Tech Takes Over: Why Google’s Top Searches are All About Apps and Gadgets

Every time someone types something into Google, it says something about what we care about at that moment. And lately, a big part of that “what we care about” is technology. Whether it’s finding a website, checking out an app, or learning how to do something online — tech shows up everywhere.

What the numbers show

Recent research looked at Google’s most popular search terms and found that many of them are tech-related. For example, queries like “YouTube,” “Gmail,” “ChatGPT,” and “Google Translate” are among the top searches. (Backlinko, Exploding Topics)

In one study:

Just 148 keywords accounted for 15% of all Google searches. Many of these were navigational (meaning people used Google to go to a specific site). (Tech.co)

Searches for big brand websites and apps dominate. For example: YouTube, Facebook, Gmail, etc. (Backlinko)

Why is tech dominating?

There are a few reasons:

Everyday tech use: Many people use Google to get to tech platforms (apps, websites, services) rather than to learn something brand new. If you want YouTube or Gmail, you’ll search for it directly.

Routine tasks: Things like translating text, checking email, or using maps are now part of everyday life. These are tech-driven tasks.

Brand names as search terms: Instead of searching “watch funny videos,” you might just type “YouTube.” The brand becomes the keyword.

Easy access via mobile: More than half of searches happen on mobile devices. It makes sense that the searches are tech-centric because phones, apps and online services are how we live now. (Semrush)

What this tells us about how we use search engines

We’re using Google less just to ask random questions and more to navigate the web (go to websites/apps).

Simple brand or service names often make up the bulk of searches.

While “how do I fix…” or “what is…” still occur, they’re fewer in comparison to navigational searches.

For content creators and businesses, it means competition is high. Because so many searches go to big brand names, smaller websites must work harder to appear in results.

When you type in a brand name like “Instagram” or “Gmail,” you’re part of this tech-search trend. You’re not just browsing—you’re interacting with digital platforms that shape a lot of our online lives.

It’s useful to think: Am I using the search engine as a “go to” tool for tech platforms, or am I exploring topics and learning new things?

Knowing that tech terms dominate might change how we search. If you’re doing homework or working on a project, being specific (“how to plant seeds indoors” instead of just “planting”) will help you find better results.

What’s next?

As technology keeps advancing, the role of search engines like Google may keep shifting. A few things to watch:

The rise of AI-powered search and voice assistants could change what we type and how we search.

The appearance of more “zero-click” searches — where the answer appears on the search page itself, so you don’t even click through. (Wikipedia)

As new apps and digital services become part of our lives, new brand names will enter the most popular searches.

The bigger picture

All of this shows how deeply technology has woven itself into our daily routines. Even the simple act of searching is now connected to larger digital habits — streaming videos, messaging friends, or using tools powered by artificial intelligence. Ten years ago, top searches might have been about celebrities, sports scores, or school assignments. Today, they’re about how we connect and what platforms we use to do it.

It’s not just a list of trending words — it’s a snapshot of how humans live in a connected world. Google’s top results remind us that curiosity hasn’t disappeared; it’s just gone digital. We’re still searching for answers — they just happen to come through apps, logins, and glowing screens.