2024, a year marked by political fervor, technological advancements, and cultural shifts, witnessed a diverse range of search queries reflecting the global zeitgeist. Google’s Year in Search report unveiled a captivating snapshot of the year’s dominant trends, highlighting a blend of significant events, popular figures, and trending topics. From the resounding impact of the US presidential election to the anticipation surrounding the latest iPhone release, the world’s collective curiosity spanned a wide spectrum of interests. The report, however, doesn’t merely reflect the most frequently searched terms, but rather emphasizes those that experienced a substantial surge in traffic compared to the previous year, indicating a genuine spike in public interest.
Globally, the realm of sports captivated audiences, with major tournaments like the Copa América, UEFA European Championship, and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup dominating search trends. The unexpected passing of Liam Payne, former One Direction member, sent shockwaves across the internet, propelling him to the forefront of global searches. Alongside significant events, the persistent allure of technological innovation persisted, with the release of the iPhone 16 generating considerable buzz. Adding to this mix, the 2024 Paris Olympics and the enduring fascination with the British royal family, particularly Catherine, Princess of Wales, further contributed to the diverse tapestry of global search interests.
Within the United States, the political landscape took center stage, with the presidential election dominating search queries. Alongside the political discourse, seemingly mundane aspects of daily life also captured the nation’s attention. The New York Times’ game Connections, offering a unique blend of word association and puzzle-solving, became a viral sensation. The perennial popularity of the New York Yankees further solidified their position as a prominent search term, reflecting the enduring passion for baseball in the American psyche. These diverse interests, ranging from high-stakes political battles to leisurely pastimes, underscored the multifaceted nature of American curiosity.
Delving deeper into specific categories, US search trends reveal a nuanced perspective on the nation’s priorities. The political sphere saw Donald Trump outpacing other candidates like Kamala Harris, JD Vance, and Joe Biden in search volume, highlighting his continued influence on the national conversation. The unfortunate passing of country music legend Toby Keith, following his battle with cancer, resonated deeply with the public, generating a surge in searches related to his life and legacy. In the world of music, Diddy’s legal troubles brought him into the global spotlight, although he was superseded by Usher in US searches, indicating a potentially diverging public perception.
Beyond the realm of politics and personalities, entertainment trends also played a significant role in shaping search patterns. The Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” captivated global audiences, topping the list of most-searched TV shows. In the cinematic landscape, “Inside Out 2” reigned supreme, both globally and within the US, reflecting the enduring appeal of animated features. Other notable movies like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “It Ends with Us,” and “Saltburn” also garnered considerable attention, showcasing a diverse cinematic palate. This year also witnessed the resurgence of the classic martini, with variations like the Porn Star Martini, the US Open Honey Deuce, and the viral Hugo Spritz trending alongside traditional dirty, lychee, and lemon drop martinis.
The realm of fashion and style also witnessed its share of trending searches. The “mob wife aesthetic,” characterized by bold fashion choices like micro skirts, fur coats, and voluminous hairstyles, took the internet by storm, becoming the most-searched style aesthetic. Other trends like the “brat” and “office siren” aesthetics also gained traction. Interestingly, the cyclical nature of fashion was evident in the resurgence of skinny jeans, with searches like “are skinny jeans back in style?” reflecting the Gen Z-driven revival of this once-ubiquitous denim style. These diverse trends, spanning from politics and entertainment to food and fashion, provide a comprehensive overview of the world’s collective interests in 2024.
