Top Trending YouTube Topics (October 2023)

YouTube, the second-largest social media platform in terms of monthly users (2.56 billion), is the most popular.

YouTube is facing fierce competition as platforms such as TikTok have shifted to shorter-form videos. YouTube is still the leader in the market for long-form videos and the place to go when it comes to educational, business, or entertainment content.

These are the most popular topics currently trending on YouTube:

Below we’ve highlighted some notable YouTube trends. Then we’ll tell you why these videos are popular and what kind of viewers they attract.

1. YouTube Shorts

5-year search growth: 8,100%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description: 

YouTube Shorts is a new video experience introduced by YouTube for creators and artists who want to shoot short, catchy videos using their mobile devices. It’s YouTube’s response to the rising popularity of short-form video content on platforms like TikTok.

Key Features:

1. Duration: Videos are 60 seconds or shorter.
2. Creation Tools: YouTube Shorts offers a range of tools for users to create videos directly from their mobile devices. This includes a multi-segment camera to string multiple video clips together, speed controls, and a timer and countdown to record hands-free.
3. Music: Users can select songs from YouTube’s vast library to add to their Shorts.
4. Discoverability: Shorts are featured on the YouTube homepage in a dedicated “Shorts” section, making it easier for users to discover new short-form content.
5. Monetization: While initially there was no direct monetization for Shorts, YouTube later introduced the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund distributed over 2021-2022 to reward creators for their unique and engaging content on the platform.

Usage: Creators can upload Shorts by using the “Create” icon on the YouTube mobile app and selecting “Short” to access the Shorts camera and its editing tools. Alternatively, any vertical video uploaded that’s less than 60 seconds long can be considered a Short.

2. Try On Haul

5-year search growth: 313%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description: 

A “Try On Haul” is a popular content format primarily found on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. In these videos or posts, content creators showcase a collection of products, typically clothing and accessories, that they’ve recently purchased. The unique aspect of this format is that the creator not only shows the items but also tries them on to give viewers a real-time look and feel of the products.

Key Features:

1. Showcasing Products: The primary focus is on presenting a range of products, often from a specific shopping trip, brand, or online store.
2. Real-time Demonstration: Unlike traditional haul videos, where items are merely shown, in a “Try On Haul,” the creator physically wears or uses the items, providing a more realistic view.
3. Review and Feedback: Many creators give their initial impressions, fit comments, and sometimes even review the quality and comfort of the items.
4. Styling Tips: Some “Try On Hauls” go a step further, with creators suggesting how to style the items or integrate them into one’s wardrobe.
5. Engagement: These videos often encourage viewer interaction, with creators asking for opinions, preferences, or feedback on the showcased items.

Popularity: The “Try On Haul” format has gained significant traction because it offers viewers a more authentic and relatable shopping experience. Seeing products on a real person can help potential buyers gauge fit, style, and appearance, making it a valuable reference for those considering similar purchases.

Variations: While clothing is the most common focus, “Try On Hauls” can also feature cosmetics (with creators trying on makeup), shoes, accessories, or even home decor items.

Conclusion: “Try On Hauls” have become a beloved content format in the online fashion and beauty community. They offer a blend of entertainment, practical shopping advice, and personal style insights, making them both engaging and informative for viewers.

3. Lofi Music

5-year search growth: 511%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description: Lofi music (low-fidelity music) – Lofi (short for “low fidelity”) music is a genre characterized by its relaxed and atmospheric sound, often accompanied by a sense of nostalgia or melancholy. It embraces imperfections in the audio recording and production, resulting in a raw and organic sound.

Key Features:

1. Imperfections: Lofi music often includes background noises such as vinyl crackles, tape hisses, or ambient sounds, which add to its unique character.
2. Instrumentation: The genre typically features simple melodies played on traditional instruments like piano, guitar, or saxophone, often combined with sampled beats or electronic elements.
3. Relaxed Tempo: Lofi tracks usually have a slow to mid-tempo pace, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere.
4. Mood: The music often evokes feelings of relaxation, introspection, and nostalgia.
5. Visual Aesthetics: Online streams or videos of Lofi music often feature looping animations, such as a character studying or a rainy window scene, enhancing the mood of the music.

Popularity: Lofi music has seen a surge in popularity, especially on platforms like YouTube, where “Lofi hip hop radio” streams provide continuous music for studying, relaxing, or working. These streams have garnered millions of views, making Lofi a staple for many seeking background music.

