How to Discover Trending Topics on LinkedIn.

Learn simple methods to find trending topics on LinkedIn and enhance your professional engagement.

LinkedIn is more than just a place to network—it’s a treasure trove of industry insights and professional conversations. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and engage with content that resonates with your audience, tapping into trending topics is a game-changer. But how do you find the conversations that matter? How do you catch the pulse of what’s happening right now?

Let’s break it down and explore some effective ways to discover trending topics on LinkedIn.

Why Use Trending Topics?

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: trending topics are your golden ticket to boosting engagement and reaching a broader audience.

When you talk about what’s relevant and timely, people pay attention. It’s all about tapping into what others are already talking about—whether it’s the latest industry news, hot debates, or innovative trends. This not only helps you stay informed but also puts you in the spotlight as a thought leader.

Engaging with trending topics can increase your visibility, generate more interactions on your posts, and even spark discussions that lead to more connections. Plus, you’ll be seen as someone who is plugged into the latest happenings in your field—definitely a win.

So, how do you actually find these trending topics on LinkedIn? Here are some solid methods that can help you:

1. Explore LinkedIn’s ‘Top News & Trends’

LinkedIn has a built-in news section that’s designed to highlight trending stories across various industries. You’ll find it either in your ‘Home’ feed or under the ‘My Network’ tab. The ‘Top News & Trends’ section is curated by LinkedIn editors and showcases the most talked-about topics, from new developments in tech to breakthroughs in healthcare.

If you haven’t already noticed, LinkedIn tailors this content to your professional interests and connections. So, when you log in, you’re getting news that’s relevant to you and your industry. This is the first place to look if you want a quick overview of what’s gaining traction.

Pro tip: Don’t just scroll through this section passively—engage with the posts. Like, comment, and share insights. This helps you stay in the loop and also boosts your profile’s visibility.

2. Follow Industry Leaders and Influencers

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve is by following industry leaders and influencers who are constantly sharing fresh insights. These thought leaders often discuss emerging trends well before they hit the mainstream. By engaging with their content, you get access to a front-row seat of what’s going to be hot next.

But it’s not just about following them. Pay attention to the type of content they post. Are they discussing a new report? A hot debate on an industry issue? Or maybe they’re weighing in on a recent event? These are all cues that the topic is worth diving into.

It’s also important to read the comments. People who follow industry leaders are typically in the know, and you can get valuable insights by seeing what others are saying about the post. It’s a great way to spot emerging conversations before they snowball.

3. Monitor LinkedIn Hashtags

Hashtags are an easy way to track the pulse of LinkedIn. By following relevant hashtags, you can keep an eye on trending topics and conversations within your industry. LinkedIn allows you to follow specific hashtags, which will then appear in your feed when new posts are made under those tags.

For example, if you’re in healthcare tech, you might want to follow hashtags like #HealthcareInnovation, #MedTech, or #Telemedicine. You’ll see posts and discussions from people across the globe who are talking about these topics. Plus, you can use these hashtags in your own posts to make them discoverable to a broader audience.

4. Leverage LinkedIn’s ‘Trending in Your Network’ Feature

If you’re connected with a lot of people in your industry or niche, LinkedIn’s ‘Trending in Your Network’ feature is a hidden gem. It highlights content that’s being shared and talked about within your network.

Since the people you’re connected to often work in similar sectors, this feature gives you a pretty good idea of what’s gaining traction among your professional peers.

It’s also a great way to stay in the loop without feeling overwhelmed by content outside your network. By focusing on what’s trending within your circle, you can get a clearer picture of what’s relevant to your field.

5. Join LinkedIn Groups and Communities

LinkedIn Groups are a fantastic way to find niche topics that are buzzing within specific communities. Whether it’s a group focused on digital marketing or one for healthcare professionals, these communities often act as incubators for fresh discussions and emerging trends.

By joining and actively participating in these groups, you gain access to real-time conversations. People in these groups share articles, ask questions, and discuss issues that matter to them. Plus, you can jump into conversations and share your expertise—helping you to build your personal brand as someone who knows what’s going on.

