I didn’t exactly plan to spend weeks submerged in YouTube’s endless video box, but here we are. One curious click turned into late-night rabbit holes powered by Wi-Fi and curiosity.
What started as a casual scroll through router upgrade tips somehow spiraled into me watching AI girlfriend reviews, “silent” day-in-the-life vlogs, and a guy surviving on ₦1,000 a day in Ikole, Ekiti State. (Yes, that last one was oddly peaceful and mildly terrifying.)
But that’s the thing about YouTube today. Chaotic in the best way. More than just viral hits, the algorithm now rewards weird niches, hyper-specific storytelling, and creators who know how to hold attention, even when they don’t say a single word.
At some point, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to peek under the hood. YouTube currently pulls in over 80 billion visits per month. For context, there are 8 billion of us on Earth. That means, on average, everyone alive visits YouTube 10 times a month. Think about that for a second.
And while YouTube still dominates long-form video, the Shorts vs. TikTok vs. Reels showdown is heating up. The lines between entertainment, education, and everyday life have blurred. Creators are adapting fast. Audiences are even faster.
So, when I got the go-ahead to write about what’s trending on the platform, I took it seriously. I’ve spent the past few days watching what keeps popping up, what flops, and what keeps coming back like a catchy chorus. I followed the algorithm. I tracked trend spikes. I compared content styles from this year and last. And yes, I came dangerously close to launching a silent vlog channel in the name of “research.”
The result is this guide. It’s a deep dive into what’s working right now, why it matters, and what it means if you’re a creator, brand, or just someone who likes to stay ahead of the scroll.
Key takeaways from this article
- YouTube in 2025 is unpredictable, but not untrackable. Q1 and Q2 trends ranged from faceless videos to Gametoons, proof that curiosity still drives views, not just clickbait.
- Trendspotting takes both tools and intuition. I used Exploding Topics (powered by SEMrush), Google Trends, YouTube Trending, Reddit, and comment sections, because data alone doesn’t show you why something is catching on.
- What’s rising? Quiet content, creator burnout, honesty, and TikTok crossover chaos. The internet’s loud, so ironically, content that whispers is suddenly booming.
- Overdone prank videos, fake gurus, and overly scripted Shorts are wearing thin. Audiences want real or at least creative.
- Creators need a three-format game plan. Shorts for reach. Long-form for depth. Live for loyalty. The top channels are mastering all three, not just picking one.
- The best strategy is to be early, be weird, and stay human. Trends can open doors, but sustainable content still comes from people who create with intent, not just for the algorithm.
What I looked at
Before we jump into the actual trends, here’s how I pieced it all together.
First, I tracked trending content directly from YouTube’s own Trending tab, region by region. I wanted to see which themes kept bubbling to the surface.
Then I pulled trend reports from Google Trends and Exploding Topics (powered by SEMrush). But the numbers alone don’t tell the full story.
So I dug deeper into the creator community itself, Reddit threads, YouTube comments, and even the behind-the-scenes notes creators drop in newsletters. I wanted to know what people were saying, not just what they were watching.
This mix of data and conversation gave me a full picture of what’s trending, why it’s trending, and who’s riding the wave the best. Everything you’re about to read is based on content that either:
- Exploded in views organically, as seen across trends.
- Sparked creator copycats.
- Or showed up so frequently (it had to mean something).
All trends are current as of Q1 and Q2 2025 (January through June), which, let’s be honest, in internet time is practically a lifetime.
Let’s get into the trending topics.
25 YouTube topics dominating 2025 so far
If you’re a creator wondering what to make next, a marketer trying to understand what audiences care about, or just a curious soul trying to stay ahead of the scroll, this is for you.
These are the 25 topics trending on YouTube in the first half of 2025:
Topic 1: Faceless YouTube channels
A faceless YouTube channel is exactly what it sounds like. They create and share content where the creator never shows their face. It’s all voiceovers, stock footage, screen recordings, AI avatars, or even silent animations.
