Social media can be a tough marketing nut to track. The playing field changes quickly, and a new player or approach seems to surface just as you settle on a strategy.
Determining which media will be around in a few years is of course crucial – as is spotting emerging leaders.
As for me … I’m keeping a close eye on Instagram. A recent Skift Trends Report shows why Instagram has become so important. The report is developed for the travel industry, but the findings have relevance across all industries.
A few key points from the report:
- Instagram is effective because the brain processes images faster than text. In addition, images are more effective in communicating emotions/ideas than words.
- At last count, there were 200 million active monthly users on Instagram.
- Instagram reached 10 million users in its first year and has grown 150 times faster than Facebook and 100 times faster than Twitter. Wow!
- Then consider that Instagram is delivering user-generated content, which is the most effective and most valued by consumers. Talk about a multiplier. Now those 200 million active monthly users are seeing content that they trust and value.
So yes, there are many players in the Social Media arena, but Instagram seems to be setting itself apart in a few key ways.
