Most Visited Websites Globally – Mapping the Digital Giants [2024 Update]
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The internet is now a staple in over two-thirds of the global population’s lives. With major global events constantly affecting search trends and online behaviors, how should businesses ensure they reach the right people at the right time?
Whether it’s adapting to the latest search engine algorithms or evolving digital trends, our goal at Hostinger is to ensure your website remains relevant and impactful, no matter what’s trending.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the significance of web traffic trends in different parts of the globe. By delving into the most visited websites and search trends country by country, you can ensure that your website piques the interest of your target audience and region.
Most Visited Websites in the World – Key Findings
The most visited websites globally offer great insights into how we spend our time online. Here’s a brief overview of our most significant findings:
- Global giants remain at the top. Google remains the most visited website in the world. Generally speaking, search engines and social media platforms like Facebook continue to dominate globally, but there’s a noticeable rise in the popularity of streaming and eCommerce sites – YouTube, for example, has over 32 billion visits every month.
- Shift towards online streaming. Top websites like YouTube and emerging platforms like Max.com in the U.S. highlight a significant shift from traditional TV to online streaming.
- eCommerce gains ground. Amazon’s strong presence across dozens of countries underscores the growing preference for online shopping, offering convenience and a wide range of products. In fact, people spend only over 7 minutes on the eCommerce site during an average visit.
- Local news sources matter. In countries like the UK and Germany, local news websites like BBC.co.uk and Bild.de rank within the top 10 most visited websites, showing the importance of region-specific news.
- Social media’s dual role. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are not just for socializing but also serve as key tools for professional networking, especially in countries like France and India.
Top 50 Most Visited Websites in the World
Exploring the most popular websites in the world gives us a clear picture of what’s trending and where people spend their time online.
| Rank | Website | Category | Avg. Visit Duration | Monthly Visits |
| 1 | google.com | Search Engines | 00:10:52 | 87.04B |
| 2 | youtube.com | Streaming & Online TV | 00:19:51 | 32.72B |
| 3 | facebook.com | Social Media | 00:10:35 | 16.71B |
| 4 | instagram.com | Social Media | 00:08:13 | 6.67B |
| 5 | twitter.com | Social Media | 00:10:52 | 6.14B |
| 6 | baidu.com | Search Engines | 00:04:44 | 4.92B |
| 7 | wikipedia.org | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias | 00:03:55 | 4.54B |
| 8 | yahoo.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:09:09 | 3.58B |
| 9 | yandex.ru | Search Engines | 00:09:09 | 3.30B |
| 10 | whatsapp.com | Social Media | 00:19:57 | 3.07B |
| 11 | amazon.com | eCommerce & Shopping – Marketplace | 00:07:11 | 2.44B |
| 12 | tiktok.com | Social Media | 00:03:37 | 2.25B |
| 13 | live.com | 00:08:08 | 2.02B | |
| 14 | yahoo.co.jp | News & Media Publishers | 00:09:07 | 2.01B |
| 15 | reddit.com | Social Media | 00:08:16 | 1.89B |
| 16 | docomo.ne.jp | Telecommunications | 00:05:47 | 1.82B |
| 17 | linkedin.com | Social Media | 00:07:35 | 1.81B |
| 18 | openai.com | Computers Electronics and Technology – Other | 00:05:12 | 1.72B |
| 19 | office.com | Programming and Developer Software | 00:09:59 | 1.65B |
| 20 | netflix.com | Streaming & Online TV | 00:05:39 | 1.44B |
| 21 | dzen.ru | Community and Society – Other | 00:09:20 | 1.41B |
| 22 | microsoftonline.com | Programming and Developer Software | 00:02:06 | 1.35B |
| 23 | bing.com | Search Engines | 00:07:08 | 1.31B |
| 24 | bilibili.com | Animation and Comics | 00:20:18 | 1.29B |
| 25 | mail.ru | 00:08:14 | 1.22B | |
| 26 | samsung.com | Consumer Electronics | 00:02:36 | 1.22B |
| 27 | vk.com | Social Media | 00:12:03 | 1.20B |
| 28 | naver.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:15:46 | 1.19B |
| 29 | pinterest.com | Social Media | 00:05:47 | 1.15B |
| 30 | microsoft.com | Programming and Developer Software | 00:04:06 | 1.08B |
| 31 | discord.com | Social Media | 00:06:37 | 1.05B |
| 32 | weather.com | Weather | 00:00:54 | 1.04B |
| 33 | max.com | Streaming & Online TV | 00:06:03 | 1.02B |
| 34 | turbopages.org | News & Media Publishers | 00:01:23 | 978M |
| 35 | zoom.us | Computers Electronics and Technology – Other | 00:03:35 | 881M |
| 36 | duckduckgo.com | Search Engines | 00:08:44 | 811M |
| 37 | qq.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:03:20 | 809M |
| 38 | quora.com | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias | 00:02:40 | 788M |
| 39 | sharepoint.com | Computers Electronics and Technology – Other | 00:07:04 | 774M |
| 40 | globo.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:04:14 | 740M |
| 41 | cricbuzz.com | Fantasy Sports | 00:08:46 | 729M |
| 42 | t.me | Computers Electronics and Technology – Other | 00:03:17 | 711M |
