Global interest has been on the rise, as indicated by Google’s annual release of the “Year in Search” report for 2024. This year saw users flocking to the search engine for various reasons, from major sporting events and local elections to pop culture phenomena.
According to Google’s findings, sports had the lion's share of attention, particularly soccer and cricket, with Copa América concluding as the most searched term globally. It was closely followed by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing the sports enthusiasts' appetite around the world. "Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated Google's overall trending searches...,” reported Google.
The political arena also captured considerable public interest, primarily due to the U.S. presidential elections. Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, topped searches not only nationally but globally, reflecting his controversial and polarizing presence on the world stage. Queries about the elections made significant noise, as did searches for figures such as Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. "US President-elect Donald Trump topped searches..." highlighted Google, capturing the political rollercoaster year experienced by many.
Another pivotal aspect of this year’s search trends was the extreme weather phenomena, with the term "excessive heat" trending significantly. This relates directly to the unusually high temperatures faced around the world throughout the summer months of this past year.
Entertainment, of course, has its part to play. Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 rose to the top as the year’s most sought-after movie, delighting fans everywhere, and underscoring the film's transition from its heartwarming predecessor. It was noted by Google: "Disney and Pixar's 'Inside Out 2' was the top trending movie of the year..." Meanwhile, Netflix's Baby Reindeer captured the hearts of TV show audiences, proving the platform's continued popularity.
Music was another category where trends flourished, with Kendrick Lamar's song “Not Like Us” leading the pack as the most searched song of the year. This musical trend highlights the growing popularity of Lamar as pivotal figures continue to shift within the music industry, reflecting changing audience interests.
Unfortunately, searches this year included some somber notes as well. Following the death of several notable figures, searches for Liam Payne soared, making him the top searched celebrity who passed away this year. Other mourned figures included country star Toby Keith and infamous athlete O.J. Simpson, showing individuals’ attachment to public personalities.
Canada had its whims reflected distinctly as well, with citizens tuning in to events like Euro 2024, which took the top spot among trending searches, highlighting the interest Canadians have not just for their beloved hockey but for global soccer. Notable searches also included the U.S. elections and various strikes, such as those at Air Canada and LCBO, indicating the political awareness and engagement among the Canadian public.
Queries about survival and nature dominated specifics of Canadian searches, particularly during the catastrophic events like the Hurricane Milton and Jasper Fire, where natural disasters impacted the public and contributed to mass interest.
It wasn’t all political and catastrophic, though. With the solar eclipse captivating Canadians’ attention, many searched for information on its occurrence, asking, “What time is the eclipse?” A vivid portrayal of the overall curiosity of Canadians, this query indicates interests beyond just local phenomena. Other queries ranged widely, from international sports events to famous boxing matches, displaying the dynamic and eclectic taste of the public.
Google's report did share more than the simple data of what caught people's attention, but also cast light on trends, urging for curiosity and continued engagement. People are searching not just for information but for escapes from the everyday routine as they try to understand both the world and entertainment's role within it. One person’s search can reflect broader changes and interests within society.
With Spotify Wrapped and other annual summaries like Collins Dictionary and Merriam-Webster’s words of the year also becoming popular reflective tools, Google’s “Year in Search” serves as yet another valuable tool to reflect on the year passed. For those eager to find out more about what captivated them this year, the full report and extensive data breakdown can be found through Google’s platforms.
