As the world continues to embrace social media, the ways we use the social networks are becoming clearer.
Twitter with its short and snappy messaging is very dependent on mobile usage and smart phones. The rise of the visual web is making Pinterest and Tumblr the fastest growing social networks on the planet. Facebook is where we share with friends and family. Google+ is no longer an afterthought and is embedded in Google’s web assets including Gmail, local checkins and the mobile Android ecosystems.
Google is getting the data it wants from Google+. Demographics, usage and content popularity. This is feeding into how it is ranking search results and much more. The universes of content, social and search are being woven together and creating a web experience that looks more like magic everyday. The social and mobile web is becoming an extension of our lives as we share, search and upload photos.
Artificial intelligence that adds other dimensions to humanity has already arrived but we just don’t notice it. We take it for granted
So what are the latest social media facts and statistics provided by the latest study by GlobalWebIndex for the second quarter of 2013?
#1. Google+ is catching up to Facebook
Facebook still dominates at 70% of account ownership but Google+ is not far behind at just over 50%. Keep in mind though that Google+ account is mandatory whenever you create a new Gmail account. This is pushing up the account ownership stats. No other social network has Google’s web assets leverage.
The large Chinese internet user population is producing some large Chinese centric social networks including Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo and Qzone. So Facebook doesn’t just have Google+ breathing down its neck. The rise of China’s social networks will possibly be a threat in the future.
#2. Facebook active usage still dominates
Facebook has nearly 50% of all the world’s internet users as active users. This is only set to increase as regions and countries in the developing world including Africa, Asia and South America get connected to the web.
#3. Pinterest is the fastest growing social network
The visual web is driving the rise of Pinterest and Tumblr with growth rates of 88% and 74% respectively over the last 12 months. Twitter and LinkedIn though are still rapid risers with growth rates around 40%.
#4. LinkedIn is the most popular for older users
LinkedIn is the network of choice for most knowledge workers and professionals. It is maybe the most conservative of the social networks due to the fact it is all about business. It is becoming more social as it has realized that this will enhance its user penetration and attractiveness.
The latest statistics show it having 7% of its users over 55 and 14% in the 45 to 54 age range.
#5. Usage of social networks by older users is increasing
Social networks were and still are a hit with the younger demographics. Don’t think though that social media is for the teens. The increase in usage by the 55 to 64 year olds is greater than 100% for Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
The young aren’t the only ones having fun.
Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/09/20/12-awesome-social-media-facts-and-statistics-for-2013/#zcxL7Wyd1SvY5LVq.99