Search engines are an integral part of the internet, helping users find the information they need quickly and efficiently. In 2018, there were several dominant players in the search engine market, with Google leading the pack. However, other search engines also held significant market shares, each with their own unique features and user bases. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 7 most popular search engines of 2018 and discuss their strengths.
1. Google
Market Share: 92.12%
As the most popular search engine in the world, Google dominates the market with over 92% of global search engine usage in 2018. Known for its powerful algorithm, speed, and relevance, Google offers a simple yet highly effective search experience. It also features Google Images, Google Maps, YouTube (the second-largest search engine), and a range of other services, making it an integral part of the internet.
2. Bing
Market Share: 2.47%
Bing, owned by Microsoft, is the second-most popular search engine worldwide. It has a clean, user-friendly interface and offers some unique features, such as the rewards program, where users can earn points for searches. Bing is also the default search engine on Windows devices, which contributes to its significant market share.
3. Yahoo!
Market Share: 1.57%
Once a dominant force in the search engine industry, Yahoo! has seen a steady decline in usage but still holds a notable position. In 2018, it was the third-most popular search engine globally. Yahoo! is powered by Bing for its search results but retains a loyal user base due to its additional services like Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, and Yahoo Finance.
4. Baidu
Market Share: 1.07%
Baidu is China’s leading search engine and holds a significant portion of the search market in China. It offers similar services to Google, including image search, video search, and a map service. Baidu has faced some challenges in terms of competition with other Chinese search engines, but it remains the dominant player in the country.
5. Yandex
Market Share: 0.88%
Yandex is Russia’s most popular search engine and holds a substantial share of the Russian market. It offers a wide range of services, including email, maps, and music, much like Google. Yandex’s search algorithms are highly tailored to the Russian language, making it the best choice for users in Russia and surrounding countries.
6. DuckDuckGo
Market Share: 0.25%
DuckDuckGo stands out from other search engines by focusing on privacy. It does not track user activity or store personal information, making it popular among users who value anonymity and data security. While its market share is smaller than other search engines, DuckDuckGo has experienced significant growth due to increasing concerns about privacy online.
7. Ask.com
Market Share: 0.15%
Ask.com, formerly known as Ask Jeeves, was once a leading search engine in the early 2000s. It allowed users to search using natural language, making it more conversational. Though it has lost much of its market share over the years, Ask.com still serves as a niche search engine with a focus on answering specific questions and providing targeted answers.
Conclusion
While Google remains the undisputed leader in the search engine market, other search engines like Bing, Yahoo!, Baidu, and Yandex continue to hold their ground in specific regions. DuckDuckGo’s emphasis on privacy has earned it a dedicated following, and Ask.com still serves its niche market. Each search engine offers unique features and strengths, and their success shows that there’s more than one way to find information online.
