Google's year in search: From global sporting events to viral internet sensations

Dec 11, 2024

Google has unveiled its annual report of the most searched topics worldwide in 2024, offering a snapshot of what captured global attention this year. The list spans major sports events, political developments, pop culture phenomena, and sought-after travel destinations.

Sports lead global search trends in 2024

Sports events were at the forefront of Google searches in 2024. The Copa América and the UEFA European Championship topped the list, reflecting widespread interest in these prestigious football tournaments. Cricket enthusiasts flocked to Google to follow the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with notable matches such as India vs England driving significant search traffic.

In addition, figures like Mike Tyson and Simone Biles dominated the sports-related searches, with the latter’s Olympic success contributing to her prominence. Liam Payne, known for his connection to major sporting events, also appeared on the list of popular searches.

Key political and climate moments sparked interest

The political landscape in 2024 was a key subject of online searches. The US Election took the top spot as global audiences followed the race for the White House. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were also among the most searched public figures, with the election and political shifts creating widespread online discussions.

In climate news, Hurricane Milton captured attention, alongside concerns about excessive heat. Meanwhile, the Olympics sparked curiosity around key moments in the global sporting spectacle.

Entertainment and public figures in the spotlight

The entertainment world made a significant impact on search trends, with public figures like Catherine, Princess of Wales and Kamala Harris remaining prominent. In Hollywood, actors Katt Williams, Pawan Kalyan, and Adam Brody topped searches, along with rising stars like Ella Purnell and Hina Khan.

Film searches were dominated by Inside Out 2, followed by Deadpool & Wolverine, Saltburn, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. These films drove significant online interest, with moviegoers keen to stay updated on the latest releases.

Music also played a vital role in shaping 2024's search trends. Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us, alongside Rosé and Bruno Mars's APT., topped the music charts in online searches. Diddy, Usher, and Linkin Park also led the musical conversations, with Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Timberlake attracting significant attention.

Popular songs and viral trends

The year’s musical mood was reflected in trending songs:

Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar

APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars

Bling-Bang-Bang-Born by Creepy Nuts

Thick Of It by KSI

Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter

These tracks resonated widely with global audiences, shaping the year’s pop culture.

Athletes and sports teams in the spotlight

Simone Biles, Mike Tyson, Imane Khelif, and Lamine Yamal were among the most searched athletes in 2024, highlighting the growing interest in both Olympic stars and rising sports figures. Meanwhile, Jake Paul also attracted attention for his ventures outside traditional sports.

Sports teams such as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Inter Miami CF, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and the Boston Celtics were popular search topics, reflecting their broad international followings.

Top travel destinations in 2024

Travel searches revealed global interest in iconic landmarks and destinations. In particular, Central Park in New York, Rizal Park in Manila, and Ohori Park in Fukuoka were among the most searched parks. Other top locations included Park Güell in Barcelona and Odori Park in Hokkaido, Japan.

Top parks globally:

Central Park, New York, USA

Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines

Ohori Park, Fukuoka, Japan

Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain

Odori Park, Hokkaido, Japan

These locations were the subject of heightened interest, demonstrating the continued appeal of green spaces and cultural landmarks worldwide.

conclusion

Google's 2024 search trends reveal the diverse range of topics that captured the world's attention, from sporting triumphs and political upheavals to cultural landmarks and viral moments. As the year winds down, it is clear that global events, entertainment, and iconic destinations played a key role in shaping what people Googled in 2024.

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