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2017 was a year filled with joy and sorry, and people around the world reached out to Google search to learn more. They wanted to know more about themselves, such as “how to be a superhero,” “how to be a good parent,” and “how to make a difference.”
They also wanted to find out about the world around them, such as “how do wildfires start,” “how far can North Korean missiles go,” and “how many refugees in the world?”
Most importantly, people searched Google to learn how to help others, asking “how to calm a dog during a storm,” “how to help flood victims,” and “how to help Mexico/Puerto Rico/Las Vegas/Grenfell Tower/Houston/Syria/Rohingya/Venezuela?”
This moving video from Google highlights the How To searches from 2017:
Google Trends released its annual list of the most searched terms using Google in 2017 and tech was prominent in that list. With all that is going on in the world, it is surprising to learn how often people searched for tech terms.
See => Google Trends – Find Out What’s Hot! to learn more about Google Trends.
Of all the terms searched around the world in 2017, “iPhone 8” and “iPhone X” were the second and third most searched terms. The popularity of those terms likely reflects the excitement surrounding the release of these new iPhones this year, that celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the launch of the initial iPhone in 2007.
Until Apple made its announcement in September of this year, people did not know that the company would release three new iPhone models, though rumors were rampant. They also didn’t know, or at least couldn’t be sure, that there would be an iPhone called the iPhone X (as in Roman numeral X or 10.)
See, Apple Announces 3 New iPhones and More!
So most of the searches for “iPhone X” were probably done in the last quarter of the year. Yet that search term was the third most popular overall. (I’m wondering how popular a search was for “what ever happened to the iPhone 9?“)
This infographic shows the most popular terms searched globally on Google for 2017 :
Curious about the most searched terms in Google for your country? Check out the Year in Search 2017 Google page. There you can filter the search terms for each country and see more top terms for categories such as TV shows, elections, losses. actors, global sporting events, and more.
According to Google Trends, “lists are based on search terms that had a high spike in traffic in 2017 as compared to 2016.” In other words, the lists reflect search terms that were trending in 2017.
The list of most searched terms in 2017 overall, instead of the trending terms. is decidedly less interesting.
Here’s an example of the overall most searched terms in the US in 2017:
You can search Google Trends for the most overall searched terms in 2017 worldwide and for your country at this Google Trends page.
Your Thoughts
Are you surprised by the Google Trends list of most searched terms in 2017? Which terms were most surprising to you? Were you surprised by any search terms that weren’t on this list?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Loved the Google video. So uplifting to learn that we all just want to do better/understand better/be better.
Hi Penny, I completely agree. That Google video choked me up, it’s a must watch for anyone. It’s heartening to know so many people want to do good in the world.
Hi Carolyn,
Holidays are approaching and it’s been a year of ups and downs…
4 Hurricanes were trending this year, so another side people also searched for the good things around.
Google is an integral part of every Internet user… And I wish 2018 comes with better search strings and the good time for the whole world.
And by the way, are you prepared for coming holidays and a Brand New 2018?
Hi Pratyaksh, Yes, 2017 was filled with natural disasters around the world. I do hope 2018 is a calmer year for everyone.
I think I’m about as ready as I can be for the holidays and 2018, Pratyaksh. How about you?
Happy holidays!
Hi Carolyn,
Me too is ready for welcoming the new year.
My Friends have booked a place for a calm and cool celebration of the beginning of the coming year.
Hi Pratyaksh, That’s great news! It sounds as if you and your friends will have a splendid time ringing in the new year. Happy 2018 to you, Pratyaksh.
That was amazing. The infographic reminds my whole year at once. We all saw happiness and sadness and this is how life will go on. Let’s welcome another great year. We all learn what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
Thank You, Carolyn, for sharing
Hi Mike, Yes, 2017 was certainly a year of highs and lows. I’m so glad you enjoyed this infographic and that it brought back pleasant memories for you, Mike.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2018!
Thanks for sharing this amazing infographic. The information provided in this is so interesting. These stats will also help the bloggers. Keep sharing this kind of stuff.
Hi Aditya, I’m so glad you found this infographic to be helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.