7 Stats Showing Fast Covid-19 Is Altering Social Media Today
Several aspects of daily life and lifestyle have changed as COVID-19 has spread across the globe. With COVID-19 being the first pandemic that has been widely documented and shared across social media, we are beginning to see its impact on social media consumption, user habits, behavior, etc.
In eight new statistics, COVID-19 illustrates how social media is changing due to its effects on our time spent on social media platforms and how social media platforms are used.
1. MARKETERS in March consumed 35% of social media in the United States and 45% globally
A global survey of internet users ages 16 to 64 found that nearly half of them increased their use of social media sites in March.
Social media messaging apps were also used more frequently as a result. COVID-19 shelter-in-places, quarantines, and lockdowns have caused people to use social media and immediate messaging to stay in touch and/or communicate and buy hash online.
2. Facebook usage has increased by 25%, and messaging by 65%
In addition to seeing a resurgence in popularity, the original social network also sees its users leveraging its messaging feature extensively. As a result of COVID-19, an increase of about 40% in Facebook messaging has resulted from attempts to stay connected in today’s increasingly digital world to buy hash.
3. TIKTOK HAS BEEN DOWNLOADED OVER 300 MILLION TIMES IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 2020.
TikTok proved its viral appeal, global reach, and addictive qualities by spreading COVID-19 worldwide. The first three months of 2020 saw a record number of Dance apps being downloaded. Its short, fun user-generated content will appeal to social media users looking for original content.
4. INSTAGRAM LIVE STREAMING increased by 60% thanks to 120% increase in Instagram use overall
Facebook and Instagram grew usage just as fast as COVID-19. With its live streaming feature, IG Live, Instagram users can watch broadcasts from their phones anywhere, anytime.
The Instagram influencers are creating content that is entertaining, interactive, and connects them more deeply to their followers. During the COVID-19 agency guidelines decks displayed by Mediacast2 and Michael Hash, they reported a 65% increase in likes on sponsored posts.
5. YouTube has seen an increase of 20-30% in views, which reflects an increase in accounts and views on YouTube.
The number of subscribers to YouTube influencer channels grew 30% from last March. YouTube views for fitness and health content went up by 63%, while views for arts and culture content went up by 39%.
Since YouTube’s inception, engagement with the community has been a key objective. As a response to the outbreak, a playlist was created entitled With Me.
Influencers and users share their video content on YouTube in the #WithMe format, sharing videos on cooking, gardening, and studying. Despite trending before COVID-19, they have gained greater traction – especially among Gen Zers who feel the need to belong.
6. SPECIAL POST SPONSORS GET 70% MORE LIKES THAN REGULAR POSTS ON INSTAGRAM
Since many brands and advertisers weren’t sure how to deal with a global pandemic in the beginning of COVID-19, they paused their marketing campaigns. During this period, many brands have seen positive results as audiences spend more time on social media and online.
It requires new tact for marketing to avoid appearing tone-deaf and acknowledge the big picture problems during times of crisis.
7. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS ARE CREATING 120% MORE CONTENT
In the aftermath of the outbreak, video influencers produced 150% more content than before. As a result of the pandemic, influencers are taking three different approaches. Brands have therefore increasingly turned to influencers to create entertaining content.
Brands find the opportunity to use/repurpose influencer content especially appealing due to lockdown obstacles they face when producing original content.
In the fitness industry, brands are collaborating with fitness experts to share workout content during quarantine through influencer-hosted IG Lives and Stories.