Every December, Google’s “Year in Search” provides a fascinating glimpse into the year’s defining moments, cultural shifts, and global obsessions. This year, the list is packed with surprises, from viral food trends to global sporting events, and the ever-persistent curiosity about political figures like Donald Trump. But there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to these search results—they’re not just a reflection of what we care about but a window into how we process the world around us.
Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s top trending searches for 2024, how they’re compiled, and what they tell us about our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
What Does “Year in Search” Measure?
First things first: Google’s “Year in Search” doesn’t represent the most searched terms of the year. That list would be dominated by evergreen queries like “weather” or “news.” Instead, the focus is on what surged in popularity during 2024—terms that spiked in interest compared to 2023.
This methodology helps spotlight the fleeting obsessions, viral moments, and cultural phenomena that defined the year. Importantly, these trends are based solely on text-based searches on Google.com, excluding other platforms like YouTube or Google’s Gemini AI chatbot. However, Google made one exception this year: the “hum to search” feature, where users hum a tune to identify a song, was included in its own list.
But with younger generations increasingly turning to social platforms like TikTok for discovery and news, how long can Google’s current approach hold? Research shows that Gen Z is 25% less likely than Gen X to use Google for search, favoring TikTok and Instagram instead. Google may need to adapt in the future, possibly by incorporating more data from YouTube, which remains a favorite among younger users.
And let’s not forget the rise of generative AI tools. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has already made its way into SimilarWeb’s top 10 most-visited websites globally, challenging Google’s dominance. Google is countering this shift by integrating generative AI into its search results and standalone apps, creating a complementary rather than competitive experience.
The Top Global Trends of 2024
This year’s global trending searches highlight one undeniable fact: Google is a universal tool that transcends borders, cultures, and interests.
1. Sporting Fever Dominates
Sports ruled the search charts, with six of the top 10 terms related to major tournaments. Topping the list were:
- Copa América
- UEFA European Championship
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- India vs England Test Match
Even the Olympic Games Paris 2024 managed to break into the top 10 at number nine, underscoring the universal appeal of athletic competition.
2. Liam Payne’s Tragic Passing
The untimely death of Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, shocked fans worldwide and made him the fifth-most searched term globally. His passing not only marked the loss of a beloved entertainer but also sparked widespread mourning on social media.
3. Donald Trump and the U.S. Election
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump was impossible to ignore in 2024. He won the U.S. presidential election, and his presence dominated search trends globally and in the U.S., far outpacing his opponent, Kamala Harris. Trump’s name also appeared in other trending lists, including global news events, where his infamous gunshot incident was one of the top stories.
4. The iPhone 16 Craze
Apple continued its reign as a global tech giant with the release of the iPhone 16, another blockbuster device that captured the attention of millions worldwide.
5. Catherine, Princess of Wales
Rounding out the top 10, Catherine, Princess of Wales, remained a global fashion icon and a figure of fascination, proving that the royal family continues to captivate audiences.
Viral Foods and Dubai’s Chocolate Bar Phenomenon
Food trends were also a key theme in 2024, none more viral than Dubai’s pistachio-filled chocolate bars. Originating from the Middle East, these luxurious treats skyrocketed to fame after a Dubai-based food influencer’s TikTok video went viral. From there, the craze spread to global media, ultimately landing these bars on multiple Google trending lists, including top global and U.S. food recipes.
This story underscores how TikTok remains a powerful engine for driving global trends, often influencing what people search for on Google.
The Rise of Internet Theories
Two unconventional theories trended in the U.S. this year, showing that our obsession with food isn’t always literal.
- The Burnt Toast Theory: This optimistic spin on determinism suggests that even life’s minor setbacks, like burning your toast, are part of a bigger picture. Everything happens for a reason.
- The Orange Peel Theory: A quirky relationship test, it posits that if someone peels an orange for you when asked, they’re a keeper.
Both theories were born on TikTok and captured the imagination of millions, proving the platform’s ability to turn niche ideas into mainstream phenomena.
Fashion Meets Nostalgia: Nancy Meyers and the Coastal Granddaughter Trend
Fashion trends in 2024 were inspired by the unlikeliest of sources: middle-aged women in Nancy Meyers films. Known for her 1990s and early 2000s hits like The Parent Trap and Father of the Bride, Meyers’ characters embodied an effortlessly chic, cozy aesthetic.
This year, that aesthetic was reborn as “Coastal Granddaughter,” a modern twist on the “Coastal Grandmother” look that went viral last year. TikTok and Instagram were instrumental in bringing this nostalgic yet fresh style to a new generation, cementing Meyers’ legacy as a cultural icon.
Top News Stories of 2024
When it came to news, searches reflected a mix of major global events and peculiar stories. The top news trends included:
- U.S. Presidential Election
- Olympics Paris 2024
- Rafah and Iran
- The Menendez Brothers (yes, they’re still a topic of fascination)
- Crowdstrike Outage
Meanwhile, natural disasters continued to dominate as weather events intensified worldwide, with hurricanes, floods, and wildfires driving significant search traffic.
What Do Google Searches Say About Us?
Google’s trending searches are more than just a list of the year’s most popular topics. They’re a snapshot of our collective curiosity, a barometer of cultural shifts, and a reflection of how digital platforms shape our understanding of the world.
From the rise of Liam Payne as a global icon of remembrance to TikTok’s influence on everything from food to fashion, 2024 was a year of deep contrasts, viral moments, and shared experiences.
As technology evolves and new platforms challenge Google’s dominance, it will be fascinating to see how these lists transform. But for now, the “Year in Search” remains a window into what makes us tick—and click.
