Trending topics have quickly become one of my favorite social media tools. Twitter initiated the trends (pun totally intended) and they’ve now spread to every major platform. They’re a great way to stay informed (many current events will trend) but they’re also a great way to increase your online presence.

What’s a “trend”? 

Trends are determined by an algorithm based on what many users are talking about. It’s also tailored to you based on where you’re located, what you post about, and who you follow. Basically, trends are hot topics. On Twitter and Instagram, they’re usually sorted by hashtags but on Facebook they can be either a hashtag or a phrase.

You can locate the moment’s trending topics on Twitter by looking at the list on the left side of your screen, or by clicking the magnifying glass or “search” icon on the top tab of your Twitter app. On Facebook, you can find them sorted on the right side of your computer screen or by clicking the icon with three lines (that takes you to your profile, upcoming events, etc.), scrolling down, and under the “apps” section, you’ll find an upward arrow icon with “trending” next to it. To view what’s trending on Instagram, click the magnifying glass or “search” tool to the right of your home icon and at the top, select “see all” next to “Trending Topics.”

If you want to know more about a trend or see what other people are saying about it, just click on it!

Do you want to participate in a trend? 

Participating in trends is fun and a great way to gain and interact with followers. Just make sure when you compose your post that you use the exact word, phrase, or hashtag that is trending. You may not always be able to see your tweet on the trend’s timeline due to the vast number of tweets that are posted there but your followers will be able to see it. Facebook tends to favor posts (meaning they push it into more news feeds) when they mention or link to a trending topic, because that’s what people want to see! It’s relevant!

Are there rules? 

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind so that you don’t abuse your participation in trends. This could cause your account to be filtered or even suspended.

For starters, don’t add one or more topics to your tweet that are unrelated, to gain attention in a search. Don’t repeatedly tweet the same topic/hashtag without adding value to the conversation or to get the topic trending/higher. Don’t tweet to each trend, especially if you’re using it as a way to advertise your company/website. Only tweet to relevant trends or ones where you add value to the conversation. Listing trends with a request to follow your account is also frowned upon. Finally, don’t tweet about a trend and then post a misleading or unrelated link.

If you really want to play it safe, check out the official Twitter Rules.

My original article was published here.