Follow momentum.
Verify the story.
The Trending Five is an editorial trend publication, not a claim to possess Google's private absolute-search leaderboard.
1. Find the signal
We begin with public trend datasets and search-interest tools. The launch issue uses Exploding Topics' U.S. trending-topics dataset as the numerical growth signal.
2. Keep product intent
We select topics that are products or clear shopping categories. Software, celebrities, news events and broad cultural phrases are outside the core weekly five.
3. Research the surrounding question
A percentage is not an article. We look for credible sources explaining what the product is, what shoppers are trying to understand and where marketing claims need qualification.
4. Separate growth from volume
A topic can grow quickly from a small starting point. The Trending Five therefore labels these figures as reported search growth and does not present them as absolute search volume.
5. Keep money away from the ranking
Display advertising may fund the site. Future affiliate or sponsored relationships must be disclosed and cannot purchase a position in the editorial five.