Jan. 2005 Nielsen NetRatings Search Engine Ratings
Nielsen NetRatings statistics for search engines in Jan. 2005.
Nielsen NetRatings statistics for search engines in Jan. 2005.
The Nielsen//NetRatings MegaView Search reporting service measures the search behavior of more than a million people worldwide. These web surfers have real-time meters on their computers which monitor the sites they visit. This metered information is compiled to produce NetRatings results. Below are statistics about searching from NetRatings provided to Search Engine Watch:
The table below shows the percentage of online searches done by US home and work web surfers in January 2004 that were performed at a particular search engine. Internal site searches, such as those to find material within a particular web site, are not counted in these totals. The activity at more than 60 search sites makes up the total search volume upon which percentages are based.
Search Engine |
Searches |
Percent Of All Searches |
1,923 |
47.1% |
|
Yahoo |
868 |
21.2% |
MSN |
523 |
12.8% |
AOL |
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4.7% |
Netscape |
75 |
1.8% |
Ask |
73 |
1.8% |
My Way |
58 |
1.4% |
iWon |
43 |
1.0% |
EarthLink |
37 |
0.9% |
My Search |
34 |
0.8% |
Others |
258 |
6.3% |
Total |
4,086 |
100.0% |
Note that the figures are search-specific but probably not necessarily web-search specific. More about this is explained on the comScore search engine ratings page. Also note that some companies own more than one search site. This means searches at different sites may be combined into one overall figure for the company’s entire network. I’m confirming what’s included in the figures above, but below are my current assumptions. Remember, in all cases, only activity by those in the US is measured, even if those in the US go to a site run by a company outside the US, such as Google UK.
The chart above shows the share of searches received by particular search engines that share the same brand name. However, some companies run multiple search engines under different brands. The chart below consolidates these multiple brands under individual companies, as much as possible.
Company |
Searches |
Percent Of All Searches |
1,923 |
47.1% |
|
Yahoo |
868 |
21.2% |
MSN |
523 |
12.8% |
AOL |
269 |
6.6% |
Ask |
208 |
5.1% |
EarthLink |
37 |
0.9% |
Others |
258 |
6.3% |
Total |
4,086 |
100.0% |
Important notes on the consolidation above:
Not all search engines use their own technology. Instead, they may outsource to others for search listings, both editorial and paid. The chart below shows the share of searches on a search provider basis.
Search Networks |
Searches (Millions) |
Percent Of Edit Listings |
Percent Of Paid Listings |
2,228 |
55% |
60% |
|
Yahoo |
868 |
21% |
34% |
MSN |
523 |
13% |
0% |
Ask |
208 |
5% |
0% |
Others |
258 |
6% |
6% |
Total |
4,086 |
100% |
100% |
Important notes on the consolidation above:
Past NetRatings Search Engine Ratings
Available to Search Engine Watch members, this shows popularity fluctuations in NetRatings data for major search engines stretching back to June 1998. Click here to learn more about becoming a member.
Who Powers Whom? Search Providers Chart
A page within Search Engine Watch summarizing how the major search engines get their results from major search providers.
Search Topics: Stats
This category of the Search Topics area available to Search Engine Watch members provides a listing of articles stretching back for years relating to search engine statistics. The Stats: Popularity subcategory specifically lists stories about how search engines are ranked. The Stats: NetRatings subcategory provides a rundown on news specifically about NetRatings statistics. Click here to learn more about becoming a member.