Why it’s trending: More creators are prioritizing privacy, content efficiency, or just don’t want the pressure of being “on camera” all the time. Combine that with the rise of AI voice tools and stock libraries, faceless channels are almost frictionless.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 6,200%.
- Global search volume: 201,000/month.
Channel examples: @TheInfographicsShow and @AIExplained are perfect examples of what you can achieve with faceless videos.
Why it matters: It’s perfect for camera-shy creators, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to scale content without being the face of it. Faceless formats also make AI-generated content and automation more accessible.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Launch explainer videos in your niche using stock footage and an AI voice.
- Partner with writers or animators who want anonymity.
- Test different faceless formats: listicles, reaction commentary, or mini-documentaries to see what sticks.
Search trend status: Regular.
Topic 2: Schedule 1
Schedule 1 is an indie horror game that blends eerie minimalism with unsettling backstories and analog horror aesthetics. It’s set in a reality where strange events unfold through cryptic “found footage” and VHS-style visuals, a mix of liminal spaces and psychological dread. It allows you to both play and decode.
Why it’s trending: YouTube’s obsession with creepy, lore-heavy games isn’t new, but Schedule 1 taps into something deeper: that eerie, somewhat nostalgic fear of something that almost feels real. It’s giving alternate reality game (ARG) energy without the complexity, and it’s perfect for reaction content.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 3,233%.
- Global search volume: 23 million+/month.
- Viral gameplay videos are racking up hundreds of thousands to millions of views weekly.
Channel example: @CoryxKenshin and @Markiplier have played or reacted to similar analog horror-style games, giving it massive exposure.
Why it matters: Games like Schedule 1 prove there’s still room for low-budget, high-impact horror in the gaming content space. It’s more about atmosphere and narrative than graphics, which means even small developers or creators can jump in and make a splash.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Play or review Schedule 1 (and similar games) and dig into the backstory or hidden lore.
- Build a mini docuseries on the rise of analog horror in games.
- If you’re a developer, consider how lo-fi tension can beat AAA realism when it comes to storytelling.
Search trend status: High.
Topic 3: YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are 60-second-or-less vertical videos designed for quick entertainment or information. It’s YouTube’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Why it’s trending: Threats of TikTok ban in some African countries and similar drama in the U.S. has pushed creators to diversify. Shorts now gets 70+ billion views daily, and YouTube is aggressively pushing it through monetization and discoverability.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 3,650%.
- Global search volume: 2.9 million/month.
- Over 70 billion daily views (as of Feb 2024).
Example: @triplecharm.
Why it matters: For creators, Shorts is a shortcut to visibility, especially for newer channels. It’s also a lower-lift format for brands to test content ideas, trends, or community engagement.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Repurpose longer content into bite-sized clips.
- Test new video hooks using Shorts before going long-form.
- Mix educational and entertaining content to boost retention.
Search trend status: High.
Topic 4: Gametoons
Gametoons are animated videos based on gaming characters, often built around storytelling, humor, or parody. Think Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, but animated like a cartoon series.
Why it’s trending: Kids and teens are hooked on gaming lore, and these videos tap into the overlap between gaming and storytelling. Plus, animation gives creators freedom to exaggerate, parody, or create entire universes.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 9,600%.
- Global search volume: 315,000/month.
Channel example: @GameToons, @GameToonsPlus, which regularly posts gaming-inspired animations.
Why it matters: Gametoons show the power of cross-format creativity, merging the passion of gaming with animation. It also creates monetization opportunities through merch, spin-offs, or collabs with game developers.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Create an animated series for your own IP or niche game.
- Team up with animators or voice actors to build lore content.
- Use this format to satirize or simplify trending game updates
Search trend status: Niche.
Topic 5: Mr Beast
MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) is YouTube’s biggest creator with over 365 million subscribers. Famous for philanthropy-driven content, huge challenges, and record-breaking giveaways.
Why it’s trending: Beyond the numbers, MrBeast is reshaping YouTube strategy, turning views into business ventures (like Feastables and Beast Burger), and even running international versions of his channel.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 230%.
