Google Frightgeist Lets You Know How Original Your Halloween Costume Really Is
Google breaks down each costume's popularity by location.
— -- Google's Frightgeist tool is harnessing the power of search data to inform users of the likelihood they'll encounter someone else wearing the same Halloween costume at a party.
If you show up to a costume party dressed as a witch this year, there's a good chance you may be thinking: "That witch stole my look!" The classic costume is ranked No. 7 most popular nationally.
Exploring an interactive map reveals the top costumes in each town and is a fun way to search for ideas. People in Twin Falls, Idaho, can expect to see plenty of Tinker Bells on Halloween night. Phoenix residents are obsessed with "Star Wars" costumes. Curiously, a peacock gets the top billing in Watertown, New York.
Making sure your costume isn't one of the top ones in your area can be done by clicking on your town to see the top five locally trending costumes.
For those who already have a costume in mind, a quick search will show its rank nationally and let you know the likelihood of running into another person dressed like you at a party.
"Hunger Games" heroine Katniss Everdeen ranks No. 125 nationally, prompting this warning: "Maybe you'll see another Katniss Everdeen costume at a party this year, maybe you won't."