Learning from Google Zeitgeist Top Searches

As a follow-up to my earlier search engine comparison, I'm looking now at Google in comparison with its closest competitor, Yahoo.

Recently, Google's year-end search round-up, Zeitgeist 2006, was released. Looking at the top 10 searches, we can see that there is a heavy Web 2.0 influence with MySpace, Wikipedia, video, and Metacafe represented. There is a high degree of specificity in most search queries, except, that unlike Yahoo, searches are done on concepts or sites, not on celebrities, except for the possible exception of Rebelde, a Mexican telenovela.

We can see how Google is clearly the search king, but Yahoo holds the social crown. Yahoo is where you go to socialize or gossip since it's portal design lends itself to community building. Google's searches are also more international with Bebo, Rebelde, and the World Cup ranking high.

Google.com - Top Searches in 2006
1. bebo
2. myspace
3. world cup
4. metacafe
5. radioblog
6. wikipedia
7. video
8. rebelde
9. mininova
10. wiki

Yahoo Top 10 Overall Searches
1 Britney Spears
2 WWE
3 Shakira
4 Jessica Simpson
5 Paris Hilton
6 American Idol
7 Beyonce Knowles
8 Chris Brown
9 Pamela Anderson
10 Lindsay Lohan

Update (12/29): Turns out Zeitgeist wasn't what we thought it was.

Labels: Technology

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Learning from Google Zeitgeist Top Searches