- Global search volume: 19 million/month.
- His videos routinely hit more than 100 million views
Channel example: @MrBeast
Why it matters: Beyond being just a creator, MrBeast has become a blueprint. He’s raised the production bar, proved that giving can go viral, and demonstrated how to turn attention into equity. For brands, he’s also proof that investing in long-form spectacle still works.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Study his storytelling formula: hook, buildup, and payoff.
- Partner with micro-creators to recreate challenge-style content.
- Embrace cause-based storytelling that inspires and entertains.
- Create long-form videos and Shorts analysing MrBeast’s videos.
Search trend status: Regular.
Topic 6. Blox Fruits
Blox Fruits is a wildly popular Roblox game inspired by One Piece, where players train to become sword-wielding warriors or fruit-powered pirates. You level up by battling enemies, mastering unique powers (called “fruits”), and sailing across islands in search of stronger gear and bosses.
Why it’s trending: Anime fandom and Roblox culture form the perfect storm. Blox Fruits blends the obsessive grind of anime leveling systems with the social, open-ended chaos of Roblox. It’s become a comfort game for millions and a content machine for creators.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 4,100%.
- Monthly global search volume: 3.2 million.
Channel example: Creators like @KittGaming and @BlamSpot have built entire audiences around fruit tier lists, how-tos, and game updates.
Why it matters: For gaming creators, Blox Fruits is a goldmine of consistent content ideas, from update reactions to boss battles to ranking every fruit ever created. The Roblox engine also makes it super accessible, even for creators with modest setups.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Build a Blox Fruits beginner series to attract younger audiences.
- Collaborate with Roblox or anime-themed channels to cross-share content.
- Use AI tools to generate fast lore recaps or tutorial voiceovers.
Search trend status: Regular (but very stable and growing).
Topic 7. VTubers
VTubers (Virtual YouTubers) use anime-style digital avatars instead of showing their real faces on camera. These avatars can be cute, edgy, or downright chaotic, and they’re powered by motion tracking and voice acting.
Why it’s trending: People love personalities, but not everyone wants to be on camera. VTubing blends gaming, cosplay, and performance art into one hyper-online format that’s tailor-made for livestreaming.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 304%.
- Monthly search volume: 723,000+.
Channel example: @GawrGura (Hololive) pulled in over $1 million from Super Chats alone.
Why it matters: VTubing democratizes creator identity. It gives introverts, privacy-seekers, and voice actors a platform to build massive brands without ever turning on a ring light.
Creator or brand ideas:
- Create a branded avatar as your spokesperson.
- Collaborate with VTubers for livestream product demos, sponsorships, or virtual meetups.
Search trend status: Regular.
Topic 8: PBD podcast
The PBD Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David, blends business advice with political commentary and unfiltered guest conversations. It’s become a favorite for people who want to mix hustle culture with hot takes, especially from the conservative angle.
Why it’s trending: As audiences get burned out on traditional media, this podcast offers something punchy, controversial, and algorithm-friendly. You may not agree, but that’s what many of the listeners believe.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 4,400%.
- Global search volume: 388,000.
Why it matters: It taps into the “independent thinker” narrative, which resonates with younger professionals looking to build wealth and question authority. The podcast’s snackable clips also perform well on YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
Ideas for creators or brands: If you’re in finance, politics, entrepreneurship, or even fitness, think podcast collabs, reaction videos, or “lessons learned” breakdowns from hot episodes.
Search growth status: Regular.
Topic 9: Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel is the YouTube preschool teacher every toddler (and tired parent) swears by. With songs, simple language, and high engagement, her content helps with speech development and gives parents a guilt-free screen time option.
Why it’s trending: Pandemic babies grew up on Ms. Rachel. Now she’s become a household name, and a soothing background voice in millions of homes.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 9,900%+.
- Global search volume: 3.2 million.
- Several of her videos have garnered hundreds of millions of views, with this one crossing 1 billion.
