comScore reports top 20 web properties in Israel

RESTON, United States: comScore, Inc, a leader in measuring the digital world, yesterday 23 June 2010, released an overview of Internet usage in Israel based on the comScore Media Metrix audience measurement service.

The data revealed that despite Israel's modest market size it has one of the most active and engaged Internet populations in the world, ranking second only behind Canada in terms of the average time spent online during the month at 38.3 hours per user in May 2010. Notably, this high engagement among Israeli Internet users is 60% greater than the total worldwide average of 24 hours per user.

"Israel is one of the most active and dynamic Internet markets in the world," said Mike Read, comScore senior vice president. "Israelis are particularly sophisticated, tech-savvy consumers who spend considerably more time online than average, while Israel is also known for its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in technology and digital media industries. Though relatively small in size, Israel has contributed disproportionately to the development of the current global digital landscape."

Google sites tops list of most visited web properties in Israel

Google sites ranked as the top property with 3.8 million visitors age 15 and older accessing the property from home and work locations, representing 92% of the total Internet audience, followed by Facebook.com with 3.5 million visitors (85% penetration). Facebook.com exhibited the highest growth among the top ten properties with an increase of 92% in the past year. During that time, Facebook climbed three spots in the ranking to the #2 position.

Israeli company Walla! Communications ranked third with 3.1 million visitors, followed by another Israeli company Ynet Group (which includes Ynet.co.il, One.co.il and Winwin.co.il), while Microsoft sites rounded out the top five with 2.8 million visitors. Approximately two-thirds of the top 20 web properties in Israel are represented by local Israeli companies.

*Excludes visitation from public computers such as Internet cafes or access from mobile phones or PDAs.

"While the top web properties across many global markets are dominated by global Internet brands, Israel boasts numerous local companies among its top properties, a true testament to the home-grown technological talent and innovation in this market," added Read.