In 2024, Google’s Year in Search revealed the most popular topics searched globally, showcasing the world’s collective curiosity. Key news events such as global elections, cultural hits, movies, songs, games, and food and drink trends captured the highest search traffic for the year. The top news stories that sparked the most searches included elections, rising temperatures causing environmental concerns, and major sporting events, with the US election being the most searched news event. The Olympics in Paris also garnered a significant amount of interest, with a controversial opening ceremony and impressive athletic performances.
Among the most searched individuals of 2024 were Donald Trump, Kate Middleton, Kamala Harris, and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. Trump’s legal battles and successful presidential campaign kept him at the forefront of search queries, while Middleton’s absence from royal duties generated speculation. Harris, the US vice president, also drew attention when she became a presidential candidate. Khelif’s gold medal win at the Olympics brought her into the spotlight amidst a gender eligibility controversy.
In the realm of movies, Disney and Pixar’s animated sequel, Inside Out 2, captured the top spot in global searches. Followed by Deadpool, Wolverine, and Saltburn, these films piqued the interest of moviegoers worldwide. In terms of music, Kendrick Lamar’s track, Not Like Us, was the most searched song of the year, sparking conversations around race and appropriation. Songs by Rose and Bruno Mars, as well as Creepy Nuts, also made the top three most searched songs globally.
The gaming world saw an array of popular titles in 2024, with The New York Times’ word game Connections, Japanese developer Pocketpair’s Palworld, and Infinite Craft drawing significant attention. These games showcased diverse gameplay styles and genres, with a variety of studios and countries contributing to the top 10 most searched games of the year. Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic Journey to the West, gained traction as the seventh most searched game globally.
Food and drink searches in 2024 highlighted trending recipes such as Olympics chocolate muffins, Tanghulu, and Tini’s Mac and Cheese. Inspired by a Norwegian swimmer, the muffin recipe became a viral sensation, while Tanghulu, a Chinese street food delicacy, caught the attention of social media foodies. Tini’s Mac and Cheese, known for its creamy twist on the classic comfort dish, became a popular choice for those seeking a cozy and crowd-pleasing meal. Overall, Google’s Year in Search for 2024 reflected the diverse interests and trends that captivated people around the world.
