YouTube to close ‘Trending’ video page
YouTube has announced that it will be discontinuing its long-standing Trending page, a feature that has been a staple of the platform for a decade. This decision comes as YouTube seeks to provide users with more effective means of discovering viral videos and smaller trends within the platform.
The Trending page, introduced in 2015, has been divided into four primary sections: Now, Music, Gaming, and Movies. It has been a hub showcasing “The pulse of what’s trending on YouTube. Check out the latest music videos, trailers, comedy clips, and everything else that people are watching right now.” Despite its popularity, YouTube has recognized that the current landscape calls for a different approach to trending content.
In the following weeks, YouTube will gradually phase out the Trending page and Trending Now list. Instead, users will be directed to category-specific charts, such as Trending Music Videos, Weekly Top Podcast Shows, and Trending Movie Trailers. The platform aims to expand these charts to include additional content categories in the future.
The decision to discontinue the Trending page reflects YouTube’s acknowledgment that trends have evolved over the years. What was once captured by a singular list of viral videos has now expanded to encompass a myriad of videos from various communities and fandoms. Trends are more diverse and increasingly discovered through different avenues on YouTube, including recommendations, search suggestions, Shorts, comments, and Communities.
YouTube has observed a significant decline in visits to the Trending page in recent years, particularly in the last five years. By introducing more tailored trending charts, YouTube aims to showcase a wider range of relevant popular content that aligns with how viewers naturally find new videos on the platform. Personalized video recommendations will continue to be a key feature for users, and creators will still have access to tools to gauge the popularity of their content among viewers.
This move echoes YouTube’s 2021 announcement to end its annual YouTube Rewind series, highlighting the changing landscape of trends and community creations on the platform. YouTube acknowledged that a single Rewind video could not capture the full scope of its creator community, prompting the decision to shift its approach to trend analysis and highlights.
Overall, YouTube’s decision to discontinue the Trending page underscores its commitment to evolving with user behavior and providing a more nuanced and engaging experience for both creators and viewers. As trends continue to evolve on the platform, YouTube aims to adapt its features to better align with the dynamic nature of viral content and community engagement in the digital age.