What are the best discussion topics for online communities

Updated January 18, 2026.

Great discussion topics create consistent engagement and help members return. Here are practical topic buckets and example prompts that work across most community types in 2026.

High‑performing topic categories

  • Introductions: New member stories and “why I joined.”
  • Wins & milestones: Progress, achievements, and shout‑outs.
  • Q&A: Ask‑the‑expert, troubleshooting, and peer advice.
  • Trends & news: Industry updates and opinions.
  • Weekly challenges: Small tasks that create momentum.

Example prompts to use

  • “What’s one lesson you learned this month?”
  • “Share a tool or workflow that saved you time.”
  • “What would you do differently if you started today?”

Final thoughts

Keep topics simple, repeatable, and aligned with your community’s purpose. A consistent cadence beats occasional big posts.

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