YouTube is making a significant change to how it spotlights popular content, announcing the retirement of its longstanding Trending page in favor of a more tailored, category-based Charts experience. This update, effective globally from July 21, 2025, marks a major shift from the original Trending format launched a decade ago.
Why Is YouTube Making This Change?
YouTube’s decision is rooted in evolving viewer habits. Over the years, the way users discover trends has changed, now driven by search, personalized recommendations, comments, and Community features. Recognizing this, YouTube is building on its Charts format, first introduced in 2018, to better reflect how trends emerge and are consumed today.
What’s Changing?
1. Goodbye, Trending Page; Hello, Category Charts
- Trending Section Removed:
The standalone Trending page, including the “Trending Now” feed, will be discontinued. - Category-Based Charts:
Trending content will now appear in dedicated YouTube Charts sections, such as:- Trending Music Videos
- Top Weekly Podcast Shows
- Trending Movie Trailers
- More Categories Coming:
YouTube plans to introduce additional categories in the future. - Gaming Trends:
Trending gaming videos will continue to be featured under the Gaming Explore section.
2. More Personalized Content Discovery
YouTube will continue to recommend trending content based on individual viewing habits, integrating these personalized suggestions alongside the new Charts. For users seeking broader content, the Explore tab, Subscriptions feed, and creator channels remain easily accessible.
3. Enhanced Tools and Exposure for Creators
To help creators identify and leverage popular trends:
- The Inspiration tab in YouTube Studio will continue offering trend insights.
- New features will spotlight rising creators:
- Hype: Lets users highlight new videos they want others to discover.
- Creators on the Rise: Featured on @YouTube and the homepage.
- Artist on the Rise: Now showcased in the Music Explore section.
Availability and Rollout
These updates will be available worldwide starting July 21, 2025. As part of the redesign, the Music tab will replace the Trending tab in the sidebar on both the web and mobile apps.
What Does This Mean for Users and Creators?
- For Viewers:
Expect a more curated and relevant experience, with trending content now easier to find by category and more closely aligned with your interests. - For Creators:
Improved tools and new promotional opportunities will help you understand what’s trending in your niche and reach new audiences.
YouTube’s move to retire the Trending page and embrace category-based Charts reflects the platform’s ongoing evolution and commitment to delivering a more personalized, relevant, and engaging experience for both viewers and creators. As trends become more nuanced and diverse, YouTube’s new approach aims to keep everyone in the loop—no matter what they love to watch.