Popular Video Trends for 2025

Lets look at insights on what’s trending across multiple popular niches in 2025.

Insights into What’s Performing Well

Short, Punchy Hooks: The first 3 seconds are critical. Start with a bold statement, question, or visual (e.g., “This failed miserably!” or a dramatic zoom on a food spill).
Emotional Triggers: Content that evokes laughter, awe, or curiosity outperforms neutral or overly serious clips.
Trend-Jacking: Latching onto viral sounds, challenges, or cultural moments (e.g., a popular TV show release) amplifies reach.
Vertical Optimization: Full-screen, vertically shot videos with clear text overlays (e.g., “Step 1: Do THIS”) dominate Shorts viewership.

Recommendations to Capitalize on These Trends

Keep It Simple but Bold

Use your phone, minimal gear, and natural lighting. Focus on one strong idea per Short—don’t overcomplicate it. For example, a pet Short could just be your cat knocking something over with a funny caption like “Why do I even bother?”

Leverage Trending Audio

Browse YouTube’s Shorts audio library for trending tracks or sounds. Pair them with your niche—for instance, a DIY transformation set to a snappy beat or a food challenge with a dramatic sting.

Engage with Text and Voice

Add bold, colorful text overlays to highlight key moments (e.g., “Before” vs. “After” in a transformation). A casual voiceover (“I can’t believe this worked!”) adds personality and keeps viewers engaged.

Post Consistently with Volume

Aim for 3-5 Shorts daily during a trend’s peak. Batch-create content (e.g., film multiple mini vlogs in one session) to maintain momentum. Shorts thrive on frequency—think of it as “trend-surfing.”

Hook into Cultural Moments

Tie your content to what’s buzzing in March 2025. For example, if a major sports event or product launch (like a new Tesla model) is trending, create a quick reaction or hack related to it. If it’s pet-related, maybe “How My Dog Reacted to the Big Game.”

Encourage Interaction

End with a call-to-action: “Tag a friend who’d try this!” or “Comment your favorite hack!” Engagement signals boost the algorithm’s favor.

Creating Engaging Shorts That Resonate

Know Your Audience: If your niche skews younger (Gen Z), lean into humor and trends. For older viewers, focus on utility (hacks, tips) or nostalgia.
Test and Iterate: Drop 5 Shorts on a trend (e.g., food hacks), then check analytics after 24 hours. Double down on what gets views—abandon what flops.
Be Authentic: Even in a polished niche like tech, a candid “I messed this up” moment can outshine a sterile demo. People connect with realness.

Example Workflow for a Trending Short

Let’s say you pick “Food Challenges”:

Concept: “Can I Eat This in 15 Seconds?”
Execution: Film yourself grabbing a quirky snack (e.g., a giant gummy), set a timer, and go for it. Add fast cuts, a countdown overlay, and a trending sound.
Caption/Hashtags: “Challenged myself to finish this! #FoodChallenge #QuickBites #ViralSnack”
Hook: Start with “I regret this already…” as you hold up the snack.

By jumping on these trends—mini vlogs, food challenges, DIY, pets, or tech—you can craft Shorts that ride the wave of 2025’s hottest topics. Keep it fast, fun, and authentic, and you’ll hook viewers in no time!