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Every December, Google publishes its Year in Search, revealing a capsule of the most searched topics, reflecting the world's collective curiosity and what they entered into the famous search bar.
In 2024 key news events, such as global elections, as well as the biggest cultural hits of the year, were behind the biggest search traffic. Here's a breakdown of the year's most searched topics across news stories, people, movies, songs, games and food and drink globally.
Which news stories generated the most searches in 2024?
Elections, high temperatures raising environmental concerns and huge sporting events were the main points of interest in the news this year.
The US elections was the most searched news event of the year, indicating global interest in American politics. From Joe Biden's dramatic exit from the presidential race to the heated debates between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the election generated a lot of buzz, peaking in late October/early November.
Excessive heat was the second most-searched news item – a reminder of the growing global climate crisis, which has led to sweltering, record-breaking temperatures around the world in 2024.
The Olympics, held in Paris this year, were the third most-watched news event, featuring a dazzling – and controversial – opening ceremony, as well as record-breaking performances by athletes and new additions to the Games, such as the suspension.
Who were the most wanted people in 2024?
A polarizing figure, Donald Trump was the most searched person of the year. His legal battles and ultimately successful run for the US presidency keep him high on the search bar, driving discussions and online searches.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, was the second most wanted person, especially due to her absence from royal duties earlier in the year, which caused a wave of speculation and concern.
Kamala Harris was the third most searched person globally in 2024. The Democrat and US vice president sparked interest when she replaced outgoing President Joe Biden as a presidential candidate and was catapulted into the race for the White House just 100 days before the election.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was the fourth most wanted person in 2024. She won the gold medal in the women's welterweight boxing competition at the Olympics and sparked debate after controversy over gender eligibility.
Which movies caught people's attention in 2024?
Disney and Pixar's animated sequel, Inside Out 2, led global searches in the movie category. The sequel to the 2015 hit film. rekindled interest with its coming-of-age themes.
Deadpool and Wolverine and Saltburn are the second and third most searched movies respectively.
Which songs caught the world's attention in 2024?
Kendrick Lamar's song, Not Like Us, became the most searched song of 2024. Released in May, the powerful song sparked conversations about race and appropriation.
Rose and Bruno Mars' APT and Creepy Nuts' Bling-Bang-Bang-Born were the second and third most searched songs of the year, respectively.
The Global Impact of Music in 2024 spans across languages and cultures. Among the 10 most searched songs was Japanese singer Kocchi no Kento's single, Hai Yorokonde, which peaked at number four on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Similarly, Tamil singer Sai Abhyankkar's Katchi Sera was the 10th most searched song of 2024, becoming popular for its soulful lyrics, music video and choreography.
What games were people most eager to play in 2024?
In the gaming world, The New York Times' word game Connections has captured the attention of players in the US and beyond, prompting players everywhere to flex their mental muscles in search of connections between words.
Meanwhile, Japanese developer Pocketpair released Palworld, which attracted global buzz with its unique blend of open-world exploration, crafting and creature interaction, offering a new take on survival games. Likewise, Infinite Craft captivates players with its limitless possibilities for building and creativity, cementing its place as a favorite among sandbox fans.
The most wanted games of 2024 show how popular games are no longer dominated by just a handful of studios or countries, with games from Japan, China, Sweden and Finland entering the top 10 most searched for in 2024.
Chinese game Black Myth: Wukongfor example, it was the seventh most searched game of the year. The game is based on the 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, about Buddhist monk Xuanzang's pilgrimage to India in search of sacred texts.
What food and drink recipes were popular in 2024?
Among food and drink searches, the recipe for Olympic Chocolate Muffins became a global hit. Inspired by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who credited muffins as his main energy booster during the Games, it quickly became a viral sensation. Home cooks around the world tried to replicate the recipe, sharing their results on social media platforms.
Another notable food trend was Tanghulu, a Chinese street food delicacy featuring skewered fruit covered in a shiny, cracked sugar coating that became a foodie hit on social media.
Tini's Mac and Cheese also earned its place among the year's top food searches. Known for its creamy twist on the classic comfort food, it has become a favorite recipe for those looking for a cozy, indulgent meal.