Why it matters: She’s part of a bigger trend of parents seeking screen time that’s both safe and educational. Also, her style has influenced kid-focused creators to slow down, speak clearly, and engage more deliberately.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Educational toy makers, speech therapists, and family brands can partner with or take cues from her style.
- Even creators in other niches can learn from her pacing and clarity.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 10: Phonk
Phonk is a subgenre of hip-hop that blends lo-fi aesthetics with Memphis rap samples, cowbells, and chopped or screwed production. Think eerie, gritty beats with vintage Southern rap vocals, often paired with aesthetic visuals of muscle cars and retro anime. It’s the sonic equivalent of a dark alleyway in 1998.
Why it’s trending: TikTok and YouTube Shorts have given phonk a second life, especially in car edit montages, gym motivation videos, and “grindset” content. Gen Z loves the underground feel with a modern twist.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 488%.
- Global search volume: 525,000.
Why it matters: Culturally, it revives early Southern rap culture with Gen Z flair. Psychologically, it taps into nostalgia and rebellion. Algorithmically, phonk’s catchy loops drive repeat views and short-form content virality.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Use phonk as background music for edits or streetwear ads.
- Music creators can remix classic phonk tracks or add vocals.
- Fitness and car channels can jump on the trend for aesthetic engagement.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 11: Grox
Grox is a modded character and faction in Spore, a cult-classic PC game. On YouTube, Grox content blends nostalgia, lore, and strategy, which has drawn in a growing community of fans and meme-makers.
Why it’s trending: Retro gaming is thriving, and Grox has become a memeable villain, like Shrek but intergalactic.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 1,450%.
- Global search volume: 4.9 million.
Why it matters: The resurgence of 2000s games and fandoms shows how nostalgia fuels algorithmic visibility. Plus, Grox content overlaps with commentary, remix culture, and creative storytelling.
Ideas for creators or brands: Tap into the nostalgia wave with explainer videos, mods, fan theories, or “what if” content.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 12: YouTube summarizer
YouTube summarizer tools (like browser extensions or AI-based tools) give viewers TL;DR versions of long videos, helping them skip to the good parts without watching the whole thing. If you’re on the platform to kill time watching long-form videos, this might not seem like a big deal. But many viewers who want to get to the meat of the content quickly find this topic expedient.
Why it’s trending: Most people don’t have time for 45-minute rants anymore. These tools let you absorb more content, faster.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 8,200%.
- Global search volume: 1.5 billion.
Why it matters: The rise of summarizers proves that attention is the new currency. Even YouTubers are optimizing for viewers who won’t watch everything.
Ideas for creators or brands: Consider adding timestamps, pinned takeaways, or using these tools to reverse-engineer what viewers value most in your content.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 13: Try on haul
A try-on haul is a video format where influencers show off clothing items, often gifted or sponsored, while modeling them and giving quick feedback. This is a huge deal on YouTube.
Why it’s trending: It combines authenticity (real people, real body types) with shopping ease. Instant outfit inspo and direct links convert to views and sales.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 138%.
- Global search volume: 1.4 million.
Why it matters: This format builds trust in a world of over-polished ads. Viewers get style ideas while casually discovering brands.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Micro-influencers in fashion or lifestyle should partner with brands to explore the topics.
- For brands, sponsor a haul, but give creators creative freedom to keep it real.
Search growth status: Regular.
Topic 14. Lofi Music
Lofi music (low-fidelity music) is a subgenre of electronic music recorded with deliberate imperfections like background noise. The purpose is to help with concentration and relaxation. This chill, slightly grainy genre has become the study buddy of the internet, blowing up on YouTube for its relaxing, loopable vibes. Usually, it’s paired with animated scenes of cats, rain, or journaling girls.
Why it’s trending: It’s the go-to background noise for productivity or emotional recharging.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 103%.
- Global search volume: 1.1 million.
Why it matters: Beyond music, lofi is a mood, a lifestyle, and a productivity hack. Gen Z especially connects with its calming aesthetic.
Ideas for creators or brands: Think lofi livestreams, “study with me” content, or branded focus playlists.
Search growth status: Regular.
