Google has released its annual “Year in Search” report, revealing the topics that saw the biggest surge in interest throughout 2025. Rather than highlighting the most common searches overall, the list focuses on queries that spiked significantly compared with 2024, and this year’s results show widespread fascination with artificial intelligence, global sports, political developments, and standout entertainment moments.
The top trending search term of 2025 was “Gemini,” Google’s AI chatbot. Its rise underscores a year marked by rapid advances in generative AI tools. Another chatbot, DeepSeek, also made the list, ranking seventh among all trending searches.
Sports and politics played a major role in search interest. The cricket matchup “India vs England” was the second-highest trending term, while conservative commentator Charlie Kirk ranked third. Kirk was also the year’s most-searched news topic, largely due to the query “Charlie Kirk assassination.” Other top trending news searches included “Iran” and “US Government Shutdown.”
Food-related searches revealed a different side of curiosity. The sweet-and-spicy condiment hot honey topped the list of trending recipes, followed by Marry Me Chicken and chimichurri.
In entertainment, “Anora” led all trending movie searches, followed by “Superman” and the “Minecraft Movie.” Actor Mikey Madison, who starred in Anora, became the top trending actor of 2025. Lewis Pullman of Marvel’s Thunderbolts ranked second, and Isabela Merced, featured in Superman, took the third spot.
Global sporting events were also prominent. The FIFA Club World Cup was the top trending sports search, followed by the Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy. The most searched sports team was Paris Saint-Germain F.C., with S.L. Benfica and the Toronto Blue Jays rounding out the top three.
In podcasts, “The Charlie Kirk Show” led the year’s trending searches, followed by Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” and “This Is Gavin Newsom.”
Books also generated significant interest. Colleen Hoover’s “Regretting You” was the top trending title, while Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” and Navessa Allen’s “Lights Out” placed second and third.
Source: Google, Tech Crunch