Social Networks exploding world-wide
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comScore today released a study of worldwide usage of social networking sites. Growth of social networks in North America is slowing down while seeing strong growth in other regions of the world.
During the past year, the total North American audience of social networkers has grown 9 percent compared to a much larger 25 percent growth for the world at large. The Middle East-Africa region (up 66 percent), Europe (up 35 percent), and Latin America (up 33 percent) have each grown at well-above average rates. Facebook and Hi5 Lead Global Growth among Top Social Networking Sites
Having localized sites and making content culturally relevant are key factors in driving growth outside the US.
Social Networking Growth by Worldwide Region
June 2008 vs. June 2007
Total Worldwide Audience, Age 15+ - Home and Work Locations
Source: comScore World Metrix
Unique Visitors (000)
Jun-07 Jun-08 Percent Change
Worldwide 464,437 580,510 25%
Asia Pacific 162,738 200,555 23%
Europe 122,527 165,256 35%
North America 120,848 131,255 9%
Latin America 40,098 53,248 33%
Middle East - Africa 18,226 30,197 66%
Facebook.com, which took over the global lead among social networking sites in April 2008, has made a concerted effort to become more culturally relevant in markets outside the U.S. Its introduction of natural language interfaces in several markets has helped propel the site to 153-percent growth during the past year. Meanwhile, the emphasis Hi5.com has put on its full-scale localization strategy has helped the site double its visitor base to more than 56 million. Other social networking sites, including Friendster.com (up 50 percent), Orkut (up 41 percent), and Bebo.com (up 32 percent) have demonstrated particularly strong growth on a global basis.
Worldwide Growth among Selected Social Networking Sites
June 2008 vs. June 2007
Total Worldwide Audience, Age 15+
Home and Work Locations
Source: comScore World Metrix
Total Unique Visitors (000)
Jun-2007 Jun-2008 % Change
Total Internet : Total Audience 778,310 860,514 11%
Social Networking 464,437 580,510 25%
FACEBOOK.COM 52,167 132,105 153%
MYSPACE.COM 114,147 117,582 3%
HI5.COM 28,174 56,367 100%
FRIENDSTER.COM 24,675 37,080 50%
Orkut 24,120 34,028 41%
BEBO.COM 18,200 24,017 32%
Skyrock Network 17,638 21,041 19%