| 43 | fandom.com | Arts & Entertainment – Other | 00:05:03 | 710M |
| 44 | cnn.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:03:03 | 707M |
| 45 | roblox.com | Video Games Consoles and Accessories | 00:13:29 | 707M |
| 46 | ebay.com | eCommerce & Shopping – Marketplace | 00:06:53 | 673M |
| 47 | msn.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:05:27 | 666M |
| 48 | news.yahoo.co.jp | News & Media Publishers | 00:06:21 | 643M |
| 49 | nytimes.com | News & Media Publishers | 00:03:36 | 642M |
| 50 | bbc.co.uk | News & Media Publishers | 00:05:03 | 595M |
Top 5 Most Visited Websites
1. Google
Global monthly visits: 87.04B
Google’s dominance can be attributed to its vast and efficient search capabilities, offering quick and relevant results to practically any search query. Beyond traditional searching, Google has other valuable tools like Maps, News, and specialized searches, including image and academic categories, further enhancing the overall user experience.
With users spending an average of 10 minutes per visit, it’s clear they find what they need and more. Google’s unchallenged position as the top search engine over the past five years reflects its reliability and the trust it has earned from users.
2. Youtube
Global monthly visits: 32.72B
YouTube’s wide appeal lies in its extensive range of videos, serving up everything from educational material to pure entertainment. Besides watching videos, the site attracts creators who want to share their work.
People typically spend around 20 minutes per visit, which shows how it’s become a big part of our digital entertainment life. Over the years, especially since 2019, YouTube has seen a steady rise in both the number of videos uploaded and the viewers tuning in, cementing its role in online streaming.
3. Facebook
Global monthly visits: 16.71B
Facebook stands out for its array of features like the news feed, groups, and marketplace, making it more than just a social network. It’s a place where billions of users connect and communities come to life.
With users spending over 10 minutes per visit, Facebook shows strong engagement. Even with the rise of new social networks, it’s kept its large audience over the last five years, introducing features like Facebook Watch and better privacy settings to stay fresh and relevant.
4. Instagram
Global monthly visits: 6.674B
Instagram is all about visual storytelling, perfect for sharing photos and videos. With its Stories, Reels, and IGTV, there’s something for every kind of visual content lover. An average visit of over 8 minutes is impressive for a mobile-first platform.
From 2019 to 2023, Instagram has not just grown but transformed. It’s not just for photo-sharing anymore – it’s a full-blown social media and marketing powerhouse, especially popular with the younger generations.
5. X (Formerly Twitter)
Global monthly visits: 6.141B
X is famous for its real-time updates, making it the hub for news, entertainment, and conversations. Thanks to its character limit, the communication is snappy and on point.
Users spend more than 10 minutes on average per visit, showing how integral it is for continuous information sharing. Between 2019 and 2023, X has consistently grown in user engagement, becoming a must-be platform for public figures and during major global events.
Honorable Mention: OpenAI
Global monthly visits: 1.721B
OpenAI.com’s skyrocketing popularity is a clear sign of the world’s fascination with AI.
In just a year, it has become one of the top sites with 1.514 billion visits, marking a 19.7% jump in monthly visits.
This surge in traffic reflects OpenAI’s significant position in the digital world. The site is now ranking in the 21st position globally, 54th in the United States, and 1st in the Computers, Electronics, and Technology industry.
The high engagement on the website, with 116.5 million monthly visits and an average visit duration of over 5 minutes, underscores the platform’s growing influence and user interest.
Most Visited Websites Globally by Country
In our comprehensive analysis, we’ve focused on a diverse set of countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Brazil, Germany, France, and Spain.
As each represents a unique blend of cultural and digital practices, they provide a well-rounded understanding of global web traffic trends.
United States
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in the U.S.:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1. | Google.com | 19.21B | Search Engines |
| 2. | Youtube.com | 6.358B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3. | Facebook.com | 3.094B | Social Media |
| 4. | Amazon.com | 1.941B | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 5. | Yahoo.com | 1.914B | News & Media Publishers |
| 6. | Twitter.com | 1.194B | Social Media |
| 7. | Instagram.com | 1.152B | Social Media |
| 8. | Wikipedia.org | 1.051B | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |
| 9. | Max.com | 1.019B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 10. | Reddit.com | 866.9M | Social Media |
In the U.S., the most visited sites of 2023, continue to be dominated by a mix of technology giants and social media platforms. Unsurprisingly, Google remains the most visited website in the region, signifying the crucial role of search in our daily lives.
