Surprising Social Media Statistics – The 2021 Edition

Surprising Social Media Statistics – The 2021 Edition

Social media has come a long way in its short 20-year history. Many thought it might just be a fad, but while many sites have come and gone, the concept of social media remains strong and has become part of the fabric of our global society.

Social media has become even more important over the past year as the Coronavirus pandemic has raged and forced us to rely on digital technologies more than ever, particularly to remain connected with friends and family.

However, while social media’s popularity and significance are not all that surprising, there are lots of other things about social media that will shock you. We’ve compiled all the stats we could find about social media in 2021 that will knock your socks off and remind us all just how important this technology has become.

2021 Social Media Usage

As of January 2021, there were more than 3.96 billion social media users in the world. Considering there are around 7 billion people globally, more than half of the global population is currently using social media in one form or another. Since there are approximately 4.5 billion internet users worldwide, we can also say that around 80 percent of web users also use social media.

In the U.S., this percentage is much higher. Consider these findings from Statista:

Young People LOVE Social Media

It seems natural. After all, today’s youth have been born into a digital world, so it’s not surprising young people are the ones most likely to adopt social media.

However, most of us also know that older people are hip to the social media game too. But have they taken over from young people?

Not yet, but usage is up across the board. Here’s some more data from Pew:

Some more interesting facts:

  • Social media use is roughly equivalent across race, gender, income level, as well as community (urban/suburban).
  • 79 percent of college graduates use at least one social media site, whereas just 60 percent of those with a high school degree or less use social networks.

2021 Daily Social Media Usage

Most people like to use social media at least once a day, but which networks are the most likely to use daily? The most recent data from Pew, which took a look at usage from 2019, found the following breakdown for U.S. social media use by platform.

As you can see, Facebook and Instagram remain the leaders in terms of market penetration.

The most significant changes on this list come from Snapchat and TikTok. Just a year ago, Snapchat was used by around 60 percent of people. This number has fallen to 30 percent, mainly as Instagram has made changes to mimic what Snapchat offered.

It’s moves like this that have helped spur the many lawsuits designed to break up Facebook and its social media empire, a story we should all watch closely in 2021.

On the other hand, Tik Tok is exploding. It would not have made it onto this list just a year ago, but it has become a sensation that is taking the social media world by storm.

Only time will tell if TikTok will suffer a similar fate, but it is the rising start of the social media world for now.

Twitter has nowhere near the market penetration it once had, but it has also kept a firm handle on its niche market. It’s unlikely it will be going anywhere anytime soon, though stranger things have happened.

Social Media and the Covid-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed so much about the world in which we live. Since many of these changes have meant relying on the internet for more than we used to, it should come as no surprise that social media use has changed considerably during this past year.

Here are some surprising stats about social media and the pandemic:

Other Social Media Platforms

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about Facebook, but there are other social media platforms. Indeed, Facebook will probably provide you with the best bang for your buck, but don’t close the door to other options.

2021 YouTube Statistics

  • We watch over 500 billion YouTube videos each day, which accounts for more than 1 billion hours of YouTube videos each day.
  • 400 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute.
  • There are around 1.3 billion people who use YouTube regularly.
  • TrueView, YouTube’s proprietary advertising, can be highly effective for brands. Viewers who watched a TrueView ad to the end were 23 times more likely to complete the action you want them to complete, and they are still ten times more likely even if they don’t watch the whole ad.

2021 Instagram Statistics

2021 TikTok Statistics

  • Tik Tok has more than 600 million active users, up from just under 30 million less than two years ago. It is now one of the most popular social media sites in the world.
  • Around 13 million new videos get uploaded to TikTok every single day.
  • After launching as primarily a Chinese social media site, 42 percent of TikTok’s monthly revenue now comes from the U.S.
  • TikTok is very popular among teens, and 14 percent of young adult internet users in the U.S. are on Tik Tok.
  • TikTok has high engagement levels; 56 percent of TikTok users open the app at least once a day.

2021 LinkedIn Statistics

2021 Twitter Statistics

Facebook Dominates

The Pew Study referenced above showed that a larger percentage of people used YouTube than Facebook, suggesting that YouTube may be making a run for the top spot.

However, when we look a little more closely at how people are using each network, it becomes quite clear that Facebook is still the dominant force in the market.

