2024 has been a year full of unforgettable events, and Google searches give us a glimpse into what grabbed the world’s attention. Let’s take a look at the biggest trends that shaped the year.
1. The U.S. Election Dominates Searches
The U.S. election topped the trending searches this year and for a good reason. With 3.7 billion people eligible to vote worldwide, 2024 was a “super year” for elections. In November, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won against Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate. This election has serious consequences for both the U.S. and the rest of the world, especially when it comes to trade and foreign policy. But that wasn’t all—India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third term despite losing his majority in parliament, and in the UK, Labour’s Keir Starmer kicked the Conservative Party out after 14 years in power.
2. Excessive Heat Makes Headlines
2024 is on track to be the hottest year ever recorded, and that didn’t go unnoticed in Google searches. “Excessive heat” was one of the fastest-growing search terms, as heatwaves around the world caused widespread concern. One of the most tragic events linked to the heat was the death of over 1,300 people during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the dangerous effects of the rising temperatures.
3. The Music Scene: Drama and Hits
In the music world, Sean “Diddy” Combs was the most searched artist. His name was all over the news due to serious legal issues, including lawsuits related to sexual assault, rape, and sex trafficking. But it wasn’t just Diddy making waves. Usher, Linkin Park, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Timberlake also saw huge search spikes this year, making them some of the most talked-about names in music.
4. Movies That Everyone Was Talking About
Movie lovers also flooded Google with searches in 2024. Pixar and Disney’s Inside Out 2, a film about emotions brought to life, grabbed a lot of attention. Marvel fans went crazy over Deadpool & Wolverine, while Saltburn, a thriller about wealth, sparked debates. These films had everyone talking and searching for more.
5. The Music You Couldn’t Escape
Music trends were also a huge part of the year’s search traffic. Some of the top earworms in 2024 were “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts, and “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga. These catchy tunes became so popular that people were humming them on their phones just to figure out the names.
6. Famous Faces: From Triumphs to Tragedy
The people searched for in 2024 weren’t just famous for their work—they made headlines for their personal lives too. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were, unsurprisingly, among the top names, but Princess Kate was also a big search topic. She bravely fought cancer and was recently reported cancer-free. Sadly, the year also saw the passing of Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, who became one of the most searched names following his death.
2024 was filled with headlines, from political upheaval to record-breaking temperatures and unforgettable moments in entertainment. These trends show just how much of an impact this year had on the world. The search data proves that 2024 will not be easily forgotten.
