Is MidJourney Out? What This Means for AI's Future

Declining Interest, Shifting Trends, and What's Next for AI, Techplonacy, and Innovation

MidJourney, once a dominant player in the AI art scene, seems to have lost its edge. Google Trends data from 2022 to January 2025 paints a picture of declining interest and raises questions about the tool’s relevance in an increasingly competitive AI landscape. By analyzing global interest by region, we uncover surprising insights into AI adoption worldwide and examine how interest in MidJourney reflects broader technology trends.

As someone living in Switzerland, I’ve witnessed firsthand the widespread adoption of AI tools. Across age groups from 21 to 60, nearly everyone I encounter uses ChatGPT or other AI tools weekly, often privately when companies restrict AI usage due to privacy concerns. Agencies, startups, and individuals alike are actively integrating AI into workflows, and the vibrancy of innovation is palpable with AI-powered startups continually emerging.

Let’s explore how interest in MidJourney, as reflected in Google Trends, aligns with global AI engagement and what these insights reveal about the future of AI adoption.

Interest in Midjourney 2022-2024 globally - peaking March/April 2023:

Google Trends data reveals that MidJourney’s popularity peaked in March-April 2023 before experiencing a steady decline. This trend aligns with broader AI adoption patterns, where early excitement around generative art tools has given way to diversified AI applications in business and everyday workflows.

Interest in Midjourney by Region:

Top 20 Countries by Interest in MidJourney (2022-2024)

1. China (100)

2. Israel (48)

3. Sri Lanka (38)

4. Hong Kong (33)

5. Singapore (33)

6. Morocco (32)

7. Taiwan (30)

8. Nepal (26)

9. Philippines (26)

10. Thailand (23)

11. Switzerland (11)

12. Malaysia (11)

13. India (10)

14. Ireland (9)

15. United Arab Emirates (9)

16. Vietnam (8)

17. Pakistan (8)

18. Egypt (8)

19. Qatar (8)

20. Indonesia (8)

Key Observations and Insights

1. Switzerland’s Remarkable Position (11th)

With just 8.8 million residents, Switzerland ranks 11th globally, far exceeding expectations given its small population size. Its estimated 22,220 searches/month highlight a disproportionately high interest in AI tools like MidJourney, reflecting the nation’s strong focus on innovation and technology adoption.

2. China’s Dominance in Absolute Volume

China leads with an estimated 202,000 searches/month, but this figure becomes less impressive when adjusted for its population of 1.4 billion. Switzerland’s per capita interest in MidJourney is nearly 20 times higher than China’s, demonstrating the Alpine nation’s tech-savvy population.

3. EU Representation: 51.9%

14 of the 27 EU countries appear on the list, representing 51.9%. This suggests that while many EU nations are early adopters of AI tools, interest is unevenly distributed. Notable absences include Estonia and Lithuania, countries often regarded as digital pioneers.

4. United States’ Low Rank (25th)

Despite being a leader in AI innovation, the US ranks only 25th, with ~135,000 searches/month. This may indicate that other AI tools or applications dominate interest in the region, overshadowing MidJourney.

5. Russia vs. Ukraine

Russia ranks 62nd compared to Ukraine’s 30th, despite its larger population and technological resources. Ukraine’s stronger showing highlights its vibrant tech community and international collaborations, even amidst geopolitical challenges.

6. Muslim-Majority Nations

12 Muslim-majority countries, including Morocco (6th) and Indonesia (20th), rank in the top 80. This highlights growing interest in AI tools in regions that are unfortunately often overlooked in global technology discussions.

7. Asia's Dominance

Seven of the top 10 countries are in Asia, underscoring the region’s leadership in AI adoption. Notable absences, however, include Indonesia and Myanmar, suggesting uneven access to or interest in such tools.

Interesting Patterns

Emerging Markets Shine: Countries like Morocco and Sri Lanka outperform expectations, reflecting how AI tools like MidJourney are resonating in emerging markets.

Small Nations with Big Impact: Even countries like Malta and Montenegro make the list, proving that AI tools have enthusiastic niche communities worldwide.

AI Beyond Economic Powerhouses: The list includes a mix of wealthy and developing nations, suggesting that interest in AI tools transcends traditional economic divides.

What MidJourney’s Decline Tells Us About AI’s Future

MidJourney’s plateau may signal waning interest in AI art tools or reflect growing competition in the space. Yet, the nuanced patterns in global engagement reveal much more about how quickly AI is being embraced—or ignored—in different regions.

For countries like Switzerland, where AI is an integral part of daily life and innovation, the interest in tools like MidJourney is a natural extension of this cultural mindset. In contrast, the US and other tech leaders may be focusing their attention on other AI advancements, leaving room for emerging markets to lead in adopting creative AI tools.

At the same time, the EU is taking a distinct approach, positioning itself as a global leader in AI regulation rather than sheer AI development. With the EU AI Act setting strict compliance rules, European businesses may be more cautious in their adoption of generative AI tools like MidJourney—especially in industries where regulation could limit commercial use. This regulatory-first approach contrasts with the US and China, where AI adoption is driven by competition and investment rather than oversight.

Beyond regulation, techplomacy is emerging as a key factor in AI adoption patterns. Countries like Denmark and Switzerland have formalized technology diplomacy roles, shaping how AI and digital policy align with national interests. As global AI strategies diverge—balancing innovation, regulation, and geopolitical influence—the rise and fall of tools like MidJourney illustrate the broader shifts in AI’s role across different societies.

As AI continues to evolve, so too will the global interest in specific tools. The rise and fall of MidJourney remind us that staying relevant in AI requires more than innovation—it demands constant adaptation to the needs and behaviors of a rapidly changing world.