Google India has announced the top trending searches of 2024, highlighting the key moments and trends that captured the curiosity of people across the country.
According to Google, there are billions of searches globally every day, and 15% of them are new searches, showcasing the boundless curiosity of people. This year’s trending topics covered a wide range, from sports and entertainment to memes and global issues, reflecting the collective attention of India.
India’s Year in Search 2024
India’s top searches in 2024 reflected a broad spectrum of interests, from sports to entertainment and social trends. People followed the excitement of the IPL and the Olympics, celebrated athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Hardik Pandya, and mourned the loss of the iconic Ratan Tata.
- The country’s entertainment scene was marked by searches for movies like Stree 2 and Nadaaniyan, along with a growing interest in K-dramas.
- Additionally, quirky lingo and memes continued to be popular, with terms like “Pookie” and “demure and mindful.”
Google also noted that people searched for practical advice, such as “AQI near me” and “how to vote” in elections.
Heeramandi to Husn: Entertainment that Captivated
Entertainment trends in India spanned a wide array of genres and languages. Stree 2 topped the movie search rankings, followed by Hanu-man and Kalki, both known for their grand narratives.
- Films like 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies explored deeper societal issues.
- On the television front, Heeramandi and Mirzapur stood out for their intense storytelling, while shows like Panchayat and Kota Factory continued to resonate with audiences due to their relatable themes.
- International entertainment also gained attention, with K-dramas like Queen of Tears and Marry My Husband driving significant search interest.
- The Indian music scene saw the rise of indie songs like Nadaaniyan, while nostalgic hits such as Ye Tune Kya Kiya remained popular.
Blue Grinch, Orange Peels, and Gen Z Boss: Memes and Social Trends
Memes were a key form of expression in 2024. The “Blue Grinch Knee Surgery” meme became widely popular, alongside lighter memes like the Hamster Meme and Very Demure, Very Mindful.
- A standout theme was the “Gen Z Boss” meme, reflecting the unique work culture of younger generations.
- The Orange Peel Theory meme, focusing on relationships, sparked many online discussions.
- Another notable trend was the rise of Throning Dating, which became the most searched dating-related term of the year.
Air Quality, Elections, and Pookie Questions
People’s curiosity was not limited to entertainment. The ongoing global conflict in Palestine led to searches for terms like “All Eyes on Rafah.” Local concerns about air quality gained significant attention, with many searching for “AQI near me” and information on how to cope with excessive heat.
The Indian political landscape saw a surge in searches, particularly surrounding the Lok Sabha elections. The top trending “How To” search was about voting in the elections, with people asking, “How to vote Lok Sabha.” Additionally, quirky terms like Pookie, demure, and Moye Moye sparked curiosity as they appeared in memes and social media trends.
Sports Mania: From IPL to the Olympics
Sports-related searches saw a sharp increase in 2024, with the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pro Kabaddi League, and Indian Super League dominating local interest.
- International events such as the Olympics, T20 World Cup, and Copa America also captured attention.
- Cricket remained the most followed sport, with high anticipation for India’s matches against teams like England and Bangladesh.
- Trending sports personalities included athletes such as Vinesh Phogat, Hardik Pandya, and Shahshank Singh.
Travel and Culinary Curiosity: Bali to Manali, Martinis to Mango Pickles
India’s wanderlust took people around the world, with Azerbaijan emerging as the most searched international destination. Domestically, popular travel spots included Manali and Jaipur.
- On the culinary front, there was a growing interest in both traditional and global recipes.
- Searches for Mango Pickle and Ugadi Pachadi were complemented by an increasing fascination with international drinks like the Pornstar Martini and Flat White, alongside regional specialities like Chammanthi and Onam Sadhya.
For more details, visit Google’s Year in Search website to explore the full list of trends and searches that defined 2024 in India.