What determines order of content in search results?
What Shutterstock says about it
All search results on Shutterstock are based on our most complicated algorithms, including "New". These algorithms take many different variables into account, including, but not limited to, the total number of downloads.
However, if an image has more downloads than others it does not always mean it will be placed higher in "Popular". Our search engine is primarily focused on making sure that customers are satisfied with their search results and that they can find the content that they are looking for every single time they visit our site. To this end we constantly monitor and adjust the search engine and test new algorithm. In the end we will choose the algorithm that results in the highest number of downloads.
It is very normal for images to move up and down search results regardless of the number of times that image has been downloaded. Besides downloads and age, there are many other factors that move an image in the search result. Additionally, we perform regular tests of small modifications to the search engine to test results that increase downloads. These tests are typically released to limited segments of the overall customer population. If a test wins over time – which typically means an increase in the total number of downloads – then the resulting search engine change will be applied to the entire site. Search testing and analysis is a continuous process of small improvements that generally won’t result in dramatic swings in search. Changes are carefully tested and evaluated to make sure that the overall effect on customer downloads and/or purchases is a positive one. Customer demand, content differentiation, keyword quantity and quality, global holidays, seasonality and other factors will affect an individual contributor's day-to-day earnings. We recommend allowing a little time before evaluating the effect of changes to the search engine on your personal portfolio. If the search result order has not been updated on your computer for a significant amount of time, it is most likely that your browser is reverting to an old search result that is cached. If this is the case we recommend you to clear your cache & cookies and restart the browser.
Source links
http://www.shutterstock.com/contributorsupport/articles/kbat02/000006579
http://www.shutterstock.com/contributorsupport/articles/kbat02/000006621
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