7+ Trending Topics on YouTube Shorts in 2025: How to Monetize YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts has quickly become one of the most popular platforms for short video content, giving creators a unique space to showcase their creativity in just 60 seconds. With its easy-to-use format and massive reach, it’s no wonder everyone, from budding creators to established influencers, is jumping on the Shorts bandwagon.

But let’s face it—just posting random videos isn’t enough. To truly stand out and connect with your audience, you need to stay updated on the latest trends. Following what’s buzzing can help you grab more attention, boost engagement, and grow your reach faster.

In this article, I’ll share some of the trending topics on YouTube Shorts or you may say trending YouTube Shorts niches that can inspire your next viral video, and also how you can monetize YouTube shorts.

YouTube Shorts is growing bigger every day, and keeping up with the latest YouTube shorts trends is key if you want to grab viewers’ attention and grow your channel. Short videos that are engaging and popular can open up great opportunities to earn money through brand deals, sponsorships, and even YouTube’s own monetization program.

If you’re looking for fresh and trending YouTube Shorts topics, curious about what’s trending, or just want to explore viral video topics, this article is here to help. So below I’m sharing some of the top YouTube Shorts niches that can help you succeed in 2024. Let’s get started!

Trending Topics on YouTube Short

1. Challenges and Trends

One of the biggest reasons YouTube Shorts has become so popular is because of its constant stream of viral challenges. From dance challenges to fitness routines, these trends spread like wildfire and are a fun way to get involved with a large community of content creators.

You’ve probably seen viral dance routines or fitness challenges trending all over social media. The beauty of these challenges lies in how they bring people together and encourage creativity, making them a great opportunity to reach a larger audience and gain views quickly.

For example, dance challenges often go viral due to catchy music and easy-to-follow steps, which anyone can replicate. If you put your spin on a trending dance or even add your own unique style to it, you can grab attention and increase engagement with your audience.

Similarly, fitness challenges like “30-day plank challenge” or “100 push-ups a day” are popular because they are relatable, encouraging, and motivate others to participate in the trend while showcasing their personal progress. These types of challenges have a high potential to reach millions of viewers who are eager to see new variations and join in themselves.

Here are a few tips to create unique content within trending challenges:

1. Add a personal touch: Whether it’s through your choice of music, background, a personal logo or even the way you execute the challenge, make sure there’s something uniquely “you” in your video. People will relate to your personality and creativity, making them more likely to engage with your content.
   
   You can use AI tools, such as an AI YouTube Shorts generator, to create tailored and engaging content effortlessly.
2. Don’t just follow the trend—set it: If you see a challenge gaining popularity, consider tweaking it a little to make it your own. This could involve changing up the steps in a dance, using a different song, or adding your creative twist to a fitness challenge.
3. Engage your audience: Ask questions, create polls, or encourage viewers to participate in the challenge with you. Building a community around the trend can increase engagement and make your content more interactive.
4. Keep it fun and authentic: Viewers love when content feels genuine. So, don’t overthink it! Keep your videos lighthearted, funny, and true to your style. Authenticity always stands out in a sea of similar content.

By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you’ll not only create content that stands out but also increase your chances of being part of the next big viral moment. Remember, in the world of YouTube Shorts, creativity and authenticity are key!

How to Monetize Challenges and Trends YouTube Short Niche

Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content:

• Collaborate with brands that align with the challenge you’re participating in. For example, if you’re doing a fitness challenge, fitness equipment brands or apparel companies may offer sponsorships.
• Sponsored posts can be in the form of product placements or shout-outs.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Link to products used in the challenge (e.g., dance shoes, workout gear, etc.). You can earn commissions through affiliate links included in your Shorts video description or pinned comments.

Merchandise Sales:

• If your challenge involves unique styles or catchphrases, you can create and sell your own branded merchandise. Platforms like Teespring or Merch by Amazon make it easy to create merchandise for a niche audience.

2. Lifestyle and Everyday Hacks

Lifestyle content and everyday hacks have become hugely popular on YouTube Shorts, as people love discovering simple, practical solutions to everyday problems. These types of videos usually focus on life tips, home organization, productivity tricks, or creative DIYs that make life a little easier.

If you’re creating lifestyle content, it’s important to keep your tips short, simple, and visually engaging. Viewers typically scroll quickly through Shorts, so you need to capture their attention within the first few seconds. For example, a quick video showing how to organize a messy desk or hack a common household item in a new way can spark curiosity and encourage viewers to try it out themselves.

