What's popular now?

[jonathan.nyc]

When I started posted to Panoramio, it seemed the most popular pictures were the ones of interesting subjects in spots without much competition from other photographers on Panoramio.  

Other people agreed location was the key factor.

Now I'm looking at my eight most popular photos according to Panoramio.  Location doesn't seem to be the key factor.  Frankly, some of my personal favorite photos are being displayed as my most popular.  Cool.

In my eight most popular photos, even the one of the 5th Ave Apple Store, New York's most photographed location, is included! 

Anyone else have a similar observation?  Maybe the 'best' label is a factor? 

Most popular photos

[CliveM]

I think, as has often been said before in threads in which you and I were both involved, that speculation on the precise workings of the popularity algorithm is unlikely to be completely satisfied, because if the Team were to release all the details many people would try to manipulate popularity for their own advantage.

 

Looking at the statistics of your most popular pictures, they either have many "likes" and "favourites" or are 3-4 years old, dating from a time when Panoramio was less crowded and it was therefore easier for pictures in very popular areas to gain more views and therefore gain earlier popularity so that they now appear at a higher level on the map and on Google Earth. That certainly seems to be the case with my most popular pictures.