Facebook Is The Most Popular

From the previously mentioned Pew Report, here is a breakdown of the popularity of different sites based on the percentage of the population that uses them:

  • Facebook (74 percent)
  • YouTube (73 percent)
  • Instagram (63 percent)
  • Twitter (42 percent)
  • TikTok – (35 percent)
  • Pinterest (28 percent)
  • Snapchat (24 percent)
  • LinkedIn (27 percent)

This was the first year Pew included YouTube in the study, and most reports on social media use don’t include it, asthere is some debate as to whether YouTube really is a social media network.

Facebook Is Where People Spend Most of Their Social Media Time

For further proof of the dominance of Facebook, here are some stats taken from Comscore’s Digital Future in Focus Report:

  • Facebook reaches approximately 97 percent of people between the ages of 18-34, and each person spends more than 1,000 minutes a month on the site.
  • Its closest competitor is Instagram (which it owns), but Instagram reaches just a little less than 65 percent of people aged 18-34, and each user only spends around 350 minutes on the site per month.
  • Snapchat only reaches 38 percent of people, but they spend more time using it than Instagram, spending around 400 minutes per month on the site/app. However, research indicates that Snapchat is growing in terms of reach and usage, so it will be interesting to see how things change moving forward.
  • LinkedIn only captures about 52 percent of people between ages 18 and 34, but most don’t spend any time on the site at all.
  • Pinterest gets about 40 percent of people, and they spend just a little less than 200 minutes on the site each month.

This particular study looked at people aged 18-34 in the United States. Still, other studies that look at the larger population have found similar results regarding Facebook’s dominance of the social media space.

Here’s some data that breaks down where people are spending their time when they’re on social media:

The big shocker on this list is TikTok, which has rapidly become the social media site where people spend most of their time. If we consider that YouTube is next, we can start to see a pattern: sites heavy on video tend to keep people engaged for longer.

 

The big shocker on this list is TikTok, which has rapidly become the social media site where people spend most of their time. If we consider that YouTube is next, we can start to see a pattern: sites heavy on video tend to keep people engaged for longer.

Nevertheless, TikTok is growing rapidly in terms of the number of users it has and how much time people are spending on the site. Perhaps Facebook, which has traditionally dominated both of these categories, should start looking over its shoulder. Or, not so fast??

Facebook Keeps People Coming Back

The following data, which comes from the Forrester Data Digest, shows that the people using Facebook tend to be heavy users. This means that there are lots of opportunities to interact with people on Facebook.

  • In a given month, 63 percent of people will access the Facebook app. They go onto the app an average of 15 days per month, and they will access it on average five times per day.
  • Instagram’s penetration (the amount of people who access the app) is just 27 percent. Those users access the app on average 11 times per month, and the average daily access is six times per day.
  • Twitter’s penetration is 22 percent, with people accessing the site 7.5 times per month and five times per day.

These numbers may not be as jarring, but they help reinforce this idea: Facebook is still on top of the social media world, and it will take a near miracle for that to change.

The Takeaway

With so many social media options to choose from, it’s easy to get distracted. Instagram indeed offers you the chance to showcase great photos and look cool, and it’s also true that Snapchat is rapidly becoming more popular, especially among young people.

Yet, don’t let this distract you from the following truth: Facebook is still on top.

As a result, businesses should still be spending most of their time trying to boost reach and engagement on social media by using Facebook.

Social Media Around the World in 2021

Globally, there were 3.96 billion social media users in 2021, which is 18 percent higher than the year before, according to We Are Social.

Also, from We Are Social, the places where social media use is growing the fastest are:

  • Saudi Arabia (32 percent)
  • India (31 percent)
  • Indonesia (23 percent)
  • Ghana (22 percent)
  • South Africa (20 percent)
  • Vietnam (20 percent)

Conclusion

Overall, the social media landscape is constantly changing. However, there are a couple of constants:

  • Social media is growing around the world. Exactly how that growth will look remains to be seen, but we can expect more from social networks moving forward.
  • Facebook is still the dominant force. This may change, but it’s not likely in the immediate future.

It will be interesting to see how 2021 continues to shape the world of social media. It’s been a wild ride until now, so we can only expect more of the same.

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How Blockchain Will Transform Digital Marketing

How Blockchain Will Transform Digital Marketing

 
Nick Rojas
Just when you thought you were getting the hang of digital marketing, it feels like everybody around you has started talking about blockchain. Wait a second—isn’t blockchain the technology behind Bitcoin? How on earth does that factor into digital marketing? Quite heavily, as it turns out—or at least, that’s what most experts are predicting will soon be the case. If you’re confused, don’t worry: you aren’t alone. Many digital marketing professionals are as yet uncertain of how blockchain technology will impact their line of work. That’s why we’re here to explain what blockchain is and how it’s probably going to change the nature of your job. Read on, and learn everything you need to know so that you can stay one step ahead of the competition when the time comes.

