increase overall educational outreach.
6. Red Bull: Aligning with High-Energy Visual Trends
Red Bull shares extreme sports and adventure content that aligns with TikTok's trend for high-energy and visually captivating videos. Their approach reinforces the brand's identity and resonates with their target audience.
7. Ryanair: Using Humor to Engage with a Younger Audience
Ryanair uses trending memes and humor to connect with a younger audience on TikTok. Their approach reflects the platform's trend towards comedic and relatable content, enhancing brand relatability.
8. Duolingo: Featuring a Fun and Playful Mascot
Duolingo’s TikTok content features their playful green mascot, making language learning fun and engaging for users. This aligns with TikTok's trend for character-driven narratives.
9. Netflix: Sharing Entertaining Clips and Engaging with Trends
Netflix shares clips and behind-the-scenes content and engages with trending challenges on TikTok. This approach aligns with the platform's entertainment trends and helps promote their shows to a broader audience.
10. Crocs: Revitalizing Their Brand Image with TikTok Trends
Crocs has revitalized its brand image among younger audiences by collaborating with influencers and participating in trending challenges. Their efforts reflect TikTok's trend towards fashion and self-expression.
Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy.
We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo enables you to navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
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