Internet Market Share Evolution

The internet landscape is constantly evolving, and staying on top of current trends in browser usage, search engines, web hosting, and CMS platforms can help businesses and developers make informed decisions. This updated overview explores how major players in each category are performing in 2025.

Please continue reading to learn more about the life and death of popular internet titans as they marked their place in internet trend history.

The Evolution of Web Browser Market Share

Web browsers are the gateways to the internet, and their market share can shift rapidly depending on user preferences, device trends, and technological innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the top browsers in 2025.

Chrome

Google Chrome continues to dominate the global browser landscape. Thanks to its speed, performance, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, Chrome remains the go-to choice for most users.

• Global Market Share (March 2025): 66.16%

• Why It Leads: Frequent updates, vast extension library, and superior speed make Chrome a top contender.

Safari

Apple’s Safari browser has carved out a strong user base, especially on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Its smooth integration with iOS and macOS ecosystems keeps it a top-tier browser.

• Global Market Share (March 2025): 17.62%

• Why It’s Important: Dominates on Apple devices, with excellent privacy features and optimization.

Internet Explorer (Legacy)

Once the king of browsers, Internet Explorer has officially been phased out by Microsoft. Most users have moved on to more modern browsers, primarily Edge.

• Current Role: Retired and replaced by Microsoft Edge.

The History of Web Hosting Market Share

As more individuals and businesses create websites, the demand for web hosting continues to surge. Here’s how the major players stack up in 2025.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy remains one of the most recognized names in web hosting and domain registration. Its user-friendly tools and marketing reach make it a go-to choice for beginners and small businesses.

• Market Share (2025): 6.63%

• Popular For: Domain registration, easy site builders, and around-the-clock support.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS is the global leader in cloud infrastructure and has steadily gained ground in web hosting due to its scalability, security, and powerful developer tools. While often used by enterprises and developers, it is increasingly accessible to small businesses through managed solutions.

• Market Share (2025): 10.92%

• Best For: Scalable cloud hosting, reliability, and global reach.

Google Cloud

Google Cloud continues to grow in the web hosting sector, favored by startups and tech-focused organizations. Its integration with other Google services and AI tools makes it an appealing choice for modern web apps.

• Market Share (2025): 4.85%

• Known For: Performance, AI-powered analytics, and security.

HostGator

HostGator remains a budget-friendly and flexible option. It is especially popular among new website owners and small businesses looking for shared hosting plans with the ability to scale up.

• Market Share (2025): 3.82%

• Key Offering: Affordable plans, cPanel access, and various hosting tiers.

Other Notable Hosts

In addition to the above, providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and IONOS continue to serve niche segments, especially WordPress and agency clients. These platforms offer strong support, competitive pricing, and ease of use.

• Combined Market Share (2025): ~15%

• Popular With: Bloggers, freelancers, small agencies, and local businesses.

The Evolution of Search Engine Market Share

Search engines remain the front door to the internet, and understanding their shifting market share gives us a window into how users access information in 2025 compared to five years ago.

Google

Google continues its dominance, but the search landscape is gradually evolving. While it held 92.05% market share in March 2020, it’s now slightly reduced to 89.74% as of March 2025.

• Market Share (March 2025): 89.74%

• Why it still leads: World-class search algorithms, constant AI innovation, unmatched advertising tools, and seamless user experience across devices.

Bing

Bing’s market share has seen modest growth, aided by deep integration with Windows 11, Edge browser, and Microsoft’s Copilot AI.

• Market Share (March 2025): 4%

• What’s helping: Embedded in Microsoft ecosystems and improved AI-powered features.

Others: DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, Ecosia, etc.

Alternative and privacy-focused search engines remain niche players. DuckDuckGo, for instance, has grown slightly due to ongoing privacy concerns but still hovers below 1.5% of global market share.

• Market Share (Combined): ~6.26%

• User Appeal: Privacy, ad-free experiences, and ethical technology movements.

AI Search: A New Paradigm for Information Discovery

One of the biggest shifts since 2020 is the rise of AI search tools. These systems aren’t just search engines—they’re intelligent assistants capable of completing tasks, writing code, summarizing long texts, and even handling research workflows.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is now a go-to for millions of users who need quick, contextual answers without sifting through web links.

• Use Cases: Research, business summaries, educational help, customer service.

• Impact: Reducing reliance on traditional search for task-based queries.

Gemini (Google)

Formerly Bard, Gemini now blends Google Search with AI chat experiences. It’s a fully integrated tool across Gmail, Docs, Android, and more.

• Strength: Combines factual Google search results with conversational AI answers.

• Use Case: Productivity, daily task automation, and smart document editing.

Other Major AI Assistants

• Microsoft Copilot: AI embedded into Microsoft 365 and Windows redefines office productivity.

• Claude (Anthropic): Known for reliability and long-form reasoning; popular in academia and corporate settings.

• Perplexity AI: Excels at citation-backed search and academic-friendly summaries.

AI tools are now part of everyday search behaviors and in many cases, are replacing traditional keyword search for tasks, especially among professionals and power users.

5-Year Comparison: 2020 vs. 2025 Search Market Shift

Observation:

• Google still dominates but has seen a –7.67% decline.
• Bing and DuckDuckGo both gained small but meaningful market share.
• AI search tools are not yet represented in traditional search stats—but their growing influence is undeniable.

Content Management Systems (CMS) and Their Role in Modern Web Presence

As search and AI evolve, the demand for robust and adaptable CMS platforms continues to rise. A modern CMS not only powers your website content but also plays a key role in how search engines and AI tools interpret your site.

• WordPress: 61.4%
• Shopify: 6.7%
• Wix: 5.1%
• Squarespace: 3.3%

Why CMS matters: It impacts your SEO structure, content speed, integration with AI tools, and ability to scale.

Trend: Many CMS now feature built-in AI tools for faster content creation, optimization, and user personalization.

Choosing the right CMS is as critical as selecting the right keywords—it’s foundational to user experience, speed, and search visibility.

Conclusion: The Future of Search and Your Online Presence

The way people find information is transforming—search engines are no longer the only gateway. AI search assistants, evolving CMS platforms, and high-performance infrastructure like AWS are reshaping the digital experience.

Here’s what this means for you:

• Adaptability is key: Keep your website structure, content, and tech stack up to date.
• Leverage AI: Use AI tools to improve customer experience, create smarter content, and boost productivity.
• Optimize for search + AI: Focus not just on traditional SEO, but also on how your content performs in AI-generated environments.

Whether you’re managing a business, personal blog, or e-commerce site, the tools and strategies you choose today will define your success tomorrow.

Stay curious. Stay optimized. Stay ahead.