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Last week, the Trump administration continued its federal firing spree. After recommendations from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration reportedly fired more than 300 of National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) workers, then quickly rehired most of them. The chain of events prompted immediate concerns over national security. Pantex Plant, the primary nuclear weapons facility in the United States, in Amarillo, Texas, was the target of 30% of the cuts. However, by Friday evening, Teresa Robbins, the director of NNSA, reportedly issued a memo rescinding the firings. All but 28 of the employees who were dismissed were told they had their jobs back. “This letter serves as formal notification that the termination decision issued to you on February 13, 2025, has been rescinded, effective immediately,” said the memo, which was obtained by the Associated Press. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told the AP the firings are disruptive to the organization as a whole, as well as the security of the country. “I think the signal to U.S. adversaries is pretty clear: throw a monkey wrench in the whole national security apparatus and cause disarray,” he said. “That can only benefit the adversaries of this country.” The NNSA firings were only a fraction of the federal cuts made last week. On Friday, 9,500 federal workers were let go, in addition to the 75,000 who have already taken Trump’s buyout deal. But some say, DOGE is only cutting organizations it isn’t politically aligned with—targeting public health and the environment. For example, the U.S. Forest Service fired around 3,400 recent hires, the National Park Service laid off about 1,000 employees, as well as nearly half of the probationary workers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “They are not going to go into agencies that are doing things they like. They are going into agencies they disagree with,” Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former Republican director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), told Reuters. There were also job cuts reported at the FDA and the FAA. There have been at least 73 lawsuits filed over Trump’s executive orders since he took office. And on Monday, a national holiday, a federal judge has called an emergency hearing to address DOGE’s recent firings. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will hear arguments from 14 states in order to decide whether to issue a temporary restraining order against DOGE. Last week, the courts blocked a number of DOGE’s efforts, temporarily barring the organization from accessing sensitive Treasury Department information and payment systems and disallowing the government from blocking federal funding due to a health agency providing gender-affirming services to minors. Over the weekend, Trump pushed back on efforts to block the administration’s efforts to overhaul government spending in a post on social media. “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” the president wrote. The sentiment mimics a quote often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. In the 1970 film Waterloo, Napoleon states, he did not “usurp the crown” but “found it in the gutter” and “picked it up with my sword.” The quote continues, “and it was the people . . . who put it on my head. He who saves a nation violates no law.” View the full article

Reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is seeking access to a guarded Internal Revenue Service (IRS) system has raised alarm bells in Washington and across the nation. Lawmakers and taxpayers say they’re worried about the potential privacy implications of a department run by the world’s richest man having access to extremely sensitive personal and financial information. While no IRS access has yet been granted or even officially requested, DOGE is already looking into the recesses of several government divisions and expected to broadly widen its scope in the coming weeks. And now a DOGE team member is reportedly close to gaining access to taxpayer data. The Washington Post reports that the IRS is under pressure from the White House to give DOGE officials access to its systems and databases, including one that would allow them to access IRS accounts and bank information. This comes in the midst of the 2025 tax season, when Americans are in the process of filing their taxes and awaiting refunds. Why is DOGE looking at the IRS? The official primary reason being given, per a memorandum obtained by the Post, is for modernization of IRS systems and engineering assistance. The DOGE software engineer who will be working there is reportedly set to spend 120 days at the tax service. One idea the department has floated in the past was launching a mobile app letting people file their taxes. Few, if any, are disputing that the IRS systems are in need of an overhaul. Many were built in the 1960s. It’s the access to Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) that’s especially unusual. (Even security clearance does not give individuals access to it.) Will Elon Musk and his team have access to my tax records? Musk, personally, won’t have access, assuming integration follows the outline in the memorandum. Instead, a single DOGE staffer, software engineer Gavin Kliger, will reportedly work at the IRS and have access to IDRS, which reports say could give him and the Musk-run department access to social security numbers, bank information, and more. What safeguards are being put into place to protect my privacy? Kliger would be required to maintain the confidentiality of the tax return information he sees and is required to destroy it when he has finished his work at the IRS. He’s also required to not share any of that information with people who do not have access to IDRS. Not everyone follows that agreement, of course. An IRS contractor named Charles Littlejohn is currently serving a five-year felony sentence for leaking the tax information of Trump, Musk, and others in 2021. Could DOGE seeking access to the IRS system affect how long it takes to get my refund? That’s uncertain. While the IRS has not extended its estimated timeline for refunds (which stands at up to 21 days for e-filed returns and 4 weeks or more for returns sent by mail), any changes to the IRS in the middle of tax season could cause a disruption. DOGE’s plan to update systems isn’t the only potentially disrupting action the Trump administration has taken with the IRS. Thousands of probationary workers (recent hires or someone who has moved or been promoted into a new position) are expected to be laid off, and it’s unclear if that will slow down the processing of returns. (IRS workers were not given the option to accept a recent buyout offer extended to federal workers.) At least one Democratic Senator is warning refund delays could happen, though. NEW: My office is hearing that DOGE is now at the IRS. That means Musk's henchmen are in a position to dig through a trove of data about every taxpayer in America. And if your refund is delayed, they could very well be the reason. — Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) February 13, 2025 Does this impact my chances of getting audited? This, too, is unclear. The Biden Administration invested heavily in the IRS, with plans to hire tens of thousands of IRS workers to help with both customer service and enforcement. That investment came with the caveat that the funding, from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, would not be used to increase audits of people making $400,000 or less per year. The IRS has made “limited progress” with complying with that, however. It’s unclear if a reduction at the IRS could squeeze resources at the tax agency and reduce its ability to audit corporations and individuals. Is it legal for DOGE to look through IRS records? The courts will have to ultimately decide that. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, says DOGE’s actions are “illegal and a blatant power grab.” And Attorneys General from 14 states, on Thursday, filed a lawsuit in federal court to challenge DOGE’s plans, saying Musk and the Department’s actions can only be taken by someone who has been approved by the Senate. View the full article

Departments asked to model savings of up to 11% as government battles chronic squeeze on public financesView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer whose anti-vax employee was pressuring a coworker not to vaccinate her baby? Here’s the update. I really appreciated your advice and several of the thoughts from the commenters as well. I have weekly one-on-ones with each member of my team, so after reading your response, I used that next meeting with Cordelia as an opportunity to step in, after taking care of our usual business. I used the framing about how if the roles were reversed, if Dawn didn’t want to vaccinate and someone was pressuring her to, I would need to shut that conversation down, because Dawn deserves to be able to come to work and not be questioned or hassled about any or all of her medical decisions … just like you, Cordelia. I would never let anyone pressure you or give you a hard time about not getting vaccinated, and now I need you to give your coworker that same respect. She teared up and said, “I just wish someone would have told me not to give my little boy all of those poisonous shots; he would still be alive now,” and then started sobbing. It was horrible. I gave her some tissues and a little bit of time. After a reasonable amount of time, I told her that I understood that Dawn’s pregnancy might have brought up a lot of really hard and painful memories for her, and that I was ready to support her in any way that was reasonable, but that did not and could not include pressuring Dawn in any way. She nodded and said that she understood. At this point, there were less than 30 minutes left in the workday, and I asked if she wanted to go ahead and leave a little bit early. She agreed, got her coat, and left work. I stayed at my desk for a few more minutes to steady myself. (I am not someone who typically makes other people cry, and even though I knew I was doing the right thing, it was still deeply unpleasant.) Once I felt like myself again, I went to Dawn’s desk to check in with her. After asking if she was okay, I said that I’m sure she had already noticed that pregnant women often get a lot of unsolicited advice and information, and that if she was ever feeling pressured or harassed by a coworker to please let me know, because that wasn’t acceptable at work. She said, “Oh, that’s why Cordelia was upset? Thanks for talking to her. I really appreciate it.” I told her I was happy to do it, that it was my job, and that I was sorry it had taken me so long to notice and put a stop to it originally, but that if there were any further issues, please let me know right away. We had our regularly scheduled one-on-one two days later, and I reiterated this point, but she said everything was good. Cordelia has seemed more or less like her usual gregarious self since them. The three of them have continued to have lunch together most days and as far as I can tell without truly egregious eavesdropping haven’t been talking about anything more serious than the weather (very cold), Taylor Swift (very talented), and Willow’s new haircut (very cute). Dawn is just a few weeks away from going on her maternity leave, and is as happy, anxious, excited, and exhausted as you might expect. As far as I can tell, this particular issue is entirely resolved. Also? Thank goodness for this blog! I am someone who ended up in this role because I was very good at doing the work that Cordelia, Willow, and Dawn are doing, so I guess my bosses figured that I would be naturally good at supervising people doing that same work. But I don’t have any previous experience with managing people, and even with just three people, it is really HARD; it doesn’t come naturally to me at all. I’m very thankful to have this collection of good advice to read, and when push really came to shove, to be able to ask my specific question. Thanks again! View the full article

