Finding products with high demand and low competition might sound too good to be true, but these opportunities do exist. New niches, seasonal moments, and trending categories often create openings where you can source products with relatively little competition but a substantial audience. Whether you’re launching a dropshipping business or rethinking your product mix, spotting these opportunities early can give you a significant advantage.
The secret is in identifying emerging interest before competition floods the market—think underserved audiences, clever product twists, or timely cultural shifts. These windows don’t stay open forever, so you’ll need to validate quickly, stay flexible, and be ready to pivot when the landscape changes.
Here’s what you need to know about selling high-demand products.
What is a high-demand, low-competition product?
High-demand, low-competition products experience significant spikes in interest while supply lags behind, creating an opportunity for agile online businesses. These products typically address sudden or emerging needs that existing sellers have not yet recognized or fulfilled. Keep in mind that markets with high demand and low competition typically offer short-term windows of opportunity rather than consistent demand and sustainable competitive advantages.
“A high-demand, low-competition product has to be some sort of trending, viral product,” says Lucia Cedron, senior product lead at Shopify, who helps merchants identify pain points and succeed on the platform. These products can also cater to seasonal needs or serve niche interests.
High-demand products come in several categories:
Viral products
Viral products surge in popularity—typically on social media—driven by influencer content, viral videos, or cultural moments. They can generate rapid sales but often have short life cycles. Fashion accessories and beauty products often go viral due to fast-moving trends, though viral hits can appear in any category.
For example, Google Trends data shows that Stanley cups interest spiked in late 2023 and early 2024, after a viral video showed one surviving a car fire—ice still intact. Since then, the interest has waned and stabilized.
Niche items
Niche products serve specialized audiences that mainstream sellers often overlook. They succeed by solving specific problems for dedicated customers—like precision scale spoons for serious bakers, replacement VR face cushions for gamers, or breed-specific grooming tools for dog owners.
While low-competition niches are smaller than mass markets, customers in these segments are typically more engaged and willing to pay premium prices for products that meet their exact needs. For example, niche dropshipping has a higher conversion rate than general dropshipping, though you may have trouble finding specialized suppliers with consistent inventory.
Seasonal products
Seasonal products experience predictable demand spikes during specific times—think holiday decorations, beach gear for summer, Halloween costumes, or greeting cards. While these items can technically sell online year-round, most revenue concentrates in brief seasonal windows.
Some businesses survive entirely on this model, like pop-up Halloween stores that dominate through massive inventory and specialized focus. Target might stock costumes in October, but it can’t match Spirit Halloween’s variety and depth. Seasonal retailers succeed by catering to time-bound demand, carrying extensive product ranges that mainstream stores can’t justify.
Keep in mind that online stores may find it more challenging to compete in this category because customers often want immediate availability. Part of the appeal of physical seasonal stores is not having to wait for shipping during peak demand periods.
Problem-solving innovations
Problem-solving products are new or improved versions that address emerging pain points. They typically enjoy high demand and low competition before markets mature and become saturated.
For example, each new iPhone triggers a rush of accessory manufacturers adapting to new specifications. When Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C charging ports, entrepreneurs quickly identified opportunities for Lightning–to–USB-C adapters and dual-connector cables that accommodate old and new models. Google Trends shows a massive demand spike in September 2023, when Apple announced the change. Now, however, competition has saturated the market for these products.
Event-driven demand
These products spike due to news events, celebrity endorsements, or cultural phenomena. Quick identification and fast action are crucial for capitalizing on these fleeting opportunities. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many forward-thinking entrepreneurs started offering highly targeted products like touchless door openers, decorative face masks, fancy hand sanitizers, UV sterilizers for mobile and electronic devices, and thermometer guns. While some maintained consistent demand post-pandemic, the spike for most of these products was short-lived.
How to find high-demand products with low competition
Finding these high-demand, low-competition opportunities requires agility and the right tools to spot emerging trends before they become oversaturated. Here are strategies you can use to identify profitable products during their explosive growth phase:
Use powerful research tools
“The first key step is keyword research,” says Lucia. Google Trends is a free tool that offers insight into what products people are searching for.
