Google released its 2025 Year in Search report, revealing the top trending search queries worldwide based on traffic spikes compared to 2024. The report captures global interest in topics from AI tools to sports events and cultural phenomena.
The annual Year in Search report from Google compiles data on queries that experienced sustained increases in searches during 2025, excluding routine terms like weather forecasts. This approach highlights emerging interests rather than everyday staples. For instance, the overall top trending search was Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot designed for conversational interactions and information retrieval. This query outpaced others in volume of new interest throughout the year.
Following Gemini, the second most trending search was India vs England, referring to the cricket series that drew significant attention from sports enthusiasts globally. The third position went to Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, whose name surged in searches amid various public discussions.
Another AI-related entry appeared lower on the list, with DeepSeek ranking seventh. DeepSeek represents an open-source AI model developed by a Chinese company, gaining traction for its capabilities in code generation and natural language processing among developers and tech users.
In the news category, Charlie Kirk again dominated as the top trending topic, specifically driven by the query Charlie Kirk assassination, which spiked following related rumors and coverage in media outlets. The second trending news query was Iran, encompassing searches tied to geopolitical developments and international relations involving the country. Rounding out the top three was US Government Shutdown, reflecting queries about potential fiscal policy disruptions and congressional debates in the United States.
Shifting to culinary interests, the recipes and food section featured hot honey as the leading search, a condiment blending sweetness and spice used in dishes like pizzas and fried chicken. Marry Me Chicken secured second place, a creamy, sun-dried tomato-based recipe named for its supposed romantic appeal. Chimichurri, an Argentine herb sauce typically paired with grilled meats, took third.
For entertainment, movies led with Anora as the top search, an indie film that premiered to critical acclaim. Superman followed in second, likely boosted by anticipation for the DC reboot directed by James Gunn. The Minecraft Movie claimed third, adapting the popular video game into a live-action feature.
Actors mirrored movie trends, with Mikey Madison topping the list for her lead role in Anora, earning praise for her performance. Lewis Pullman ranked second, known for his part in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, an upcoming anti-hero ensemble film. Isabela Merced placed third, cast as Hawkgirl in the Superman project.
Sports searches highlighted the FIFA Club World Cup in first, an expanded tournament featuring top club teams from around the world held in the United States. The Asia Cup came second, a regional cricket competition among Asian nations. The ICC Champions Trophy took third, another international cricket event organized by the International Cricket Council.
Sports teams saw Paris Saint-Germain F.C. lead, the French soccer club renowned for its star players and Ligue 1 dominance. S.L. Benfica, the Portuguese powerhouse, followed in second. The Toronto Blue Jays, a Major League Baseball team, rounded out the top three with interest peaking during their season.
Podcasts drew attention to The Charlie Kirk Show first, a daily program discussing politics and culture from a conservative perspective. New Heights by Jason and Travis Kelce placed second, the brothers’ NFL-focused podcast blending sports analysis and personal stories. This is Gavin Newsom secured third, a series featuring interviews with the California governor on policy and current events.
Books closed the categories, with Regretting You by Colleen Hoover leading; this romance novel explores family dynamics and young love. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros took second, the third installment in her Empyrean fantasy series involving dragon riders. Lights Out by Naveesa Allen finished third, a thriller delving into suspense and mystery elements.