To make your lifestyle hacks stand out, try adding your own twist or personal touch. You can incorporate humor, show real-life examples, or even share any struggles you faced while trying the hack. This makes your content feel more relatable and authentic. Also, consider using popular music or trends to make your videos more engaging and discoverable.

Lastly, be consistent with posting content that adds value to your audience’s daily lives. If people find your tips helpful, they’ll keep coming back for more, which can help boost your channel’s growth. By offering useful and entertaining content, you can carve out your niche in the lifestyle and everyday hacks space on YouTube Shorts!

How to Monetize Lifestyle and Everyday Hacks YouTube Short Niche

Ad Revenue:

• YouTube Shorts is eligible for ad revenue under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The more engaging and shareable your lifestyle tips are, the more ad views you generate.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Promote products that are relevant to your lifestyle content, like kitchen gadgets, home décor, or productivity tools. Use affiliate links in your video descriptions.

Course Creation:

• If you’re offering productivity tips or life hacks, you could create an online course or eBook expanding on the tips you share. Platforms like Teachable or Udemy allow you to sell these directly to your audience.

3. Entertainment Clips

Entertainment clips are some of the most widely consumed content on YouTube Shorts. Whether it’s funny moments, pranks, memes, or entertaining skits, these videos offer a quick burst of fun that keeps viewers hooked. People love to watch something lighthearted and amusing, especially during short breaks in their day.

If you’re creating entertainment clips, it’s important to keep them short, snappy, and attention-grabbing. Focus on delivering the punchline or main idea right away to avoid losing viewers’ interest. For example, quick jokes, funny reactions, or unexpected twists work well in this category.

To make your entertainment clips stand out, try to tap into trending topics, current events, or popular memes. Adding your personal sense of humor or a unique perspective can help make your content feel fresh and relatable.

Consistency is key when it comes to entertainment content—people want to know what kind of fun and laughs they can expect from your channel. Keep experimenting with different ideas, and soon enough, you’ll find your audience laughing along with you on YouTube Shorts.

How to Monetize Entertainment Clips YouTube Short Niche

Ad Revenue:

• As entertainment clips (such as movie reviews or skits) often have viral potential, ad revenue from YouTube Shorts is one of the primary ways to monetize.

Fan Donations:

• Enable Super Chats or Fan Funding (through platforms like Patreon) for more personalized content. Fans may be more willing to support your creative skits or entertaining clips if they’re a regular viewer.

Brand Partnerships:

• Collaborate with movie studios, streaming services, or entertainment-related brands for paid promotions and partnerships.

4. Quick Recipes and Food Trends

Quick recipe videos and food trends have become a big hit on YouTube Shorts. People love discovering simple, easy-to-make dishes that fit into their busy lifestyles. From 30-second snacks to trendy food hacks, these videos offer a delicious glimpse into the world of quick cooking.

If you’re creating quick recipe videos, focus on keeping the steps clear and easy to follow, while also making the food look appetizing. Showing the process in a visually appealing way, with close-up shots of the food, can instantly grab the viewer’s attention.

Food trends like viral recipes, unique food combinations, or cooking challenges often go viral. You can join in by adding your own twist to these trends or creating content around popular ingredients or techniques. For example, making a unique twist on the latest viral drink or snack can make your video stand out.

With quick recipes and food trends, the key is simplicity and creativity. The easier and more visually appealing the recipe, the more likely it is to engage viewers. Plus, if you stay on top of the latest food trends, your channel will be buzzing with hungry followers eager for more tasty content.

How to Monetize Quick Recipes and Food Trends YouTube Shorts

Ad Revenue:

• Food and recipe videos tend to do well on YouTube, and Shorts are no exception. Ad revenue is a solid income stream here, especially if you use high-quality visuals to showcase delicious dishes.

Sponsored Content:

• Collaborate with food brands or kitchenware companies. For example, a company selling air fryers could sponsor your quick recipe Shorts.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Share links to the ingredients or kitchen tools you use in the recipe. Affiliate links for cookbooks, gadgets, or even food delivery services can be monetized.

Cookbook or Recipe Subscription:

• You can create a digital cookbook or recipe subscription service. Promote your exclusive content through your YouTube Shorts and direct followers to a paid platform.

5. Fitness and Wellness Tips

Fitness and wellness tips are always in demand on YouTube Shorts, as people are constantly looking for ways to improve their health and lifestyle. Short, easy-to-follow workout routines, wellness tips, and motivation can make a big impact, especially when viewers are looking for quick and effective solutions.

