John Leathem made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody at a private hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.
Paige's body was found in a wooded area just off Great Western Road in Clydebank at lunchtime on Monday.
The teenager was last seen near a deli a week ago after setting off for her part-time hairdressing job.
The case against Mr Leathem was continued for further examination and he is expected to appear in court again next week.
Meanwhile, a memorial event arranged on social media for the teenager was due to be held at Whitecrook Park in Clydebank on Saturday evening.
Police said it would be "fitting tribute to Paige", but urged people not to let off Chinese lanterns because the park is in the flight path of Glasgow Airport.
It comes after the landmark Titan Crane in Clydebank was lit up in pink on Thursday evening in memory of Paige.
Provost Douglas McAllister said: "Our community is in shock at this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Paige's family and friends.
"This is a small gesture of support for everyone who knew Paige."
Two fund-raising pages to help her family meet funeral costs and other expenses collected more than Â£14,000 a day after they were set up.
A 31-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 15-year-old Paige Doherty.