Start by creating search queries for broad categories—like “coffee” or “workout clothes”—in addition to more specific categories—like “coffee mugs” or “sustainable workout clothes.” Bookmark your searches for easy access later on, and check time ranges like “Past 4 hours,” “Past 7 days,” and “Past 30 days” using the dropdown menu.
Focus on the “Related topics” section and set it to “Rising.” Here, you’ll see breakout search terms like “Irish coffee” or “mushroom coffee.” Click a topic to explore its search volume trends over time.
For deeper insights, tools like Jungle Scout’s Opportunity Finder and Dropship.io help you discover product trends, track sales performance, assess competition, and identify opportunities. You can filter by category and adjust your search based on your criteria. Dropship.io even aggregates Facebook ads so you can analyze competitor ad spend. If you see your competitors investing in mushroom coffee ads, this may indicate an emerging market trend. You can also browse the Meta Ad Library, though it doesn’t show ad spend.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can also ask AI tools like Gemini to identify high-demand products with low competition in your niche, then cross-check suggestions with Google Trends and other research tools.
Mine social media
Social media platforms aren’t just for sharing content—they’re early warning systems for products about to explode in popularity. Each platform offers unique insights into emerging trends that smart sellers can capitalize on:
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TikTok trend monitoring. Browse TikTok Shop’s trending category for bestselling products or search for product-related keywords and sort by recent videos with fast-rising views. Products generating organic viral content often signal the beginning of major demand spikes. Monitor comments for questions like “Where can I buy this?” to identify unmet demand. Lucia also recommends looking at hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt.
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Instagram tracking. Start with the Instagram search function by exploring relevant hashtags like #coffee, #espresso, and #coffeetime to discover what products people are discussing. This is also an effective way to identify influencers in your niche and monitor their pages to see what products they’re featuring.
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Pinterest trending analysis. Pins with high engagement—many saves and likes—often indicate high-demand products or ideas. The Pinterest Trends page shows emerging searches, related trends, and popular pins within the category you’re exploring.
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Reddit pulse monitoring. Find low-competition niches through Subreddits like r/shutupandtakemymoney, which often showcase products before they go viral. Browsing broad categories like “Food & Drinks” can reveal global trends—like “Dubai Chocolate,” which might inspire you to create a matching coffee flavor or incorporate it into your existing product line.
Analyze competition
Understanding timing is crucial for viral and trending products. The goal isn’t just finding low competition, but identifying temporary windows where demand has spiked but competition hasn’t yet responded.
Search major platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping for potential products, focusing on recent listing dates and seller entry timing. Look for demand spikes where few sellers or low-quality listings suggest untapped opportunities.
Use the Meta Ad Library to track how many businesses have recently started promoting similar products—low ad competition can mean you’re early to a trend. Tools like Milled also let you scan competitors’ marketing emails to see what they are (or aren’t) actively pushing.
Finally, check supplier availability on platforms like AliExpress. Products with limited supplier options or recent supplier additions often indicate emerging trends that haven’t reached full market saturation.
Monitor seasonal opportunities
Track upcoming holidays, events, and cultural moments that could drive product demand. Products related to Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, major sporting events, or music events can offer excellent high-demand, low-competition windows for prepared online sellers.
Monitor news cycles, cultural events, and emerging lifestyle trends that could spark sudden demand or create new product categories. Celebrity endorsements, viral news stories, or cultural phenomena can create immediate product opportunities.
For example, if you’re a clothing retailer and know Beyoncé is about to embark on her Cowboy Carter tour, you might stock up on cowboy hats and sparkly jackets early to stay ahead of the coming demand.
