# Yahoo Auctions

> Internet auction developed by Yahoo! brand

**Wikidata**: [Q1111924](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1111924)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo_Auctions)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yahoo-auctions

## Summary
Yahoo Auctions is an online auction platform developed by the Yahoo! brand, launched in 1998. It operates in Japan and Taiwan, offering a marketplace for buying and selling goods through auctions. The service is owned by Yahoo Japan and has evolved with multiple official names, including "Yafuoku!" and "Yahoo! オークション."

## Key Facts
- Launched in 1998, with its website first recorded in 1990.
- Operates in Japan and Taiwan, with separate domains for each region.
- Owned by Yahoo Japan (Japan) and Yahoo (globally).
- Has multiple official names, including "Yafuoku!" (since 2013) and "Yahoo! オークション" (1999–2013).
- Features a mobile app, Yahoo! Auctions for Android.
- Has a YouTube channel (UCnma6AyvdVZlP6_4XLOQrGA) with over 664,850 video views as of 2025.
- Has a Twitter account with 102,599 followers as of 2023.
- Produces online auction services, with a sitelink count of 6.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Yahoo Auctions founded?
A: Yahoo Auctions was launched in 1998, though its website was established earlier in 1990.

### Q: Where is Yahoo Auctions available?
A: Yahoo Auctions operates in Japan and Taiwan, with separate websites for each region.

### Q: Who owns Yahoo Auctions?
A: Yahoo Auctions is owned by Yahoo Japan (in Japan) and Yahoo (globally).

### Q: Does Yahoo Auctions have a mobile app?
A: Yes, Yahoo Auctions offers a mobile app called Yahoo! Auctions for Android.

### Q: How many followers does Yahoo Auctions have on Twitter?
A: As of 2023, Yahoo Auctions has 102,599 Twitter followers.

## Why It Matters
Yahoo Auctions played a significant role in the early development of online auctions, providing a platform for users in Japan and Taiwan to buy and sell goods digitally. Its launch in 1998 contributed to the growth of e-commerce in the region, offering a convenient alternative to traditional auction houses. The service has evolved with multiple branding changes, reflecting its adaptation to market trends and technological advancements. As an online auction platform, Yahoo Auctions facilitated transactions for a wide range of items, from electronics to collectibles, catering to both individual sellers and businesses. Its presence on multiple platforms, including mobile apps and social media, ensured accessibility and engagement with users. Despite the rise of newer competitors, Yahoo Auctions remains a notable player in the online auction space, maintaining a dedicated user base through its long-standing reputation and regional focus.

## Notable For
- One of the first major online auction platforms in Japan and Taiwan.
- Operates multiple regional websites with language-specific domains.
- Offers a dedicated mobile app for Android users.
- Has a significant presence on YouTube and Twitter, with a large following.
- Produces online auction services with a focus on user accessibility.

## Body
### Origins and Launch
Yahoo Auctions was launched in 1998, building on Yahoo!'s early establishment of a website in 1990. The platform was developed by Yahoo! and initially focused on providing an online auction marketplace for users in Japan and Taiwan.

### Ownership and Operation
Yahoo Auctions is owned by Yahoo Japan in Japan and Yahoo globally. The service is operated by both entities, ensuring regional compliance and support. It features a mobile app, Yahoo! Auctions for Android, enhancing user accessibility.

### Branding and Evolution
Yahoo Auctions has undergone multiple branding changes. From 1999 to 2013, it was officially known as "Yahoo! オークション." Since 2013, the official name has been "Yafuoku!" (ヤフオク!), reflecting its evolution in branding and market positioning.

### Digital Presence
The platform has a strong digital presence, including a YouTube channel (UCnma6AyvdVZlP6_4XLOQrGA) with over 664,850 video views as of 2025. It also maintains a Twitter account with 102,599 followers as of 2023, engaging with its user base through social media.

### Regional Websites
Yahoo Auctions operates separate websites for Japan and Taiwan. The Japanese site is available in Japanese, while the Taiwanese site uses Standard Taiwanese Mandarin. The English-language site was active until 2007, archived by the Wayback Machine.

### Product and Services
Yahoo Auctions produces online auction services, facilitating transactions for a wide range of items. It has a sitelink count of 6, indicating its extensive web presence and connectivity. The platform caters to both individual sellers and businesses, offering a marketplace for digital goods and services.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](http://topic.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/promo/logo/p/)
3. YouTube API