What Is a Gmail Account?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 06, 2023

A Gmail account is an email account provided by the Internet company Google. The service was launched in 2004 and became available to anyone on Feb. 7, 2007. It is part of the Google Apps suite of products.

In June of 2012, Gmail became the most widely used email service, boasting over 425 million users throughout the world. Over time, features on Gmail improved to include a tabbed inbox, Google Voice features and integration with the Google social network Google+. Gmail is available for both individuals and businesses. Forbes magazine rated Gmail as the best webmail service in 2006. As of 2014, Gmail supported 52 different languages.