The work aims to propose and verify a set of special effect design process based on trend analysis in view of the timeliness characteristics in the special effect tool of current short video platform as a new media design content and provide creators with inspiration sources and ideas for designing special effects. Firstly, based on literature research and desktop research, the special effects under the prevalence of short video were analyzed, including the definition, characteristics, and reasons for the formation of hot special effects. Then, the special effect design process based on trend analysis was proposed and hotspots were classified into eternal hotspots, long-time hotspots, and instantaneous hotspots. A method to obtain hotspots was put forward and used to capture trend hotspots and obtain hot words. Based on the analysis of special effects and the characteristics of trends, the innovative design of special effects in which trend canvas was used to help creators sort out the design process was proposed. This method was used to design and launch more than twenty special effect emojis on the special effect design platform, and the creators gained some Internet traffic and revenue. The special effect design method based on trend analysis can help creators capture hot trends, develop inspiration, shorten the design cycle, and find the design theme and direction of special effect faster.