ORGANIZATIONAL teams determine overall performance, shape culture, drive growth, and deliver results — or not. Today’s teams face a new reality. Never before have they encountered the changes and challenges brought on them by remote, hybrid, and in-person work environments. Add in the emergence of AI and countless other workforce and societal trends, and it’s apparent that yesterday’s approaches no longer apply to today’s realities. This time of disruption demands that organizational leaders take an honest look at their teams and how they function and then apply accurate data to inform new ideas, explore strategies, and pursue professional development to position themselves for success. A recent study of 1,000 working Americans revealed essential actions needed for navigating today’s evolving work environments and team dynamics. The findings point to seven key behaviors, practices, and mindsets that describe high-achieving teams. Together, these qualities will enable leaders to reshape culture and drive high performance. As leaders realize the importance of getting it right to survive this new environment, they can draw from the study’s data-driven guidance and take action to redirect the trajectory of today’s teams. These key insights will inform leaders on where and how to take immediate action that will have impact and add immediate value to their teams: 1. Ensuring accountability. The study found that some 4 out of 10 people on a team at work are not experiencing the accountability that is so often requisite for trust, collaboration, teamwork, and results. Further, 54 percent have mentally checked out because a member wasn’t stepping up or was ineffective. In contrast, great teams are accountable to their leader and to each other — whether or not the leader is around. 2. Addressing distractions. The number and magnitude of distractions confronting workers has greatly increased through new technology, social and global events, and changes in the workforce and work environment — think hybrid and work-from-home settings. The findings showed that 1 in 3 workers were on teams without established standards to address distractions. In contrast, high-achieving teams have clear, agreed-upon, and proven standards to increase the likelihood of alignment, efficiency, and positive outcomes. 3. Elevating direct communication. A majority (57%) of workers said their teams do not freely share issues and ideas without being prompted — often referred to as “reactive honesty.” More alarming, 1 in 8 (12%) remain silent even when prompted to speak up. In contrast, high-achieving teams share issues and ideas without being prompted. Teams that embrace “straight-line communications” — addressing challenges directly through clear, direct communication — promote faster resolutions, better collaboration, and greater success. 4. Systemizing communication. The study explored communication on teams from a variety of angles and found that 39 percent of workers feel out of the loop on their teams. In contrast, a clear communication strategy and framework creates a foundation for effective, consistent communication across teams at all levels. Holding regular informative meetings, engaging in active listening, and instilling trust were among the top strategies for systemizing effective communication. 5. Understanding the influence of power. Close to half (44%) of workers said they felt only conditional power — or even powerless — on their teams. For leaders at every level, it’s important to understand the mindset, role, and influence of power on teams. Those who do so help to better engage and unlock the high achievement of different team members. 6. Optimizing differing work environments. Study findings highlighted the difficulty of addressing differences in workplace preferences. More than two-thirds (69%) reported that they found working in person at the office to be the most effective type of team interaction — followed by email (45%), online video conferencing (44%), and instant messaging (43%). High-achieving teams continually examine the interactions that allow them to most effectively move forward. 7. Promoting consistent high achievement. A great majority (75%) of workers said that being on a consistently high-achieving team would be a significant improvement to their work experience. In this time of workplace complexity, creating highly effective teams is a key solution to overcoming intrusive organizational challenges and to creating great cultures that drive results. * * * Steven Gaffney is the CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company. He is a leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT).TM With 30 years of experience working with top leaders and executive teams from Fortune 500 companies, associations, and government agencies, he is an authority on issues from team achievement and thriving cultures to leading change and daily innovation. He is the author of UnConditional Power: Thriving In Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating or Complex, and the forthcoming Scaling Culture: The Non-Negotiables of Success. Learn more at stevengaffney.com. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

The Trump administration’s effort to slash the size of the federal workforce reached the Food and Drug Administration this weekend, as recently hired employees who review the safety of food ingredients, medical devices, and other products were fired. Probationary employees across the FDA received notices Saturday evening that their jobs were being eliminated, according to three FDA staffers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The total number of positions eliminated was not clear Sunday, but the firings appeared to focus on employees in the agency’s centers for food, medical devices, and tobacco products—which includes oversight of electronic cigarettes. It was not clear whether FDA employees who review drugs were exempted. On Friday, some officials expected the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fire 5,200 probationary employees across its agencies, according to an audio recording of a National Institutes of Health department meeting. HHS oversees NIH, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among other things. People who spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity on Friday said the number of probationary employees to be laid off at the CDC would total nearly 1,300. But as of early Sunday afternoon, about 700 people had received notices, according to three people who spoke on condition on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. They said none of the CDC layoffs affected the young doctors and researchers who track diseases in what’s known as the Epidemic Intelligence Service. The FDA is headquartered in the Maryland suburbs outside Washington and employs nearly 20,000 people. It’s long been a target of newly sworn-in health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who last year accused the agency of waging a “war on public health” for not approving unproven treatments such as psychedelics, stem cells and chelation therapy. Kennedy also has called for eliminating thousands of chemicals and colorings from U.S. foods. But the cuts at FDA include staffers responsible for reviewing the safety of new food additives and ingredients, according to an FDA staffer familiar with the firings. An HHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday afternoon. Nearly half of the FDA’s $6.9 billion budget comes from fees paid by companies the agency regulates, including drug and medical device makers, which allows the agency to hire extra scientists to swiftly review products. Eliminating those positions will not reduce government spending. A former FDA official said cutting recent hires could backfire, eliminating staffers who tend to be younger and have more up-to-date technical skills. The FDA’s workforce skews toward older workers who have spent one or two decades at the agency, and the Government Accountability Office noted in 2022 that the FDA “has historically faced challenges in recruiting and retaining” staff due to better money in the private sector. “You want to bring in new blood,” said Peter Pitts, a former FDA associate commissioner under President George W. Bush. “You want people with new ideas, greater enthusiasm and the latest thinking in terms of technology.” Mitch Zeller, former FDA director for tobacco, said the firings are a way to “demoralize and undermine the spirit of the federal workforce.” “The combined effect of what they’re trying to do is going to destroy the ability to recruit and retain talent,” Zeller said. The FDA’s inspection force has been particularly strained in recent years after a wave of departures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the agency’s current inspectors are recent hires. It was not immediately clear whether those employees were exempted. FDA inspectors are responsible for overseeing thousands of food, drug, tobacco and medical device facilities worldwide, though the AP reported last year that the agency faced a backlog of roughly 2,000 uninspected drug facilities that hadn’t been visited since before the pandemic. The agency’s inspection force have also been criticized for not moving faster to catch recent problems involving infant formula, baby food and eyedrops. —By Matthew Perrone, AP Health Writer. AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. View the full article

