MA-0021 · first seen July 2014
Ice Bucket Challenge
In summer 2014, millions poured ice water over their heads on camera to raise money for ALS charities.
- Status
- ClassicPeaked more than five years ago
- Trend score
- 7/100Estimated
- Change, 90 days
- 0%Estimated
- Peak
- 90Aug 2014
- Years active
- 1Index of 30 or more
- First seen
- 2014July 2014
Popularity over time
Monthly attention from Jun 2014 to Oct 2026. Hover or tab through the chart for each month.
- First appearance
- Went viral
- Peak
- Decline
Attention index, 0 to 100 on one scale for the whole archive. Estimated from each meme’s key dates, not measured.
About
In July 2014 a cold-water challenge, in which people dump a bucket of ice water on themselves and nominate others to do the same or donate, was adopted by supporters of ALS research. Advocates including Pete Frates and Pat Quinn, both living with ALS, helped carry it to a mass audience.
By August the challenge had reached celebrities, politicians and company executives, and was pouring across Facebook feeds. The ALS Association reported raising well over $100 million that summer. Critics pointed to wasted water and slacktivism, but it remains a landmark example of an Internet trend turned into charitable action.
Origin
A summer 2014 charity variation of earlier cold-water challenges, adopted by supporters of ALS research in July.
July 2014
Viralization
Videos of celebrities and politicians spread across Facebook and YouTube in August 2014.
August 2014
Peak
August 2014, when the ALS Association reported raising well over $100 million.
Aug 2014
Timeline
From the first post to where it stands today.
Origin
Cold-water challenges
Charity challenges involving ice water are adopted by supporters of ALS research.
Early adoption
Advocates take it up
People living with ALS, including Pete Frates and Pat Quinn, help make the challenge visible.
Viral
Celebrities join
Politicians, athletes and executives post their own videos.
Peak
Over $100 million
The ALS Association reports donations far above the previous year.
Decline
Backlash and fatigue
Critics question water use and the idea of “slacktivism”.
Current
An annual return
Summer revivals follow, but the first wave remains the reference point.
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