As we wrap up another year, Google has released its annual “Year in Search,” and 2025 was anything but predictable. From the total integration of AI into our daily lives to a global obsession with “caviar chicken nuggets,” the search data paints a picture of a world that is curious, tech-forward, and a little bit hungry.
Here is a breakdown of what the world was searching for in 2025.
1. The Year AI Became "The" Answer
If 2024 was the year we started talking about AI, 2025 was the year we couldn’t live without it. Google’s Gemini topped the global trending search charts, marking a shift from AI being a niche tool to a household name.
In the U.S., the focus was on AI-generated content. People weren’t just searching for tools; they were searching for results, with “AI Barbie,” “AI action figures,” and “Ghibli-style AI art” leading the trends. We also saw a massive 70% spike in conversational queries starting with “tell me about…” as users treated Google more like a personal assistant than a library.
2. Breaking News & Global Events
The headlines that moved us this year were a mix of political shifts and natural events. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the U.S. government shutdown dominated domestic searches, while the LA Fires and Hurricane Melissa drew worldwide attention.
On the global stage, the election of Pope Leo XIV and the ongoing debates surrounding the TikTok ban kept users glued to their screens.
3. Pop Culture: From K-Pop to Pink-Haired Dolls
In the world of entertainment, Anora took the crown as the top searched movie globally, while the U.S. was obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters and the highly anticipated Minecraft Movie.
In the world of fashion and toys, the Labubu doll became the viral sensation of the year, appearing in search queries nearly as often as the iPhone 17.
4. Viral Dishes: The “Cottage Cheese” Comeback
If your social feed felt like one giant recipe book, you aren’t alone. The #1 trending viral dish of 2025 was the Hot honey cottage cheese sweet potato beef bowl.
Other food trends that spiked included:
- Caviar Chicken Nuggets: High-low dining at its peak.
- Strawberry Matcha Ice Cream: Continuing the global matcha craze.
- The Dumpling Bake: The latest TikTok “set it and forget it” meal.
5. Travel & Literature: Finding Peace in Porto
Despite the digital noise, 2025 showed a deep appreciation for “old-world” charm. The most searched location on Google Maps was Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal—one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.
In the U.S., Portland’s Powell’s City of Books remained the top destination for bibliophiles. As for what we were reading, Colleen Hoover and Rebecca Yarros continued to dominate, while George Orwell’s 1984 saw a surprising resurgence in interest.
