Google Completes 25 years of being a favourite Search Engine

When Google first launched 25 years ago, it was far from the first search engine. But quickly, Google Search became known for our ability to help connect people to the exact information they were looking for, faster than they ever thought possible.

Over the years, we’ve continued to innovate and make Google Search better every day. From creating entirely new ways to search, to helping millions of businesses connect with customers through search listings and ads (starting with a local business advertising via AdWords in 2001), to having some fun with Doodles and easter eggs — it’s been quite a journey.

For our 25th birthday, we’re looking back at some of the milestones that made Google more helpful in the moments that matter, and played a big role in where Google is today. Learn more about our history in our Search Through Time site.

“How do you cut a pineapple?”

It wasn’t that long ago when finding the answers to simple questions like this wasn’t all that simple. You might call a friend or family member who was handy in the kitchen, or hope that a cookbook at home had some instructions. Or, unsure of where to look for the answer at all, you’d just grab a kitchen knife and do your best.

Twenty-five years ago we launched Google Search to help you find answers to questions big and small. Since then, billions of people have turned to our products to do just that — to satisfy their curiosity. To start a business. To start a journey. To cut a pineapple.

We started with Search in 1998, with the ambitious vision of organizing the world’s information. Today, 15 of our products are each used by over half a billion people every day. So as we celebrate our 25th birthday today, we’re also celebrating 25 years of your curiosity. After all, your curiosity is what has fuelled us — and our progress.

Consider that in 2000 so many people rushed to Google seeking photos of Jennifer Lopez’s daring Grammy’s dress that it became the most popular search query.

That search returned 10 blue links, but no green dress. So our engineers went to work, brainstorming new ways to index images alongside webpages and Google Images was born, enabling you to find that one photo you’re in search of faster than ever before.