If you want to grow traffic fast, you must find trending keywords before your competitors do. Trending keywords reflect what people are searching for right now — giving you a chance to create relevant and viral content that ranks higher on Google.
Whether you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or business owner, knowing how to track these keywords is the secret to staying ahead in the SEO race.
1. Use Google Trends – The Easiest Free Tool
Google Trends is a free tool that shows what topics are popular at any moment.
How to Use It:
- Visit Google Trends.
- Type your main keyword (e.g., AI tools, crypto, or travel blogs).
- Adjust location, category, and time range.
- Check rising searches to find trending topics.
Pro Tip: Use “Related Queries” to discover new content ideas before they peak.
2. Explore Ahrefs Keyword Explorer
Ahrefs is one of the best SEO platforms for keyword research. It shows you keyword trends, search volume, and difficulty all in one place.
Steps:
- Go to Ahrefs Keyword Explorer.
- Enter a seed keyword (like digital marketing).
- Filter by “Newly Discovered” or “Trending.”
- Analyze keyword difficulty (KD) and clicks per search (CPS).
3. Check Semrush Topic Research
Semrush helps you track keyword trends in real time across industries. Its Topic Research feature finds hot subjects with high engagement potential.
What to Do:
- Enter your main keyword or niche.
- View trending headlines and subtopics.
- Sort by search volume or trend growth.
Example: Searching for AI tools may show trending topics like “AI image generators” or “AI writing assistants.”
4. Use Google Keyword Planner
Even though it’s built for advertisers, Google Keyword Planner is useful for bloggers too. It provides real search volume data and keyword performance insights.
How to Find Trending Keywords:
- Log into your Google Ads account.
- Go to Keyword Planner > Discover New Keywords.
- Set filters by country or category.
- Look for rising search volume and low competition.
5. Check Social Media Trends
Social media platforms are goldmines for discovering trending keywords before they explode in Google search.
Platforms to Monitor:
- Twitter (X): Check “Trending Topics” daily.
- YouTube: Explore “Trending” tab and popular search suggestions.
- TikTok: Observe hashtags and viral video captions.
- Reddit: Follow niche subreddits and look at top discussions.
Tip: Use tools like BuzzSumo or Social Blade to see what’s gaining traction.
6. Analyze Competitors’ Keywords
Keeping an eye on what your competitors are ranking for can reveal untapped opportunities.
How to Do It:
- Use Ahrefs Site Explorer or Semrush Domain Overview.
- Enter competitor’s domain (like yournicheblog.com).
- Go to Top Pages and Organic Keywords.
- Identify keywords that recently spiked in traffic.
🔗 Analyze Competitors with Semrush
7. Combine Tools for Maximum Results
No single tool is perfect. Combine Google Trends with Ahrefs or Semrush to get both real-time and long-term insights.
For example:
- Use Google Trends to find topics gaining popularity.
- Verify them in Ahrefs to check keyword volume and difficulty.
- Use SurferSEO to optimize your content.
Comparison of Trending Keyword Tools
| Tool | Best For | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Trends | Real-time search trends | Free | Simple and visual |
| Ahrefs | Keyword growth tracking | $99/mo | Accurate data |
| Semrush | Topic and keyword research | $129.95/mo | Deep insights |
| Google Keyword Planner | Search volume data | Free | Great for PPC |
| BuzzSumo | Social keyword trends | $119/mo | Content discovery |
Final Thoughts
Finding trending keywords in 2025 is about timing and precision. If you can spot trends early, you can create viral content that drives massive organic traffic before the competition even notices.
Use a mix of Google Trends, Ahrefs, and Semrush to build a content calendar full of powerful, high-performing keywords.
- Best SEO Tool for 2025 – Full Guide
- How to Rank Your Blog on Google Fast
- Google Trends
- Ahrefs Keyword Explorer
- Semrush Topic Research
