While the opinions on frequent use of social media has been a constant debate, it is no controversy that brands who want continued growth must pursue these social platforms to stay engaged with their audience.

When you’re looking to match a social strategy with your demographic, you’ll have to determine which platforms to go with. Here’s a few neat takeaways from Pew’s recent Social Media Fact Sheet.

 

1) 69% of American adults use social media

In 2005 it was 5%. Social platforms have obviously risen and adoption continues to rise.

 

2) The less money you make, the less likely you are to use Social

There’s a small correlation showing that individuals with higher incomes use at least one social site.

 

3) Facebook is still king

Yes, other social networks have grown substantially, but they’re in the #2 pack. Facebook is still far above the others with YouTube (roughly considered a social network) now making an appearance on the graph below.

 

4) Facebook reaches young adults

While the trending platform for young adults change often, Facebook has had 81% of the market covered.

 

5) YouTube reaches more young adults than Facebook

YouTube reportedly reached over 91% of young adults which is massive.

 

6) Facebook and YouTube are neck and neck in reach

Comparing the two giants, the reach seems to be quite similar. Having a strong presence on both would surely deliver your messaging to a large percentage of your audience.

 

7) YouTube’s reach is weekly, Facebook’s is daily

Yes, YouTube has a similar reach but the daily use (aka addiction level) on Facebook is much higher. YouTube has the reach, but it is likely to be a weekly or a “less often” impression.

So there’s our top takeaways from Pew’s latest research. Did you think these statistics were within expectations?