13 high-demand products with low competition
- Eco-friendly products
- Hobby products
- Lifestyle products
- Alternative parenting products
- Fandom and subculture items
Remember that high-demand, low-competition products often represent temporary opportunities rather than long-term market positions. Successful sellers in this space focus on quick entry, aggressive marketing during peak demand, and strategic exit planning before market saturation, while continuously identifying new opportunities. Here are examples of products that can experience high demand with low competition:
Eco-friendly products
These niche products cater to sustainably minded consumers who may not be satisfied with generic options.
1. Pet supplies. Compostable or biodegradable poop bags, pet toys made with upcycled materials, and sustainably sourced snacks can speak to eco-aware pet parents.
2. Makeup. Refillable eyeshadow palettes, refillable mascara, and vegan formulations are just a few examples of makeup products with a planet-friendly twist.
3. Solar-powered gadgets. Solar-powered power banks, for example, support sustainability-minded and adventurous audiences.
4. Houseware. Sustainable beverage containers, reusable plastic bags, biodegradable straws, and nontoxic cleaning supplies are all avenues into the eco-conscious homeware space.
Hobby products
Catering to trending hobbies can make you the go-to supplier for a particular sport or activity.
5. Pickleball. To break into the pickleball trend, consider tackling niches within the sport, like luxury pickleball paddles or pickleball paddle carriers with witty phrases.
6. Urban gardening. Microgreen kits, vertical planters, countertop terrariums—the opportunities to bring plants into small, indoor spaces are endless.
Lifestyle products
This is a broad category that’s particularly prone to new high-demand, viral products.
7. Wellness industry. Light therapy glasses, sauna blankets, weighted blankets, and supplements for niche diets are all ways to break into wellness trends.
8. Digital nomadism. Smart wallets with AirTag holders, elaborate cord cases, and solar-powered phone chargers can all support audiences looking to adopt a #Vanlife lifestyle.
Alternative parenting products
Whether its baby-led weaning or forest schools, parenting trends come with many associated products, including:
9. Montessori. Wooden puzzles and sensory toys can serve parents looking for plastic-free, educational toys.
10. Adventurous parenting. Test products like inflatable bathtubs, kid-friendly science kits, nature workbooks, and adventure kits for outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Organized parenting. Support parents with jam-packed schedules by launching products like niche planners, oversized wall calendars, helpful fridge magnets, or car organizers.
Fandom and subculture items
Catering to fans of TV shows, movies, musicians, and games can help you capitalize on new trending products that peak with new seasons, albums, sequels, and tour dates.
12. Cosplay. Anime costumes, high-quality props, and accessories can adapt to evolving cosplay trends.
13. Everyday essentials designed for specific fandoms. World of Warcraft–inspired keychains, BTS Army–themed notebooks, and Taylor Swift–style friendship bracelets are all examples of products that tap into a devoted fandom.
Each of these profitable product categories represents an area with recent demand growth, manageable competition, and viral potential, but these dynamics can shift quickly. For instance, as pickleball or Montessori go mainstream, new competitors will likely enter the field.
Pricing is one brand differentiator that can attract customers, says Lucia. “You need to consider a price that a buyer is not going to have to think twice about whether they buy this product,” she says. Branding, marketing, and reliability are also key differentiators. “Customers are only going to come if you’re telling a solid story, and you’re fulfilling a need that has unmet demand,” she says.
High-demand products with low competition FAQ
How do I find low-competition, high-demand products?
To find high-demand products with low competition, use Google Trends to identify recent search spikes rather than steady patterns. Monitor social media platforms for viral content featuring products, and set up alerts for trending hashtags and emerging search terms in your niche market. Focus on speed—by the time traditional market research identifies opportunities, competition has often already arrived.
How do I find high-demand, low-competition products on Etsy?
You can browse Etsy’s trending page for popular products, search for terms with recent volume increases but few quality listings, and monitor Etsy’s social media to spot viral products.
What kind of products have the highest demand?
Products with explosive demand often fall into trending categories like phone accessories, functional kitchen gadgets, sports equipment, outdoor activities gear, and everyday essentials. Social media, niche interests, seasons, and cultural moments drive these trends—especially when products solve problems and photograph well for online sharing.