Americans are increasingly turning to online streaming services, with sites like Max.com becoming more popular than traditional TV. This illustrates a wider shift to more internet-based ways to watch shows and movies. Amazon leads the online shopping scene, showing how much Americans love its ease, speed, and variety.
Social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are a big part of everyday life in the U.S. They’re where people catch up on news, have fun, and chat with friends. This shows that Americans are constantly connected and use these digital platforms for more than just simple tasks – they’re an essential part of daily life.
United Kingdom
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in the UK:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1. | Google.com | 3.348B | Search Engines |
| 2. | Youtube.com | 1.151B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3. | Facebook.com | 576.3M | Social Media |
| 4. | BBC.co.uk | 506.9M | News & Media Publishers |
| 5. | Amazon.com | 28.67M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 6. | Twitter.com | 291.0M | Social Media |
| 7. | Wikipedia.org | 231.4M | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |
| 8. | Google.co.uk | 226.0M | Search Engines |
| 9. | Ebay.co.uk | 208.9M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 10. | Instagram.com | 187.0M | Social Media |
Across the pond, the most visited websites in the UK are a blend of global online giants and popular social media platforms.
It’s clear that the Brits trust their local news, with BBC.co.uk being one of the most popular websites in the country. This shows the public’s preference for trustworthy and detailed local news over other, more international platforms.
eCommerce, especially Amazon, is popular too, pointing to a trend where Brits love shopping online for its ease and speed.
Overall, the UK’s online habits blend a love for global websites with a strong interest in local, UK-specific content, showing how the majority likes to stay globally connected and locally informed.
India
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in India:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1 | Google.com | 5.812B | Search Engines |
| 2 | Youtube.com | 2.068B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3 | Facebook.com | 1.014B | Social Media |
| 4 | Instagram.com | 760.4M | Social Media |
| 5 | Cricbuzz.com | 655.1M | Sports – Fantasy Sports |
| 6 | Samsung.com | 552.2M | Consumer Electronics |
| 7 | Aajtak.in | 541.7M | News & Media Publishers |
| 8 | Whatsapp.com | 361.6M | Social Media |
| 9 | Amazon.in | 352.7M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 10 | Twitter.com | 303.1M | News and Media |
In India, the most popular websites offer a peek into what the nation holds dear.
Cricbuzz.com’s popularity in India shows how much cricket is loved there, not only as a sport but as a key part of the culture.
The frequent visits to Aajtak.in, a local news site, also reflect Indians’ keen interest in keeping up with local events and news.
As for social media usage, Indians mix personal connections with professional networks. Popular global platforms like Facebook and Instagram are used for socializing, while LinkedIn’s popularity shows a keen focus on career growth.
It’s important to note that LinkedIn isn’t yet in the top 10 most visited websites in India, but the platform has a growing presence in the region.
Brazil
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in Brazil:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1 | Google.com | 4.589B | Search Engines |
| 2 | Youtube.com | 1.407B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3 | Facebook.com | 840.5M | Social Media |
| 4 | Globo.com | 694.8M | News & Media Publishers |
| 5 | Instagram.com | 677.7M | Social Media |
| 6 | Whatsapp.com | 467.1M | Social Media |
| 7 | Uol.com.br | 457.2M | News & Media Publishers |
| 8 | Google.com.br | 300.3M | Search Engines |
| 9 | Twitter.com | 252.8M | Social Media |
| 10 | Mercadolivre.com.br | 242.1M | eCommerce & Shopping – Marketplace |
Brazil’s internet landscape combines local news, entertainment, and social networking.
From the data, we can tell that Brazilians are avid consumers of local news and entertainment online, with sites like Globo.com and Uol.com.br being crowd favorites. They also love to connect and share on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
These platforms are a big part of everyday life in Brazil, helping people stay in touch and engage with their communities. It’s also worth noting the growing popularity of TikTok, especially among the younger crowd, shows that Brazilians are keen on exploring new ways to express themselves online.
This mix of local news and global social media use shows that Brazilians are deeply involved in both their local community and the wider digital world.
Spain
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in Spain:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1. | Google.com | 1.849B | Search Engines |
| 2. | Youtube.com | 578.3M | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3. | Facebook.com | 263.9M | Social Media |
| 4. | Marca.com | 209.5M | Sports > Other |
| 5. | Twitter.com | 200.1M | Social Media |
| 6. | Google.es | 178.4M | Search Engines |
| 7. | Elmundo.es | 154.9M | News & Media Publishers |
| 8. | Instagram.com | 149.9M | Social Media |
| 9. | Amazon.es | 112.4M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 10. | Wikipedia.org | 94.95M | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |
Spain’s top sites show us that people’s online interests are varied, including sports, news, and international websites.