Topic 15: ChatGPT for YouTube
A free Chrome extension that summarizes YouTube videos in seconds, built on GPT tech. Great for skipping the fluff, getting straight to the value, and quickly understanding video content.
Why it’s trending: People want insights, not intros. This tool makes learning fast and bingeable.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 9,900%+.
- Global search volume: 1.5 million.
Why it matters: AI and productivity are merging fast, and this tool fits right into the “hack your workflow” culture.
Ideas for creators or brands: Use it to research competitor content, highlight your best segments, or create AI-ready summaries for viewers.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 16: Video captions
Captions (textual representations of the audio content in a video, including dialogue, sound effects, and music) are the silent MVP of content. Whether closed (user-enabled) or open (baked in), they make video more accessible, understandable, and sticky.
Why it’s trending: With audio fatigue and global audiences, captions aren’t optional anymore; they’re a strategy.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 117%.
- Global search volume: 25,000.
Why it matters: Captions boost watch time, improve SEO, and keep people watching even with the sound off (which happens a lot).
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Add captions to everything.
- Try stylized fonts, branded subtitles, or even AI tools that auto-caption with flair.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 17: Virtual court
A judicial proceeding conducted online rather than in a physical courtroom, utilizing videoconferencing technology and other digital tools. Virtual courts enable judges, lawyers, and defendants to participate remotely, often using platforms like Zoom for hearings and YouTube for webcasting.
Why it’s trending: Post-pandemic efficiency meets digital transformation. More court systems are embracing tech not just out of necessity, but preference.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 318%.
- Global search volume: 148,000.
Why it matters: Virtual courts reduce barriers to access for many, especially those in rural areas or with limited mobility. Algorithmically, livestreamed court sessions also fuel a niche genre of courtroom content on YouTube.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Legal influencers can break down real cases, offer commentary, or explain legal rights through clips of virtual hearings.
- Brands in legal tech or remote collaboration tools can position themselves as enablers of this shift.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 18: UGC marketing
User-Generated Content (UGC) marketing is a strategy that leverages content created by customers (e.g., reviews, unboxings, social posts, and more) to build brand credibility. It works because it’s real, not rehearsed.
Why it’s trending: People trust people, not ads. And with influencer fatigue on the rise, authentic customer content is winning hearts and conversions.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 257%.
- Global search volume: 141,000.
Why it matters: Culturally, UGC is peer-powered validation. Psychologically, it taps into social proof. Algorithmically, it fuels engagement.
Ideas for creators or brands: Creators can encourage fans to make content using their products; brands can amplify customer stories on YouTube Shorts.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 19: inZOI
inZOI is an upcoming life simulation game developed by Krafton, the creator of PUBG. Think “The Simpsons” but with high-end graphics and real-time open world mechanics. Gamers are hyped.
Why it’s trending: The game’s cinematic trailer and photorealistic visuals have set high expectations. It’s seen as a potential Sims-killer.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 6,500%.
- Global search volume: 11 million.
Why it matters: Shows how far simulation gaming and user anticipation has come. Already, early access and gameplay teasers are generating massive interest.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Gaming channels should prepare explainer videos, speculation content, and gameplay guides.
- Brands in the lifestyle, home decor, or fashion niches could also collaborate with mod creators.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 20: Cocomelon songs
Cocomelon is a children’s educational YouTube channel known for bright animations and nursery rhymes. With over 190 million subscribers, it’s a juggernaut for toddler entertainment.
Why it’s trending: It’s every exhausted parent’s digital babysitter. Also, it’s optimized for autoplay and repeat engagement.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 118%.
- Global search volume: 5 billion.
Why it matters: Cocomelon dominates early childhood entertainment. Its simple patterns and music are engineered for toddler engagement.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Kids-focused brands can create parody versions or educational spinoffs.
- Parenting channels can offer reviews or “behind the music” breakdowns of its impact.
Search growth status: Regular.
Topic 21: Gracie’s Corner
A vibrant YouTube channel for kids that features a Black family creating educational, fun, and encouraging songs with diverse representation, modern beats, and cultural authenticity.
