Mobile Connectivity Drives Social Media Growth

by Victor J. McCoy
3V Design Media.com

According to Nielsen Ratings more people are using smartphones and tablets to access social media. The personal computer is still at the center of the social networking experience, but consumers are increasingly using mobile devices to connect to social media at all times and in all places. Time spent on mobile apps and mobile web account for 63 percent of the year-over-year growth in overall time spent using social media. Forty-Six percent of social media users say they use their smartphone to access social media; 16 percent say they connect to social media using a tablet.



New social media sites have emerged to engage consumers even more. The number of social media networks has exploded, and too many sites to count are adding social features or integration. Facebook and Twitter continue to be among the most popular networks, Pinterest is emerging as one of the key players. In 2012, they boasted of having the largest year-over-year increase in both unique audience and time spent of any social network across the PC, mobile web, and apps. LinkedIn is gaining momentum amongst professionals seeking to make key B2B connections or employment opportunities. It provides the opportunity to review a potential customer or vendor before contacting them. Who they are connected too and comments posted help in that selection, sort of like an Angie's List without Angie's cost.