Hey there! Can you believe we are already saying goodbye to 2024? It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming in the new year with all its promise.
As we wrap things up, Google’s annual “Year in Search” report has just come out, and it gives us a really interesting look into what people all around the globe have been curious about.
From the latest tech breakthroughs that have everyone buzzing to the cultural moments that made headlines, the search trends from this year really show us how quickly things are changing in our world.
It’s like a snapshot of what caught everyone’s attention, and it tells a much bigger story about our lives and interests this year.
The Big Picture: Overall Top Searches
Sports really took over our online searches this year, and it was exciting to see so many people following Copa América. Fans from different countries were glued to every match, talking about scores, players, and unexpected outcomes. Plenty of folks who rarely watch sports got caught up in the thrill and found themselves checking match results more often than ever.
The UEFA European Championship was another favorite, and social media buzzed with predictions, funny clips, and highlight moments. The world of cricket also pulled in a massive audience during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Each match had people talking, and even those who were new to the sport enjoyed the excitement. India vs England and India vs Bangladesh matches turned into big events that trended for days.
Outside of sports, Liam Payne stayed in the spotlight thanks to new music, interviews, and a few surprising appearances. Donald Trump continued to generate plenty of conversation as he shared updates and opinions. The iPhone 16 launch had tech lovers searching for the latest info on features and design rumors. The Olympics also held our interest from start to finish, with people tuning in to watch records being broken. Catherine, Princess of Wales, stayed on everyone’s radar too, as folks followed her public appearances and charity work.
Here’s what topped the worldwide searches:
- Copa América
- UEFA European Championship
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- India vs England
- Liam Payne
- Donald Trump
- India vs Bangladesh
- iPhone 16
- Olympics
- Catherine, Princess of Wales
News That Made Us Search
Wow, what a year it has been!
The U.S. Election took the spotlight, becoming the most searched news event around the globe. People were really invested in who would lead the country next.
But Mother Nature wasn’t silent either. Searches about excessive heat came in a close second, reminding us how important it is to stay cool during those scorching days. Plus, Hurricane Milton had everyone on edge, constantly checking for updates.
And of course, we had the Olympics, which brought its usual thrill and excitement.
Top news searches worldwide:
- U.S. Election
- Excessive heat
- Olympics
- Hurricane Milton
- Weather updates
What Had Us Glued to Our Screens
2024 was a fantastic year for movies and TV shows!
“Inside Out 2” took the crown as the most searched movie. Can you blame us? Everyone was so excited to see what the beloved characters were up to this time. Following closely behind were “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which had fans buzzing, and “Saltburn,” which intrigued many.
Over in TV land, “Baby Reindeer” caught everyone’s eye, while “Fallout” and “House of the Dragon” kept people talking and tuning in.
Most searched movies:
- Inside Out 2
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Saltburn
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Dune: Part Two
Most searched TV shows:
- Baby Reindeer
- Fallout
- House of the Dragon
- Heeramandi
- Shōgun
Who Were We Curious About?
When we look at the people searches, we see some interesting names popping up. Donald Trump led the charge, as always keeping people curious. Following him were Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Kamala Harris, showing how much interest there is in our political figures. This list is a mix of athletes and entertainers too, making it a fascinating glimpse into who captured our attention this year.
Most searched people:
- Donald Trump
- Catherine, Princess of Wales
- Kamala Harris
- Imane Khelif
- Joe Biden
Sports Stars and Teams
What a year it has been in the world of sports! Imane Khelif and the legendary Mike Tyson turned out to be the most searched athletes of 2024. Imane Khelif, known for her incredible talent, captured everyone’s attention and made quite a name for herself after winning the welterweight gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Mike Tyson, with his unforgettable history and larger-than-life personality, still knows how to keep fans talking, especially after his return to the ring for a high-profile match against Jake Paul.
When it comes to teams, the New York Yankees once again took the lead as the most searched team. This just goes to show how baseball continues to hold a special place in our hearts. The Yankees are not just a team; they are a symbol of America’s favorite pastime. But it wasn’t just baseball making waves. Soccer teams also caught our eye, especially Inter Miami CF, which has really been shaking things up and gaining a lot of popularity thanks to the arrival of Lionel Messi.
