Over half of internet users worldwide (55%) are now using instant messaging every day, while 76% are using it on a weekly basis. Instant Messaging is particularly dominant in emerging 'mobile-first' markets such as South Africa with 64% using it daily. By contrast, some Western markets are lagging behind, including the UK (39%) and the US (35%).
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Facebook has maintained its position as the world's favourite social platform. Almost one third of global internet users (30%) say they use it every day, while in South Africa 48% of internet users are on Facebook every day.
Consumers are even more connected to each other and across multiple platforms. While IM popularity is rising, traditional social media platforms are still holding strong, allowing content to go viral more quickly. The challenge for brands is to create content that consumers actually want to share.
Platforms such as Twitter and Instagram attract a smaller audience overall, however, users are often very active, with 44% of Twitter users saying they tweet to or retweet a brand weekly, while 46% of Instagram users see branded content on that platform every week. 40% of WeChat's user base use it to access information and services about a company.
Joseph Webb, Global Director of Connected Life, said, "Apps such as Instagram and WhatsApp are sweeping up new users every day, particularly younger consumers who want to share experiences with a smaller, specific group, rather than using public, mainstream platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. As people's online habits become ever more fragmented, brands need to tap into the growing popularity of IM and other emerging platforms. The need for a content-driven approach across IM, social and traditional channels has never been clearer.
"Yet at the same time brands need to be very careful. Instant messaging is a more closed medium, meaning it is essential to share limited content that is genuinely relevant and valuable. Starbucks recently ran a breakfast promotion campaign via WeChat, which triggered a morning alarm and rewarded customers with a half-price breakfast if they arrived at the store within the hour. This is a brilliant example of using IM to create positive word-of-mouth and build up customer loyalty."
Further research from TNS showed that although IM users are wary of brands interrupting them, they are more concerned with how content they share impacts their own image.
Joseph Webb said, "The challenge of how to get the most out of TV used to be the biggest challenge for advertisers. Now it's about moving from a broadcast to a content creation model that gets people talking and sharing across different platforms."
