Most-searched GIFs by state

Since the early 2000s, American culture has embraced GIFs as a way to express emotion online. A moving picture or character catches the attention of digital readers, momentarily drawing them in to share the joy of good news or the despair of sad news. In the case of several states, they also appear to offer the unity of a shared affection for cats.

The Kinetic by Windstream internet service provider has used Google-related queries to find the most-searched GIFs across the United States for the last five years, applying a keyword research tool to track and analyze the most relevant GIF searches by state. During those five years, some states’ most searched GIF stayed the same — such as South Dakota and “Happy Birthday.” Other states, however, were more on trend: Five years ago, the top search for people in Massachusetts was “dab GIF,” and two years ago, “Baby Yoda GIF.”

Last year’s Top 10 searched-for GIF terms are below, along with the states that put them at the top of the list. If your state isn’t included here, visit the website to see the most popular GIF search term where you live.

1. “Happy Birthday” — Maryland, New Jersey and New York

2. “Thank you” — Hawaii

3. “Congratulations” — Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia

4. “Good night” — New Mexico

5. “Cat” — Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia

6. “Crying” — Washington, D.C.

7. “Yes” — Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio

8. “Funny” California, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming

9. “Friday” Nevada

10. “Red” Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Source: https://www.getwindstream.com/resources/every-states-most-searched-gif/.