Chinese Web Browser market

Tue 17 April 2012 16:00, Kelly Ge

The online market in China is different from the rest as you all may notice. This time, I will give you a brief idea on the web browser based on the latest report released by CNZZ, the biggest online data provider based on the Chinese language. These data can be quite useful when you want to build a Chinese site.

Below is the pie chart for the use of web browser on March 2011.

IE is predominant for users, followed by Qihu360, a local provider. The most commonly used browse in Europe, such as Chrome or FireFox, hardly find their position in China.

Now we go to the latest data, March 2012.

The share of IE shrinks, from 62.6% to 53.36%. Qihu360 seems to be the only local provider that can compete with IE, with an increase on share from 19.97% to 27.29%. Sougou, another local provider, is also doing well, a slight increase from 4.65% to 8.81%. For Chrome and FireFox, even a less share. Only Safari steps up to stay in the top list, maybe for the recent favor of Apple products, but the behavior of users cannot be changed easily.

Why IE is so big? – Windows system

No matter how trendy Apple is, Windows system is the first choice by Chinese system. Even the giant like Apple has a special offer in China, to help users to install both Mac and Windows systems in the Mac book. It may seem ridiculous to hear for the first time, but that is the reality. Though from the trend on the charts, IE is losing its top share, it cannot be taken placed in a short term.

At the time when you want to build a Chinese site, the test on IE should be on the top list.

*Image is from Chinaz

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Comments (5)

- Bert-Jan
- [website]
This is very good to know, thank you !
Do you have more detailed information as to which version(s) of IE are most popular ?

Di 17 apr 2012, 17:24
- Kelly Ge
Hi Bert-Jan, the version used most is IE 6.0 and IE 8.0. IE 7.0 is the one with the most criticism, which might also be a reason for the decrease on market share.

Wo 18 apr 2012, 09:03
- Bert-Jan
- [website]
Unbelievable that so many people are still using that very, very old beast IE6. It was beautiful when it was released but now it's just an ancient embarrassment, now to mention a nightmare to cater websites to...

Wo 18 apr 2012, 14:42
- Kelly Ge
it takes time to change what people are used to, especially for those do not have basic computer skills or fast internet connection. Though IE 6 is quite old, but occupies 22.19% of the market share.

Wo 18 apr 2012, 16:21
- Mobileclassifiedads
A very useful and interesting article

Vr 6 jul 2012, 16:15

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