Google has released its annual “Year in Search” report, highlighting the top trending searches, news, people, entertainment, and more that captured the world’s attention in 2024.
Based on Google search data, the report offers a glimpse into the topics, events, and figures that defined the year.
Here’s an overview of top trending searches worldwide and a breakdown of U.S.-specific trends.
Global Top Trending Searches 2024
Overall Searches
Globally, the top trending searches were dominated by major sporting events.
The Copa América soccer tournament topped the list, followed by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket tournament.
- Copa América.
- UEFA European Championship.
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- India vs. England.
- Liam Payne.
News
In the news category, the U.S. presidential election was the most searched topic worldwide, surpassing interest in the Olympic games, which came in third.
Excessive heat and Hurricane Milton also drove significant search interest, ranking as the second and fourth top global news events.
- U.S. Election.
- Excessive heat.
- Olympics.
- Hurricane Milton.
Entertainment
In entertainment, veteran comedian and actor Katt Williams topped the global list of most searched actors. Rising stars like Ella Purnell and Hina Khan also earned spots in the top five.
Highly anticipated sequels dominated movie searches, with “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Dune: Part Two” ranking as the top three.
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.
United States Top Trending Searches 2024
Overall Searches
- Election.
- Donald Trump.
- Connections.
- New York Yankees.
- Kamala Harris.
People
- Donald Trump.
- Kamala Harris.
- JD Vance.
- Joe Biden.
- Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Entertainment
Actors:
- Katt Williams.
- Jacob Elordi.
- Glen Powell.
- Jeremy Allen White.
- Shane Gillis.
Musicians
- Usher.
- Diddy.
- Kendrick Lamar.
- Drake.
- Justin Timberlake.
Sports
Sports fans worldwide were captivated by boxer Mike Tyson, the second most searched athlete globally behind Algerian karate champion Imane Khelif.
Sixteen-year-old soccer phenom Lamine Yamal also made the top five, reflecting the growing buzz about the young star.
Among sports teams, American franchises dominated, with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Celtics ranking in the top five for global searches.
However, interest in soccer was evident, with Inter Miami CF and German club Bayer Leverkusen also making the list.
Athletes:
- Mike Tyson.
- Imane Khalif.
- Simone Biles.
- Scottie Scheffler.
- Jake Paul.
Teams:
- New York Yankees.
- Los Angeles Dodgers.
- New York Mets.
- Boston Celtics.
- Minnesota Timberwolves.
Digital Culture & Gaming
In gaming, the massively multiplayer life sim Connections was the most searched game globally, followed by the creature-capturing open-world adventure Palworld.
The trends point to gamers’ desire for connection and imaginative escapism.
Games:
- Connections.
- Strands.
- Infinite Craft.
- Palworld.
- Sprunki.
Lifestyle Trends
Aesthetics:
- Mob wife aesthetic.
- Nancy Meyers aesthetic.
- Pillow face aesthetic.
- Brat aesthetic.
- Decora aesthetic.
Food & Recipes
Olympic-themed chocolate muffin recipes topped global food-related searches, while the traditional Chinese treat tanghulu came in second. Dubai chocolate bar rounded out the top five, showcasing an international palate.
- Olympic chocolate muffins.
- Tanghulu.
- Tini’s mac and cheese.
- Mama Kelce’s cookie.
- Dense bean salad.
Popular Locations (Google Maps)
When it came to getting out and about, Google Maps searches showed Central Park in New York as the most searched-for park in the world, while the British Museum topped the list of museums.
For sports venue searches, Madison Square Garden led the pack.
Top U.S. Hiking Areas:
- Dater Mountain Nature Park, Sloatsburg, NY.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR.
- Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO.
- Looking Glass Falls, Asheville, NC.
- Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu, HI.
Music Trends
Google’s “Hum to Search” feature, which identifies songs based on audio clips, revealed that people around the world were eager to locate catchy tunes like “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone and “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga.
The sea shanty “Wellerman” also had a global resurgence.
Most Hummed Songs:
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone.
- Axel F – Crazy Frog
- Wellerman – Santiano.
- Past Lives – Slushii.
- Too Sweet – Hozier.
A Snapshot Of 2024 Through Search
Google’s Year in Search 2024 reflects what connected people worldwide over the past year.
Key highlights include the World Cup, travel, a renewed love for nature, and virtual adventures. Common themes are sports, entertainment, connection, and comfort.
We’ll be watching to see what people search for in 2025 and beyond.
For a complete overview of this year’s search trends, visit Google’s Year in Search mini-site.
More Resources:
- 22 SEO Experts Offer Their Predictions For 2025
- Google Trends: How To Use It For SEO & Content Marketing
- SEO Trends 2025
Featured Image: Daniel Pawer/Shutterstock
