Popularity of Google's Social Network Skyrocketing

Google's (relatively) new social network, Google+, is skyrocketing in popularity. The firm recently reported a 58 per cent increase in its user base over the past few months.

Google+ was launched in an 'invitation-only' format back in June 2011 and became available to a wider audience later that year.

From the beginning Google's plans were to integrate the social networking site into its growing network of sites and services, which includes YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs.

Google+ Surpasses Twitter, Still Far Behind Facebook

But it has taken time for Internet users accustomed to using rivals like Facebook and Twitter to warm up to Google+. Now, it seems more and more people are becoming comfortable with the service, which recently surpassed Twitter in total user population.

Twitter's membership currently sits at about 230 million people. Both Twitter and Google+ trail Facebook, which has an active user population in excess of 1 billion people.

According to Vic Gundotra, head of social media at Google, Google+ now boasts 300 million active users -- that's a major increase from May 2013, when Google+ had less than 200 million registered and active users. (Source: usatoday.com)

Google Wants to be "the Archive of Your Life"

Google says it's not concerned about building a user base comparable to Facebook. Instead, its goal is to bring as many people as possible into the Google sites and services fold.

"The goal of Google+ is to make all Google services better," noted Bradley Horowitz, vice president of product management at Google+.

"We want to be more than just a lightweight sharing service. We want to be the archive of your life." (Source: reuters.com)

So, what's Google planning for Google+?

Gundotra says one major scheme involves new features that make it easier for users to search, share, and even enhance photographs uploaded to the social network.

Google is also committed to creating new video features. Recently, the firm unveiled Auto Awesome Movie, a feature that lets users create their own films using video clips uploaded to Google+.

One thing's for sure -- Wall Street thinks Google is headed in the right direction. After the announced increase in Google+ members the company's shares jumped above $1,000 for the first time in several weeks.