“Free Research: The Most Searched Visual Topics in September”
Each month, we dig into the data behind what image buyers, editors, and publishers are searching for on Newscom. These insights reveal not just what’s trending — but where the media world’s attention is headed next.
Here’s what dominated search activity in September 2025, and what it means for creators and publishers looking to stay ahead.
Francis Chung - Pool via CNP/Newscom, Kyle Mazza - UNF News via CNP/Newscom, Aaron Schwartz - Pool via CNP/Newscom
1. Politics Took Center Stage
With the U.S. election cycle heating up, searches related to debates, campaign rallies, and candidate portraits surged. Editorial teams were looking for dynamic, high-impact visuals of major figures and moments leading up to November’s election. Hot terms: “presidential debate,” “swing states,” “campaign trail,” “Biden,” “Trump,” “third-party candidates.”
Credit: Thurman James/Cal Sport Media/Newscom, Mark Edward Harris/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom, NOUSHAD/IMAGO/Naushad/Newscom
2. Sports Momentum Stayed Strong
The transition from summer to fall brought a spike in football, playoff baseball, and soccer searches. The MLB postseason and early NFL action were top of mind, while international audiences leaned into UEFA and World Cup qualifiers. Hot terms: “NFL Week 1,” “World Cup qualifiers,” “ALDS,” “college football fans.”
Credit:Lee Jae-Won/AFLO/Newscom, Action Press/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom, Emily Curiel/ecuriel@kcstar.com/TNS/Newscom
3. Lifestyle & Pop Culture: Taylor Swift and Beyond
Pop culture stayed powerful. Searches for Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and celebrity fashion continued to dominate. Entertainment editors were clearly riding the Swift–Kelce wave — but interest extended to major premieres, awards buzz, and streaming launches. Hot terms: “Taylor Swift,” “Travis Kelce,” “Met Gala,” “Netflix originals,” “celebrity street style.”
Credit:Travis Long/TNS/Newscom, Jim Hollander/UPI/Newscom, Krisztian Elek/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
4. Global News and Climate Coverage
September brought devastating weather events and ongoing conflict coverage. Editors searched for hurricane aftermath, climate protests, and Middle East developments. Hot terms: “Hurricane Helene,” “climate change protest,” “Israel Gaza border,” “flooding.”
Credit:IMAGO/Rene Traut/Newscom, Barry Davis/robertharding/Newscom, Abdullah Firas/Abaca/Sipa USA/Newscom
5. Business & Tech on the Rise
Corporate imagery saw renewed interest — particularly around AI regulation, EVs, and Wall Street volatility. As tech and economic headlines intersect, editors are searching for visuals that convey innovation and uncertainty. Hot terms: “AI regulation,” “electric vehicles,” “stock market,” “Silicon Valley startups.”
Takeaway: Visuals That Lead the Conversation
From campaign trails to climate coverage, September proved that editorial visuals aren’t just about what happened — they’re about what people care about. At Newscom, we track these insights to help our partners find (and create) the visuals that shape tomorrow’s headlines.
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