Google in 1998 lets users explore how the search engine first looked when it was first developed at Stanford University.
This Easter egg, created by Google in 2013 for its 15th anniversary, shows a simple version of Google’s interface. It gives a glimpse of the web as it appeared during the late 1990s.
How to Access Google in 1998?
To see Google in 1998, type “Google in 1998” into the search bar today. The search results will transform, displaying the original design from when Larry Page and Sergey Brin launched it.
The domain google.com was first registered in September 1997, so this Easter egg offers a true look back at the very early days of the platform.
Features of the 1998 Google Look
The 1998 interface was very basic compared to modern Google. Key elements include:
| Feature | Description |
| Classic Logo | Google logo with an exclamation mark (Google!) |
| Simple Links | Access to “Stanford Search,” “Linux Search,” and “About Google” |
| HTML Layout | Clean, text-based design typical of 1998 |
| Copyright Notice | Displays 1998 Google Inc. |
This simple layout reflects a time when search engines prioritized function over flashy graphics.
Enhanced Experiences
Some online recreations of Google in 1998 go further. They simulate Internet Explorer 4.0 to give an authentic browsing feel.
These versions feature pixelated fonts and period-specific browser windows. Users can explore the homepage, click links, and even perform searches as they would in 1998.
Comparing 1998 and Today
Google in 1998 emphasized simplicity. Unlike today’s interface, the homepage was static and text-heavy. Modern Google offers multimedia results, location-aware suggestions, and extensive tools.
| Aspect | Google in 1998 | Google Now |
| Homepage | Static and text-based | Dynamic and interactive |
| Search Results | Text only | Text, images, videos, news |
| Features | Limited search | Advanced tools, personalization |
Historical Significance
This Easter egg preserves Google’s origins and teaches the evolution of web design. The first Google Doodle appeared in 1998, inspired by the Burning Man festival. Google in 1998, highlights how far search technology has come from its early days at Stanford.
How to Explore?
- Open Google and type “Google in 1998”
- Explore the homepage and search results in old-style design
- Compare the look with today’s advanced interface
In 1998, the company captured the minimalist design philosophy that shaped its growth. It serves as a digital time capsule, showing the evolution of web search and design over more than two decades.
