Research firm Nielsen has released its best-of-2011 lists, which include rankings for the top web brands, top social networks and blogs, and top smartphone manufacturers among others. According to the research firm, Google was the "most visited U.S. Web brand", while Facebook "held its lead among social networks and blogs.

Other brands that landed the top spots on the best-of-2011 lists include:

• YouTube- Top U.S. Online Destination for video
• Apple- Top smartphone manufacturer
• Android- Top smartphone operating system

Read More at MSNBC.com

Visit Nielsen.com to view the detailed rankings