The way of life in the first quarter of 2020 has seen previously unfathomable changes. Even though some states are showing signs of beginning to return to some sense of normalcy, there are many ways of life that are far from rebounding. One change being noted is the way we use social networking sites. The claims here are merely observational and have no scientific backing.
Facebook and Instagram
Usage for Facebook and Instagram is far from down, but the way we’re using social networks is definitely changing. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Instagram was the place to show yourself “living your best life;” however, not being able to take vacations has limited this usage. While you’ll still see (and may even see an increase of) family sharing and pictures of everyday life on Facebook and Instagram, both have turned toward more interactive content.
For example, more workout videos, live streams (especially concerts), webinars and challenges are being uploaded. Additionally, both platforms are also seeing an increase in news posts. Just remember to do your own research to ensure the news you’re seeing is reliable and accurate.
Observation: usage is changing.
Twitch
If you’re new to the game, Twitch is a communications platform commonly used to live stream video gameplay (especially amongst young men between 14 and 30). With so many of us at home with more free time on our hands, it’s no surprise that more people are using this time to play video games and sharing gameplay with others as a way to stay in touch.
If your brand demographic includes males 14 to 30, you should strongly consider learning and utilizing Twitch as a way to reach these potential customers.
Observation: usage is up.
Given the growing number of people unemployed, it should come as no surprise that LinkedIn usage is up. Not only will there be an increasing number of people looking for a job on the social network, but many will also likely use their free time to keep in touch with their colleagues and friends. After all, there’s no water cooler to talk around and some people choose to keep their work life off of other social networks, like Facebook.
Observation: usage is up.
Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, Twitter began to change from a way people engaged one another to an information platform. Now Twitter has become the go-to platform for many people to get information about COVID-19 in real-time.
Observation: usage is up.
Podcasting
Listening to podcasts is down considerably due to the rising rate of unemployment. According to the Infinite Dial Report in 2019, the majority of people who listen to podcasts (52 percent) do so while they commute to work. That said, a fair number of people still listen to their favorite podcast while doing chores around the house, mowing the lawn and taking a walk around the neighborhood.
It would be a safe bet that podcast listenership will rebound some as people are able to get back to work.
Observation: usage is down.
Zoom
Zoom has quickly risen to the most used video communication service since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Not only are professionals using it for video conferencing with colleagues, but educators and students are using it to do virtual learning.
Even though Zoom isn’t really a social networking platform, we’ve included it because people are also using it to keep in touch with friends and family. This is due to its social interaction features and usability.
Observation: usage is up.
