In 2025, social media dominated the scene, with more than five billion global users. You! takes a look…
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Once upon a time, social exchanges involved conversations around the kitchen table, on the front porch, over the back fence and on the telephone’s party line. Mail was sent by letter through the postal system and news was published in print media.
The advent of radio and television sped things up. Later, the internet arrived, connecting people on the World Wide Web and everything changed.
The timeline of social media innovations in the 2000s highlights just how quickly the social media revolution advanced during that era.
Social media is an incredible invention that has opened doors of endless opportunities for people and companies. Social media creates connections, shares information and helps people find what they’re looking for, whether it is an entertaining video or a new household product. It has become a tool for individuals to voice their opinions, share what they like and ultimately spread information amongst the masses.
Social media platforms that are increasingly used include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). They include various forms of sharing, such as text, images, short videos and live streaming.
Having a digital presence is now necessary in today’s world. As of 2025, social media had more than five billion global users, which is equal to more than 68 per cent of the world’s population.
The inclusion of social media in the award category in the recently held Lux Style Awards is a testament.
When it comes to popular apps, TikTok stands in a significant position. The app typically attracts Gen Z audience. It is more than just a platform for entertaining dance routines and lip-syncing videos. It has become a dynamic space where young people can not only express their creativity but also access and share valuable information. Users, once drawn primarily to entertaining dances and catchy challenges, are now turning to the platform for real-time news updates, citizen journalism and diverse perspectives on current events. The platform’s algorithmic setup ensures that trending topics, ranging from global affairs to local news, can be accessed by users.
Recently, at a glitzy ceremony held at a local hotel in Lahore, TikTok shared the top searched words on the platform in Pakistan in 2025, offering a snapshot of what Pakistanis were most curious about this year - from where to travel and what to eat, to the biggest match-ups, the most talked-about shows and the sounds driving culture across the platform.
“TikTok Search has become an essential part of daily life in Pakistan,” said Umais Naveed, Content Operations Lead, South Asia at TikTok. “People aren’t just watching videos, they’re actively seeking information, recommendations and context in real time. Whether it’s tracking the latest cricket moment, planning a weekend trip, learning something new or checking reviews before buying, Pakistanis are turning to the app to make everyday decisions. This year’s top searches show how the app is connecting Pakistanis to culture, community and everyday answers,” he added.
What Pakistan’s searches reveal:
2025 searches tell a story of discovery with purpose. Travel queries, from Islamabad to Altit Fort Hunza, point to a growing appetite for exploring Pakistan’s landscapes and landmarks, with TikTok acting as a planning companion through reviews, itineraries and creator-led recommendations. At the same time, searches tied to major matches and headline moments underline how Pakistan experiences culture collectively, with the platform helping people relive key highlights, follow the conversation, and join communities in real time.
Pakistanis are using TikTok search not only for entertainment, but also to learn quickly, compare options and make more confident decisions. The 2025 list reflects a platform that sits at the intersection of culture and utility, where what is trending is often what is genuinely useful.
As for 2025, top searches in Pakistan capture a year defined by shared moments and everyday curiosity - from the places people dreamed of visiting to the sounds, shows and creators that brought people together. In the interest of our readers, we are sharing the top searched words on TikTok in Pakistan in 2025, in no particular order:
Most Searched Places: Islamabad, Altit Fort Hunza, Chenab River, Lahore and Karachi.
Most Searched News and Moments: Babar Azam 100 century, Pakistan v South Africa, Pakistan v India, Nadia meri soni sawani and Floods.
Most Searched TV Shows: Turkish series, ‘Tamasha’, ‘Meri Bahuain’ and ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’.
Most Searched Soundtracks: ‘Jhol’, ‘Supreme’, ‘Pal Pal’, ‘Je Pata Hunda’ and ‘Ranjheya’.
Most Searched Foods: Lava burger, Biryani, Aalu, Dubai chocolate and Matcha drink.
Most Searched Sportspeople: Babar Azam, Abhishek Sharma, Virat Kohli, Haris Rauf and Mitchell Starc.
Most Searched Musicians: Havi, Talha Anjum, Nimra Mehra, Ali Zafar and Hassan Raheem.
Most Searched TikTok Creators: Alina Amir, Jannat Mirza, Khizar Umer, Kanwal Aftab and Sid Mr Rapper.
Most Searched Showbiz Celebrities: Imran Ashraf, Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan, Kinza Hashmi and Saif Ali Khan (Tamasha Winner)
Notable Search Trends: Product Reviews, Software Update, Mehendi Designs, Billi Wali Funny Videos and AI Usage/Prompts.
You! desk
