exploding-topics vs glimpse
Exploding Topics vs Glimpse — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both Exploding Topics and Glimpse tackle the same fundamental problem: finding trending search terms before your competitors do. But they approach trend discovery from completely different angles. Exploding Topics positions itself as an AI-powered trend hunter, scanning millions of searches to surface emerging topics across all industries. Glimpse takes a more focused approach, enhancing Google Trends data with volume estimates and growth projections.
The choice between them often comes down to whether you want a curated, all-in-one trend discovery experience (Exploding Topics) or enhanced Google Trends analysis with your own research workflow (Glimpse). One delivers trends to you; the other helps you validate trends you're already tracking.
Feature Comparison
Exploding Topics excels at automated trend discovery. Their AI scans search patterns, social mentions, and web traffic to surface emerging topics before they hit mainstream awareness. You get categorized trend reports, growth rate indicators, and topic clustering that groups related emerging trends. Their database covers everything from technology and business to entertainment and lifestyle trends. Glimpse takes a different approach by supercharging Google Trends. Instead of discovering trends for you, it enhances the trends you're already researching with search volume estimates, growth trajectory forecasts, and automated alerts when keywords hit certain thresholds. Glimpse also provides related keyword suggestions and competitive intelligence around trending terms. Where Google Trends shows you relative popularity, Glimpse estimates actual search volumes and predicts future performance. The core difference is curation versus enhancement. Exploding Topics delivers a curated feed of emerging opportunities, while Glimpse transforms Google Trends into a more actionable research tool for trends you're already monitoring.
Pricing Comparison
Exploding Topics starts at $39/month and offers a limited free tier that gives you access to their weekly trend reports. The paid plans unlock historical data, advanced filters, and trend alerts. For content marketers and SEO professionals who want trend discovery without heavy research time, the pricing is reasonable for what amounts to outsourced trend hunting. Glimpse starts higher at $50/month with no free option, reflecting its position as a professional Google Trends enhancement tool. You're paying for the data enrichment layer that adds volume estimates and growth projections to trend analysis. For agencies and enterprises doing serious trend research, the additional cost often pays for itself in research time saved.
Best For
Exploding Topics works best for content creators, marketers, and SEO professionals who want emerging trends delivered to them. If you're building content calendars, looking for untapped niche opportunities, or need to stay ahead of industry trends without dedicating significant research time, Exploding Topics provides ready-to-act intelligence. It's particularly valuable for agencies managing multiple clients across different industries. Glimpse is better suited for SEO professionals and data analysts who are already doing serious trend research and want to enhance their existing workflow. If you're regularly using Google Trends, need accurate volume estimates for trend validation, or require growth projections for business planning, Glimpse transforms your trend analysis capabilities. It's ideal for enterprises making significant content or product decisions based on trend data.
The Verdict
Choose Exploding Topics if you want trend discovery without the research legwork. Their AI-curated approach delivers actionable trending opportunities across multiple industries, making it perfect for content marketers who need consistent trend intelligence. The lower price point and free tier make it accessible for smaller teams and individual creators. Go with Glimpse if you're already committed to trend research and want to supercharge your analysis capabilities. While more expensive, it transforms Google Trends from a directional tool into a precise forecasting platform, making it worthwhile for serious trend researchers and data-driven organizations.