Each year, Google’s "Year in Search" report offers a compelling digital chronicle of global curiosity, capturing the zeitgeist through the lens of trending queries. Rather than cataloging the most frequently searched terms, which would invariably include perennial staples like "weather" or "YouTube," this annual compilation meticulously identifies topics that experienced a significant and sustained surge in search traffic compared to the previous year. The 2025 findings underscore a profound shift in collective attention, with artificial intelligence emerging as a dominant force, alongside persistent interests in geopolitics, entertainment, and sports.

The AI Ascent: Gemini Leads the Digital Discourse

The undisputed leader among all trending searches in 2025 was "Gemini," Google’s advanced artificial intelligence chatbot. This prominence signals a pivotal moment in the public’s engagement with generative AI, moving beyond nascent curiosity to a widespread desire for understanding and interaction. Gemini, which represents Google’s ambitious foray into the burgeoning AI landscape, was engineered to be multimodal, capable of processing and understanding various forms of information, including text, code, audio, image, and video. Its development history traces back to the intense competitive environment sparked by the public release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022. The subsequent "AI race" saw tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta investing heavily in developing their own large language models (LLMs) and AI applications, aiming to integrate these technologies seamlessly into their existing ecosystems.

By 2025, Gemini’s enhanced capabilities and wider accessibility likely drove its top trending status. This could be attributed to several factors: significant feature updates, broader public rollouts, or even debates surrounding its ethical implications and accuracy. The market impact of AI’s rapid evolution is immense, reshaping industries from software development and customer service to creative arts and scientific research. Companies are vying for dominance, recognizing AI as the next frontier of technological innovation and a critical component for future economic growth. For the average user, AI chatbots are transforming how information is accessed, tasks are automated, and digital content is generated. Their influence extends to education, productivity tools, and even personal assistance, creating a new paradigm for human-computer interaction. The appearance of another AI chatbot, "DeepSeek," ranking seventh among trending searches, further solidifies this trend, indicating a diversified public interest in the various AI solutions entering the market, and perhaps a growing discernment among users seeking alternatives or specialized tools. This collective fascination with AI points to a society grappling with the potential, promises, and challenges of this transformative technology.

Geopolitical Tensions and Public Figures Dominate News Cycles

Beyond the technological frontier, global and domestic affairs continued to capture intense public interest, reflecting ongoing societal anxieties and political engagement. In the realm of news, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk emerged as the top trending topic, specifically driven by searches for "Charlie Kirk assassination." While the exact circumstances prompting such a specific and alarming query are not detailed in the report, its prominence suggests a significant news event, a widespread rumor, or a highly charged political discussion surrounding the figure. Charlie Kirk, known as the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, frequently generates headlines through his commentary and activism. The trending nature of such a query underscores the often-volatile intersection of public figures, media narratives, and political discourse in the digital age, where speculation and real-world events can rapidly converge to create a surge in information-seeking behavior.

This intense interest in a political figure was complemented by broader geopolitical concerns. "Iran" ranked as the second trending news query, indicating sustained global attention on the nation’s political landscape, its nuclear program, regional conflicts, or international relations. The Middle East has historically been a focal point for global news, and any developments related to Iran typically trigger significant international interest due to its strategic importance and complex geopolitical role. Following closely was "US Government Shutdown," a recurring political phenomenon in the United States that often arises from budgetary stalemates between Congress and the President. Such events have tangible impacts on federal services, the economy, and public sector employment, naturally driving widespread concern and information-seeking among the populace. These trending news items collectively paint a picture of a world grappling with political polarization, international instability, and the domestic implications of legislative deadlock. The public’s reliance on search engines during such times highlights the critical role digital platforms play in disseminating and shaping understanding of current events.

Adding another layer to Charlie Kirk’s digital footprint, "The Charlie Kirk Show" was identified as the top trending podcast. This demonstrates the powerful synergy between a public figure’s presence in traditional news cycles and their engagement in new media formats. The podcast medium, characterized by its accessibility and often direct-to-audience nature, allows personalities to cultivate dedicated followings and disseminate their perspectives, further amplifying their reach and influence.

Culinary Explorations and Cinematic Buzz Capture Attention

The "Year in Search" also offers a delicious glimpse into evolving culinary tastes and the enduring power of popular culture. For food enthusiasts, the sweet-and-spicy condiment "hot honey" claimed the top spot in trending recipes and food queries. This trend reflects a broader culinary movement towards bold flavor profiles, fusion ingredients, and the experimentation that often finds its origins in restaurant innovation before trickling down to home kitchens and viral social media recipes. Hot honey’s versatility, enhancing everything from pizza to fried chicken and desserts, likely contributed to its widespread appeal. It signifies a departure from traditional, simpler flavors, indicating a public eager to explore more complex and exciting taste experiences.

