NEW YORK — Google has shared its annual “Year in Search,” highlighting the most popular search trends from 2024. This year’s data offers a snapshot of what captured people’s attention, from major news events to sports and entertainment.
Sports have once again taken center stage, with soccer and cricket leading the pack. The Copa América was the top searched event on a global scale, followed closely by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
In the sphere of news, the U.S. election sparked significant interest, topping the list of specific news-related searches around the world. Other prevalent searches included topics like extreme weather conditions and this year’s Olympic Games.
Notably, President-elect Donald Trump emerged as the most searched individual in Google’s people category, followed by popular figures such as Catherine, Princess of Wales, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. As for athletes, Imane Khelif attracted much attention during the search for sports personalities. The year also marked the passing of well-known individuals, with searches for Liam Payne, Toby Keith, and O.J. Simpson leading this category.
In entertainment, Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” was the most trending movie, while Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” stood out among television shows. Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” gained significant traction in search trends for music.
Amid these trends, culinary interests also made an impression, highlighted by the Olympic village’s chocolate muffin, made famous by swimmer Henrik Christiansen. Google’s insights also revealed curiosity towards online trends, with terms like “demure” and “mob wife aesthetic” gaining popularity.
These insights into search patterns offer a glimpse of what has resonated with people throughout the year, painting a picture of public interest across various sectors. As we approach the end of 2024, not only Google but other platforms like Spotify and Collins Dictionary also reflect on the year’s highlights, contributing to a broader understanding of cultural moments and trends.