Usage: Due to its calming nature, Lofi music is often used as background music for studying, working, or simply unwinding. It’s also popular in cafes, bookstores, and other spaces that aim to provide a cozy and introspective ambiance.

Sub-genres and Variations: While Lofi Hip-Hop is the most recognized sub-genre, the Lofi umbrella also includes Lofi Jazz, Lofi House, and other variations that blend the Lofi aesthetic with different musical styles.

Conclusion: Lofi music offers an escape from the fast-paced nature of modern life, providing listeners with a moment of calm and reflection. Its unique blend of vintage imperfections and modern production techniques creates a timeless sound that resonates with a wide audience.

4. TikTok Compilation

5-year search growth: 1,800%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description:

A TikTok Compilation is a collection of short video clips, originally uploaded on the TikTok platform, grouped together based on a theme, trend, challenge, or creator. These compilations are often shared on other platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook to reach a broader audience or to archive popular TikTok moments.

Key Features:

1. Thematic Grouping: Compilations usually revolve around a specific theme, such as a popular dance challenge, a trending sound, or a specific genre of content like comedy, pets, or DIY.
2. Duration: While individual TikTok videos are typically 60 seconds or shorter, compilations can range from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the number of clips included.
3. Cross-Platform Sharing: TikTok compilations are especially popular on YouTube, where creators curate and share these collections to cater to audiences who might not be active on TikTok.
4. Highlights: Compilations often showcase the best, funniest, or most creative takes on a particular TikTok trend or challenge.
5. Discoverability: For many, TikTok compilations serve as a way to catch up on trends or discover new creators without scrolling through the TikTok app.

Popularity: With the meteoric rise of TikTok as a global social media platform, compilations have become a way for audiences to consume content in bulk, especially if they missed out on a trend or don’t want to spend time on the app. It’s also a way for creators to gain additional exposure outside of TikTok.

Monetization: On platforms like YouTube, creators of TikTok compilations can potentially monetize their videos through ads, provided they adhere to copyright regulations and platform-specific guidelines.

Conclusion: TikTok Compilations capture the essence of trends, challenges, and moments that define the ever-evolving TikTok culture. They offer a convenient way for audiences to consume content and stay updated with the dynamic world of TikTok, even if they’re not active users of the app.

5. Blox Fruits

5-year search growth: 6,700%

Search growth status: Regular

Description: 

Blox Fruits is a popular game on the Roblox platform. Inspired by the “One Piece” anime series, players in the game can explore an expansive world, fight enemies, and gather powerful fruits, which grant them unique abilities.

Key Features:

1. Fruits: Players can find and consume different fruits scattered throughout the game. Each fruit grants the player a unique set of abilities. Some fruits are rarer than others and offer more powerful skills.
2. Combat: Players can engage in combat with NPCs (non-player characters) and other players. As they defeat enemies and complete quests, they gain experience points to level up and become stronger.
3. Pirate or Marine: Players can choose to become a pirate, seeking adventure and treasure, or a marine, upholding justice and capturing pirates.
4. Trading: Blox Fruits has a trading system, allowing players to exchange items, fruits, and weapons with one another.
5. Boss Battles: Throughout the game, players can challenge powerful bosses. Defeating these bosses can yield valuable rewards.
6. Expansive World: The game features a vast world with different islands and terrains to explore, each with its unique challenges and treasures.

Popularity: Blox Fruits has garnered a significant player base on Roblox due to its engaging gameplay, frequent updates, and the allure of the “One Piece” theme. The game’s community is active, with players often collaborating, trading, and competing with one another.

Updates: The game developers regularly introduce updates, adding new fruits, weapons, islands, and challenges, ensuring that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging for the players.

Blox Fruits combines the charm of the “One Piece” universe with the interactive and social elements of Roblox, offering players an immersive experience as they embark on their adventures, whether as pirates or marines. Its dynamic gameplay and regular updates have cemented its place as one of the standout games on the Roblox platform.

6. VTubers

5-year search growth: 1,600%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description: 

VTubers, short for “Virtual YouTubers,” are online content creators who use digital avatars, often animated, to represent themselves in videos and live streams. These avatars are typically created using computer graphics and are animated in real-time to mirror the movements and expressions of the VTuber.

