As we step into June, it’s time to look back at what captured the world’s attention in May 2024.
From awe-inspiring natural phenomena to the latest in entertainment, sports, and quirky viral trends, Google’s search data reveals fascinating insights into the topics that dominated public interest.
Let’s dive into the data and uncover what people were curious about last month.
Aurora and Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis Captures the Nation’s Attention
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, was the top trending search topic in the US this May.
This natural light display, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions, captivated the American public’s imagination.
Searches spiked as enthusiasts sought to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon firsthand.
With increased solar activity, the Northern Lights were more visible than usual, prompting a surge in interest.
This rare opportunity led to a flood of searches from people eager to know the best times and locations for viewing.
The phrase “can you see the northern lights tonight” became the top trending related search.
Americans were actively looking for real-time information on when and where they could catch a glimpse of this natural spectacle.
Popular Related Searches
Alongside the Northern Lights, there was a notable increase in searches for long-exposure photography and “iPhone night mode”.
These topics reached all-time highs as people looked for ways to capture the beauty of the aurora.
Long-exposure photography allows for stunning images of night scenes, and with the Northern Lights making an appearance, it’s no wonder this technique garnered so much attention.
Similarly, “iPhone night mode” searches peaked as users wanted to optimize their smartphones for nighttime photography.
The combination of advanced technology and natural beauty made for a perfect pairing, driving these search trends to unprecedented levels.
Geographic Search Interest
A comparison of search interest in Aurora versus Memorial Day reveals some intriguing patterns.
While both topics saw significant interest, the Northern Lights clearly stole the spotlight.
The provided map data illustrated regional differences in search behavior, highlighting areas with the highest concentration of aurora-related queries.
Northern states, unsurprisingly, led the pack due to their proximity to the phenomenon.
This geographic insight underscores the widespread fascination with the Aurora Borealis across various parts of the US, especially where sightings were more probable.
Significant Losses and Memorials
Remembering Bill Walton
The passing of basketball legend Bill Walton was a significant moment in May 2024, making him the top trending loss.
Walton, known for his impressive career and charismatic personality, left a lasting legacy in the sports world.
Oregon, in particular, showed the highest level of search interest in Walton.
This regional focus reflects his deep connections with the Portland Trail Blazers and the University of Oregon, where he made substantial contributions both as a player and a commentator.
As fans mourned his loss, they turned to the internet to remember his achievements and share their tributes, driving up search volumes significantly.
Sports Trends: A WNBA Surge
Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces: Leading the Pack
In the realm of sports, the Indiana Fever emerged as the top trending team in May.
This surge in interest was fueled by the team’s dynamic performances and a growing fan base.
Following closely were the Las Vegas Aces, who also enjoyed a boost in popularity.
The Aces’ strong showing and high-profile players attracted significant attention, contributing to the overall rise in WNBA interest.
These teams’ successes on the court translated into heightened search activity, reflecting their impact on the sport’s visibility and fan engagement.
WNBA’s All-Time High Interest
May 2024 saw the WNBA reach an all-time high in search interest.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for women’s basketball and highlights the league’s growing influence.
Several factors contributed to this surge, including increased media coverage, compelling storylines, and standout performances by players.
The league’s efforts to promote its brand and engage with fans have clearly paid off.
This trend is indicative of a broader movement towards greater recognition and support for women’s sports, showcasing the WNBA’s role in this evolving landscape.
Broader Impacts on Women’s Sports
The increased interest in the WNBA reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards women’s sports.
As the league gains traction, it sets a precedent for other women’s sports to follow.
This growing visibility helps drive more investment, sponsorship, and media coverage, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits all women’s sports.
The WNBA’s success is not just a win for basketball but for gender equality in sports, signaling a more inclusive and diverse future.
Entertainment Highlights
Record High Interest in “Age Gap”
May 2024 saw a record high in searches related to “age gap”, with “what is the age gap in the idea of you” being a top trending question.
This spike in interest can be attributed to the release of the movie adaptation of “The Idea of You”.
The film, which explores a relationship with a significant age difference, sparked conversations and curiosity around age gap dynamics.
This theme resonated with audiences, leading to increased search activity.
The heightened interest in “age gap” searches reflects the public’s fascination with unconventional relationships and their portrayal in media.
Music Trends
In the music scene, “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us” were the top trending songs of the month.
These tracks captured listeners’ imaginations and dominated search queries.
Additionally, diss tracks saw a resurgence in popularity, reaching a five-year high.
This genre, characterized by its confrontational and often provocative lyrics, drew attention for its boldness and cultural relevance.
These music trends highlight the evolving tastes of audiences and the diverse range of genres that capture public interest.
Comedy and Comedians
Comedy roasts also hit an all-time high in May, with Nikki Glaser emerging as the top trending comedian.
Known for her sharp wit and fearless humor, Glaser captivated audiences and spurred a wave of searches.
The popularity of comedy roasts reflects a broader appetite for edgy, no-holds-barred humor.
These events, often featuring celebrities, provide entertainment that resonates with a wide audience.
Glaser’s rise to prominence underscores the public’s appreciation for comedians who push boundaries and deliver laughs with an edge.
Gaming Hits
The gaming world saw “Black Ops 6” and “Wuthering Waves” as the top trending video games.
These titles captivated gamers and drove significant search interest.
“Black Ops 6”, the latest installment in a popular franchise, garnered attention for its advanced gameplay and immersive storyline.
