Where Does Everyone Go?
Did you know that out of over 2 billion websites, only about 50 receive the lion’s share of all internet traffic? The internet giants have their secrets, and we are here to uncover them.
In this article, we will examine the stories, obsessions, and missed opportunities behind these digital empires. Are you ready to learn what makes the leaders so highly visited?
1. Google: From a Serendipitous Search to the Top Spot
Google has been at the top of the most visited websites since 2010, and search remains the primary reason people open their browsers.
Who Was There Before It?
In the early years of the internet (1993–2006), AOL and Yahoo dominated. These sites served as the primary “portals” to the web. History shows that continuous innovation and a focus on the core function are the keys to long-term success.
2. The Oldest .com Domain: Still Online
Even though the World Wide Web was created by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, some domains predate it.
The Awe-Inspiring Fact
The oldest .com domain is symbolics.com, registered on March 15, 1985! It was registered by a now-defunct computer manufacturer but continues to exist as a historical monument.
3. TikTok and the App: Why Their Web Traffic Is “Low”
When you look at web rankings, platforms like TikTok and Snapchat may appear lower than expected, despite their billions of users.
Why?
The reason is simple: they are primarily focused on the in-app experience. Billions of users engage with them, but the traffic flows through the applications, not the browser. This demonstrates that not every low figure indicates failure—where your audience is located matters most.
4. Yahoo Japan: The Stubborn Regional Outsider
In most countries, Yahoo! has lost its position as a leading portal. But not in Japan.
The Yahoo Japan Phenomenon
Yahoo Japan is one of the most visited websites globally, boasting over 2.25 billion monthly visits! It is not just a search engine but a “Swiss Army knife of the Japanese internet,” offering news, finance, shopping, weather forecasts, and much more. Sometimes, a narrower focus on a niche or region can lead to global success.
5. Videos, Social Media, and Utility: The Core Digital Focus
Long before video streaming and social media, the internet was mainly used for three things: e-mail, buying books (Amazon), and adult content.
Today’s Obsessions
Today’s digital obsessions are clearly focused on video content (like YouTube) and social media. People are drawn to the immediate pleasures of distraction and the essential human need for communication and connection.
6. The Internet vs. the WWW: They Are Not the Same!
We often use them as synonyms, but there is a massive difference.
What is the Difference?
- The Internet is the global physical network (cables, devices, protocols).
- The WWW (World Wide Web) is the information (websites, hyperlinks) we access thanks to that network.
Analogy: This is like The Library (The Internet) versus The Books on the Shelf (The WWW).
This fact highlights the importance of not just creating content but also ensuring it is well-indexed and accessible via the “path” (through good SEO).