Quickly Discover New Websites While Browsing the Web

Do you remember when StumbleUpon first hit the scene? It was extremely popular and very addicting. I remember, I would spend hours each day just clicking on the “stumble” button and discovering new websites, cool videos, amazing images and much more.

Now, StumbleUpon is not as popular, but it’s still great for discovering new websites. However, to use it you have to stay on StumbleUpon’s website. What if you could discover new websites all while browsing other websites?

Fortunately you can discover cool sites while browsing the Web, with a “suggestive search engine” called Skrittle. With this service, you can view any website, click a button and see similar websites to the one you’re viewing.

Skrittle is a bookmarklet, so it remains on your browser where ever you go; no need to stay on a single website. Let’s take a look at how to set up and use this website discovery tool.

Add to Your Browser

1. It’s pretty easy to install Skrittle since it’s a bookmarklet. Just drag the Skrittle button from the website (or drag this link - Skrittle) to your bookmarks bar and you’re done.

Discover New Websites

2. Now you can browse to a website that interests you and click on the Skrittle button in your browser. You’ll then notice a bunch of “bouncy balls” that will fall from the top to the bottom of the page. The balls represent websites and the images represent videos.

You’ll also notice that there are different background colors and logos used each time you “Skrittle” a website. The backgrounds are used to display the sponsors for the page; as you can see in the screenshot above, that page was sponsored by Blip and their logo is in the background.

3. Now, you can click on a ball (website) or image (video) to discover new content. Each link is opened in the same window and unfortunately, can’t be opened in a new tab. You can also close out the Skrittle page and go back to the website you were viewing.

Have Some Fun

4. If you want to have a little fun, click and hold any of the balls and then flick your mouse up to throw the ball. You can also drag, spin and move the balls around the window. This is a nice little added effect.

5. Skrittle gives you the option to thumbs up or thumbs down the website you’re on. You’ll see the thumbs up/down at the top of the page under the “close” link.

If you want better recommendations based on your thumbs up and thumbs down ratings, you can sign up for a Skrittle account. If not, you are free to use it without an account, however your recommendations will not be tailored to you.

6. Of course there is also social sharing integrated into Skrittle. You can share the current page on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ (you’ll need to change the default message). The share buttons are located in the bottom right of the page.

Are You Ready to Skrittle?

As you can see, Skrittle is a great tool for discovering new websites, but it’s also a way to take a break and have a little fun. In this way, Skrittle can also be used as an entertainment tool if you prefer. Either way, it’s very easy to use and it’s nice that you’re not forced to sign up for an account.

What websites will you Skrittle? Do you plan on trying Skrittle if you haven’t already? If so, do you think you will use it on a regular basis?