Key Features:

1. Digital Avatars: VTubers are represented by animated characters, which can range from human-like figures to fantastical creatures. These avatars are often designed to be cute, cool, or unique, allowing VTubers to stand out.
2. Real-time Animation: Using motion capture technology, the avatars mimic the VTuber’s facial expressions, movements, and voice, creating an interactive and dynamic viewing experience.
3. Diverse Content: Just like traditional YouTubers, VTubers produce a variety of content, including gaming, singing, chatting, and more.
4. Anonymity: VTubing allows creators to maintain their privacy, as their real identity remains hidden behind their virtual persona.
5. Global Appeal: While VTubing originated in Japan, it has gained popularity worldwide, with VTubers now emerging from various countries and cultures.

Popularity: VTubers have seen a surge in popularity, especially in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch have numerous VTubers with substantial followings. Companies like Hololive and Nijisanji have even formed talent agencies dedicated to VTubers, managing their activities and promoting their growth.

Notable VTubers: Kizuna AI is often credited as one of the pioneers of the VTuber phenomenon. Other popular VTubers include Kaguya Luna, Mirai Akari, and members of the Hololive agency like Kureiji Ollie and Gargura.

Conclusion: VTubers represent a fusion of technology and entertainment, offering a fresh and innovative approach to online content creation. With their unique blend of animation, interactivity, and personality, VTubers have carved a niche for themselves in the digital entertainment landscape, captivating audiences worldwide.

7. Kurt Caz

5-year search growth: 5,200%

Search growth status: Regular

Description:

Kurt Caz is a South African content creator known for his presence on YouTube. He identifies himself as a “South African bushman” and creates content that aligns with his passion for exploring various locations.

Key Features:

1. YouTube Presence: Kurt Caz has a significant following on his YouTube channel, where he shares videos related to his adventures and explorations.
2. Instagram Presence: He is also active on Instagram, where he has amassed a substantial number of followers and shares photos and updates from his travels.
3. Distinctive Content: Kurt Caz is recognized for his unique content that often revolves around exploration, adventure, and showcasing the beauty of various locations.
4. Popularity: His engaging content and distinctive style have earned him a considerable fanbase, not only on YouTube but also on other social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
5. Conquest: He is associated with theconquest.co, which seems to be a platform or initiative related to his content, though the exact details are not specified in the provided snippets.

Kurt Caz stands out as a content creator with a passion for exploration and adventure. His dedication to showcasing the beauty of various places and his unique perspective as a “South African bushman” have endeared him to a global audience, making him a notable figure in the world of online content creation.

8. Cocomelon

5-year search growth: 1,625%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description:

Cocomelon, formerly known as “ABCkidTV,” is a popular children’s YouTube channel and entertainment brand known for its educational songs and 3D animation videos. The channel primarily targets preschool-aged children, offering content that is both entertaining and educational.

Key Features:

1. Educational Songs: Cocomelon’s videos often revolve around nursery rhymes, original children’s songs, and stories that teach kids about numbers, letters, colors, and more.
2. 3D Animation: The channel is characterized by its vibrant and colorful 3D animation, featuring recurring characters like JJ, his siblings, and parents.
3. Global Popularity: With billions of views on many of its videos, Cocomelon is one of the most-watched YouTube channels in the world. Its catchy tunes and relatable themes resonate with children and parents alike.
4. Consistent Uploads: Cocomelon maintains a consistent upload schedule, releasing new videos regularly, which helps in retaining its young audience’s attention.
5. Expansion to Other Platforms: Beyond YouTube, Cocomelon has expanded its reach by making its content available on platforms like Netflix, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.

Impact: Cocomelon has played a significant role in the “edutainment” space, blending education with entertainment. Its massive success has paved the way for many other children’s content creators on YouTube and other platforms.

Cocomelon stands as a testament to the power of digital media in shaping early childhood education in the modern age. With its engaging content, memorable characters, and commitment to education, it has become a household name for many families around the world.

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9. LankyBox

5-year search growth: 5,900%

Search growth status: Exploding

Description: 

LankyBox is a popular YouTube channel known for its entertaining gaming videos, animations, and comedic content. The channel is created by the comedy duo, Justin “Justie” Kroma and Adam James.

Key Features:

1. Diverse Content: LankyBox produces a variety of content, including gaming videos, animations, and comedic skits. Their videos often feature their signature characters like Foxy, Boxy, Ghosty, Rocky, and Thicc Shark.
2. Merchandise: LankyBox has its official merchandise shop, where fans can purchase products related to their favorite characters like Foxy, Boxy, and Thicc Shark.
3. Social Media Presence: Apart from YouTube, LankyBox is active on various social media platforms. They have a significant following on Instagram and TikTok, where they share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with their fans.
4. Music: LankyBox has also ventured into music, with tracks available on platforms like Apple Music. Some of their popular songs include “The Chicken Wing Song” and “Piggy.”
5. Collaborations: LankyBox has collaborated with various brands and platforms. For instance, they have partnered with Virtual Dining Concepts to launch Lankybox Kitchen, delivering pizzas, wings, and more.