First of All, What is Blockchain Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics for the uninitiated. Blockchain is a term that gets thrown around with regards to Bitcoin so often that some people might think they’re synonymous. Not so. Blockchain isn’t the same as Bitcoin—as mentioned previously, it’s the technology upon which Bitcoin (and most other cryptocurrencies) are based. Here’s how it works:

Blockchain is basically a way to record transactions digitally. On the basis of that fact alone, you might not think it’s so different from electronic banking or a credit card e-statement, but wait—there’s more. Unlike other forms of digital recordkeeping, blockchain technology does not keep information in a centralized location such as a database hosted on a server bank. Instead, blockchain creates multiple copies of the record whenever it is updated and distributes those copies to numerous devices on a worldwide network.

What’s the advantage there? Simple: it’s all about security. Information kept on a single server can be compromised if you know where that server is and how to hack it. However, with blockchain technology, any false record or fraudulent activity can be identified by comparing the compromised information with the other existing copies. Since these copies are all stored on different devices in a massive network, it’s practically impossible to get them all.

How Does Marketing Relate to All This?

Here’s the takeaway for digital marketers: because blockchain offers security by verifying transaction details, it’s important for the cryptocurrencies that use it to safeguard the personal data of their users. As such, most cryptos (Bitcoin included) offer partial anonymity: you might have to create a Bitcoin address to use Bitcoin, but you don’t actually have to register it with your legal name or where you live. Because of this, transactions that use blockchain technology are practically always anonymous. When consumers are buying products and paying for services anonymously, marketers can’t analyze their shopping behavior to improve campaigns.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: just buy personal data directly from your existing customers. Start an opt-in program where you offer rewards or direct cash compensation in exchange for information you can use to create accurate buyer profiles. Don’t worry about the higher costs associated with buying data directly from your consumers, either—after all, you’ll be getting information from people who are already enthusiastic about your business, so the results will be much more valuable than the generic data marketers currently get from social media platforms.

Understanding the power blockchain has to change digital marketing will help you stay effective when cryptocurrencies become a normal way to pay for goods and services. If you’re going to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment (and there are many reasons why you should consider doing so), learning how to collect marketing data differently will be an essential part of your company’s continued success.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Apps Marketing and SEO

A Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Apps Marketing and SEO

A Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Apps Marketing and SEO

For mobile apps developers, the competition is fierce in getting noticed on app marketplaces. Properly optimizing and promoting your app within Apple’s App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon and others are only one part of the task. Creating a strong web and social media presence for an app goes a long way to ensuring its future.

If you’re a mobile apps developer actively trying to promote an app, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and App Store Optimization (ASO) should definitely be a pillar of your strategy. Here are some surefire tips to getting your app noticed in all the right ways.

While there are ways to boost the success of your existing mobile app, the best time to seek success on app stores is well before launch.

Selecting the right name for your app goes a long way in cementing good branding. Make sure you pick a name that sticks in people’s minds as this will help you stand out from competitors. As you grow, you will also begin to see your App and website rise in rankings as its attached to your branding when users search for your app by title.

Selecting the right keywords to target with your SEO and ASO is also important. Trying to keep them in line with each other will make things easier in the long run. Make sure you go after keywords specific to your app, not just large volume, as doing so will hurt your app if users reject it. ASO is even more dependent on user retention than SEO is, and if you start losing interest it will be hard to regain.

Utilize Web Presence Effectively

If you have a website for your development team or app, make sure to create a page that focuses on your end goals. Your main mission is to get as many app downloads and new users as possible, so create a landing page focusing on that goal specifically. Show download links, screenshots, testimonials – everything to get the user interested in your app.

There’s also the chance you may not be using websites outside of your own either. Many app review sites and directories allow you to submit your app to help get noticed. A quick Google search for app review sites + your niche can yield a few new places to turn to for exposure. Reaching out to influencers in your space can also yield crucial SEO backlinks and put you in front of new potential users.

Gauge Your Competition & React to Match It

The first step to outranking your competition is to understand them. You can calculate how much effort you need to outrank a competing app in your category by analyzing app store charts.

