Methods, apparatus and software for classifying queries. In an aspect, for each of a plurality of queries, determines a first value based on a first number of occurrences for which the query was received for unfiltered search operations, and a determines a second value based on a second number of occurrences for which the query was received for filtered search operations. The method determines a first content type value based on the first value and the second value, and for each of the plurality of queries having a first content type value that meets a first threshold, classifies the query as a first content type seeking query, the classification being indicative of likely user interest in content of the first type.