Google has just unveiled its annual “Year in Search” report, highlighting the most-searched keywords, events, and topics across a variety of categories. From global news to entertainment and lifestyle trends, 2024’s searches offer a fascinating glimpse into what captured the world’s attention.
The Headlines That Shaped 2024
Major sports events and news stories took center stage in global searches this year.
- Copa América topped the list of overall searches, followed by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- The U.S. presidential election emerged as the most-searched news topic globally, eclipsing even the Olympic Games.
- Climate-related events also stood out, with searches about excessive heat and Hurricane Milton driving significant interest.
Entertainment Searches: Stars and Sequels Shine Bright
The entertainment category reflected a mix of established icons and rising stars:
Top Actors:
- Katt Williams
- Pawan Kalyan
- Adam Brody
- Ella Purnell
- Hina Khan
Top Movies:
- Inside Out 2
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Saltburn
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Dune: Part Two
Trending in the U.S.
In the U.S., political figures and cultural icons dominated the search rankings:
Overall Searches:
- Election
- Donald Trump
- Connections (game)
- New York Yankees
- Kamala Harris
Top Personalities:
- Donald Trump
- Kamala Harris
- JD Vance
- Joe Biden
- Catherine, Princess of Wales
Sports Searches: Rising Stars and Legendary Names
Global sports searches reflected a mix of legacy and future talent:
- Mike Tyson was the second most-searched athlete globally, following Algerian karate champion Imane Khelif.
- Soccer phenom Lamine Yamal, just 16, also captured worldwide attention.
Top Teams:
- New York Yankees
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Boston Celtics
- New York Mets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Digital Culture, Gaming, and Lifestyle Trends
Gaming and aesthetics were key themes in 2024.
Top Games:
- Connections (NYT)
- Strands (NYT)
- Infinite Craft
- Palworld
- Sprunki
Lifestyle Aesthetics:
- Mob Wife Aesthetic
- Nancy Meyers Aesthetic
- Pillow Face Aesthetic
- Brat Aesthetic
- Decora Aesthetic
Food & Recipes: A Taste of 2024
Recipes that combined nostalgia with novelty topped food searches:
- Olympic Chocolate Muffins
- Tanghulu
- Tini’s Mac and Cheese
- Mama Kelce’s Cookies
- Dense Bean Salad
Music That Stuck in Our Heads
Google’s “Hum to Search” feature revealed these earworms as the year’s most hummed tunes:
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
- Axel F – Crazy Frog
- Wellerman – Santiano
- Past Lives – Slushii
- Too Sweet – Hozier
Popular Places on Google Maps
When it came to exploring, these were the most-searched locations:
Top Stadiums:
- Madison Square Garden, NY
- Yankee Stadium, NY
- MetLife Stadium, NJ
- Barclays Center, NY
- Hard Rock Stadium, FL
Top Attractions:
- Sphere, Las Vegas
- Navy Pier, Chicago
- Edge NYC, New York
- Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
- Willis Tower, Chicago
Google’s “Year in Search” 2024 reflects a world captivated by sports, entertainment, comfort, and connection. As we look to 2025, it will be fascinating to see what trends and topics emerge next.
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