Google’s annual “Year in Search” report for 2024 has arrived, offering a fascinating snapshot of the global topics, events, people, and entertainment that captured the public’s attention over the past year. From high-stakes sporting events to viral trends and the latest celebrity buzz, Google’s data reveals what was on the world’s mind in 2024.

Global Top Searches: Sports Dominating the Spotlight

When it comes to global trending searches, it’s no surprise that sports were at the forefront of interest. The Copa América soccer tournament was the top search globally, closely followed by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. These sporting events, alongside intense matchups like India vs. England, drove massive search activity throughout the year.

Copa América’s top spot reflects the massive popularity of international soccer, while the UEFA Euro championship’s close second highlights the global passion for football. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup further underscores the growing appeal of cricket worldwide. This year, sports fans were captivated by every twist and turn of these international competitions, which captured the hearts and imaginations of millions.

Other notable searches included Liam Payne, who continued to stir curiosity around his personal and professional life, adding to the list of globally trending searches.

News: The U.S. Election and Global Events Spark Massive Interest

In the news category, the 2024 U.S. presidential election was by far the most searched topic. With a contentious race and high-profile candidates, the election became a focal point for global attention. The event was more than just a political contest; it was a spectacle that engaged citizens worldwide, highlighting the role that the U.S. election plays in shaping global discourse.

Right behind the election was the issue of excessive heat, which generated significant concern due to its global impact. Extreme weather events and the growing climate crisis were closely followed throughout the year as people searched for information on how to cope with rising temperatures. Hurricane Milton rounded out the top four global news searches, illustrating the world’s deep concern with climate-related disasters.

Entertainment: Katt Williams, Inside Out 2, and More

In the entertainment realm, comedian and actor Katt Williams topped the list of the most searched actors globally. The resurgence of Williams’ career and public persona, combined with his appearances and interviews, kept him in the public eye. He was joined by rising stars like Ella Purnell and Hina Khan, both of whom captured the public’s attention with their performances and expanding careers.

Movies also garnered considerable search interest, with sequels to beloved franchises taking center stage. “Inside Out 2” topped the movie search charts, followed closely by the much-anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Dune: Part Two.” These films were highly anticipated by moviegoers and played a huge role in shaping the global entertainment landscape in 2024.

U.S. Trends: Political Figures and Sports Take the Lead

The U.S. search trends mirrored much of the global focus, with the 2024 presidential election dominating the conversation. Figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden also ranked highly in U.S. searches as political figures continued to drive public discourse. Their roles in shaping American politics and their influence over the election’s outcome captured the public’s attention.

Sports figures also made a significant impact on the search landscape in the U.S. Mike Tyson’s return to the spotlight after years of relative quiet sparked a flurry of interest, making him the second most searched athlete globally behind Algerian karate champion Imane Khelif. Other top athletes like Simone Biles and Jake Paul also garnered significant search attention.

Among sports teams, American franchises led the way, with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Celtics topping the list of most searched teams globally. Soccer made a noticeable presence as well, with Inter Miami CF’s popularity continuing to grow alongside European club teams like Bayer Leverkusen.

Digital Culture & Gaming: New Games and Viral Trends

In the gaming world, 2024 saw a surge in searches for browser-based games. Titles like “Connections” and “Strands” were at the top of the list, drawing millions of players into the digital experience. The rise of mobile and browser-based gaming continues to reflect the growing shift away from traditional console gaming, with easy-to-access games like “Palworld” gaining massive attention.

This shift in gaming preferences aligns with larger digital culture trends, where people are increasingly looking for interactive, easy-to-use platforms that provide instant entertainment. The rise in the popularity of word and puzzle games, especially those from the New York Times, also signals the demand for quick, brain-teasing experiences.

Food, Recipes, and Lifestyle: Unique and Viral Trends

Food-related searches saw an interesting trend, with Olympic-themed chocolate muffin recipes taking the top spot in global food searches. This was followed by tanghulu, a traditional Chinese treat, and Tini’s mac and cheese, reflecting a year of viral recipes that brought comfort and creativity into the kitchen.

Meanwhile, lifestyle trends were characterized by an explosion of interest in different aesthetics. The “mob wife” aesthetic, along with other unique trends like the “Nancy Meyers” aesthetic and the “pillow face” aesthetic, captivated people looking for new ways to express their identities and tastes through fashion and design.

Popular Locations: Madison Square Garden and the Vegas Sphere

When it comes to locations, Madison Square Garden in New York stood out as the most searched stadium globally, highlighting the continued importance of iconic venues in entertainment and sports. The Las Vegas Sphere also took the top spot for the most searched tourist attraction, reflecting the city’s ever-growing reputation as a must-visit destination for travelers.

Other popular locations like Navy Pier in Chicago and Willis Tower in Illinois also made waves, as people increasingly sought to explore cultural landmarks and tourist attractions that offered a mix of entertainment, history, and experiences.

Music Trends: “Hum to Search” Leads to Viral Songs

The music scene in 2024 was dominated by catchy tunes that stuck in people’s heads. Google’s “Hum to Search” feature revealed that songs like “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, “Crazy Frog” by Axel F, and the sea shanty “Wellerman” by Santiano captured the public’s attention. These songs, along with the resurgence of past hits like “Past Lives” by Slushii and “Too Sweet” by Hozier, became staples in people’s playlists and viral trends.

Google’s Year in Search 2024 paints a picture of a world increasingly focused on connection—whether through sports, entertainment, politics, or digital culture. As global events unfolded, people turned to search engines to stay informed, entertained, and connected. From major sporting events to the resurgence of nostalgic songs, the top trending searches of 2024 highlight how diverse and dynamic the world of search has become.

With the rise of AI, evolving search algorithms, and shifting user behaviors, it will be fascinating to see what 2025 holds in terms of search trends. One thing is certain: The world of search will continue to reflect our collective curiosity and ever-changing interests.