Why it’s trending: Parents wanted something more relatable and inclusive than Cocomelon. Gracie’s Corner delivered.
Proof it’s hot:
- 5-year search growth: 5,000%.
- Global search volume: 263,000.
Why it matters: It represents a shift toward inclusive children’s content. Culturally and algorithmically, it speaks to underserved audiences and wins.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Collaborate with Gracie’s Corner for sponsored songs or educational content.
- Family channels can review or react to episodes.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 22: YouTube automation
A content strategy where creators outsource or automate YouTube video production, using voiceovers, freelancers, AI scripts, and faceless formats, to run channels like businesses.
Why it’s trending: More people want to earn from YouTube without becoming the next MrBeast.
Proof:
- 5-year search growth: 324%.
- Global search volume: 697,000.
Why it matters: It’s a volume game; automation allows creators to publish more often. Psychologically, it appeals to those chasing passive income dreams.
Ideas for creators or brands: Offer automation tutorials, software reviews, or build backend services for aspiring faceless channel owners.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 23: Temu haul
A Temu haul video showcases an influencer unboxing and trying out items bought from the viral online marketplace Temu, usually emphasizing affordability and quantity.
Why it’s trending: Temu is the new Wish, but shinier and even cheaper. People love judging what $50 gets you.
Proof:
- 5-year search growth: 3,900%.
- Global search volume: 63,000.
Why it matters: These hauls tap into the thrill of bargain hunting and the mystery of quality. The content is both snackable and satisfying.
Ideas for creators or brands: Do challenge-style hauls (“$20 outfit vs $200 outfit”), or niche-specific Temu hauls (e.g., tech gadgets, kitchen tools).
Search growth status: High.
Topic 24: TLDR YouTube
TLDR-style YouTube content compresses complex or long videos into snappy, digestible summaries, ideal for time-pressed viewers.
Why it’s trending: People want to stay informed but don’t always want to commit 45 minutes to a video essay.
Proof:
- 5-year search growth: 538%.
- Global search volume: 348,000.
Why it matters: Reflects growing demand for concise content, matching how we consume news. TLDR channels are growing fast due to retention-friendly formats.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Create TLDR versions of your videos.
- Launch a summary channel in a niche like finance, law, or education.
Search growth status: High.
Topic 25: Danny GO!
Danny GO! is a fast-rising children’s YouTube channel packed with upbeat songs, silly dance routines, and fun learning moments for preschoolers. Think of it as an active preschool classroom, with choreographed chaos and educational value baked in.
Why it’s trending: Parents say it’s more tolerable. Kids say it’s catchy. YouTube can’t stop recommending it.
Proof:
- 5-year search growth: 1,200%.
- Global search volume: 1.3 million.
Why it matters: It’s a part of the rise of independent kid-centric content. Psychologically, it nails edutainment, educational but engaging.
Ideas for creators or brands:
- Partner with Danny Go! for branded segments.
- Family creators can react, review, or remix the content.
Search growth status: High.
What’s new on YouTube?
Some trends are old friends wearing new outfits, like productivity hacks dressed up as “dopamine detox” routines. But others are total newcomers, the kind of content that either didn’t exist in 2024 or wasn’t on most people’s radar until now.
Here’s what’s genuinely new in 2025, and why it’s catching on:
1. TikTok brain, YouTube body
TikTok topics are leaking into YouTube in weird, fascinating ways. Not just reposts, I’m talking full-on long-form adaptations of TikTok culture:
- “I Tried the Viral [insert trend] for a Week” challenge.
- Deep dives into TikTok drama timelines.
- Essays breaking down how TikTok is rewriting Gen Z slang, fashion, and attention spans.
Creators are reverse-engineering virality, starting with TikTok and expanding the story on YouTube.
2. Creator burnout as content
Creator burnout is a big concern on YouTube. Mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion typically follows the demanding nature of content creation and the pressure to maintain consistent output, and creators are talking about it.
It’s not another buzzword (at least, not yet), it’s a whole genre.
