Lately, I have noticed quite a few twitter users asking how and why topics are trending on twitter. Some people think it’s a complex algorithm or a plain old Agatha Christie mystery. In truth, it’s neither complex (to twitter anyways) or a mystery.
Wikileaks
Due to Wikileaks not trending as well, Twitter staff was inundated with questions as to whether or not they were blocking #cablegate and #wikileaks. This promoted the staff to write up their explanation of how trending topics are formulated. This obviously does not pertain to the promoted trends which advertisers pay for.
What is a Trend?
According to Twitter, a trending topic is the most late breaking news available and the hottest emerging topics. It’s a formula which analyzes the volume of people tweeting a topic and how widespread that conversation is. I have seen some people tweet the trend hashtag # over and over again thinking this will prompt a trend topic. STOP THAT! It drives me crazy and it’s spammy, jerk activity.
It can all be better explained by Twitter themselves right here. “To Trend or Not to Trend” should answer any questions you have pertaining to topics trending on Twitter.
Feel free to leave your thoughts on the subject!
@Anonymous
I know…I dont know why people think that works!
That tweeting the same thing annoys me too