Google in 1998

Google in 1998 takes users back to the very beginning of the world’s most famous search engine. This special Easter egg lets people view Google exactly as it appeared when it first launched.

The idea was officially introduced by Google in 2013 to celebrate its 15-year milestone. Even today, it remains a popular way to understand how simple web search once was.

How Google in 1998 Was Introduced?

The Google in 1998 feature can be activated by typing the phrase directly into Google’s search box. Once entered, the results page shifts into a retro layout that mirrors the early days of the platform.

This launch was intentional. The google.com domain was registered in September 1997, making 1998 the true starting point of Google as a search engine built by Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University.

Design Style of Google in 1998

The visual layout of Google in 1998 reflects the technical limits of that era. Internet speeds were slow, and web design focused more on function than style. The interface is clean, text-heavy, and free from distractions.

Key visual elements included:

This approach made search fast and easy, even on dial-up connections.

Why Google in 1998 Still Matters?

When Google in 1998 was released as an Easter egg, it quickly gained attention. Users were surprised by how basic the interface looked compared to modern Google. The experience highlighted how search results once relied only on text links, without images, videos, or news panels.

This contrast helped users appreciate how far search technology has progressed while showing that Google’s original focus on simplicity never truly disappeared.

Expanded 1998-Style Experiences

Some recreations go beyond search results and present a full homepage inspired by Google in 1998. These versions often include browser-style frames similar to late 1990s software, giving users a stronger sense of that period.

Common features include:

Design Values Then and Now

The Google in 1998 interface shows how design priorities have changed.

Lasting Cultural Value

Google in 1998 works as a digital time capsule. It preserves the early web era and helps explain how online tools evolved from academic projects into global platforms. For students and designers, it also offers insight into early user experience choices.

Final Thoughts

The Google in 1998 Easter egg captures the original vision behind Google. It reminds users that strong ideas do not need complex designs. Even today, this simple interface continues to tell the story of how modern search began.