In recent years, TikTok has taken social media by storm. Today, TikTok is available in over 150 countries, has over 1 billion users, and has been downloaded over 200 million times in the United States alone. Similar to YouTube, TikTok’s social media platform’s most appealing draw is its capability to share videos. TikTok is all about user-generated content, and besides sharing videos, TikTok’s social media platform has evolved into a marketing channel for brands where they use the platform to connect with consumers between the ages of 13 and 60. If you own a business, TikTok marketing can be a great medium for your brand to connect with your customers. With TikTok marketing, you can use TikTok to promote your brand, product, or service by employing different tactics, like influencer marketing, TikTok advertising, and creating organic viral content. In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide on how to start TikTok influencer marketing. What is TikTok Influencer Marketing? TikTok marketing can help your business to increase your brand awareness, engage with customers, sell products and services, get feedback from customers, and advertise products and services to target audiences. With TikTok marketing, you can use TikTok’s social media platform to directly connect with customers but can also use the power of influencers to promote your brand and products. A TikTok media personality or influencer not only comes with social proof to give your brand credibility but also offers access to your target audience(s), which makes your customer acquisition process easy. Because of the exponential growth of TikTok users, companies cannot risk not considering TikTok as a marketing vehicle, especially if their brands cater to Millennials, Generation Zs, and beyond. TikTok allows users to shoot, edit, and upload videos up to one minute long. In recent times, it has evolved from a Gen Z dominant video-sharing app into a mass social media platform with powerful potential for businesses to market their brand to new audiences. Brands like Zara, BMW, Levi’s, and others have already created successful influencer campaigns on TikTok. READ MORE: What is Influencer Marketing How Does Influencer Marketing Work on TikTok? An Influencer is an individual with a significant following on social media who is paid by brands to promote their products to their followers through free products or cash payment for promotional posts. The idea here is to persuade followers to purchase products through popular social media such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Influencers have the power to affect purchase-making decisions because of their authority, knowledge, or relationships with their audience, acting as a form of social proof. In recent years, TikTok influencers are winning over the Internet with their work and presence. Their opinions can generate a powerful impact on people, especially younger generations. More and more people are following influencers so that they do not miss out on their content. Brands and businesses are recruiting influencers for mentions, reviews, and recommendations. Even though influencer marketing is relatively new, it continues to be a viable solution for businesses who are willing to look for nifty marketing opportunities while building relationships with their target market. In today’s global marketplace, a growing number of consumers trust the recommendations provided by their favorite influencers. Global influencer marketing is projected to increase significantly in value, rising from previous figures. Since influencers have the ability to promote products, they can assist businesses in attracting potential customers and motivating them to make purchases. Influencer marketing can be hugely successful when done correctly. Through their large following, influencers and unique content acumen can create some great buzz around your brand or products and can be a valuable marketing tool. Particularly if your business targets Generation Zs (between 6 and 24 years old), then influencers can help market your products and services. Successful collaborations between influencers and brands on TikTok have succeeded in bringing about a mass appeal for products and services. TikTok Users and Demographics TikTok is poised to emerge as one of the primary social networks for reaching a younger audience. As reported by the influencer marketing hub in September, TikTok has exceeded 1 billion monthly active users, a significant portion of whom are youth. Specifically, 28% of TikTok users are under the age of 18, while 35% fall within the 19-29 age range. Interestingly enough, it has a female skew, with 59% of TikTok’s users being female, compared to 39% male (with 2% identifying as “other”). The only social apps with more users are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat. TikTok app reached 3 billion downloads in June 2021 and was the seventh-most downloaded app of the 2010s. TikTok demographics sway towards younger audiences, which makes it a great opportunity to connect with a younger audience. READ MORE: TikTok for Business Why You Should Consider TikTok Influencer Marketing TikTok advertising and advertising on other social media platforms can help boost your reach with target groups. You can complement your efforts by also considering Titok influencer marketing.TikTok influencers’ appeal comes from the fact that they can inspire, encourage, and motivate their audiences. With TikTok influencer marketing, you get the opportunity to promote your brand and product by creating a trendy vibe. Because popular TikTok videos are liked and shared and could go viral, they can exponentially increase your reach. Some reasons to consider TikTok influencer marketing include: They are savvy creatives: because TikTok influencers come with engaging and authentic content creation skills, they offer organic content. This can help your brand opportunities to unlock the best ways to engage and influence their followers through their TikTok videos. Reach the right audience: Because influencers have their captive audience, you can easily reach your target customers with little fanfare. Reduce your expenses: Influencer marketing tends to be more cost-effective than traditional advertising. Additionally, you can provide free products and event access as an alternative to cash payments. Boost your search rankings: By opting for sponsored posts, guest posts, and brand mentions, you can gain quality backlinks. These can help you to boost your web traffic and search engine rankings. Creating a TikTok Marketing Strategy Top influencers on TikTok have millions of followers; they can help grow your small business by getting started with TikTok influencer marketing to reach them. However, before you start negotiating with TikTok influencers, you will need to develop your TikTok marketing strategy. If you are considering TikTok marketing for your business, here are some tips on creating a TikTok marketing strategy include: Gain a deeper understanding of TikTok: TikTok marketing is similar to other social media marketing strategies, but it has its own distinct characteristics, features, and user behaviors. Therefore, it’s essential to get acquainted with the TikTok app, stay updated on current trends, and comprehend its ranking system. Define your target customer: Before signing on an influencer, make sure that the influencer’s content format is aligned with your target audience in terms of interests and the type of content that you want to engage with them. Set measurable goals and plans: Your influencer marketing strategy should include a S.M.A.R.T. goal framework, meaning your strategic goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). You will need to create an engagement plan and make sure that the content you create aligns with your brand voice, values, and personality. Utilize TikTok ad resources to enhance reach and engagement: To develop an effective TikTok marketing strategy, it’s essential to incorporate various types of TikTok ads for a more significant impact. You can create in-feed ads, which include both image and video ads made by you. Additionally, spark ads can be used to promote content from your TikTok account or from TikTok influencers. Other alternatives include branded takeover ads, which are full-screen ads shown when users initially open TikTok. To further boost engagement, you can launch branded hashtag challenges that encourage the use of stickers and filters. Using the TikTok Creator Marketplace One great tool available for influencer marketing campaigns is TikTok’s Marketplace. TikTok’s marketplace offers partnership opportunities for brands to collaborate with brands. By signing up with the TikTok Creator Marketplace platform, businesses can access a wide range of TikTok creators who can produce videos for their products and services. After setting up your account the TikTok Creator Marketplace homepage can let you decide on choosing creators based on location and category, and even browse available creators based on their number of views, followers, or reach. Selecting the Right Influencer for Your TikTok Videos and Ads With literally thousands of TikTok influencers out there, you may be hard-pressed on how to choose an influencer that is the right fit for your brand. Below are some tips for choosing the right influencer for your TikTok Videos and ads: Analyze their audience: Make sure that the TikTok influencer’s audience is aligned with your target audience. You will have to evaluate their followers by age, location, gender, and other parameters. Explore their content: Examine the content shared by the TikTok influencer and consider whether it frequently goes viral and how often new content is produced. Determine if the type of content they create aligns with your brand and industry. Is the influencer well-informed about your industry? Do they incorporate their own content into promotional messages? The ideal influencer for your brand should appear as a relatable individual who shares insights about their favorite products rather than as a salesperson. Suitability for working with brands: Most importantly, check to see if the influencer has experience working with brands, what content they produced for them, and how they performed. That there is no conflict of interest: It is equally important to align messaging with your brand and make sure that the influencer in question does not work with your competition. Also, make sure that the influencer is not marred in controversies and does not promote ideas that are counter to your values and ideals. Engagement rates: You will need to take a look at how audiences engage with these influencers. Also, ask if their audience engages with the kind of content you’re interested in creating. Do they like, comment on, and share the kind of relevant videos you want to make? Do they engage with sponsored content? Other Ways to Find Influencers on TikTok Besides using TikTok’s marketplaces, below are some other ways to find influencers. Approach Influencers Directly You can also choose to reach out to influencers directly via the TikTok platform. TikTok’s algorithm is tailored to assist users in discovering new content creators based on trending content, relevant keywords, popular hashtags, or the ‘For You’ page. Use an Influencer Platform Yet another way to scout influencers is through influencer platforms, Influencer platforms like Grin, CreatorIQ help brands, and Mavrck help businesses in managing and working with influencers. Essentially, they are software solutions designed to assist brands with their influencer marketing Campaigns by offering discovery tools that include searchable databases of potential influencers using algorithms. READ MORE: Influencer Marketing Platform TikTok