How to Leverage Social Media to Spot Winning Products Early (2025)

Social media trends are the key to finding winning products before they go mainstream. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest reveal what customers want before it hits the shelves.

I know how hard it can be to pick products that sell. Too often, we rely on guesswork, only to end up with items that don’t move.

Here, I’ll show you how to track these trends, spot high-potential products, and stay ahead of your competition. While success takes more than just a winning product, this is your starting point to build a profitable store.

6 Top Social Media Trends To Watch Out For

Before you can start using social media platforms to find winning products, understand the types of trends to watch for. Social media can take many forms, including:

1. Viral trends
2. Seasonal trends
3. Niche Communities
4. Influencer Recommendations
5. How-To or behind the scenes content
6. Trending Hashtags

These trends show where customer attention is focused and help you predict which products might succeed. Once you recognize these patterns, you’ll be ready to put social media to work for your business.

I recommend starting with one platform that fits your niche. If your audience loves visuals, try Instagram or Pinterest.

For younger, trend-driven shoppers, TikTok is the place to be. Focus on learning how trends work on that platform. Once you get the hang of it, explore others to find even more product ideas.

How To Use Social Media To Spot Winning Products

Just how can you use social media to find products that sell? In this section, I won’t just tell you to scroll aimlessly or follow trends blindly. Instead, I’ll walk you through specific actions you can take to spot high-potential products.

There are 5 key ways to use social media effectively:

• Track trending hashtags and viral posts
• Follow influencers in your niche
• Engage with Facebook Groups and Reddit communities
• Use social media analytics tools
• Look for user generated content (UGC)

Let’s break these down one by one.

1. Monitor Hashtags And Trending Pages

Trending hashtags and viral posts are the easiest way to spot products gaining traction. When people talk about a product, post about it, or use a specific hashtag, it’s a sign that the product has potential.

How do you find these hashtags?

Start by exploring the trending sections of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Use platform tools like TikTok Trends or Instagram’s Explore page to see what’s gaining popularity.

Here’s what to look for:

• Hashtags with millions of views or posts
• Posts that showcase unique products with high engagement
• Consistent mentions of a product across multiple trending hashtags

Here is one video of this Pajama set that’s trending on Instagram. It has over 300k views and 7k comments:

Take a closer look at the engagement. People in the comments are asking about the price and where to buy it. This is a strong indicator that the product is generating interest and demand.

I recommend digging deeper once you spot a trend like this. Look at other hashtags related to #Fashion such as #Homewear or #giftforher, to see if the product appears there too.

Check if influencers are posting about the same item or if similar products are popping up in other videos.

Here’s how you can use this to your advantage:

• Check the hashtags used in the post. Are they part of a larger trend? Look for related hashtags like #WinterEssentials or #CuteGifts.
• Look for similar posts. Are other creators or shops showcasing this product? Consistency across accounts can confirm rising popularity.
• Monitor the comments. If people repeatedly ask about price or availability, it shows there’s untapped demand.
• Research suppliers for this product. Find out if you can source it at a competitive price while maintaining quality.
• Test the product. Start with a small ad campaign targeting users who are engaging with similar content.

Acting quickly is key—trends move fast, and being an early adopter can give you a huge advantage.

2. Follow Influencers In Your Niche

Influencers are trendsetters, especially within specific niches. They often introduce new products to their audience, and their recommendations carry weight because they’ve already built trust with their followers. This makes them a goldmine for spotting winning products early.

Why follow influencers? Unlike traditional advertisements, influencers share products in a more natural and relatable way. Their audience looks up to them for inspiration, whether it’s fitness gear, beauty products, or home essentials.

If an influencer in your niche showcases a product and it gets a lot of engagement, it’s a clear sign the product has potential.

How can you identify the right influencers?

Not all influencers are worth following when it comes to spotting trends. Here’s what to look for:

• The influencer should align with the type of products you want to sell. For example, a fitness influencer is perfect for spotting gym equipment or health-related products.
• A smaller influencer with high engagement (likes, comments, shares) is often better than one with millions of followers and little interaction. Look for influencers whose audience actively interacts with their posts.
• Follow those who regularly share new products, especially if their audience trusts their reviews.

How to use influencers for trend spotting?

Follow influencers on all platforms

I’ve noticed that influencers often post different content on different platforms. For example, an influencer might share product tutorials on TikTok but post lifestyle photos on Instagram.

Following them across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest ensures you don’t miss anything. I recommend focusing on platforms that align with your niche—for instance, TikTok for trendy, fast-moving products or Pinterest for visually-driven niches like home decor or fashion.