More creators are uploading raw, reflective videos about mental fatigue, quitting the algorithm game, or reshaping their online identity. They’re deeply relatable, well-produced “digital diary” entries that perform. Because when everything’s curated, vulnerability stands out.
Even “I’m taking a break” videos now rack up more engagement than some regular uploads.
3. The quiet lifestyle movement
Call it aesthetic minimalism or “the anti-hustle hustle.” Think slow-living vlogs, ambient cooking with no talking, rainy city walks in 4K, and creators building routines around peace instead of performance. These videos are less about doing and more about feeling. In a world saturated with noise, silence has become strangely clickable.
What’s dying (or quietly fading out) on YouTube?
Every wave has a crash. Some YouTube trends that ruled the homepage last year are now barely hanging on, or worse, actively turning viewers off. Not all of them vanished overnight, but the engagement shift is real.
Here’s what’s slowly getting the boot in 2025:
1. Overused prank content
We’ve seen it. We’ve yawned. We’ve clicked “Not interested.”
The problem isn’t just that prank videos are played out. It’s that audiences are too smart now. Remember all the usual, over-the-top “caught my girlfriend cheating in public!” stunts? Viewers are clocking them as fake within the first 10 seconds. Plus, with creators pushing more personal, vulnerable content this year, mean-spirited or obviously staged pranks just feel out of place.
2. “Fake” guru videos
We all know these ones. We’ve seen. In fact, it’s quite possible you used to be subscribed to them. But they don’t just hit the same note as before.
Slick editing, big promises, zero substance. Creators promising overnight growth on YouTube, instant e-commerce riches, or “how I made $100k from this one weird side hustle.” The shift now is that audiences are demanding receipts. Channels without real transparency, proof, or value are bleeding subscribers and watch time.
Even legit creators are toning it down, swapping hype for walkthroughs and nuance. Because the internet is tired of being sold a dream, we want the blueprint.
3. Over-scripted Shorts
Shorts blew up. Then everyone tried to game the system. Now we’re stuck in a loop of aggressively fast-talking narrators dumping clickbait ideas into 60 seconds of overload.
But that tide is turning. Viewers are craving real moments again: raw humor, spontaneous reactions, unscripted chaos. If your short sounds like a TikTok MBA course, it’s probably getting swiped past.
4. Faceless channels
This is a tricky one, but let’s talk about it.
Are we over faceless content?
There’s still space for well-produced, voiceover-driven storytelling (think animated explainers), but the faceless, low-effort, copy-paste commentary channels are wearing thin. People are craving personality, even if it’s subtle. In 2025, if you won’t show your face, at least give us something real.
The stuff that’s dying is formulaic, unauthentic, and optimized to death. This year, if it feels too manufactured or manipulative, it’s probably not landing.
What does this mean for creators and marketers?
If you’re trying to build an audience or sell to one, YouTube in 2025 is not the place to sit still. Trends are cycling faster than ever. What worked in Q1 might already be tired by Q3. That viral format you’ve been chasing could be yesterday’s news by the time your upload finishes rendering.
But this isn’t bad news. It just means we’ve got to play smarter, not louder.
1. Pick a niche but stay adaptive
Specialize, yes. But don’t marry a format.
The most successful creators this year are grounded in their niche (tech, lifestyle, finance, etc.), but they’re flexible with how they show up. They’re testing new formats, riding emerging trends, tweaking their tone, and evolving without ditching their core message.
Your audience doesn’t want a robot; they want someone who’s growing with them.
2. Short-form still wins, but not alone
Use Shorts for reach, long-form for depth, and live sessions to build loyalty.
That’s the rough map. Shorts are great for getting discovered, but they rarely build community on their own. Long-form videos let creators show expertise and storytelling chops, and live streams are becoming the secret sauce for engagement and monetization (creators are selling merch, launching courses, even testing product ideas live.)
It’s not either-or anymore; it’s a collaborative strategy.
