Google has unveiled its list of the most searched topics and people for 2024, offering a fascinating glimpse into what captured the public’s attention across the UK and the US. From major sporting events to political debates, celebrity news, and viral trends, the data highlights what had the world Googling this year.
Top Searches in the UK
In the UK, 2024 was a year filled with sports, politics, and celebrity events that sparked widespread interest. The UEFA European Championship (Euros 2024) was a major focus, along with the US elections. The tragic passing of One Direction’s Liam Payne and the mysterious disappearance of British teen Jay Slater in Tenerife also dominated the search trends.
The top searches in the UK also included how to get Oasis tickets, as fans eagerly awaited the band’s reunion. The most searched individual was Kate Middleton, whose absence from royal duties as the Princess of Wales triggered numerous conspiracy theories. Following her were Donald Trump, darts champion Luke Littler, Labour leader Keir Starmer, and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, whose victory in the 2024 Olympics sparked controversy.
When it came to entertainment, Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice 2” was a hot topic, with “It Ends With Us,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Dune: Part Two” also trending. In TV, “Baby Reindeer,” an Emmy-winning series, topped searches, while the highly anticipated Oasis reunion took the lead in music searches. Fans also searched for popular artists like Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction, Dave Grohl, and RAYE.
In sports, athletes like Luke Littler, Lamine Yamal, and Simone Biles were the most searched names.
US Search Trends in 2024
Over in the US, the 2024 presidential election was the dominant search topic. Donald Trump’s re-election campaign stirred intense interest, with searches for the former president surpassing all others. Kamala Harris, JD Vance, and President Joe Biden also made the list, reflecting the political fervor of the year.
In entertainment, Katt Williams made headlines following a controversial appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, and actors Jacob Elordi, Glen Powell, and Jeremy Allen White gained significant attention for their roles in “Priscilla,” “Saltburn,” “Twisters,” and “The Bear.”
Usher emerged as the most searched musician of 2024, thanks to his unforgettable Super Bowl halftime performance and a successful Vegas residency. Meanwhile, Sean “Diddy” Combs sparked conversation due to serious allegations of sexual misconduct, and Kendrick Lamar and Drake remained at the forefront of the rap scene, fueling their ongoing beef.
Fun and Viral Searches
Not all searches were related to major events or controversies. The viral “burnt toast theory” captured the curiosity of US users in 2024. This whimsical metaphor suggests that small, negative events can lead to positive outcomes—a concept that resonated with many.
Additionally, many Googlers were curious about the latest generational trends. Searches for “demure” fashion and “Gen Alpha” slang, like “sigma,” were among the top queries. In case you’re wondering, “sigma” refers to a term in male hierarchy that describes someone successful, humble, and attractive—considered an alternative to the more dominant “Alpha” label.
Key Insights from Google’s 2024 Search Trends
Google’s search data provides a fascinating snapshot of what captured the public’s imagination this year. Major events like the Euros, the US presidential race, and the tragic deaths of celebrities dominated the trends. Meanwhile, pop culture phenomena, viral theories, and generational slang gave us insight into how the world is changing.
Whether it was sports, politics, music, or entertainment, the most searched topics and people in 2024 reflect the shifting interests and concerns of both the UK and US. As we move into 2025, it’s clear that Google search trends will continue to shape our understanding of the year’s most defining moments.
Stay tuned for more insights as Google’s search data evolves and reveals what we’ll be Googling next!