Marca.com, the fourth most visited website, shows how much they love sports, especially football, which brings everyone together. It’s common to see fans across Spain discussing the latest football matches and sharing highlights from Marca on social media, uniting them in their sports enthusiasm.
Elmundo.es, a go-to source for local news, reflects how Spaniards stay informed about national events. Whether it’s discussing political developments in a Madrid café or sharing local news stories on WhatsApp groups, Spaniards prefer following the news on a local website.
The Spanish public also frequently uses global social media sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, as well as Google.es for local searches. This mix of using both international social media and local websites shows how Spain embraces the wider world while staying true to its local roots and culture.
France
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in France:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1. | Google.com | 2.300B | Search Engines |
| 2. | Youtube.com | 737.1M | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3. | Facebook.com | 431.3M | Social Media |
| 4. | Google.fr | 203.6M | Search Engines |
| 5. | Orange.fr | 170.2M | Telecommunications |
| 6. | Wikipedia.org | 156.7M | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |
| 7. | Amazon.fr | 149.6M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 8. | Twitter.com | 149.6M | Social Media |
| 9. | Instagram.com | 132.2M | Social Media |
| 10. | Lemonde.fr | 125.7M | News & Media Publishers |
In France, people use the internet in a way that mixes global trends with a strong focus on professional growth and trustworthy news.
Lemonde.fr’s popularity highlights the French preference for in-depth and reliable news. Whether it’s during a coffee break in Paris or a discussion at a Lyon university, you’ll find people referencing articles from Lemonde.fr, discussing current events with a focus on well-researched information.
This blend of using Lemonde.fr for credible news and Google.fr for searches shows that the French are keen on staying globally connected while valuing intellectual depth and quality in their online activities.
Germany
Top 10 Most Visited Websites in Germany:
| Rank | Website | Monthly Visits | Category |
| 1. | Google.com | 2.570B | Search Engines |
| 2. | Youtube.com | 1.036B | Streaming & Online TV |
| 3. | Facebook.com | 382.3M | Social Media |
| 4. | Google.de | 380.1M | Search Engines |
| 5. | Amazon.de | 370.4M | eCommerce & Shopping |
| 6. | Wikipedia.org | 218.3M | Dictionaries and Encyclopedias |
| 7. | Bild.de | 181.4M | News & Media Publishers |
| 8. | T-online.de | 151.7M | News & Media Publishers |
| 9. | Instagram.com | 151.4M | Social Media |
| 10. | Ebay.de | 144.5M | eCommerce & Shopping |
In Germany, people prefer websites that offer news and shopping options in German. The data reveals that Germans often turn to familiar sites like Amazon.de and Ebay.de, which offer a wide range of products and the convenience of shopping from home.
WhatsApp is also a favorite tool for staying in touch. Many in Germany use the app more often than other Europeans for their daily communication with friends, family, and colleagues.
This shows that in Germany, there’s a strong preference for local websites and services, but there’s also a keen interest in using global platforms to stay connected.
Know Your Audience – Wherever They Are
Knowing the most visited websites and the top web trends in your region can be highly beneficial for marketing your own website and online business.
For instance, understanding the importance of which social media or eCommerce platforms to use helps create a more effective marketing strategy. Meanwhile, understanding your audience’s language preferences helps you build a trustworthy online presence.
Building a successful website is all about balancing user-friendliness with relevant, high-quality content. By focusing on ensuring that your site is easily accessible on each popular search engine, you can attract your target audience.
Methodology and Sources
Our primary web traffic data for the most visited websites in the world comes from SimilarWeb, an industry leader in digital intelligence, offering insights into the top-performing websites across multiple categories and countries (SimilarWeb Global, SimilarWeb by Country).
For search trends and the popularity of individual websites, we tapped into Google Trends, providing us with a five-year trend overview for major sites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Google Trends Explore).
We also incorporated global digital population and connectivity data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), giving us a context for digital access and usage patterns worldwide (ITU Media Centre).
For an in-depth look at the state of digital search in 2023, we reviewed insights from SEMrush’s comprehensive report on the current state of search (SEMrush State of Search 2023).
The data was collected in October and November 2023.
We did not consider gambling or betting websites, illegal streaming or downloading services, or any other malicious websites in our research.
Domantas leads the content and SEO teams forward with fresh ideas and out of the box approaches. Armed with extensive SEO and marketing knowledge, he aims to spread the word of Hostinger to every corner of the world. During his free time, Domantas likes to hone his web development skills and travel to exotic places.
