Just over a year ago, Twitter acquired a small startup, Summize, a search engine for tweets. Once the deal was done, Twitter launched Twitter Search, and the real-time search revolution began.
Because of that acquisition, real-time search has exploded. Twitter Search and trending topics have become a staple of the Twitterverse. It has also become one of the top tools for tracking major world events (i.e. the #IranElection crisis).
For the last year, Twitter has had no major rival in real-time search. But last week, that all changed when Facebook launched its real-time search engine. Not only can it search status updates, but it also tracks photos, notes, videos, and more. Can Facebook, with its larger userbase and recent talent acquisition, make Twitter Search irrelevant? Or does Twitter's open platform and first-mover advantage give it the edge?
The Case for Twitter
It's tough to believe, but Twitter Search has only been around for a year. Still, that year has provided it with its position as the current leader in real-time search. When you want to see how people are reacting to Tiger Woods's stunning loss or the protests in Iran, you turn to Twitter.
Here are three of Twitter's biggest advantages over Facebook when it comes to real-time search:
First mover advantage: Twitter was first, and that has made it an established leader in this realm. Millions of people know and use Twitter search regularly.
More experience: Twitter has a full year's worth of experience with real-time search. It has had to time to figure out what works, what does not, and adjust accordingly. It can respond lightning fast to anything Facebook may put out.
Open platform: Perhaps Twitter's biggest advantage over Facebook search is that almost every Twitter user has a public account, meaning that his or her tweets are indexable. This provides for a great deal of information while searching. Twitter Search is why Twitter is quickly becoming the world's water cooler.
The Case for Facebook
While the new Facebook Search only launched this week, the new real-time search platform can search far more than status updates. With access to 250+ million users, the world's largest social network can tap into photos, links, events, apps, and more for its new search engine.
Facebook's got several things going for it in the battle for real-time search. Here are three of the top ones:
Larger userbase: Size does matter. Facebook has over 250 million users, over 90 million U.S. visits a month and even larger reach overseas. Twitter has just above 25 million U.S. visits a month and nowhere near the amount of users. With more people to draw on, Facebook can provide a more accurate representation of what people are talking about. Plus most likely you have more close friends on Facebook than you do on Twitter.
More diverse search: Facebook Search is richer in scope. There's something to be said for being able to find videos and photos related to your real-time search, and you can filter your results as well.
The other strength is that you can search the posts of both your friends and all public profiles. Facebook allows you to find out what your friends are buzzing about as well as what the entire world is discussing. A lack of public profiles on Facebook hinders its effectiveness for now, though.
FriendFeed: Did you know that FriendFeed has a real-time search engine, and that it's really good to boot? FriendFeed is filled with talented people and real-time technology. The former head of Google Maps and the creator of Gmail are both co-founders of the startup and are now top members of the Facebook team. They know how to build a real-time engine, and they will bring that expertise to Facebook Search.
Who Do You Think Will Win?
You can argue compellingly that either company will eventually win out in real-time search, or even that the market's big enough for both companies. Heck, Google could launch a real-time search engine and sweep away both Facebook and Twitter Search, or a start-up could make a big impact.
That's why we want to hear from you. Who do you think will win the real-time search war? Will it be Twitter, with its tremendous growth and open platform, or will it be Facebook, with its enormous user base and rich technology? Cast your vote, and then leave your reasoning in the comments: