Every year, Google launches a “Year in Search” film – a comprehensive retrospective of the year based on Google's unique ability to highlight what captivated people around the world through the lens of Google Search.

And the last few years brought with them a series of global events that left the world in survival mode, forced to overcome unprecedented challenges. In a year that continued to test many, the world searched “how to heal” more than ever.

With this insight as the starting point, we created a film that illustrates healing through the specific lens of 2021 – from its darkest moments to its most triumphant, with topics ranging from loss, Covid-19 vaccines, and mental health to resilience, community, family, and ultimately, hope.

Along with an instrumental version of “Driver’s License,” the 2021 breakout hit by Olivia Rodrigo, the film featured emotionally resonant moments from gymnast Simone Biles, tennis player Naomi Osaka, and actor Elliot Page. These, paired with powerful events that illustrated communities coming together, wove together a realistic yet hopeful story of how 2021 impacted the world.

Since its global launch on Youtube, the film has gotten over 237 million views, and aired on broadcast throughout December.