> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.podscan.fm/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Tracking Topic Trends and Analysis

The Topics section provides analytics on discussion themes across podcasts. Use it to discover what's trending, identify content opportunities, and understand how conversations evolve over time.

## Accessing Topics

Navigate to **Topics** in the main navigation menu.

## Topics Dashboard Overview

The dashboard displays:

* **Total topics count**: Number of distinct topics tracked
* **Total mentions count**: All topic mentions across podcasts
* **Active topics (last 7 days)**: Topics with recent discussion
* **Trending topics**: Hot topics by different time periods
* **Recent topic mentions list**: Latest topic activity

## Searching for Topics

Use the Search feature with the **Topics** tab to find specific subjects:

### Sorting Options

* **Best match**: Relevance-based results
* **Most recent**: Recently discussed topics
* **Most mentioned today**: Current trending (24-hour window)
* **Most mentioned this week**: Weekly trending (7-day window)
* **Fastest growing**: Topics with rapidly increasing mentions

### Search Results Show

* **Topic name**: The subject identifier
* **24-hour mention count**: Very recent activity
* **7-day mention count**: Short-term trend indicator
* **Last mention date**: Recency indicator
* **Add to List button**: Quick organization

## Topic Details Page

Click any topic for detailed analysis:

### Overview Section
* Topic name
* Last mention date
* Total mentions count
* Recent mentions (24 hours)
* Daily growth rate

### Mention History Chart
* Tracks mentions against moving average
* Time period options: 24 hours, past week, past month
* Visualizes trend direction and velocity

### Related Topics
Other themes frequently discussed alongside this topic. Useful for:
* Understanding context
* Discovering adjacent topics
* Expanding content research

### Recent Mentions
Episodes recently discussing the topic, with Add to List buttons.

## Topic Demographics

Analyze the audience profile of podcasts discussing any topic:

1. Open a Topic Details page
2. View the demographics breakdown:
* Podcast names
* Age group demographics
* Gender skew
* Education levels
* Engagement levels
* Purchasing power
* Audience size

### Filtering Demographics

Filter the demographic view by:
* Age group
* Gender skew
* Education
* Engagement
* Purchasing power

### Exporting Data

Export topic demographics as CSV for:
* Client presentations
* Media planning
* Competitive analysis

## Topic Collections

Podscan curates collections of top podcasts for popular topics, available at `/best-podcasts`.

### Public Access

* Browse all topic collections at `/best-podcasts`
* Individual collections at `/best-podcasts-about/{topic}`
* No login required for viewing

### Collection Features

* AI-curated podcast selections
* Ranked by relevance, audience, and quality
* Regular updates
* Shareable public URLs

## Practical Use Cases

### Content Ideation

1. Search topics in your niche
2. Sort by **Fastest growing**
3. Identify emerging themes before saturation
4. Create content addressing trending topics

### Competitive Intelligence

1. Track topics your competitors cover
2. Monitor mention frequency over time
3. Identify gaps in topic coverage
4. Find opportunities to lead conversations

### Industry Monitoring

1. Add key industry topics to a List
2. New episodes discussing these topics are surfaced
3. Stay informed on industry discourse

### Audience Research

1. Find topics your target audience discusses
2. Check demographics of podcasts covering those topics
3. Ensure topic relevance for your audience

## Adding Topics to Lists

Click **Add to List** on any topic to:
* Track future episodes discussing this topic
* Build research collections
* Monitor topic mentions automatically

When you add a topic to a List, future episodes mentioning that topic are automatically added — creating a dynamic research collection.

## Tips for Topic Analysis

* Check both 24-hour and 7-day trends for complete picture
* Use Related Topics to expand your research
* Compare demographics across similar topics
* Monitor Fastest Growing for early trend identification
* Export data regularly for longitudinal analysis