Alright, let’s talk about the biggest websites in the world and what this means for how people use the internet. These rankings, updated for December 2024, show us what’s popular and what’s changing in online behaviour. Let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
1. Google: Still the Internet’s Favorite Tool
Google is number one, no shocker there. Over 139 billion people visited it. Whether it’s searching for homework help, recipes, or news, Google is the first stop for most people. It also keeps people on the site longer, with users clicking on around 4 pages per visit.
2. YouTube: The King of Videos
YouTube is second with nearly 80 billion visits. People love their videos, and it’s easy to see why. From music videos to how-to guides, YouTube has it all. On average, people watch multiple videos in one session—over 7 pages per visit. That’s a lot of binge-watching!
3. ChatGPT Makes It to the Top 10
Here’s an interesting one—ChatGPT.com is now the 8th most visited site. Over 4.7 billion people have used it. Whether for quick answers, ideas, or just exploring AI, it’s becoming a regular part of people’s online routines. People spend less time here than on some other sites, though—just over 2 pages per visit.
4. Social Media is Still Going Strong
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok continue to pull in billions of visits. Facebook is in 3rd place, Instagram is in 4th, and TikTok comes in at 16th. Social media still plays a huge role in how we stay connected, share updates, and pass time.
5. Search Engines Aren’t Just Google
Yes, Google is the biggest, but other search engines are holding their own. Bing ranks 7th, and Yandex (popular in Russia) is 10th. DuckDuckGo, known for protecting users’ privacy, is also in the top 20.
6. Shopping and Streaming Keep Growing
Amazon, the biggest online shopping site, ranks 12th. People still love their online shopping. Streaming platforms are on the rise too. Netflix is now 15th. With more people staying home or wanting easy access to entertainment, this makes perfect sense.
7. X (Twitter): Still Relevant But Facing Pressure
X, the site formerly known as Twitter, is 9th. It’s holding steady with users who like to follow news and trends in real-time. People who use it are pretty loyal, spending time clicking through about 6 pages each visit. But newer platforms are making it harder for X to stay on top.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Here’s the big takeaway:
- People want content: We’re spending more time on sites with videos, posts, and interactive tools.
- Search engines are still key: Whether it’s Google, Bing, or Yandex, search traffic is massive. So businesses that want to be found need to focus on search visibility.
- Online habits are changing: Platforms like ChatGPT are shaking things up, and newer apps are giving older platforms like X a run for their money.
The internet is always evolving, but one thing’s for sure—we’re all spending a lot of time online. Think about where you spend most of your time. Is it watching YouTube? Scrolling Instagram? Or maybe something else?
Thanks for listening! Now, I’m curious—what’s your go-to website?
Wole Oduwole, an SEO & Digital Growth Expert is the Founder of SEOGidi. Harnessing with over 10 years of experience to scaling startups and emerging businesses.
