Online search trends in 2024 by Justdial: Healthcare rises 24%, personal care, education follow

Hyderabad: Healthcare and medical services have been the most searched category with a 24 per cent rise in searches, followed by searches for wellness and personal care. This was revealed by the ‘How India Searched in 2024’ report done by Justdial, with an aim to offer a glimpse into the diverse and evolving search habits of Indians.

The data revealed intriguing trends across categories like healthcare, fitness, travel, food and education, reflecting a nation increasingly focused on health, convenience and experiences.

Search results across cities

Search trends show a stark contrast between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, with Tier 2 searches registering 112 per cent more searches than Tier 1 cities, showcasing an expanding digital footprint beyond metropolitan areas. The analysis revealed that while certain categories like healthcare, wellness, education and leisure hold universal appeal across urban and semi-urban areas, the priorities and growth trajectories differ significantly.

Searches for doctors and other medical services

The healthcare and medical services category recorded a 24 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in searches, solidifying its place as one of the most actively searched sectors.

Among healthcare professionals, gynaecologists and obstetricians saw a notable 22 per cent increase, reflecting a growing emphasis on maternal and women’s health. Simultaneously, searches for ENT specialists (up 21%) and dentists (up 19%) underline a heightened focus on specialised medical care. Hospitals and diagnostic centres also observed an uptick in demand, driven by consumers across urban and rural India prioritising accessible healthcare solutions.

Taking care of the body

Close behind, the wellness and personal care sector surged by 7 per cent YoY growth, as per the report.

Relaxation therapy services, beauty spas, beauty parlours, salons and skincare clinics led the way in searches, particularly in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. Skincare has emerged as a major focus area with 15 per cent YoY growth, underscoring the shift toward preventive care and wellness.

Education trends

Education remained a focal point throughout the year, with high search volumes for schools, colleges and libraries topping the charts.

However, the trends extended beyond traditional academics, showcasing a vibrant interest in skill-building and hobbies. Searches for activities like dance, cricket, music, and tailoring classes stood out, highlighting the nation’s growing inclination toward holistic development. These interests were not confined to specific geographies, as they featured prominently among the top 200 searches in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

Searches for real estate and housing grow

India’s urban hustle continues to shape search trends, with high search volumes for real estate agents (10% YoY growth) and transporters highlighting the significance of housing and travel solutions. As more individuals migrate to cities for work and education, services like paying guest accommodations (12% YoY growth) have become increasingly sought after.

Tier 1 cities saw 18 per cent YoY growth in searches for flexible housing solutions, while Tier 2 cities recorded a 9 per cent YoY increase. However, hostels are experiencing a significant decline in demand, with a 40 per cent decrease in Tier 1 cities and a 33 per cent decrease in Tier 2 cities, as consumers increasingly prefer facility-rich PGs and flats that cater to modern living needs.

The resurgence of travel and leisure was another defining trend of 2024, with searches for tourist attractions, hotels, travel agents and taxi services witnessing a 27 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth. Tier 2 cities emerged as key drivers of this growth, recording a 30 per cent YoY increase in travel-related searches, outpacing Tier 1 cities, which saw a 19 per cent YoY growth. This trend suggests that while urban migration for livelihood opportunities continues, many travellers prefer exploring less urbanised, rural destinations across India. Notably, the top cities contributing to travel-related searches include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.

Biryani continues to be the most searched food online

Food and dining remained integral to the Indian experience, with categories like restaurants, tiffin services, caterers, cake shops, and coffee shops/cafés consistently ranking among the most searched terms, as per the Justdial report.

One dish stands out as the undeniable favourite: Biryani, maintaining its place at the top of the search charts. Meanwhile, evolving palates have brought global cuisines like Mandi and Korean into the spotlight, recording 18 per cent and 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth, respectively. The appetite for diverse dining experiences is most pronounced in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune, the top five cities leading food-related searches.

On the entertainment and leisure front, activities like visiting water parks and enjoying amusement parks have consistently remained popular, reflecting India’s renewed focus on outdoor and social experiences. These categories have witnessed a robust 36 per cent YoY growth, indicating a strong interest in recreational activities as people embrace a more open and social lifestyle post restrictions. Surprisingly, cinema halls have experienced a 15 per cent YoY decline in searches, suggesting a shift in leisure preferences toward more interactive and dynamic experiences over traditional movie outings.

As digital platforms like Justdial continued to bridge consumers with their needs, the report highlighted not just the trends but also the stories driving India’s search behaviours. From increased health consciousness and self-care priorities to a resurgent enthusiasm for travel, leisure and fitness, 2024 encapsulated a year of transformation, resilience and growth for the nation.

About Justdial

Justdial provides local search-related services to users in India through multiple platforms such as Desktop/PC websites, mobile sites, mobile apps, over the telephone and text (SMS). Justdial’s latest version of the JD App, is said to be an all-in-one App, replete with features like map-aided search, Live TV, videos, stock quotes, etc. to make the life of the consumer infinitely smoother and more engaging.