How to See What Products Are Trending on Amazon

Let’s cut to the chase. Imagine knowing what products are taking off on Amazon before they hit the mainstream. This knowledge would put you ahead of the curve, whether you're a seller, a consumer, or just someone curious about the next big thing. In this post, I’ll break down the specific steps, tools, and strategies you can use to uncover Amazon's trending products. But first, why does this even matter?

The reason for knowing what’s trending is simple: it puts you ahead of competitors. Sellers can adjust inventory, tap into popular niches, and cater to customer demand before the market is saturated. Shoppers, on the other hand, can snag hot items before prices rise or availability dwindles. And for anyone analyzing market trends, being in the know about what's rising on Amazon is like having a crystal ball for e-commerce.

How Does Amazon Display Trends?

Amazon provides a few built-in tools that hint at what’s popular. First and foremost, the Amazon Best Sellers list. Updated hourly, this page showcases the top-selling products across every category. But this isn’t all there is to it. Amazon also has sections like Movers and Shakers, which highlight products with significant increases in sales rank. Additionally, the New Releases tab points out fresh products making waves in the marketplace.

However, relying on Amazon's tools alone might not give you the complete picture. The Best Sellers list may reflect only items that have already been dominating for a while, which means you could miss out on products that are just starting to trend. This is where external tools and strategies come into play.

Step-by-Step: How to Discover Trending Products

If you’re serious about staying ahead, here’s a practical approach to uncovering trending products on Amazon.

1. Start with Amazon’s Own Features:

Use the Amazon Best Sellers, Movers and Shakers, and New Releases sections. While these lists offer a snapshot of popular products, they should be your starting point. Look for patterns across categories. Are similar types of products trending in different sections? For example, if you notice fitness gear making moves across both “Best Sellers” and “New Releases,” it’s a strong signal of a growing trend in that space.

2. Dive into Subcategories:

Don’t limit yourself to the main categories. Click into subcategories to find more niche products that are beginning to gain traction. Many people overlook this, but sometimes the best trends start in the hidden corners of Amazon’s marketplace.

3. Use Amazon’s Affiliate Marketing Data:

Amazon's affiliate program provides key insights to marketers about which products are currently hot based on what people are clicking and buying. Check out affiliate forums or communities, where discussions around what’s converting can offer a glimpse into trending items.

4. Leverage Third-Party Tools:

Here’s where things get really interesting. Tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10 offer detailed analytics on sales trends, market saturation, and more. With these, you can go deeper into the data and see not only what’s selling well but also what has room for growth.

• Jungle Scout: With Jungle Scout, you can track product sales over time, analyze competitors, and get a feel for what products are consistently growing in demand. It’s particularly useful for identifying trends before they hit the mainstream, thanks to its keyword tracking and product research features.

• Helium 10: Another excellent option, Helium 10, provides insights into product performance, search volume trends, and competition levels. Its Trendster tool is a gem for figuring out whether a product’s popularity is just a fleeting spike or part of a larger, sustained trend.

5. Look at Social Media and Online Trends:

Many trending products on Amazon didn’t start there. They originated from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. For example, the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag has sparked trends that often find their way onto Amazon. A smart move is to keep an eye on these platforms, watching for product mentions, viral moments, and influencers hyping up certain items.

• TikTok: This platform is a treasure trove for discovering new, quirky, and unexpected product trends. What’s especially helpful is that you can search for Amazon-related hashtags to see what’s driving sales.

• Reddit: Certain subreddits focus specifically on product recommendations, often linking back to Amazon. Monitoring communities like r/BuyItForLife or r/Frugal can help you spot products that might not be trending on Amazon yet but are gaining popularity among niche communities.

• Google Trends: Using Google Trends to analyze search volume for specific products or categories can give you a macro view of what people are interested in. Cross-referencing these insights with Amazon’s product listings can help you gauge whether interest in a product is regional, seasonal, or steadily climbing.

Factors That Make a Product Trend

What’s driving these trends? Well, it usually boils down to consumer needs, innovation, and marketing. Here are a few common factors:

• Emerging technologies: When a new gadget or type of product hits the market, there’s usually a race to find out which brands will dominate the space. For example, when smart home devices first became popular, there was a scramble for which products would be the next Nest or Ring.

• Pandemic-driven shifts: A surge in home workout equipment, for instance, happened during the pandemic as people looked for ways to stay fit indoors. Similarly, work-from-home essentials like ergonomic chairs and standing desks became top sellers. Keep an eye on what societal shifts are influencing buying habits.

• Eco-friendly products: As sustainability becomes more important, eco-friendly products are starting to trend. Items like reusable straws, beeswax wraps, and sustainable fashion are gaining traction on Amazon.

• Health-consciousness: Products that promote health and wellness are on the rise. From supplements to ergonomic office equipment, wellness-driven trends are here to stay. The health and fitness market on Amazon, in particular, has seen sustained growth.

How to Spot a Fad vs. a Sustainable Trend

Understanding the difference between a short-lived fad and a sustainable trend is crucial if you’re planning to act on this information.

Fads:

• Sudden spikes in popularity, usually driven by viral content.
• Often limited to a specific demographic or platform (e.g., TikTok).
• May lack long-term demand.

Sustainable Trends:

• Show consistent growth over time.
• Respond to broader changes in consumer behavior (e.g., increased focus on health, sustainability).
• Offer opportunities for product evolution and related markets (e.g., smart home accessories evolving alongside smart devices).

Wrapping It Up with Actionable Steps

Now that you’re armed with the strategies and tools to identify trending products, it’s time to put it into action. Whether you're a seller looking to adjust your product lineup, an investor tracking market trends, or simply a curious shopper, understanding how to spot and act on trends will give you a competitive edge. Here’s a summary of steps to implement:

1. Regularly check Amazon’s Best Sellers, Movers and Shakers, and New Releases.
2. Use subcategories and niche markets to find hidden gems.
3. Leverage affiliate marketing insights and online forums.
4. Invest in tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10 to track detailed product trends.
5. Stay on top of social media platforms to catch trends early.

Don’t forget: it’s not just about spotting trends, but also about understanding why products are trending and whether they’ll sustain long-term success.