Marketing Agencies TikTok marketing agencies work with brands and influencers to run influencer campaigns. Agencies like Moburst, Ubiquitous, and ApexDrop help you do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to your influencer marketing activities. These include devising strategies and managing the entire influencer campaign, including developing creative briefs, influencer sourcing and scheduling, influencer contracting, reporting, and insights. Working with TikTok Influencers Effectively Now that you have found your ideal influencer for your brand, here are some rules of thumb to follow when working with influencers in your TikTok marketing campaigns: Understand how TikTok works: Before you start, make sure that you have a working knowledge of TikTok to make the most of your campaign. By knowing the various options available, you can tweak your campaign for maximum effect. Set a clear goal: before launching your campaign, you should make sure that you have a goal. You will need to address issues like why you want to use TikTok as a marketing platform. Is it to push awareness for new products or services? Is it to convert more sales? Your set goal will influence your influencer marketing campaign. Know your target audience: For you to make an impact, you will need to know in terms of their preferences, location, when they’re on the platform, what kind of content appeals to them, and more. A great way to achieve this is by identifying the buyer persona that will help you identify some important characteristics about your audience and what you need to do to connect with them. Encourage the influencer’s creativity: TikTok thrives on creativity, so it’s important to give the TikTok creator the freedom to incorporate their niche into the messaging derived from the creative brief. Being overly strict with corporate messaging may backfire, appearing inauthentic and resembling a standard ad campaign that could alienate customers. READ MORE: TikTok Inflencers Is TikTok a good marketing strategy? Like other social media platforms, TikTok marketing can be a good marketing strategy if your business targets younger generations. Over the years, the number of users on TikTok has gradually grown, and several companies have begun to use TikTok for marketing purposes. Now might be the perfect time to start using TikTok marketing for your business and start reaping the rewards right away. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Getting Started with TikTok Influencer Marketing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In recent years, TikTok has taken social media by storm. Today, TikTok is available in over 150 countries, has over 1 billion users, and has been downloaded over 200 million times in the United States alone. Similar to YouTube, TikTok’s social media platform’s most appealing draw is its capability to share videos. TikTok is all about user-generated content, and besides sharing videos, TikTok’s social media platform has evolved into a marketing channel for brands where they use the platform to connect with consumers between the ages of 13 and 60. If you own a business, TikTok marketing can be a great medium for your brand to connect with your customers. With TikTok marketing, you can use TikTok to promote your brand, product, or service by employing different tactics, like influencer marketing, TikTok advertising, and creating organic viral content. In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide on how to start TikTok influencer marketing. What is TikTok Influencer Marketing? TikTok marketing can help your business to increase your brand awareness, engage with customers, sell products and services, get feedback from customers, and advertise products and services to target audiences. With TikTok marketing, you can use TikTok’s social media platform to directly connect with customers but can also use the power of influencers to promote your brand and products. A TikTok media personality or influencer not only comes with social proof to give your brand credibility but also offers access to your target audience(s), which makes your customer acquisition process easy. Because of the exponential growth of TikTok users, companies cannot risk not considering TikTok as a marketing vehicle, especially if their brands cater to Millennials, Generation Zs, and beyond. TikTok allows users to shoot, edit, and upload videos up to one minute long. In recent times, it has evolved from a Gen Z dominant video-sharing app into a mass social media platform with powerful potential for businesses to market their brand to new audiences. Brands like Zara, BMW, Levi’s, and others have already created successful influencer campaigns on TikTok. READ MORE: What is Influencer Marketing How Does Influencer Marketing Work on TikTok? An Influencer is an individual with a significant following on social media who is paid by brands to promote their products to their followers through free products or cash payment for promotional posts. The idea here is to persuade followers to purchase products through popular social media such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Influencers have the power to affect purchase-making decisions because of their authority, knowledge, or relationships with their audience, acting as a form of social proof. In recent years, TikTok influencers are winning over the Internet with their work and presence. Their opinions can generate a powerful impact on people, especially younger generations. More and more people are following influencers so that they do not miss out on their content. Brands and businesses are recruiting influencers for mentions, reviews, and recommendations. Even though influencer marketing is relatively new, it continues to be a viable solution for businesses who are willing to look for nifty marketing opportunities while building relationships with their target market. In today’s global marketplace, a growing number of consumers trust the recommendations provided by their favorite influencers. Global influencer marketing is projected to increase significantly in value, rising from previous figures. Since influencers have the ability to promote products, they can assist businesses in attracting potential customers and motivating them to make purchases. Influencer marketing can be hugely successful when done correctly. Through their large following, influencers and unique content acumen can create some great buzz around your brand or products and can be a valuable marketing tool. Particularly if your business targets Generation Zs (between 6 and 24 years old), then influencers can help market your products and services. Successful collaborations between influencers and brands on TikTok have succeeded in bringing about a mass appeal for products and services. TikTok Users and Demographics TikTok is poised to emerge as one of the primary social networks for reaching a younger audience. As reported by the influencer marketing hub in September, TikTok has exceeded 1 billion monthly active users, a significant portion of whom are youth. Specifically, 28% of TikTok users are under the age of 18, while 35% fall within the 19-29 age range. Interestingly enough, it has a female skew, with 59% of TikTok’s users being female, compared to 39% male (with 2% identifying as “other”). The only social apps with more users are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat. TikTok app reached 3 billion downloads in June 2021 and was the seventh-most downloaded app of the 2010s. TikTok demographics sway towards younger audiences, which makes it a great opportunity to connect with a younger audience. READ MORE: TikTok for Business Why You Should Consider TikTok Influencer Marketing TikTok advertising and advertising on other social media platforms can help boost your reach with target groups. You can complement your efforts by also considering Titok influencer marketing.TikTok influencers’ appeal comes from the fact that they can inspire, encourage, and motivate their audiences. With TikTok influencer marketing, you get the opportunity to promote your brand and product by creating a trendy vibe. Because popular TikTok videos are liked and shared and could go viral, they can exponentially increase your reach. Some reasons to consider TikTok influencer marketing include: They are savvy creatives: because TikTok influencers come with engaging and authentic content creation skills, they offer organic content. This can help your brand opportunities to unlock the best ways to engage and influence their followers through their TikTok videos. Reach the right audience: Because influencers have their captive audience, you can easily reach your target customers with little fanfare. Reduce your expenses: Influencer marketing tends to be more cost-effective than traditional advertising. Additionally, you can provide free products and event access as an alternative to cash payments. Boost your search rankings: By opting for sponsored posts, guest posts, and brand mentions, you can gain quality backlinks. These can help you to boost your web traffic and search engine rankings. Creating a TikTok Marketing Strategy Top influencers on TikTok have millions of followers; they can help grow your small business by getting started with TikTok influencer marketing to reach them. However, before you start negotiating with TikTok influencers, you will need to develop your TikTok marketing strategy. If you are considering TikTok marketing for your business, here are some tips on creating a TikTok marketing strategy include: Gain a deeper understanding of TikTok: TikTok marketing is similar to other social media marketing strategies, but it has its own distinct characteristics, features, and user behaviors. Therefore, it’s essential to get acquainted with the TikTok app, stay updated on current trends, and comprehend its ranking system. Define your target customer: Before signing on an influencer, make sure that the influencer’s content format is aligned with your target audience in terms of interests and the type of content that you want to engage with them. Set measurable goals and plans: Your influencer marketing strategy should include a S.M.A.R.T. goal framework, meaning your strategic goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). You will need to create an engagement plan and make sure that the content you create aligns with your brand voice, values, and personality. Utilize TikTok ad resources to enhance reach and engagement: To develop an effective TikTok marketing strategy, it’s essential to incorporate various types of TikTok ads for a more significant impact. You can create in-feed ads, which include both image and video ads made by you. Additionally, spark ads can be used to promote content from your TikTok account or from TikTok influencers. Other alternatives include branded takeover ads, which are full-screen ads shown when users initially open TikTok. To further boost engagement, you can launch branded hashtag challenges that encourage the use of stickers and filters. Using the TikTok Creator Marketplace One great tool available for influencer marketing campaigns is