Learn How To Spot Trends!

You've been promoting your work, sharpening your art skills, and tagging like a pro — but still not seeing the sales you hoped for?

Here’s the secret: making sales also comes down to what shoppers worldwide are searching for. A very large portion of artists’ sales comes from off-site marketing, where your designs are being shown across search engines and social media platforms to a wide audience. For that to work in your favor, your designs need to reflect what potential customers are actually looking to buy!

So, how do you find out what shoppers are searching for?

The TeePublic Design Categories Tab

Found at the top-left of any TeePublic page, this tab gives you an instant snapshot of what’s trending on the marketplace. It’s a great starting point that sits in plain sight!

Google Trends

This free tool shows what people worldwide are searching for in real time. You can filter by country, timeframe, or category (we recommend Shopping) to see how interest in a topic is rising (or falling). Use it to validate your ideas or discover new niches.

Social Media

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, and Twitter are where so many trends are born! Don’t just scroll — pay attention to recurring themes, phrases, or aesthetics.

• • TikTok & YouTube: Check the trending tabs, popular hashtags, and follow well-known creatives.
  • Reddit: Browse popular subreddits like r/popular, r/memes, and r/Art to spot what communities are buzzing about.
  • Twitter/X: Use the "Trending" tab to catch breaking topics and memes in real time.

Subscribe to Trend-Focused Newsletters

If you want trending topics delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to some well-curated newsletters! Some good picks include:

• • Exploding Topics – Highlights fast-rising search terms before they go viral.
  • Mashable Top Stories - Your go-to for viral stories, internet culture, and lifestyle trends.
  • Trend Hunter – Tracks design, innovation, and pop culture.
  • Know Your Meme – A must for staying up-to-date with Internet culture.
  • What's Trending – Covers general pop culture and social chatter.
  • Later.com – Focuses on social media trends and influencer-driven shifts.

By regularly checking these platforms and resources, you’ll start to see patterns and create art that connects with what people already want! Of course, don’t forget that trends are always shifting. Stay curious, experiment with new ideas and niches, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Sometimes the boldest choices lead to your best work!

Happy selling!