Rounding out the top three food trends were "Marry Me Chicken" and "chimichurri." "Marry Me Chicken," a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan dish, likely trended due to its viral success on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where easily reproducible and visually appealing recipes often gain immense traction. Its evocative name also adds a layer of charm and intrigue. "Chimichurri," a vibrant, herb-based sauce from Argentina and Uruguay, suggests a continued public interest in international cuisines and the desire to incorporate global flavors into everyday cooking. These food trends collectively underscore the impact of digital media on culinary habits, transforming niche ingredients and viral recipes into mainstream phenomena.

In the cinematic universe, "Anora" was the top trending movie search. Anora, a critically acclaimed film that garnered significant buzz on the festival circuit in late 2024, including a Palme d’Or win at Cannes, likely translated that critical success into broad public curiosity as it began its wider theatrical or streaming release in 2025. Its trending status reflects how prestigious awards and film festival recognition can significantly boost a movie’s visibility and drive audiences to learn more. Following "Anora" were "Superman" and the "Minecraft Movie," both indicative of the powerful draw of established franchises and intellectual properties. "Superman" represents the enduring appeal of comic book heroes and the anticipation surrounding new iterations of beloved characters, while the "Minecraft Movie" taps into the massive global fanbase of the iconic video game, showcasing the increasing crossover between gaming and film industries.

The actors associated with these films also saw a surge in searches. Mikey Madison, the star of "Anora," topped the trending actors list, a clear reflection of the film’s success and her breakout performance. Lewis Pullman, who featured in Marvel’s "Thunderbolts," secured the second spot, highlighting the significant public interest in major superhero franchises and the actors who populate them. Isabela Merced, also featured in "Superman," rounded out the top three, further emphasizing the gravitational pull of high-profile cinematic projects on celebrity searches. These trends collectively illustrate how film and television continue to be powerful drivers of cultural conversation, with critical acclaim, franchise power, and breakout performances all contributing to public engagement.

Global Sports Spectacles and Pop Culture Phenomena

Sports, with their inherent drama and global appeal, consistently generate massive interest, and 2025 was no exception. The "FIFA Club World Cup" led the trending sports searches, underscoring the international passion for football and the significance of tournaments that pit top clubs from around the world against each other. This was followed by the "Asia Cup" and the "ICC Champions Trophy," both major international cricket tournaments, demonstrating the widespread popularity of cricket, particularly across Asian nations and other parts of the Commonwealth. These major sporting events captivate billions, driving intense viewership, discussion, and, inevitably, search queries.

In the realm of sports teams, Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG) was the most searched, reflecting its status as a global football powerhouse, often featuring superstar players and competing in high-profile leagues and tournaments. S.L. Benfica, a prominent Portuguese club, and the Toronto Blue Jays, a Major League Baseball team, secured the second and third spots respectively. Their trending status highlights the fervent loyalty of regional fan bases and the broader appeal of top-tier sports leagues.

Beyond the competitive arena, podcasts continued their ascent as a dominant medium for entertainment and information. While "The Charlie Kirk Show" topped the podcast list, underscoring political engagement, the second spot went to "New Heights," hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. This podcast’s popularity is a testament to the crossover appeal of sports celebrities, offering fans an intimate, often humorous, look into their lives and careers. It represents a significant trend where athletes leverage their personal brands to connect with audiences beyond the game. "This is Gavin Newsom," likely a podcast focused on the California governor, further illustrates the growing demand for political commentary and insights into public figures through audio content. The diversity of these trending podcasts — from political analysis to sports celebrity banter — reflects the broad appeal and increasing sophistication of the podcasting ecosystem.

Finally, the world of literature also saw its share of trending searches. Colleen Hoover’s "Regretting You" was the top trending book. Hoover is a prolific author known for her emotionally charged romance novels that frequently dominate bestseller lists and online book communities, particularly BookTok. Rebecca Yarros’s "Onyx Storm" and Naveesa Allen’s "Lights Out" completed the top three. Yarros is known for her fantasy novels, which have garnered a devoted following, while Allen’s work likely resonates within popular contemporary fiction genres. These trends demonstrate the powerful influence of online book communities, social media endorsements, and established authors in driving public interest and sales within the publishing industry.

In conclusion, Google’s "Year in Search" for 2025 serves as a dynamic mirror to the collective human experience, reflecting our evolving fascinations, anxieties, and curiosities. From the transformative power of artificial intelligence and the volatile landscape of global politics to the comforting familiarity of pop culture and the thrilling spectacle of sports, these trending queries provide an invaluable snapshot of what captured the world’s attention. The report underscores a future increasingly shaped by technological innovation, persistent geopolitical challenges, and the ever-present allure of entertainment and human achievement.