By utilizing a mobile app analytics service for your app, you can identify the gap between your current placement and where you’d like to be. From there, it’s just a matter of how much effort you want to put in, either paid ads or promotion effort to reach there. Once you’ve noticed a swell in rankings, organically let your app find its placement. From there, you can schedule when to create another push effort to rise even higher the next time.

As the mobile smartphone industry continues to advance, the chances for your app to become a utility for a new wave of users grows as well. Optimizing your mobile app for popular marketplaces is a key to getting you there.

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Why Your Small Business Needs an SSL Certificate in 2018

Why Your Small Business Needs an SSL Certificate in 2018

Don’t have an SSL Certificate? Google will flag your website.

If your business has a website, which you most likely do, you may have heard of an SSL Certificate. If you haven’t heard of it, I’ll briefly explain why you need one in 2018 and how it will benefit your business.

Most business owners may think that you will only need an SSL Certificate if you run an online shopping or retail business but this year Google has decided to penalize your website if it’s not secured.

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate (which stands for Secure Socket Layer) allows your client’s browser to bridge a secure connection to your server, ensuring that the sensitive information is securely transferred.

 

5 Reasons Why You Need SSL For Your Website

  •  It will help gain your customers’ trust
  • An SSL Certificate will encrypt any information sent between servers
  • It will improve your SEO scores
  • An SSL certificate also provides authentication
  • It ultimately provides assurance that your site is authentic

The benefits of an SSL certificate are endless. For instance, it will help gain your customers’ trust by giving them the assurance that their personal information is protected and encrypted when they visit your site. Plus, you’ll be able to increase search engine rankings with better SEO scores because Google prefers secure sites over those without encryption. And don’t forget about authentication! An SSL Certificate provides a unique digital signature for each website owner which means that if someone tries to impersonate you or hack into your website, they won’t succeed thanks to the verification measures put in place by this powerful security measure.

If you have any questions or not sure where to start, fill out our free estimate request form and we would be glad to help you set yours up.

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Why your business needs to Blog!

Why your business needs to Blog!

Why your business needs to blog

When I mention the word ‘blog’ to a small business owner, they usually cringe!  Why you ask? Well, it takes time and most small business owners wear many hats and spread thin already.  It takes inspiration, a little bit of creativity and a commitment.

When most small business owners are asked about social media, many have no idea how to use it in a practical way that can impact their business goals. Did you know that a blog is actually the cornerstone of an active online and social media presence

Every small business should consider a blog the central hub of their social media strategy.

An effective blog should only be an area of your website where you publish fresh content regularly, which could easily be called your News section.

Queen Bee Media suggests focusing your energy on the quality of your content rather than the quantity of visitors.

A company blog is a business’ number one opportunity to tell all the layers of the story that you want to tell. Here you can really dig into the details of your business and position yourself as an expert in your field. In fact, the more you have to tell and the more frequently you tell it, the better. It really opens up a channel with your customers, prospects and clients.

7 Good Reasons to start Blogging by Jeff Bullas

  • It helps your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as Google loves new content!
  • You can engage and understand your customers better.
  • You are seen as an expert in your field, a ” Thought Leader”
  • Great new content gives people a reason to keep coming back to your site.
  • Blogs are a much more trusted source than companies’ press releases and official company PR.
  • It moves customers to a conversion point where enough trust is created for people to take the next step and buy.
  • By writing you are learning.

A recent HubSpot report shows that 57% of businesses have acquired a customer through their company blog. Blogging is good for your business!

A business blog is a great way to position yourself, and your company, as an expert in the industry. It allows you to broadcast news, content, research and your opinion in a timely matter. It is also a great way to highlight your accomplishments, but more so, to engage with your readers. A blog is also a great tool for industries that have a long sales cycle. It allows audiences to get to know your brand over time.

If your wheels aren’t spinning quite yet with ideas, then have a company meeting.  Involving your staff will spark some creative ideas.  Ask customers what they would like to know more about your company.  Every business has a story.  Also, by having your staff on board with a social media plan is the first step to your social media marketing success.

A blog combined with with your social media channels is a great way to promote and drive customers to selected areas of your website. Learn more about RSS Feeds and why your small business needs one.

Your blog is your company’s voice and what gives your company a personality. So, what are you waiting for?  If you’re not really sure where to start, contact us today!

Queen Bee Media can help you start telling your story and letting your audience get to know you.

 

For more information on blogging for your business, contact Queen Bee Media.  

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