Monitor their product mentions

Whenever influencers talk about a product, pay close attention. Are their followers asking where to buy it? Are they tagging friends in the comments? These are clear signs the product is generating interest.

I’ve seen this happen countless times—a product goes from an unknown item to a viral sensation just because an influencer showcased it. Watching their posts carefully will help you spot these opportunities early.

Look for collaborations

Sponsored posts are another big clue. If multiple influencers are promoting the same product, it’s likely part of a larger campaign—and that usually means the product is trending.

I always check how well these posts are performing. If the comments are full of positive reactions and questions about where to buy, it’s a strong sign the product has potential.

Track their audience’s response

The audience response is everything. Look for comments like “I need this,” “Where can I buy this?” or even “This is genius.” These are the signals I rely on to know if a product has demand.

If you see a flood of these comments, it’s worth researching the product further. I often use this step to narrow down which products are worth testing in my store.

3. Engage with Facebook Groups And Reddit communities

When it comes to finding winning products, engaging with Facebook Groups and Reddit communities is one of the most underrated strategies. These platforms are filled with real people discussing their needs, interests, and frustrations—valuable insights that can guide you to the right products.

I’ve personally seen how active participation in these communities can help uncover trends before they hit the mainstream.

People share their honest opinions about products, ask for recommendations, and even post about items they’re looking to buy.

Unlike influencers or ads, the conversations here are raw and unfiltered, making them a goldmine for finding what customers actually want.

How can you engage effectively?

It’s not just about joining a group or reading threads—you need to be active and observant. Here’s how to do it:

• Look for communities that match your target audience. For example, if you sell pet products, join groups like “Dog Lovers Unite” or subreddits like r/PetOwners.
• Posts with a lot of comments or upvotes usually highlight what people care about most. Take note of the products or problems they’re discussing.
• If people keep asking about a certain product or solution, it’s a clear sign of demand. For instance, questions like “What’s the best gift for cat lovers?” can hint at product ideas.
• Don’t just lurk—participate. Answer questions, ask for feedback, or share helpful tips. This not only builds credibility but also gives you deeper insights into what people want.

What to look out for?

When engaging in these communities, keep an eye out for:

• Posts asking for product recommendations or reviews.
• Complaints or frustrations about existing products—these can lead you to better alternatives.
• New trends or ideas that are gaining traction, such as unique home gadgets or hobby supplies.

4. Use Social Media Analytics Tools

Finding viral winning products isn’t just about scrolling—it’s about using tools that show you what’s trending and performing well. These tools make it easier to spot high-demand products by giving you real data.

I’ve used them to save time and focus on products that people are already interested in.

Sell The Trend FB and TikTok Explorer:

This tool is one of my favorites for finding trending products on Facebook and TikTok. It shows you what’s popular and gives you data like engagement levels, such as likes, shares, and comments.

I use it to spot products already gaining traction, which makes choosing a winner much easier.

Here’s how you can use it effectively:

1. Search for trending products on TikTok and Facebook

Use the filters shown in the image to narrow down your search. You can set parameters like:

• Minimum and maximum likes, plays, and shares.
• Specific dates to find the most recent trends.

For example, in the image, the filters target posts with a minimum of 100,000 likes and 25,000 plays. This ensures you’re only looking at content that has already gained traction.

2. Check engagement metrics

Engagement is key to spotting products with potential. Look at metrics like:

• Plays: High play counts indicate wide visibility.
• Shares: High shares mean people are excited enough to recommend the product to others.
• Comments: Posts with lots of comments often show strong interest, especially if people are asking where to buy.

In the image, you can see a post with 44.7M plays and 4.5M likes, clearly indicating a viral trend worth exploring.

3. Look at product-related Ads

This tool also highlights ads featuring trending products. You can analyze:

• The ad’s performance is based on its likes, shares, and comments.
• Whether multiple ads are promoting similar products, can indicate rising demand.

This tool has been a game-changer for me, helping me quickly identify products that are worth testing.

Sell The Trend Chrome Extension:

The Chrome extension is another powerful tool I’ve used. It works while you’re browsing product pages, giving you instant insights into sales trends and competition. You can use it to compare suppliers and decide if a product is worth adding to your store.

Here’s how I recommend using it:

Using the dashboard, you can search through millions of available products, filter by categories, and view trending items directly. The Nexus Trending Products section highlights what’s popular, giving you instant access to products with high demand.

Here’s what to do:

1. Use the search bar to find products related to your niche.
2. Check product details, including sales history and customer interest.
3. Look at trending items under the “Nexus Trending Products” section to see what’s currently in demand.

The platform provides insights into sales trends over time, helping you avoid products that are one-hit wonders. Look for products with steady demand or an upward trend to ensure they have long-term potential.