When creating fitness content, it’s important to focus on providing value in a short amount of time. You can showcase quick workout routines, healthy eating tips, or stress-relief techniques that viewers can easily incorporate into their daily lives. Keep the content simple, clear, and visually engaging with upbeat music to maintain energy.

To stand out in the fitness space, try to add your own unique perspective. You can share personal fitness journeys, struggles, or even include tips that are often overlooked. Making your content relatable and motivating can help connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Whether it’s a quick stretch, an easy home workout, or a wellness habit, the key to success in this niche is consistency and authenticity. By offering useful tips and keeping your videos relatable, you’ll be able to inspire and engage viewers who are on their own fitness and wellness journeys, and this can be a great YouTube shorts niche.

How to Monetize Fitness and Wellness Tips YouTube Shorts

Ad Revenue:

• Fitness content is hugely popular on YouTube, and Shorts are a great way to drive views. Once eligible for YouTube monetization, ad revenue can be substantial.

Brand Partnerships:

• Collaborate with fitness equipment, apparel brands, or supplement companies. Fitness influencers often make money through product placements or collaborations.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Promote fitness products like resistance bands, yoga mats, or supplements using affiliate links.

Personalized Training Programs:

• Offer exclusive fitness plans or personalized workout programs for a fee. You can create a website or app where followers can access paid content for deeper guidance.

Subscription Service:

• Launch a Patreon or other membership platform where followers can access exclusive content like workout challenges or private fitness coaching.

6. Tech and Gadget Reviews

Tech and gadget reviews are gaining popularity on YouTube Shorts, as viewers love quick, informative videos that help them make purchasing decisions. Whether it’s the latest smartphone, smart home device, or a cool gadget, people want to know what’s worth their money in a short amount of time.

When creating tech reviews, focus on highlighting the key features, performance, and value of the gadget. Keep your videos concise, showing the product in use and emphasizing its pros and cons. Since viewers want to make fast decisions, offering your honest opinion and quick comparisons can be very helpful.

To stand out, you can add unique insights, share personal experiences, or even demonstrate hidden features that others might overlook.

By keeping your content honest and engaging, you’ll capture the attention of tech enthusiasts and help them stay updated on the latest trends in the tech world.

How to Monetize Tech and Gadget Reviews YouTube Shorts

Ad Revenue:

• Tech-related content tends to attract a tech-savvy audience, which can result in more ad revenue. Be sure to optimize your video for higher engagement to increase views and ad earnings.

Brand Sponsorships:

• Tech companies often look for creators to review and promote their products. You can negotiate sponsorships for reviewing gadgets, software, or other technology-related products.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Tech enthusiasts often purchase gadgets based on recommendations. You can include affiliate links to the products you review in your video descriptions.

Tech Tutorials:

• If you’re proficient in certain tech skills, you can create exclusive tutorial content on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, or offer one-on-one training for a fee.

7. Educational Content

Educational content is becoming increasingly popular on YouTube Shorts as people look for quick, informative videos that teach them something new. Whether it’s learning a new language, understanding a scientific concept, or mastering a skill, viewers appreciate content that’s both engaging and easy to digest.

To create effective educational content, focus on breaking down complex topics into simple, bite-sized pieces. Use visuals, examples, and clear explanations to make learning fun and accessible. Keep the pace quick but not overwhelming, so viewers can absorb the information without feeling rushed.

To stand out, try to add your personal touch or unique teaching style. Whether it’s through humor, real-life applications, or relatable examples, your personality can make the learning experience more enjoyable. By offering value in a short amount of time, you’ll attract viewers eager to learn and grow.

How to Monetize Educational Content YouTube Shorts

Ad Revenue:

• Educational content tends to perform well on YouTube. By providing value, you can attract ad revenue from educational shorts and earn through YouTube’s monetization program.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Promote educational tools, books, or courses with affiliate links. If you’re teaching something specific like coding, language learning, or personal development, you can earn commissions from the products you recommend.

Course Creation:

• Educational content on YouTube Shorts can serve as a teaser for longer courses. You can create and sell full-length courses on platforms like Teachable or Coursera.

Donations and Crowdfunding:

• Educational creators often turn to crowdfunding sites like Patreon for steady income. You can offer exclusive educational content to paying patrons.

8. Travel Highlights

Travel Highlights on YouTube Shorts

Travel highlights on YouTube Shorts allow viewers to experience the world in a few seconds. From stunning landscapes to hidden gems, these short videos give a quick glimpse into exciting destinations, helping people dream of their next adventure.

When creating travel content, focus on showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the location in a visually captivating way. Use scenic shots, local culture, and fun experiences to capture attention. Since Shorts are quick, make sure to highlight the most exciting aspects of the place—whether it’s the food, landmarks, or activities.