Most searched athletes:
- Imane Khelif
- Mike Tyson
- Lamine Yamal
- Simone Biles
- Jake Paul
Most searched teams:
- New York Yankees
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Inter Miami CF
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Boston Celtics
Gaming and Digital Culture
2024 has been a thrilling year for gamers, with a surge in interest for word games and puzzles.
“Connections” has become a standout hit in 2024, largely due to its engaging gameplay that challenges players to think critically and make connections between words. This blend of fun and mental stimulation has resonated with a wide audience, making it a favorite among gamers looking for something both entertaining and intellectually rewarding.
In contrast, “Palworld” and “Helldivers 2” have faced their share of controversies. “Palworld,” often described as “Pokemon with guns,” attracted over 25 million players in its first month, but was sued by Nintendo over patent infringement. Similarly, “Helldivers 2” struggled with server capacity and meddling from its parent company – Sony – caused a massive drop in player count due to PSN requirement.
Other notable titles like “Sprunki” and “Infinite Craft” kept the gaming community buzzing with excitement and fun.
Top games:
- Connections
- Palworld
- Infinite Craft
- Sprunki
- Helldivers 2
Food and Recipes That Made Us Hungry
Food trends took some unexpected turns this year! Olympic chocolate muffins surprisingly topped the search list, showing that a dessert inspired by the Olympics can really resonate with people. This trend likely gained momentum during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the muffins became a viral sensation, capturing the spirit of the games and the universal love for chocolate.
But that’s just the beginning. Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack made of candied fruit, made a significant comeback, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, where its glossy appearance and satisfying crunch captivated many. Tini’s mac and cheese recipe also gained popularity, elevating a classic comfort food with gourmet twists that had everyone rushing to their kitchens to try their hand at cooking something delicious.
Other popular recipes included mango pickle, a staple in South Asian cuisine that has found new fans globally, and the Dubai chocolate bar, which combines luxurious Middle Eastern flavors like saffron and cardamom, appealing to those eager to explore new tastes
Most searched recipes:
- Olympic chocolate muffins
- Tanghulu
- Tini’s mac and cheese
- Mango pickle
- Dubai chocolate bar
Places We Wanted to Visit
Google Maps searches showed we were ready to explore again!
As travel picked up again, our curiosity about exploring new places soared. Many of us were eager to hit the road and discover what the world has to offer, especially sports venues and cultural spots.
Most searched stadiums:
- Arena di Verona, Italy
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Spain
- Wembley Stadium, England
- Tokyo Dome, Japan
- Spotify Camp Nou, Spain
Most searched museums:
- The British Museum, London
- Museum of Art of São Paulo
- Science and Industry Museum, Chicago
- Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City
- Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid
Music That Got Stuck in Our Heads
Music had us humming along all year long. Thanks to the “Hum to Search” feature, we discovered which songs were on repeat in our minds. “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone was the most hummed tune, and it’s easy to see why, it just sticks with you! Other catchy international hits that had everyone singing along included “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts, “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga, “Past Lives” by Slushii, and “Wellerman” by Santiano.
Most hummed songs:
- Beautiful Things (Benson Boone)
- Bling-Bang-Bang-Born (Creepy Nuts)
- Die With A Smile (Lady Gaga)
- Past Lives (Slushii)
- Wellerman (Santiano)
What These Searches Tell Us About 2024
Looking at the search trends from 2024, it’s clear what really mattered to people this year. Sports brought us together globally, especially with major events like the Copa América and the UEFA European Championship capturing our attention. Politics kept us informed, particularly with the U.S. elections dominating news searches. Entertainment provided us with much-needed escape and joy, while food trends highlighted our love for cooking and trying new recipes.
The blend of serious news searches with fun entertainment queries shows how we balance staying informed with finding joy in everyday life. From major sporting events to viral recipes, 2024’s searches paint a picture of a world that is connected, curious, and always ready to learn something new.
What’s particularly interesting about these search trends is how they reflect our shared experiences. Whether we were checking sports scores, looking up news about elections, or trying to figure out how to make those viral Olympic chocolate muffins, we were all part of this global conversation.
As we look back at what we searched for in 2024, it’s amazing to see how our collective curiosity led us to such a wide range of topics. These searches tell the story of our year, filled with big moments, challenges, and celebrations.
Want to explore more about what the world searched for in 2024? Check out Google’s full Year in Search website for even more fascinating insights into what caught our attention this year.
What do you think was the most surprising search trend of 2024?