6. Use LinkedIn Pulse and Content Suggestions

LinkedIn Pulse is LinkedIn’s publishing platform where long-form content is shared. It’s a great place to discover articles written by experts in your field. You can browse through Pulse and search for trending articles based on your interests or industry.

Another useful tool is LinkedIn’s ‘Content Suggestions’ feature, which can be accessed through your LinkedIn business page. If you manage a company page, this tool recommends articles and posts that are currently gaining traction. You can use these recommendations as inspiration for your own content or share them to stay engaged with your network.

7. Stay Updated with LinkedIn Events

LinkedIn Events is a great way to discover live discussions, webinars, and professional events that are trending. These events often revolve around the latest industry shifts, product launches, or professional development topics.

Participating in or attending these events can give you real-time insights into what professionals are discussing. Even after the event, you can continue the conversation and keep the momentum going by sharing takeaways on your profile.

8. Set Google Alerts for LinkedIn Articles

Although Google Alerts isn’t a LinkedIn feature, it’s an easy and effective tool to track trending topics that are also gaining momentum on LinkedIn.

You can set up alerts for keywords or topics that interest you, and you’ll receive notifications whenever a new article is published about them. This allows you to monitor LinkedIn discussions from an outside perspective and identify which conversations are spilling over to the platform.

9. Monitor LinkedIn Ads for Trending Content

Ever noticed sponsored posts or LinkedIn ads? Brands often target trending topics to drive engagement.

Keep an eye on ads in your feed to identify content that’s related to current trends. These ads often reflect what companies are actively promoting based on what’s buzzing in the industry. Seeing what kinds of content organizations are investing in can help you gauge what’s trending.

If you spot an ad or campaign that catches your attention, you can dig deeper into the topic to understand the broader conversation happening within that industry.

10. Use LinkedIn Analytics to Track Your Own Trending Content

If you’ve been active on LinkedIn and have posted regularly, LinkedIn’s analytics tool can help you identify which of your own posts are gaining traction. Look at metrics like likes, comments, shares, and views to understand which topics your network is most interested in. By identifying the content that gets the most engagement, you’ll be able to spot trends within your own network and replicate what works.

Furthermore, you can also see what types of content—whether it’s video, articles, or posts—are driving the most attention. This will help you understand what people are currently engaging with and how you can tailor your posts accordingly.

11. Poll Your Audience for Their Opinions on Trending Topics

If you want to get direct insights into what your audience finds interesting, why not just ask them?

LinkedIn polls are a great way to engage with your network and understand what’s top of mind for them.

You can create polls around industry-related topics, asking for opinions on trending themes, hot debates, or new developments. Not only will this give you valuable insight into what your audience cares about, but it can also spark further discussion and engagement.

Supercharge Your LinkedIn Engagement

As you explore trending topics on LinkedIn, it’s essential to streamline your content creation process to stay on top of the latest conversations. That’s where tools like Draftly come in handy.

Draftly helps you craft personalized comments, create engaging posts, and manage your interactions seamlessly. By leveraging Draftly’s AI-powered features, you can save time and ensure your content is aligned with what’s trending, while also boosting your LinkedIn engagement.

Whether you’re sharing insights on hot industry topics or responding to discussions, Draftly makes the process smoother and more efficient, allowing you to focus on building meaningful connections and thought leadership.

Wrapping It Up

By using a combination of these methods—exploring LinkedIn’s curated news, following influencers, tracking hashtags, and engaging with groups—you’ll become a master at discovering trending topics. Plus, with tools like LinkedIn’s ‘Discover’ tab, Google Alerts, and your own post analytics, you’ll have multiple ways to stay updated and in the know.

Discovering trending topics on LinkedIn is all about staying active, being curious, and engaging in meaningful conversations. So dive in, keep exploring, and watch your LinkedIn presence grow as you become a thought leader in your industry!