Popularity: LankyBox has garnered a massive fanbase on YouTube and other social media platforms due to their unique blend of humor, gaming, and animation. Their engaging content, combined with their relatable and comedic approach, has made them a favorite among many viewers.

Conclusion: LankyBox stands out as a dynamic and versatile content creator duo, offering a mix of entertainment, humor, and creativity. Their ability to connect with their audience, both through their videos and merchandise, has solidified their place as prominent figures in the online entertainment world.

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10. GameToons

5-year search growth: 7,300%

Search growth status: Regular

Description: 

GameToons is a popular YouTube channel known for producing animated cartoon parodies based on various video games. The channel creatively blends the world of gaming with animation to create entertaining content that resonates with both gamers and animation enthusiasts.

Key Features:

1. Animated Parodies: GameToons specializes in creating cartoon parodies of popular video games, offering a humorous and animated take on well-known gaming narratives and characters.
2. Diverse Game Coverage: The channel covers a wide range of games, ensuring that fans of different gaming genres find something of interest.
3. Engaging Storylines: Beyond mere parodies, GameToons often crafts unique storylines and scenarios, adding depth and originality to their content.
4. Regular Uploads: GameToons maintains a consistent upload schedule, ensuring that fans have a steady stream of new content to look forward to.
5. Broad Audience Appeal: While the content is rooted in gaming, the animated format and humorous approach make it accessible and enjoyable even for non-gamers.

Popularity: GameToons has garnered a significant following on YouTube, with many of their videos achieving millions of views. Their unique blend of gaming and animation, combined with their comedic touch, has made them a favorite among a wide range of viewers.

Conclusion: GameToons stands out in the YouTube community as a channel that successfully merges the worlds of gaming and animation. Their ability to craft engaging, humorous, and original content based on popular video games has solidified their reputation as innovative content creators.

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Conclusion

YouTube, as one of the largest video-sharing platforms in the world, is a dynamic space where trends evolve rapidly. While some trends are fleeting, others have a more lasting impact and can influence content creation and consumption for years. Here’s a breakdown of the significance of these long-term trends:

1. Evergreen Content: Some topics never go out of style. For instance, “how-to” videos, tutorials, and educational content have always been popular. They provide value to viewers by teaching them something new or helping them solve a problem.
2. Niche Communities: As YouTube grows, so do its niche communities. Whether it’s a channel dedicated to a specific hobby, a particular type of music, or even a unique subculture, these communities offer a deep dive into specialized topics.
3. Authenticity: Viewers appreciate genuine content. They prefer creators who are authentic, share their real experiences, and connect on a personal level. This trend towards authenticity means that scripted or overly-produced content might not always resonate as much as raw, real-life experiences.
4. Interactive Content: With features like polls, Q&A sessions, and live streaming, YouTube is becoming more interactive. Creators who engage directly with their audience and make them feel involved will likely see more loyalty and engagement.
5. Diverse Representation: As the world becomes more interconnected, there’s a growing demand for diverse voices and stories on YouTube. Creators from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences are finding their audience and making an impact.
6. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: More viewers are interested in content that addresses global issues, whether it’s climate change, social justice, or mental health. Creators who tackle these topics responsibly can make a significant difference.
7. Short-form Content: With the introduction of features like YouTube Shorts, there’s a growing trend towards bite-sized, easily digestible content. While long-form videos still have their place, short clips that convey a message quickly are gaining traction.
8. Collaborations: Collaborations between creators can introduce audiences to new content and expand reach. It’s a win-win for both creators and viewers.
9. Monetization and Business Opportunities: As YouTube matures, so do its monetization options. From merchandise to memberships, creators have more ways than ever to turn their passion into a profession.
10. Augmented and Virtual Reality: With advancements in technology, we might see more content that integrates AR and VR, offering viewers immersive experiences.

In conclusion, while the landscape of YouTube is ever-changing, understanding and adapting to these long-term trends can provide creators with a roadmap for success. It’s essential to stay updated, innovate, and most importantly, stay true to one’s unique voice and message.