YouTube Retires Trending Page: What the Shift to Category Charts Means for Creators and Viewers
YouTube is shaking up how users discover popular content by officially retiring its Trending page and Trending Now list. Instead, the platform will now highlight what’s hot through category-specific charts, such as Trending Music Videos, Weekly Top Podcast Shows, and Trending Movie Trailers.
Why the Change?
When YouTube launched its Trending page in 2015, viral videos were easier to capture in a single list. But today, trends are shaped by diverse fandoms and micro-communities, making a one-size-fits-all list less relevant. YouTube says the new approach better reflects how people actually find content—through personalized recommendations, search, and category browsing.
What’s New?
- Category-Specific Charts: Users can now explore what’s trending in their favorite categories via YouTube Charts.
- Personalized Recommendations: The platform will continue to suggest videos tailored to each viewer’s interests.
- More Micro-Trends: With the rise of niche communities, YouTube aims to surface a wider range of popular content.
Impact on Creators
For creators, this shift means new opportunities to get discovered within their niche. YouTube is also enhancing tools like the Inspiration Tab in YouTube Studio and introducing features like “Hype” to help up-and-coming creators gain traction.
What’s Next?
The changes will roll out in the coming weeks. As YouTube adapts to evolving viewer habits, both creators and fans can expect a more tailored, dynamic experience.
Bottom Line
YouTube’s move away from a single Trending list marks a new era in content discovery—one that’s more personalized, diverse, and in tune with how we watch today.