Google recommended dropdown in search bar

[SSFCU]

When Google drops down and tries to predict what you're searching for, are the terms in order of popularity from the top down?

[Thriveworks-Counseling]

The algorithm tries to predict what the rest of your query might be based on popular queries typed by other users. (credit to: Google Support)

[SSFCU]

Right. But, how about the order? If you have a dropdown of several suggestions, are they sorted in order of search volume?

[Thriveworks-Counseling]

Based on the research I have done, the predictive search is based on:

1. Popularity

2. "other factors" - and that's all that Google has seemed to ever say about it.

Not much help, but besides popularity, other factors could include: your past searches, related sites, etc...

[SSFCU]

Are you referring to the order or just the presence of the terms in general?

[barberm]

It is not directly sorted by popularity, no. I have run several cases in recent history against their associated search volumes and they really vary. I believe a keyword does have to have at least a credible amount of monthly search volume to be listed there at all, but Google appears to be truly predictive, perhaps based on recent search history, Google+ data, trending topics, etc.

[SSFCU]

Thanks Michael!