AnswerThePublic leverages multiple reliable keyword data sources to deliver actionable insights into search trends, search volume, and keyword performance. By aggregating data from major platforms like Google, Bing, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon, and Instagram, it provides a comprehensive view of search behavior across search engines and social media. This combination of real-time and historical data supports marketers and content creators in making data-driven decisions.

Popularity: Real-Time Snapshots of Search Trends

AnswerThePublic's popularity metric reflects what is trending across platforms at the moment of the search. Each platform report pulls data directly from its autosuggest feature, representing what users are actively searching for. This real-time snapshot is represented visually through a popularity indicator—the well-known orange dots in AnswerThePublic reports. The darker the dot, the more popular the query is on the platform at the time of the search.

Platform-Specific Popularity Insights:

Google Report: Displays popular search terms on Google.
Bing Report: Highlights trending searches from Bing’s search ecosystem.
YouTube Report: Showcases popular video-related search queries.
TikTok Report: Captures viral and trending topics on TikTok.
Amazon Report: Reveals product-related search queries driven by online shopping trends.
Instagram Report: Presents trending hashtags and relevant profiles based on Instagram search behavior.

These real-time insights help businesses stay ahead of emerging trends, allowing content to align with what audiences are actively seeking.

Keyword Metrics: Search Volume and CPC from Google Data

In addition to popularity, AnswerThePublic provides keyword metrics—Search Volume and Cost Per Click (CPC)—sourced exclusively from Google’s data. Unlike real-time popularity, these figures are estimates based on search activity over time, offering historical context to help evaluate keyword demand and commercial potential.

What Is Search Volume?

Search volume indicates the average number of times a keyword is searched each month in a specific location. This estimate helps businesses understand user demand and spot high-potential keywords.

Factors influencing search volume include:

Search Intent: Queries driven by specific needs or questions.
Industry Trends: Keywords tied to emerging topics or innovations.
Seasonality: Fluctuations during holidays or peak shopping periods.
Competition: Terms frequently used by competitors.

How Are Search Volume Estimates Determined?

Search volume data in AnswerThePublic reflects search behavior from the previous month. For instance, data viewed in September would reflect activity from August. This ensures the information is accurate and aligned with recent search behavior.

What Is Cost Per Click (CPC)?

CPC is the estimated amount advertisers pay per click on ads targeting a keyword. It reflects the commercial value of a term and is categorized as:

Cheap – Low advertising cost per click.
Medium – Moderate competition and cost.
Expensive – High competition and commercial intent.

Why Some Keywords Lack Search Volume or CPC Data

Not all keywords display search volume or CPC data. This typically happens when:

Low Search Volume: A keyword is searched infrequently.
Limited Commercial Value: Advertisers are not bidding on the term.

Combining Real-Time and Historical Data

AnswerThePublic stands out by combining real-time popularity with historical keyword metrics:

Popularity provides immediate visibility into emerging trends across Google, Bing, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon, and Instagram.
Search Volume and CPC give a longer-term view of demand and advertising value, sourced from Google data.

This dual approach equips businesses with the tools needed to produce content that aligns with current search behavior while assessing the long-term value of keywords.

Understanding Keyword Seasonality

Keyword seasonality refers to fluctuations in search volume at specific times of the year. These spikes often align with holidays, major events, or seasonal shifts in consumer behavior. Common examples include:

Summer: "Best sunscreens" typically peaks during warmer months.
Halloween: "Halloween costumes" surges in October.
Holidays: "Christmas gift ideas" rises in November and December.

AnswerThePublic’s search volume data and popularity graph often reflect these seasonal changes. Seasonal terms may experience short-term popularity spikes, helping businesses identify the best times to publish related content.

Making the Most of AnswerThePublic Data

By leveraging both real-time search behavior and historical keyword data, AnswerThePublic empowers marketers to:

Identify trending queries across platforms like Google and Instagram.
Assess long-term search demand with Google search volume data.
Evaluate commercial potential using CPC estimates.
Plan seasonal content by analyzing search trends throughout the year.

This data-driven approach helps businesses produce timely, relevant content and optimize their SEO and advertising strategies for maximum impact.

For more information or assistance, contact support@answerthepublic.com.