The best way to distribute widgets is through viral marketing and social networks, according to JupiterResearch's "Widgets: Delivering Applications Users Want" report.

JupiterResearch said that online users were more likely to get widgets from friends than from the companies that created them.

"Social networking sites have greatly contributed to the viral spread of widgets," said Barry Parr, media analyst at JupiterResearch, in a statement.

Online users between 18 and 24 were six times more likely to get their widgets from friends than from a company.

The research company also found that nearly four in 10 online users were familiar with widgets, and that more than one-quarter had used them.