To stand out, try to share personal travel stories or lesser-known facts about the destination. A unique perspective or insider tips can make your content more engaging. By offering a mini escape through your travel highlights, you’ll transport viewers to new places and inspire their own travels.

How to Monetize Travel Highlights YouTube Shorts

Ad Revenue:

• Travel-related videos have a broad appeal, and YouTube ad revenue can be a primary income stream, especially if your Shorts attract views from an international audience.

Sponsored Content:

• Partner with travel agencies, airlines, or tourism boards to create sponsored travel content. For instance, a destination video could be sponsored by the location’s tourism board.

Affiliate Marketing:

• Promote travel gear, booking platforms (like Booking.com, Airbnb), or even travel insurance using affiliate links.

Sell Travel Guides:

• If you’re offering detailed travel vlogs or tips, you could create and sell comprehensive travel guides or itineraries for specific destinations.

Why Follow Trends on YouTube Shorts?

Following trends on YouTube Shorts is a powerful way to boost your channel’s visibility and engagement. Here’s why keeping up with trends is crucial for success:

• Boost Visibility: Trending topics and challenges often have a higher chance of appearing on the Shorts feed, which means more people can discover your content.
  YouTube’s algorithm favors content that taps into what’s currently popular, increasing the likelihood of your videos being recommended to a larger audience. By jumping on trending topics early, you can capitalize on the surge of interest around them.
• Engage with Your Audience: Trends usually reflect what your audience is already interested in or talking about. By creating content around these trends, you can engage with your viewers on a more personal level, showing that you understand what they want to see.
  Engaging with trends that resonate with your audience helps build a stronger connection, which can lead to more comments, likes, and shares.
• Stay Relevant: In the fast-paced world of social media, it’s easy for content to become outdated quickly. By regularly posting trending content, you ensure your channel remains fresh and relevant. Trends give your videos an edge because they tap into the current cultural moment.
  This not only helps attract new viewers but also keeps your existing audience excited about your content. Being part of a larger trend can make your content feel more timely and appealing to viewers who are keen on seeing the latest viral moments.

In short, following trends on YouTube Shorts is a great way to stay visible, connect with your audience, and keep your channel fresh and relevant. By keeping up with the trends, you increase your chances of growth and success on the platform.

Tips to Leverage Trending Topics

Staying on top of trending topics is one of the best ways to keep your content fresh and engage a wider audience. Here are some tips to help you leverage these trends effectively:

1. Keep an Eye on Trends: Platforms like Google Trends, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are great sources for discovering what’s hot right now. Check them regularly to spot trending topics or viral challenges that you can jump on.
2. Add a Personal Twist: While it’s great to follow trends, it’s important to make the content your own. Add your personality or brand’s style to make the trend feel unique to you. This helps you stand out from the crowd and makes your content more relatable.
3. Consistency is Key: Posting frequently is crucial to staying relevant. The more you post, the better your chances are of appearing in the Shorts feed and getting discovered. Make sure to keep up with trends and post regularly to keep your audience engaged.
4. Optimize Your Video: Don’t forget to use catchy titles, trending hashtags, and eye-catching thumbnails. These elements are key to making your videos more discoverable and encouraging people to click and watch.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of trending topics and grow your audience on YouTube Shorts!

Tools to Stay Ahead of Trends

To stay ahead of trends and ensure your content stays relevant, you can use various tools and platforms that help you track what’s trending. Here are some great options:

1. TubeBuddy or VidIQ: Both TubeBuddy and VidIQ are powerful tools for YouTube creators. They help you analyze trending keywords, track performance, and discover popular topics. With these tools, you can stay updated on what’s working in your niche and optimize your content accordingly.
2. Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are perfect for tracking trending hashtags and popular creators. By keeping an eye on these platforms, you can spot viral trends and get inspired by what others are creating. Following influencers and seeing what content is gaining traction will give you ideas for your own videos.

Using these tools will help you stay on top of the latest trends and keep your content fresh and engaging for your audience.

Conclusion

Staying updated with trends is essential for success on YouTube Shorts. By keeping an eye on what’s popular, you can create content that resonates with your audience and increases your chances of going viral.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and innovate with your Shorts. While trends are important, adding your own unique spin will make your content stand out and help you build a loyal audience. Remember, creativity is key!

To all the content creators out there—stay consistent, stay inspired, and keep pushing the boundaries of your creativity. Every video you post is a step closer to finding your voice and growing your channel. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with it!

FAQs on Trending Topics on YouTube Shorts