Google has released its much-anticipated report for 2024, detailing the top searched brands, products, and shopping categories across the globe. Each December, as the year winds down, this tech giant unveils trends reflecting what catches the public's attention, and this year is no different.
According to the latest findings, which were reported by NBC Select, there has been significant shifts toward various consumer products, particularly with brands tapping deeply at the intersection between health, lifestyle, and technology. The final report states, "Searches for white noise machines have reached record levels this year," showcasing the growing concerns over sleep-related issues among consumers.
Among the standout products was the Therabody line of massage devices. The report highlights, "The searches for Therabody have increased every holiday season since 2020." This growth reflects consumers’ increasing interest in wellness and self-care practices.
Another notable mention is the Oura Ring, which topped the list of fitness trackers this year. Harry Rabinowitz, reviewing the Oura Ring for NBC Select, praised its sleep tracking and exercise detection capabilities, highlighting it as "the most searched brand this year."
Wireless charging stations are on the rise too, with searches increasing by 65% according to the report. Editors recommend portable chargers such as Hicober and Anker for anyone who travels. "These chargers not only fulfill the need for convenience but also cater to our growing dependency on electronic devices," one editor noted.
While technological innovations continue to rise, household comfort also plays a significant role, with increasing searches for white noise machines, driven by sleep experts advocating for their benefits. NBC Select also consulted experts to curate the best models available, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions.
Running shoes saw a resurgence, especially for brands like Salomon and Nike. Both brands topped the search charts as fitness trends continue to gain traction among the public. This surge is also reflected through many editors' recommendations where running and wellness merge seamlessly.
Gardening kits have blossomed in search popularity, with indoor planting accessories climbing 55% this year. Ashley Morris of NBC Select elaborated on products like the Aerogarden Harvest Elite, allowing users to cultivate plants and herbs with minimal effort—a testimony to the pandemic's long-lasting effects on self-sufficiency and home hobbies.
According to the report, searches for lip treatments and skincare products also surged this year, with lip masks seeing impressive growth. Editors researched over 50 lip balms and consulted dermatologists to provide consumers with effective products to combat dry lips. Meanwhile, the seasonal trend for moisturizing and nourishing skin has brought skincare to the forefront of consumers’ minds as colder months approach.
Within the culinary domain, ice cream makers have shown impressive growth as searches increased by 60%. The Creami Deluxe by Ninja proved to be quite the sensation, even selling out at major retailers. "This is indicative of consumers' nostalgia and desire for homemade treats during family gatherings," NBC Select editors suggested.
Finally, as we anticipate 2025, the trends and consumer demands observed substantiate how integral wellness and personal care have become to daily life. With brands adapting and thriving based on search insights, consumers are poised to explore innovative products next year.
Reflecting on such findings, the NBC Select team remarked, "This year we've taken a closer look at some of our favorite brands and categories based on Google's search trends." Such monitoring allows for deep insights and valuable future predictions for brands and consumers alike.
