Year in Search 2019-2023 — Chris Bradford

Year in Search is Google's big annual brand moment that reflects what the world was searching for. Creating it is like a giant, five-month puzzle, and I’ve gone from being a part of the creative team to leading it. We start with tons of data, and then we spend months figuring out what it all means: what were the big themes, what do the trends tell us about the year, and do you think Beyoncé will let us use this clip? Then we turn all those insights into the most compelling integrated campaign we can imagine. It’s a lot of fun to work on, and it routinely gets love from award shows, including The One Show, Cannes, D&AD, and The Webby’s.

Year in Search 2023
In 2023, Google Search turned 25, officially hitting rental car age. For Year in Search, we decided to throw a party for the ages, celebrating the Most Searched icons, figures and moments in Google Search history.

Year in Search 2022

It’s 2022. Pandemic fatigue had hit us hard, and the search data reflected that. In fact, the world searched 'Can I change?' more than ever before. People were craving change, big and small—new jobs, new cities, new perspectives. There was a cultural renaissance as people sought new pursuits in life. And, of course, it was the year Beyoncé dropped actual Renaissance and got us dancing again. It felt like the world was finally shaking off the dust and heading into a new chapter.

Recognition:
Webbys Winner:
Best use of data-driven media

One Show finalist:
Television & VOD - Long Form - Single

Year in Search 2021
In 2021, the world searched for ways to heal more than ever before. From the creation of the first Covid-19 vaccines to standing up for marginalized groups, 2021 was a year we found ways to mourn what we lost and come back stronger.

Recognition:
Webby’s
People’s Voice Award for Best Video Editing
Honoree for Best Data Visualization

One Show Awards
Merit Award – Moving Image Craft – Editing – Single
Merit Award – Film – Online Films & Video – Long Form – Single
Merit Award – Film – Television & VOD – Long Form – Single
Bronze Pencil – Creative Use of Data – Storytelling

ADC Awards
Merit – In–House – Advertising – Branded Content / Entertainment
Merit – In–House – Advertising – Television / Film / Online Video
Merit – In–House – Motion / Filmcraft – Editing

Cannes
Shortlist Non-fiction Film
Shortlist Editing

Year in Search 2020
According to Google Search trends, ‘Why’ was searched more than ever in 2020. People around the world were asking big questions–about the way we live and work, our institutions, our leaders, the roles in society we undervalue. Why are people racist? Why aren’t there more female leaders? Why are people protesting? In a year of isolation, turmoil, and tragic loss at a massive scale, Year in Search 2020 examines how questioning our world is a catalyst for forging change.

For 2020, we extended the runtime to 3 minutes and enlisted the help of Grammy-winning Producer Peter Cottontale to create the first original track for Year in Search. Titled “Together,” the track features Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, the Chicago Children’s Choir, and contributions from 80 Black artists, engineers, producers, side musicians, and music executives.

Recognition:

Webby’s
Best Use of Video
Best Longform Ad

D&AD
Editing Craft

Cannes
Shortlist Film Media / Entertainment

Brand Film Festival New York
Viral Film Winner

Google Year in Search 2019
Every year feels like the worst year ever. Looking at Google Search data, we saw searches for heroes skyrocket globally in 2019. It makes sense, tough times call for heroes. History proves it: Superman fought fascism, Wonder Woman championed equality. So, for 2019's Year in Search, we celebrated all the real heroes who stepped up to empower others.