Do You Know What “I am Feeling Lucky” Means on Google?  Everything You Need to Know

Of all the many features that Google has rolled out over the years, one of the few that is firmly iconic and usually overlooked might just be the “I am Feeling Lucky” button. It is unlike the traditional search function, which provides all relevant results, because this feature directs users to the first-ranked page that corresponds to their search query. Simple, quick, and slightly fanciful, it serves as a constant reminder of Google’s early philosophy: to deliver exactly what you want in the shortest possible time.

much like how curated platforms such as Brand Diaries also aim to serve readers with the most relevant content instantly.

What Is “I am Feeling Lucky” on Google?

Essentially, the “I am Feeling Lucky” button will take you to the topmost ranked result for whatever query you enter without actually landing on the site for that particular search query’s result page. To put it plainly, rather than ending in a list of results, ads, or suggestions, you are automatically sent to what Google deems to be the best page for your search.Let’s sa, for example, you write “Taj Mahal” and hit the button “I’m Feeling Lucky,” well, instead of offering you multiple choices, Google brings you to a single page and the official Wikipedia page for Taj Mahal.In effect, it means skipping that whole process of browsing through the search results and then figuring out which one to try, and instead assumes your luck has it that you got the top pick on a good day.

The Origin of “I’m Feeling Lucky”

Indeed, this feature traces its lineage back to the early days of Google’s inception in the 1990s. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two geniuses behind Google, wanted something fast, fun, and different for search compared to the other engines around at that time. The “I am Feeling Lucky” button was a quirky experiment meant to show the confidence Google had in its ranking algorithm. In the past, search engines were filled with much diversified results, while advertisements could be referred to as the nucleus of users’ experience. By introducing this button, it was as if Google had been bold enough to declare, “We are confident in our search results that you won’t need to look beyond the first link.

How Does “I’m Feeling Lucky” Work?

It’s a very straightforward button that is, nonetheless, sophisticated. Hitting “I am Feeling Lucky” does, in actual terms, make Google overlook the Search Engine Results Page or SERP entirely for your query and jump you immediately to the first result that relates to your query.—

similar to how the user experience differs when comparing a web app vs website in terms of speed and direct access.

Simplified way of putting it:

• You type your query (say: “UN headquarters”).

• Rather than tapping Enter or clicking Search in Google, you tap I’m Feeling Lucky.

• Google determines the best-ranked website with such a search.

• You are redirected directly to that page without seeing intermediate results or ads.

Which is why it seems like a shortcut to many, though, there is always a chance that the first entry isn’t really what they were looking for.

Where Can I Find “I am Feeling Lucky”?

Conventionally, the I am feeling lucky button will be located right below the Google Search box on The role that this button plays may vary based on country and whether one is logged into their Google account. Over the recent years, Google has applied variations of the I’m Feeling Lucky button. When hovered over, it often transforms into other fun options: 

• “I am Feeling Hungry”

• “I am Feeling Playful”

• “I am Feeling Adventurous”

• “I am Feeling Artistic”

Any one of the above leads to a surprise feature, a random Google Doodle, or some curated content around the theme.

Why Was It Called “I am Feeling Lucky”?

The very name embodies Google’s confidence. Click the button, and you are in fact trusting that Google’s first result is precisely what you were searching for. There is some luck attached to the sense here that you do not have to dig deeper because you have been rewarded with the right answer straight away. The statement maximizes the very thought of Google—getting information fast and easy, a doctrine that has been with the company since its inception.

Does Anyone Still Use “I am Feeling Lucky”?

Over the years, the “I am Feeling Lucky” button’s popularity diminished significantly. The major reason for this is that most regular users prefer to skim through the list of results, ads, or related searches rather than blindly clicking the suggestion at the top. Interestingly, once, Google even declared that this “I Feel Lucky” used enough to cost millions of dollars per year in advertising revenues due to the way it bypasses the ad-filled results page. Nevertheless, it was kept on simply because it was iconic and quirky to the brand. While not mainstream today, it still plays an important part in Google’s identity and can amuse its users who accidentally stumble upon it.

Fun Facts About “I am Feeling Lucky”

• A Branding Icon- The branding talisman, with its inception on Google’s homepage, is almost the last one standing; hence, it means one of the more enduring features. 

• Lost Ad Revenue— It is reported that the button cost Google quite a lot of ad money due to users skipping advertisements when they clicked on it.

• Quirky Variations-– With time, the button has evolved into playful variations like “I Am Feeling Stellar,” “I Am Feeling Doodley,” or “I Am Feeling Trendy.” 

• Cultural Reference- The phrase “I am feeling lucky” has become so much a part of Google that it has also entered tech-speak, memes, and popular debate.

The Relevance of “I am Feeling Lucky” in 2025

The use of this functionality seems to be hopelessly out of date with the era of personalized search, voice assistants, and recommendations made by artificial intelligence; yet, it retains its nostalgia appeal. To many, it stands in memory of how Google set itself apart from the competition in the early 2000s.Its applicability is narrow in an age that prefers scraping snippets, video results, and news feeds, but it continues to exist as a palette for a fun Easter egg search experience. The “I am Feeling Lucky” button might not be the most viable search function in the world today, but it holds enormous significance in the chronicles of Google and its innovation. It manifests the faith of Google in giving out accurate results and adds an element of fun to what could very easily have been a plain search page.

So when you find yourself on Google next, give it a try—maybe you will feel lucky! 

FAQs about Google’s “I am Feeling Lucky”