TikTok’s Marketplace. TikTok’s marketplace offers partnership opportunities for brands to collaborate with brands. By signing up with the TikTok Creator Marketplace platform, businesses can access a wide range of TikTok creators who can produce videos for their products and services. After setting up your account the TikTok Creator Marketplace homepage can let you decide on choosing creators based on location and category, and even browse available creators based on their number of views, followers, or reach. Selecting the Right Influencer for Your TikTok Videos and Ads With literally thousands of TikTok influencers out there, you may be hard-pressed on how to choose an influencer that is the right fit for your brand. Below are some tips for choosing the right influencer for your TikTok Videos and ads: Analyze their audience: Make sure that the TikTok influencer’s audience is aligned with your target audience. You will have to evaluate their followers by age, location, gender, and other parameters. Explore their content: Examine the content shared by the TikTok influencer and consider whether it frequently goes viral and how often new content is produced. Determine if the type of content they create aligns with your brand and industry. Is the influencer well-informed about your industry? Do they incorporate their own content into promotional messages? The ideal influencer for your brand should appear as a relatable individual who shares insights about their favorite products rather than as a salesperson. Suitability for working with brands: Most importantly, check to see if the influencer has experience working with brands, what content they produced for them, and how they performed. That there is no conflict of interest: It is equally important to align messaging with your brand and make sure that the influencer in question does not work with your competition. Also, make sure that the influencer is not marred in controversies and does not promote ideas that are counter to your values and ideals. Engagement rates: You will need to take a look at how audiences engage with these influencers. Also, ask if their audience engages with the kind of content you’re interested in creating. Do they like, comment on, and share the kind of relevant videos you want to make? Do they engage with sponsored content? Other Ways to Find Influencers on TikTok Besides using TikTok’s marketplaces, below are some other ways to find influencers. Approach Influencers Directly You can also choose to reach out to influencers directly via the TikTok platform. TikTok’s algorithm is tailored to assist users in discovering new content creators based on trending content, relevant keywords, popular hashtags, or the ‘For You’ page. Use an Influencer Platform Yet another way to scout influencers is through influencer platforms, Influencer platforms like Grin, CreatorIQ help brands, and Mavrck help businesses in managing and working with influencers. Essentially, they are software solutions designed to assist brands with their influencer marketing Campaigns by offering discovery tools that include searchable databases of potential influencers using algorithms. READ MORE: Influencer Marketing Platform TikTok Marketing Agencies TikTok marketing agencies work with brands and influencers to run influencer campaigns. Agencies like Moburst, Ubiquitous, and ApexDrop help you do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to your influencer marketing activities. These include devising strategies and managing the entire influencer campaign, including developing creative briefs, influencer sourcing and scheduling, influencer contracting, reporting, and insights. Working with TikTok Influencers Effectively Now that you have found your ideal influencer for your brand, here are some rules of thumb to follow when working with influencers in your TikTok marketing campaigns: Understand how TikTok works: Before you start, make sure that you have a working knowledge of TikTok to make the most of your campaign. By knowing the various options available, you can tweak your campaign for maximum effect. Set a clear goal: before launching your campaign, you should make sure that you have a goal. You will need to address issues like why you want to use TikTok as a marketing platform. Is it to push awareness for new products or services? Is it to convert more sales? Your set goal will influence your influencer marketing campaign. Know your target audience: For you to make an impact, you will need to know in terms of their preferences, location, when they’re on the platform, what kind of content appeals to them, and more. A great way to achieve this is by identifying the buyer persona that will help you identify some important characteristics about your audience and what you need to do to connect with them. Encourage the influencer’s creativity: TikTok thrives on creativity, so it’s important to give the TikTok creator the freedom to incorporate their niche into the messaging derived from the creative brief. Being overly strict with corporate messaging may backfire, appearing inauthentic and resembling a standard ad campaign that could alienate customers. READ MORE: TikTok Inflencers Is TikTok a good marketing strategy? Like other social media platforms, TikTok marketing can be a good marketing strategy if your business targets younger generations. Over the years, the number of users on TikTok has gradually grown, and several companies have begun to use TikTok for marketing purposes. Now might be the perfect time to start using TikTok marketing for your business and start reaping the rewards right away. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Getting Started with TikTok Influencer Marketing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Ofcom last week issued a new proposal document outlining new schemes for the unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band. The post Regulatory win for Wi-Fi in the UK: Ofcom proposes new strongly pro-Wi-Fi regulation for the 6 GHz band appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Workers at an Amazon warehouse in North Carolina rejected a proposal to unionize, becoming the latest group of the company’s employees to side against union representation. About three-quarters of employees at an Amazon fulfillment center in Garner, a town located near Raleigh, voted against joining a grassroots labor organization called Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment, the National Labor Relations Board announced Saturday. The federal labor agency said 2,447 workers cast ballots against union representation while 829 voted in favor of joining the independent union, which is made up of former and current Amazon workers. The NLRB had said 4,300 Amazon workers were eligible to cast ballots in the election, which took place Monday through Saturday. Rev. Ryan Brown, a former Amazon worker who co-founded the group, said Saturday, “We had already braced ourselves for a loss.” “We knew that historically the tide was against us to have a win for several reasons,” Brown said. “One, we’re in the South. Two, the average worker that’s in North Carolina knows nothing about a union and the benefits of a union and what a union could do for them.” The outcome came just weeks after workers at a Whole Foods Market store in Pennsylvania voted to unionize, leading to the first successful entry of organized labor into the grocery chain, which Amazon owns. Following the union win, Whole Foods asked the NLRB to toss out the election results, arguing the voting process was tainted. In 2022, workers at an Amazon warehouse in the New York City borough of Staten Island unionized with Amazon Labor Union, which joined forces with the Teamsters last year. However, Amazon has objected to the election result and refused to negotiate over a contract. At the same time, the company has also been able to successfully fend off union victories at a second warehouse on Staten Island, as well as at facilities near Albany, New York, and in Bessemer, Alabama. In November, an NLRB administrative law judge ordered a third union election for Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer after determining that the company committed six violations leading up to a rerun election in March 2022. That rerun was held after the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which is seeking to represent Amazon workers in Bessemer, filed objections to the first election, which results in a union loss. Workers affiliated with Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment, or CAUSE, have been organizing at the North Carolina warehouse since January 2022. Co-founder Brown said in an interview last month he started organizing because he felt like Amazon was not providing workers adequate protections against COVID-19. The company said Saturday that Amazon already offers what many unions are requesting, such as safe and inclusive workplaces and competitive pay. “We’re glad that our team in Garner was able to have their voices heard, and that they chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon,” Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards said in a written statement. —By Haleluya Hadero and Matt O’Brien, AP Business Writers View the full article

A recent survey by Everly Life highlights the financial struggles freelancers face, despite the growing appeal of gig work. While 75% of freelancers feel confident their work will help them meet retirement goals, 54% report heightened pressure to save before they retire. The findings underscore the financial uncertainty that comes with self-employment, despite the autonomy it offers. Financial Challenges for Freelancers The survey of 2,000 gig workers identified income instability, lack of paid time off, and high health insurance costs as the biggest financial challenges. No Paid Vacation (42%) – Many freelancers struggle to take time off, as they lack employer-sponsored benefits. Delayed Payments (40%) – Income insecurity is a major concern, with inconsistent payments making budgeting difficult. Only 26% feel confident their families would be financially secure if they lost their income. High Health Insurance Costs (38%) – Nearly half of uninsured freelancers neglect medical care due to cost concerns. Complex Taxes (36%) – Many struggle with tax planning without employer-provided assistance. Retirement Planning Pressures – The average freelancer aims to retire at 58 years old, expecting to need $353,063 in savings. “Our research shows that financial security is a major concern for freelancers,” said Meredith Bell, Director of Marketing at Everly Life. “Without employer benefits like paid vacation time and life insurance, many struggle to take time off or protect their family’s financial future. This is why having the right financial planning tools and insurance coverage is essential for freelancers.” Why Freelancers Stick With It Despite financial risks, freelancers continue to value their independence. The survey found that the top perks of freelancing include: Choosing Projects (43%) – Many freelancers prefer selecting work they are passionate about. Flexible