3. Attention is a moving target
Your 2024 playbook won’t stretch far into 2025. You’ve got to keep an eye on what your audience is gravitating toward, not just what’s trending globally. Adaptation is survival.
4. Create eye-catching thumbnails
A thumbnail is the first, and sometimes, only chance you get. Miss it, and most people will scroll past forever. If your thumbnail doesn’t hit, the rest of your content might as well not exist.
Tips to level up your thumbnails:
- Strike with an image. Close-up faces work. Thumbnails with faces tend to draw more attention than those without.
- Include mystery. Blur something. Ask a question. Tease the story.
- Use clear, contrasting text. Choose readable fonts and make sure they pop against your background.
5. Caption your videos
Captions are the cheat code too many creators ignore.
According to Verizon Media, 83% of people watch videos with the sound off, and 4 in 5 viewers are more likely to finish a video if captions are available.
Auto-captioning on YouTube makes this easy, but don’t stop there. Auto-captions are a good start, but for accuracy and impact, custom subtitles win. You have two easy options: upload custom subtitles in YouTube Studio or embed subtitles directly into your video file.
Why captions matter:
- Boost accessibility. Essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
- Improve watch time. Most mobile viewers watch on mute.
- Enhance SEO. Yes, YouTube indexes your captions. Treat them like metadata.
6. Master YouTube SEO
YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine. If you’re not optimizing for it, you’re falling behind.
Many of the same rules from Google SEO apply here: titles, descriptions, and keywords still drive discoverability, but with a visual twist.
Here’s how to nail the basics:
- Do keyword research. For instance, you can pick from any of the topics on the list.
- Optimize your title. Put your main keyword at the start. Make it punchy, clear, and curiosity-driven.
- Write strong descriptions. Use your first 120 characters wisely, as they show up in search results.
- Rename your video file. Instead of video321.mp4, try “how-to-write-thank-you-in -Japanes.mp4.” YouTube reads filenames.
- Use hashtags and tags smartly. Help YouTube categorize your video. Use relevant tags, not random ones.
- Edit your captions. Accurate subtitles are an underrated SEO boost.
7. Above all, stay original
You can chase trends or shape them. The creators who win in the long term are the ones who do more than copy formats. They add flavor, test new angles, and tell real stories. Even in an algorithm-driven world, authenticity still cuts through.
Conclusion
Chasing trends can feel like chasing ghosts. One minute you’re riding high on a Short’s wave, the next your content’s buried under 400 clones doing the same thing, just louder.
But here’s what I’ve learned from two months of falling down the YouTube rabbit hole: I’d rather be early and weird than late and out of place. Because early means you saw something real. Weird means it came from you.
So yes, experiment. Try the format everyone’s buzzing about. Remix that niche trend in your voice. But do it with intention. Build something that could still make sense six months from now, not just something that tricks the algorithm today.
The best creators I saw in Q1 and Q2 weren’t trend-chasers. They were pattern-readers. Culture-listeners. People who posted not just to fit in, but to add something. That’s what YouTube and your future audience reward.
So go on. Test things. Be early. Be weird. Just don’t be forgettable.
FAQs about top trending YouTube topics
How do YouTube trends even start?
Some start on TikTok and spill over. Others come from Reddit, viral news cycles, or just one bold creator doing something new. But the real key is engagement. YouTube’s algorithm boosts what people obsessively watch, comment on, and share, not just what’s uploaded most.
Is YouTube Shorts still worth it in 2025?
The short answer is yes, but it’s evolving. Shorts still offer massive reach, but creators are blending them with long-form and live content to build community and revenue. The real flex now is being able to do all three well.
Can marketers use these trends too, or just creators?
Both can and should. Smart brands are intentionally jumping into trending formats, reacting to culture, not hijacking it. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes Shorts or searchable long-form explainers, there’s room for marketers to show up without feeling like ads.
Should I follow every trend to grow my channel?
Not at all. Follow the right trends, the ones that align with your message, audience, and style. Trends are tools, not strategies. The ultimate goal isn’t to go viral. It’s to build something sustainable while riding the wave.
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