The State of Social Media in 2011

Jeff Bullas has analyzed and summarized a report from comScore on social media. Here are his top 10 takeaways.

Social Media is the World’s Most Popular Online Activity

• 82% of the world's online population get social networking sites
• 19% of all time spent online is on social networking sites (up from 6% in 2007)

Social Networking Transcends and Reflects Regional Differences

Facebook’s Importance Cannot be Overstated

• Third largest web property behind Google and Microsoft sites
• Reaches 55% of the world's audience
• Accounts for 3 of every 4 minutes spent on social networking

Micro Blogging is a Disruptive Force

• Twitter has grown 59% the past year
• Tumblr has grown 172% the past year
• Sina Weibo has grown 181% the past year

Regional Global Networks are Going Global

Social Networking is for “Everyone” – Not Just the Young

• 55 and older is the fastest growing segment in social networking usage

Communications is going Social

• Social networking communications could become the most  important communication channel across all age groups over time

Social Media Advertising Needs to Be Taken Seriously

• While only 15% of advertising spending is on social network sites, it makes up one in four of all display ad impressions.

The “Next” Disrupters Are Still Being Decided

• Ones to watch include Google+, Tumblr, Sina Weibo, Badoo and Pinterest

Mobile Devices are Fuelling Social Addiction

• 64% of smartphone users access social networking sites at least once a month
• 22% of smartphone users access social networking sites at least once a day
• 22% of smartphone users use location-based check-in services

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