One of the key features is the ability to compare suppliers and their prices directly. This helps you find the best deals and ensures your margins remain profitable.

BuzzSumo:

BuzzSumo is another fantastic tool for finding trending content across multiple platforms. It helps you see what’s going viral and provides insights into the most shared posts. I often use it to discover new product ideas by analyzing content related to my niche.

Here’s how you can use it:

• Search for popular topics in your niche to see what’s getting attention.
• Look for product mentions in trending posts that align with your store’s focus.
• Track influencers who are promoting products similar to what you’re considering.

One of the reasons I love BuzzSumo is that it gives you a bird’s-eye view of what’s trending across different platforms, making it easier to spot patterns.

NinjaOutreach:

NinjaOutreach is all about influencers, which makes it perfect for finding products that are gaining traction through their recommendations. The tool allows you to search for influencers by niche and track the engagement on their posts.

Here’s how you can use it:

• Search for influencers in your niche to see what products they’re talking about.
• Track which of their posts generate the most engagement—this often points to products their audience loves.
• Identify patterns in product mentions across multiple influencers to spot emerging trends.

Using NinjaOutreach has helped me find influencers whose recommendations often predict rising demand, giving me a chance to act early.

Google Trends:

Google Trends is a must-have tool because it tracks search interest over time. It’s free and incredibly useful for seeing if a product is on the rise, steady, or declining in popularity.

Here’s how to use it:

• Search for product-related terms to track how interest has changed over time.
• Compare multiple products to see which has more long-term potential.
• Use location filters to find regional demand, helping you target specific markets.

For example, I’ve used Google Trends to compare seasonal products, which helped me decide when to introduce certain items to my store. It’s simple but powerful.

5. Look For User Generated Content (UGC)

User-Generated Content (UGC) is one of the best ways to find products that are already popular. UGC refers to photos, videos, or reviews from real customers who have used a product.

Unlike influencer promotions, UGC feels more authentic and trustworthy because it comes directly from everyday users.

I’ve found that UGC often highlights products people genuinely love. For example, when customers share their videos of a gadget or their reviews of a skincare product, it shows that the product is not just trending but actually meeting their needs.

How do you spot UGC?

• Look for posts or videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest where users are showcasing products they’ve bought.
• Search for hashtags like #MadeMeBuyIt, #Unboxing, or #CustomerReview. These often lead to genuine user posts.
• Check product tags or mentions in posts to see what items are being recommended by actual buyers.

How To Use Social Media To Spot Products: FAQs

Here are common questions about using social media to find and validate winning products:

1. What Are The Biggest Trends In Social Media Right Now?

The biggest trends revolve around short-form video content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels dominate as they grab attention quickly and are easy to consume.

Many social media marketers are focusing on this format because it drives engagement and helps brands connect with social media users effectively. Additionally, the rise of social commerce means products can be purchased directly from posts, making it easier for trends to turn into sales.

2. What Are Trends In Social Media?

Social media trends are patterns or behaviors that gain popularity across social platforms. These can include viral challenges, the use of AI tools for content creation, and shifts toward more personalized social media strategies.

For instance, ai-generated content is becoming a significant trend, allowing social media companies to create engaging posts quickly and efficiently. Keeping an eye on these trends helps you spot high-potential products early.

3. What Social Media Trends Are Gen Z Using?

Gen Z leans heavily toward interactive and authentic content. They’re drawn to social media content creation that feels real, such as unboxing videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personalized recommendations.

Platforms like TikTok, where creativity thrives, are central to their preferences. Social media campaigns targeting Gen Z often highlight humor, inclusivity, and authenticity. If a product aligns with these values, it’s likely to trend among this demographic.

4. What Type Of Content Is Trending On Social Media?

Right now, trending content includes how-to guides, short form videos, and posts that spark interaction, such as polls or Q&A sessions. Content creation that feels relatable and solves a problem tends to perform well.

Products that fit into these formats, like DIY gadgets or innovative tools, are more likely to gain traction on social platforms.

By understanding these trends, you can align your efforts with what’s resonating across social media and find products that connect with audiences effectively.

Conclusion

Using social media to identify winning products isn’t just about scrolling aimlessly—it’s about being strategic. By tracking trends, engaging with communities, and leveraging tools, you can uncover products that customers already want.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit aren’t just for entertainment; they’re powerful resources for discovering opportunities when used with the right social media strategy.

As you implement these techniques, remember that trends move fast. Stay consistent, refine your approach, and make social media marketing a key part of your dropshipping journey. With the right steps, you’ll always stay ahead of the competition.