Hours (41%) – The ability to set their own schedule supports better work-life balance. Being Their Own Boss (40%) – Many enjoy the autonomy of managing their own business. Remote Work (39%) – The ability to work from anywhere is a major draw. More Creativity (38%) – Many freelancers value the freedom to express their creativity. “The flexibility freelancing offers is what draws people in,” Bell said. “Being able to choose projects and set your own schedule is incredibly appealing. However, the key to sustaining this lifestyle is having a solid financial plan in place.” Financial Planning Becomes a Priority The study also found that 74% of freelancers have adjusted their savings habits due to economic changes. Many are prioritizing mental health days (42%) and life insurance (37%) over discretionary spending like travel (25%). “Freelancing offers an incredible level of freedom and flexibility, but our survey highlights the financial uncertainties that come with it,” Bell added. “Financial planning—whether through savings, life insurance, or structured retirement strategies—can help freelancers achieve security and peace of mind.” Image: Envato This article, "Survey Reveals Financial Challenges and Perks of Freelancing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A recent survey by Everly Life highlights the financial struggles freelancers face, despite the growing appeal of gig work. While 75% of freelancers feel confident their work will help them meet retirement goals, 54% report heightened pressure to save before they retire. The findings underscore the financial uncertainty that comes with self-employment, despite the autonomy it offers. Financial Challenges for Freelancers The survey of 2,000 gig workers identified income instability, lack of paid time off, and high health insurance costs as the biggest financial challenges. No Paid Vacation (42%) – Many freelancers struggle to take time off, as they lack employer-sponsored benefits. Delayed Payments (40%) – Income insecurity is a major concern, with inconsistent payments making budgeting difficult. Only 26% feel confident their families would be financially secure if they lost their income. High Health Insurance Costs (38%) – Nearly half of uninsured freelancers neglect medical care due to cost concerns. Complex Taxes (36%) – Many struggle with tax planning without employer-provided assistance. Retirement Planning Pressures – The average freelancer aims to retire at 58 years old, expecting to need $353,063 in savings. “Our research shows that financial security is a major concern for freelancers,” said Meredith Bell, Director of Marketing at Everly Life. “Without employer benefits like paid vacation time and life insurance, many struggle to take time off or protect their family’s financial future. This is why having the right financial planning tools and insurance coverage is essential for freelancers.” Why Freelancers Stick With It Despite financial risks, freelancers continue to value their independence. The survey found that the top perks of freelancing include: Choosing Projects (43%) – Many freelancers prefer selecting work they are passionate about. Flexible Hours (41%) – The ability to set their own schedule supports better work-life balance. Being Their Own Boss (40%) – Many enjoy the autonomy of managing their own business. Remote Work (39%) – The ability to work from anywhere is a major draw. More Creativity (38%) – Many freelancers value the freedom to express their creativity. “The flexibility freelancing offers is what draws people in,” Bell said. “Being able to choose projects and set your own schedule is incredibly appealing. However, the key to sustaining this lifestyle is having a solid financial plan in place.” Financial Planning Becomes a Priority The study also found that 74% of freelancers have adjusted their savings habits due to economic changes. Many are prioritizing mental health days (42%) and life insurance (37%) over discretionary spending like travel (25%). “Freelancing offers an incredible level of freedom and flexibility, but our survey highlights the financial uncertainties that come with it,” Bell added. “Financial planning—whether through savings, life insurance, or structured retirement strategies—can help freelancers achieve security and peace of mind.” Image: Envato This article, "Survey Reveals Financial Challenges and Perks of Freelancing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer whose doctor’s office constantly left them on hold while they needed to be working? Here’s the update. I wrote in a few months ago about struggling to schedule doctor’s appointments when I worked at a busy reception desk. Thanks very much to both you and the kind commenters who offered sympathy and suggestions. It was nice to receive confirmation that there wasn’t some easy solution I was missing, and I appreciated the suggestions to use an earpiece from other people who’d done front desk work. I also saw a few suggestions that my question wasn’t really a work question, which got me thinking about why I’d written in the first place. The real concern underwriting my (admittedly not well-phrased!) question was that having to make these calls was hurting my standing at work. I am (mis)classified as exempt and expected to remain available to answer the phone and address clients during my lunch. Any time I spend where I’m not visibly working as hard as possible is regarded with suspicion, and as I mentioned in the original letter, it has been suggested that I might have to start using vacation or sick time to cover these calls I have to make outside my nonexistent break time. When I wrote in I was concerned less with dealing with my doctor’s office (which I felt sucked and wasn’t going to change) and more with managing the optics/potential consequences at a workplace that, on reflection, also sucks and also isn’t going to change. So ultimately, I did resolve the doctor’s office problem with doctor’s office solutions. First, I spoke with my doctor, and they gave me permission to use the client portal’s chat functionality, which is supposed to be exclusively for non-urgent medical questions, to request appointments. But more importantly, I changed one of my medications to something I can self-administer at home instead of one I have to go to the doctor’s office multiple times a year for. This reduces the frequency of my scheduling attempts and has the added benefit of saving me sick time. I’m lucky I had this as an option. I hope this information is helpful to anyone else in a similar situation, and I hope in a future update I’ll be able to tell you I’m working somewhere different. Me again, here to say that if you’re a receptionist you’re almost certainly not legally allowed to be treated as exempt, and they owe you overtime pay (including back pay) and you should contact an employment lawyer in your state. Meanwhile, carefully log all the hours you work so there’s a record of what you’re owed. View the full article

This article will present insightful social media statistics covering different aspects, such as growth, usage, platforms, trends, impact, and future. These statistics will help you gain a deeper and broader perspective on the topic and make informed choices for your personal or professional goals. Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It connects us with people, information, and entertainment across the globe. It also influences our behavior, opinions, and decisions in various ways. Whether you are a casual user, a business owner, or a marketer, you need to understand the power and potential of social media in today’s digital world. Understanding the Power of Social Media Let’s start by looking at some statistics that show how big and influential social media is in the global context. There are 5.04 billion social media users around the world, equating to 62.3 percent of the total global population. Social media user numbers have continued to grow over the past 12 months, too, with 266 million new users joining social media since this time last year. That equates to annualized growth of 5.6 percent, at an average rate of 8.4 new users every single second. Notably, 94.2% of internet users now have social media identities, highlighting the integral role of social media in digital communication and interaction today. The average daily time spent using social media is 2 hours and 23 minutes. While the average daily time spent on social media has decreased by 4 minutes, the growth in adoption continues to be strong. Presently, 94.2% of internet users engage with social media, and the gender distribution is relatively even, with a slightly higher number of male users compared to female users. Platform-wise, YouTube, and WhatsApp have shown remarkable user numbers, with YouTube’s potential advertising reach hitting 2.491 billion and WhatsApp maintaining at least 2 billion monthly active users. Instagram also boasts 2 billion monthly active users, while TikTok’s ads can potentially reach 1.562 billion adults monthly. Other notable platforms include WeChat (including Weixin), with 1.336 billion users; Facebook Messenger, with 979 million potential advertising reach; and Telegram, with 800 million users. These statistics demonstrate that social media is a powerful and pervasive force that affects billions of people across the world. It is not a passing trend but a fundamental shift in the way we communicate, consume, and create information. Social Media Growth Now that we have established the importance and influence of social media, let’s look at some statistics that show how fast and diverse social media is growing in terms of users, platforms, and content. Insights from Global Social Media Statistics Social media is a global phenomenon that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Here are some statistics that illustrate the diversity and dynamism of social media users and platforms around the world. In terms of regional social media use, current data indicates varied penetration rates across different parts of the world, with Eastern Asia showing a 74% penetration rate, North America at 71%, Southern America at 66%, and both Northern and Western Europe between 80-82%. The lowest penetration rates are observed in Southern Asia (32%), Western Africa (16%), and Middle Africa (10%), illustrating the diverse adoption and usage patterns of social media globally. Facebook is the biggest existing social network, with 2.96 billion monthly active users recorded recently. Over 75% of the world’s population aged 13+ uses social media. Over 93% of internet users are social media users. 