Taylor Swift, US Election, and DIY Frenzy: What Australians Googled in 2024

Google's logo in Mountain View, Calif., on Aug. 23, 2024. Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters

Australians in 2024 turned to Google to search for a mix of the serious, the star-studded, and the quirky.

The U.S. election led the pack, dominating online curiosity, but Taylor Swift proved her star power, becoming the top global figure in searches.

Swift’s successful Eras Tour down under help push her rank to fifth overall, ahead of political heavyweights like U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Beyond politics and pop stars, Australians delved into the meanings of words like “demure” and “oatzempic,” showcasing a blend of curiosity and cultural intrigue.

“This year’s trends highlight how Australians are not only passionate about politics and sport but are also deeply curious, creative, and embracing new challenges,” noted Camilla Ibrahim, Google Australia’s communications manager.

US Elections, Sports Dominate Overall

Talking of overall global searches, the U.S. election ranked a clear number one, as Aussies avidly followed the twists and turns of the world’s most-watched political race.

Also, with a remarkable 46 medals, including 17 golds, Australia achieved its best-ever performance at the Summer Olympics.

As a result, the search for the Olympic medal tally ranked second in search trends, reflecting the nation’s pride and excitement over its athletes’ success on the world stage.

Sports was a consistent theme with the UEFA European Football Championship keeping keyboards clicking at number three, Copa America in seventh position, and the T20 World Cup at eighth.

Singleton, Assange, Raygun Shine in Public Figures List

While global events dominated, Australians didn’t neglect their own backyard.

Businessman John Singleton took the top spot for searches of local public figure. He was linked to the tragic Bondi Junction stabbing that claimed seven lives, including his daughter.

Julian Assange held the second spot as his release and public appearance sparked curiosity and debate.

Adding a dynamic twist, breakdancer and academic Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, broke into the top three. Her surprise Olympic performance brought a fresh wave of interest, and derision.

Australians Seek Definitions of Curious Words in 2024

Australians in 2024 turned to Google not only for news and entertainment but also to explore the meanings of some intriguing words.

Leading the pack was “demure,” a term often used to describe a modest or reserved manner.

Close behind in second place was “solfege,” a term related to musical notation and vocal exercises.

“Vox,” which refers to voice or sound, especially in music and media, came in third, while “Monticello,” the historic estate of Thomas Jefferson, ranked fourth.

In fifth place was “sobriquet,” a word meaning a nickname, often used in literary contexts.

Australia Gets Crafty: Top DIY Searches

In 2024, Australians showcased a strong interest in DIY projects, with searches spanning both creative and practical pursuits.

Popular topics in the DIY category included “DIY car maintenance,” as many sought ways to keep their vehicle in top condition, and “DIY Halloween costumes,” reflecting the nation’s early preparations for the spooky season.

Another trending search, “How to make Easter bunny footprints,” catered to parents eager to surprise children during Easter.

Crafting also proved popular, with searches such as, “How to make Taylor Swift friendship bracelets,” and, “How to make slime without glue or activator,” leading the charge.

Australians Seek Drama and Suspense

Australians showed a growing interest in a diverse range of entertainment, with specific films and shows emerging as top search trends throughout the year.

Among the most popular was Connections, a thought-provoking drama that captivated audiences with its intricate narrative.

Second in search data was Saltburn, a dark and satirical film.

Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer, which kept viewers on edge with its psychological suspense, ranked third.

Following it was Boy Swallows Universe, based on the beloved Australian novel that drew fans into its poignant storytelling.

In fifth place was It Ends with Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, which resonated deeply with those seeking an emotional journey.

Domestic and International Travel Trends

The most searched domestic flights included cheap trips to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, flights to King Island, and Jetstar’s low-cost options to Melbourne and Brisbane.

In international travel, Australians sought visa-free travel to China, followed by flights to Italy, Bangkok, Japan, and Phuket.