Meanwhile, “Wuthering Waves” attracted gamers with its innovative mechanics and stunning visuals.
These games’ success highlights the gaming industry’s continuous evolution and the ever-growing community of dedicated players.
Bridgerton Buzz
The release of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 led to a spike in searches related to “who does…marry”, with “who does Cressida marry” being the top query.
Fans eagerly sought spoilers and details about the show’s romantic developments.
Bridgerton, known for its intricate plots and dramatic love stories, has consistently driven high search volumes.
This latest season was no exception, maintaining the show’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
The intense interest in Bridgerton highlights the series’ impact on popular culture and its ability to keep audiences engaged season after season.
Trending TV Shows and Movies
Top TV Shows
Several TV shows dominated search trends in May 2024.
The list includes “Maxton Hall”, “The Chi”, “Bridgerton”, “Young Sheldon”, and “Under the Bridge”.
“Maxton Hall” and “The Chi” captivated viewers with their compelling storylines and strong character development.
Meanwhile, “Bridgerton” continued its reign with its latest season.
“Young Sheldon” and “Under the Bridge” also drew significant interest, reflecting a diverse range of genres that appealed to various audiences.
Popular Movies
In the movie category, “Mother of the Bride”, “Atlas”, “Dark Waters”, “Unfrosted”, and “The Idea of You” were the top trending titles.
These films offered a mix of genres, from heartfelt dramas to thrilling adventures, catering to a wide spectrum of moviegoers.
The varied themes and storylines of these popular movies underscore the dynamic nature of the film industry and its ability to attract diverse audiences.
Lifestyle and Health Trends
Fitness Trends
Health and fitness were prominent themes in May, with searches for “steps a day” reaching an all-time high.
This trend reflects the growing emphasis on maintaining an active lifestyle.
Additionally, “weight vest for walking” searches doubled, indicating a rising interest in enhancing workout routines with added resistance.
These vests are popular for their effectiveness in increasing workout intensity.
These fitness trends highlight the public’s commitment to health and wellness, seeking new ways to stay fit and active.
Food Fads
On the culinary front, “grandma mcflurry” was the top trending food, with butterscotch being the top trending related ingredient.
This unique combination sparked curiosity and search activity.
Similarly, “Dr Pepper pickles” and “pickle de gallo” reached all-time highs in search interest.
These unconventional food fads intrigued many, leading to a surge in searches.
The fascination with these food trends showcases the public’s adventurous palate and willingness to try new and unusual flavors.
Unique Searches
The term “leachy” became the top trending word after being featured in the New York Times Connections.
This spike in interest highlights the influence of media coverage on search behavior.
Additionally, “kataifi pastry where to buy” was the top trending “where to buy” search.
This intricate pastry reached an all-time high in interest, driven by food enthusiasts looking to recreate or taste this delicacy.
These unique searches demonstrate the diverse range of topics that can capture public attention, from language curiosities to culinary quests.
Quirky and Viral Trends
TikTok’s Viral Dance
TikTok continues to be a powerhouse for viral trends, with one particular dance going viral in May.
The phrase “I did my dance on TikTok and went viral with it” epitomizes the platform’s impact on popular culture.
This dance trend saw a massive surge in participation and searches, showcasing TikTok’s ability to turn ordinary users into internet sensations overnight.
The viral nature of these dances highlights the platform’s role in shaping trends and influencing mainstream media.
Ashoka Trend
The Ashoka trend emerged as another significant viral phenomenon.
Named after the historical emperor, this trend captivated audiences with its unique content and engaging theme.
Searches for “Ashoka” saw a substantial increase, reflecting the public’s curiosity and engagement with this trend.
The popularity of the Ashoka trend underscores the diverse range of topics that can capture the public’s imagination and drive search activity.
Flower Letter Trend
The flower letter trend also gained traction in May, captivating users with its creative and visually appealing content.
This trend involves creating intricate designs using flower petals, often accompanied by heartfelt messages.
This aesthetically pleasing trend saw a surge in searches, as people sought inspiration and ideas for their own flower letter creations.
The flower letter trend highlights the appeal of visually stunning and emotionally resonant content in driving online engagement.
Boxer Short Trend
In the realm of fashion, the boxer short trend saw a significant rise in searches.
This trend, driven by both comfort and style, resonated with many looking for versatile wardrobe options.
The increased interest in boxer shorts reflects a shift towards casual and comfortable clothing, influenced by changing fashion preferences.
The boxer short trend is a testament to how fashion trends can emerge from everyday practicality and comfort.
Man vs Bear
Lastly, the man vs bear trend captured the public’s attention with its daring and often humorous content.
This trend involves videos and stories of humans interacting with bears, often in unexpected and entertaining ways.
The viral nature of the man vs bear trend highlights the appeal of adventurous and out-of-the-ordinary content that sparks curiosity and amusement.
This trend’s popularity underscores the public’s fascination with wildlife and the unexpected moments that can arise from these interactions.
Conclusion
May 2024 was a month filled with diverse and fascinating search trends, from the awe-inspiring Northern Lights to the latest in entertainment, sports, and quirky viral phenomena.
These trends provide a glimpse into the topics that captured the public’s imagination and drove online engagement.
As we move forward, these insights from Google Trends offer valuable perspectives on cultural and societal shifts, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of public interest.
For more insights and data storytelling on how the world is searching, be sure to follow Google Trends on Twitter and Instagram.
Stay tuned for the next installment of search trend analysis as we continue to explore the ever-changing landscape of online curiosity.