76% of North Americans use social media A recent in-depth study of social media penetration rates by country and territory shows that the United Arab Emirates currently tops the list. It has a rate of 105.6%, which suggests there are more social media users than people there. Most top-ranked social networks with more than 100 million users originated in the United States, but services like Chinese social networks WeChat, QQ, or video sharing app Douyin have also garnered mainstream appeal in their respective regions due to local context and The country with the lowest social media penetration rate is North Korea, with 0% of its population using social media. The main reasons people use social media are to stay in touch with friends and family, fill their spare time, and read the news These statistics show that social media is a diverse and dynamic landscape that offers different opportunities and challenges for users, marketers, and businesses. It is important to understand the preferences and behaviors of different audiences and regions and to adapt to the changing trends and demands of the social media environment. Social Media Users Worldwide One of the key factors that drives the growth and innovation of social media is the number of users. Here are some statistics that show how many people use social media around the world and how this number is expected to change in the future. A typical social media user interacts with 6.6 social media platforms. China, with 1.02 billion users, is the country with the most social media users. India and the United States make it to the top three with 755.47 million and 302.25 million users, respectively. An average person uses social media for two hours and thirty-five minutes every day. The average number of social media accounts used by millennial or Gen Z users worldwide is 8.5. These statistics indicate that social media is still growing at a rapid pace and that more and more people are joining the social media community. This means that social media will continue to offer new and exciting opportunities for communication, information, and entertainment for users, as well as for marketing, branding, and customer service for businesses. Active Social Media Users by Region Another important factor that influences the growth and diversity of social media is the regional distribution of users. Here are some statistics showing how many active social media users there are in different regions of the world and how this number is expected to change. The region with the highest number of active social media users is projected to be East Asia, with 1.42 billion users, accounting for 28.8% of the global total. Conversely, the region with the lowest number of active social media users is projected to be Oceania, with 50 million users, representing 1% of the global total. The region with the highest social media penetration rate is projected to be Northern America, with 81.7% of its population using social media. The region with the lowest social media penetration rate is projected to be Central Africa, with 10.1% of its population using social media. The most popular global social media platforms in 2024 are expected to be Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, with more than one billion monthly active users each. These statistics indicate that social media usage is not uniform globally, revealing notable disparities in both the number of users and their proportions across different regions. Social Media Use Statistics Before you can determine the best way to reach your audience through social media, you should understand how people generally use these platforms. The following statistics provide a glimpse into social media usage among various markets around the world. Frequency of Social Media Use Users spend an average of 2 hours and 29 minutes daily on social media platforms. The countries with the highest daily social media usage are projected to be the Philippines, Brazil, and Colombia, with more than 3 hours and 30 minutes each. The countries with the lowest daily social media usage are projected to be Japan, China, and South Korea, with less than 1 hour and 30 minutes each1. On average, Americans spend 2 hours and 14 minutes per day checking their social media. This amounts to 10 minutes less than the global average. At the same time, Canadians spend 105 minutes every day on social media platforms. Types of Content Consumed on Social Media The most effective type of content on social media in 2024 is short-form video, which has an average engagement rate of 9.3% across all platforms. Short-form video is especially popular on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, where users can easily create and consume bite-sized content that is entertaining, informative, or educational. TikTok statistics and popularity have made this category especially popular in recent years. The second most effective type of content on social media is audio chat and live rooms, which have an average engagement rate of 7.8% across all platforms. Audio chat and live rooms are interactive and immersive formats that allow users to join live conversations with hosts, guests, and other listeners. Platforms such as X Spaces, Clubhouse, and Meta Live Audio Rooms have seen a surge in popularity and usage recently. The third most effective type of content on social media is content that represents brand values, which has an average engagement rate of 6.5% across all platforms. Content that represents brand values showcases the mission, vision, and purpose of a brand, as well as its social and environmental impact. Users are more likely to trust and support brands that align with their values and beliefs and that demonstrate authenticity and transparency. The least effective type of content on social media is high-quality images, which have an average engagement rate of 2.1% across all platforms. High-quality images are still important for visual appeal and brand recognition, but they are not sufficient to capture and retain users’ attention in a crowded and competitive social media landscape. Users are seeking more dynamic and engaging content that provides value, emotion, or connection. Social Media Usage and Age Demographics Social media usage by age can vary widely from generation to generation. The average number of social media accounts used by millennial or Gen Z users worldwide is 8.5. According to research on 46 nations with internet users aged between 16 and 64, Japan had the lowest overall number of social media accounts at 3.8, while India had the highest at 11.5 accounts per user. Social Media Use and Mobile Devices The number of unique mobile phone users is currently 5.61 billion. The latest data from GSMA Intelligence reveals that 69.4 percent of the world’s total population now uses a mobile device, with the global total having increased by 138 million (+2.5 percent) compared to a previous point in time. 98.3% of users access social platforms via mobile. Understanding Different Social Media Platforms Facebook is the largest and most popular social media platform globally, with 3.05 billion monthly active users. YouTube is the second biggest and most popular social media platform in the world, with 2.5 billion monthly active users as of January 2024. WhatsApp is the third biggest and most widely used social media platform in the world, with 2 billion monthly active users. Instagram statistics indicate that it is the fourth biggest and most popular social media platform in the world, with 2 billion monthly active users. TikTok is the fifth biggest and fastest-growing social media platform in the world, with 1.56 billion monthly active users. Social Media Usage Trends Some of the possible factors that influence the popularity and growth of social media platforms are: The quality and variety of the content and features that they offer can attract and retain users’ attention and engagement. The relevance and personalization of the content and features that they provide can cater to users’ needs and preferences. The accessibility and affordability of the platforms can enable users to use them easily and conveniently. The network and community effects of the platforms can encourage users to join and invite others to join. The innovation and adaptation of the platforms can help them respond to changing user behaviors and market trends. FactorImpact on Popularity and GrowthBenefitsChallenges Quality & Variety of Content and FeaturesHigh-quality and diverse content/features attract a wide audience, increasing user engagement and time spent on the platform.- Increases user satisfaction - Encourages content creation and sharing - Enhances user experience- Requires continuous innovation - High production costs - Risk of content saturation Relevance & Personalization of Content and FeaturesPersonalized and relevant content/features increase user loyalty and retention.- Improves user engagement - Increases the likelihood of content virality - Strengthens user relationships- Privacy concerns with data collection - Complexity in implementing effective algorithms - Risk of echo chambers Accessibility & AffordabilityEasy and affordable access to platforms broadens the user base, including users from diverse demographics and regions.- Expands market reach - Increases inclusivity and diversity - Encourages daily use- Infrastructure and operational costs - Need for localization and language support - Digital divide issues Network & Community EffectsPlatforms that leverage network effects grow rapidly as users invite others, creating a larger and more engaged community.- Accelerates user growth - Enhances user engagement through social connections - Strengthens platform loyalty- Initial user acquisition challenge - Managing community standards and behavior - Risk of monopolization and user dependency Innovation & AdaptationPlatforms that continuously innovate and adapt to market trends and user behaviors can sustain growth and relevance.- Keeps the platform competitive - Aligns with evolving user expectations - Encourages creative content creation- Resource-intensive research and development - Risk of alienating existing users with changes - Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements Time Spent on Social Media The regions with the highest daily social media usage are projected to be South America and Africa, with more than 3 hours each. The regions with the lowest daily social media usage are projected to be Europe and North America, with less than 2 hours each. The most popular time of day to use social media globally is 9 am, followed by 12 pm and 5 pm. Frequency of Social Media Use The platform with the highest daily social media usage currently is TikTok, with an average of 52 minutes per user per day, followed by Instagram with 49 minutes, and Facebook with 38 minutes. The platform with the lowest daily social media usage is Twitter, with an average of 10 minutes per user per day, followed by Pinterest with 14 minutes, and LinkedIn with 17 minutes. The platform with the highest monthly social media usage in 2024 is Facebook, with an average of 19.5 hours per user per month, followed by YouTube with 18.8 hours, and Instagram with 14.8 hours. The Impact of Social Media on Society Social media now plays a crucial role in modern society, impacting communication, information consumption, and business, among other areas of our lives. Social media platforms facilitate cross-border user interaction across political, cultural, and geographic divides by allowing users to produce, share, and consume information. Social Media and Communication Social media has transformed global communication by increasing accessibility, affordability, diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. It allows users to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime, using various modes and reducing costs, especially for remote or underdeveloped areas. Social Media and Information Consumption Social media has profoundly influenced how we consume information by enhancing accessibility, personalizing content, and encouraging engagement. It provides a wealth of information on numerous topics, enabling users to explore a variety of sources and viewpoints. Additionally, social media platforms allow users to participate in the creation and sharing of information, giving them the ability to like, comment, share, and rate content. This has contributed to a more diverse and interactive society. The Influence of Social Media on Business A significant impact of social media is its influence on business. Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to market their products and services, as well as to engage with their customers. Social Media Marketing Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote a brand, product, or service, as well as to achieve various business goals, such as increasing awareness, traffic, leads, sales, and loyalty. Social media marketing involves creating and sharing content, such as posts, stories, videos, and ads, that are relevant, valuable, and engaging to the target audience. Social Media and Customer Engagement Social media and customer engagement is the use of social media platforms to interact with customers, as well as to build and maintain relationships with them. Social media and customer engagement involve listening and responding to customer feedback, questions, and complaints, as well as providing customer support, service, and satisfaction. Future Trends in Social Media Networks Social media networks are constantly evolving to meet user needs and preferences, enabling innovation, collaboration, and influence. Trends in social media networks include advancements in technology, content, user behavior, and business. Technology will see the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), blockchain and cryptocurrency, and the rise of short-form and bite-sized content. Content will also evolve, with short-form content dominating, audio and live content becoming more popular, and content representing brand values becoming more influential. User behavior will change, with search becoming more common and frequent, and search will become more personalized and contextualized. These trends will shape the social media landscape in the future, allowing users to explore new possibilities, engage with brands, and participate in the social media economy. Emerging Social Media Platforms Threads, the explosive sensation, has disrupted the social media world with an impressive user base of 131 million. Clubhouse, the audio-chat social app, has over 28 million downloads worldwide. Always at the forefront of social interaction, it offers innovative features like chat moderation, rooms, events, and exclusive clubs. Anchor, now occupied by Spotify, is one of the most essential apps for podcast enthusiasts. Designed for both smartphone and web users, it unlocks a wealth of editing possibilities with a single tap on the record icon, ensuring your podcast stands out whenever creativity strikes. Mastodon has reached 2.5 million monthly users, solidifying its position as an open-source powerhouse and providing seamless sharing of text, images, and videos to its users. Patreon allows creators to build a direct relationship with their fans and supporters. Creators can offer exclusive content, such as early access to new episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, and merchandise discounts. Fans can choose to support their favorite creators on a monthly basis. The popularity of Patreon has lured creators to join the platform in order to reach new audiences. In the last 3 years, more than 50,000 creators have joined the platform. Predicted Trends in Social Media Use Advertisers are expected to spend over 82 billion dollars promoting their products on social networks in the near future. Ad spending is anticipated to demonstrate a consistent annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.04%, leading to a projected market volume of US$241.9bn in the future. With a projected market volume of US$84,610m, most revenue will be generated in the United States. 58. Ad spending in the Video Advertising market is projected to reach US$191.3bn in the near future. Ad spending on short-form videos in the Video Advertising market is projected to reach US$99.4bn in the near future. Ad spending on short-form videos is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.04%, leading to a projected market volume of US$145.8bn in the future. https://youtube.com/watch?v=A30YGfU3hEg%3Fsi%3DNZ7LTqJ_jIg8fDkq FAQs: Social Media Statistics What percent of the world uses social media? According to recent data, 62.3% of the global population, equivalent to 5.04 billion people, actively use social media, underscoring the expansive reach and influence of social platforms worldwide. What is the number 1 social media platform in the world? Facebook statistics indicate that it remains the dominant social media platform globally, boasting 2.96 billion monthly active users, making it a cornerstone in both social networking and social media marketing strategies. What are 5 facts about social media? The global average time spent on social media is approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes per day. Leading platforms by user count include YouTube and WhatsApp, with YouTube reaching a potential advertising audience of 2.491 billion and WhatsApp maintaining 2 billion monthly active users. Social media usage statistics reveal that over 75% of the global population aged 13 and above engages with social media. The diversity in social media usage across regions is significant, from Eastern Asia’s 74% penetration to Western Africa’s 16%. Users typically interact with an average of 6.6 different social media platforms, highlighting the importance of a multi-platform social media marketing strategy. What are the most popular social media platforms worldwide? The major social media platforms, each with over a billion monthly active users, include Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, indicating their critical roles in global communication and social media marketing. How much time do people spend on social media daily? On average, daily social media usage stands at 2 hours and 29 minutes, illustrating the significant role of social media in people’s daily routines and its potential for targeted social media advertising. How has social media changed the way businesses interact with customers? Social media has revolutionized the approach to customer engagement, allowing businesses to leverage social media advertising and marketing strategies for direct communication, real-time feedback, and personalized marketing, enhancing overall customer experience and brand loyalty. What is the future of social media? Future trends in social media point towards the integration of advanced technologies like AR/VR and AI, an emphasis on short-form content, and evolving social media marketing strategies aimed at fostering more immersive and personalized user experiences. How does social media usage vary across different regions? Social media usage statistics reveal significant regional variances, with penetration rates ranging from Eastern Asia’s high of 74% to Western Africa’s low of 16%, indicating the need for region-specific social media strategies to effectively reach diverse audiences. Where can I find the Latest social media statistics? For the latest social media statistics regarding usage, advertising, and marketing trends, professionals and businesses should refer to credible industry reports, digital marketing research publications, and updates from leading social media platforms. These resources provide important insights into social media stats that can help shape effective social media strategies and advertising campaigns. Additionally, you can look for statistics specific to particular age groups or platforms. For instance, you might search for “Snapchat statistics,” “Twitter statistics,” or “LinkedIn statistics.” Image: Envato Elements This article, "Social Media Statistics: Key Insights into Social Media" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This article will present insightful social media statistics covering different aspects, such as growth, usage, platforms, trends, impact, and future. These statistics will help you gain a deeper and broader perspective on the topic and make informed choices for your personal or professional goals. Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It connects us with people, information, and entertainment across the globe. It also influences our behavior, opinions, and decisions in various ways. Whether you are a casual user, a business owner, or a marketer, you need to understand the power and potential of social media in today’s digital world. Understanding the Power of Social Media Let’s start by looking at some statistics that show how big and influential social media is in the global context. There are 5.04 billion social media users around the world, equating to 62.3 percent of the total global population. Social media user numbers have continued to grow over the past 12 months, too, with 266 million new users joining social media since this time last year. That equates to annualized growth of 5.6 percent, at an average rate of 8.4 new users every single second. Notably, 94.2% of internet users now have social media identities, highlighting the integral role of social media in digital communication and interaction today. The average daily time spent using social media is 2 hours and 23 minutes. While the average daily time spent on social media has decreased by 4 minutes, the growth in adoption continues to be strong. Presently, 94.2% of internet users engage with social media, and the gender distribution is relatively even, with a slightly higher number of male users compared to female users. Platform-wise, YouTube, and WhatsApp have shown remarkable user numbers, with YouTube’s potential advertising reach hitting 2.491 billion and WhatsApp maintaining at least 2 billion monthly active users. Instagram also boasts 2 billion monthly active users, while TikTok’s ads can potentially reach 1.562 billion adults monthly. Other notable platforms include WeChat (including Weixin), with 1.336 billion users; Facebook Messenger, with 979 million potential advertising reach; and Telegram, with 800 million users. These statistics demonstrate that social media is a powerful and pervasive force that affects billions of people across the world. It is not a passing trend but a fundamental shift in the way we communicate, consume, and create information. Social Media Growth Now that we have established the importance and influence of social media, let’s look at some statistics that show how fast and diverse social media is growing in terms of users, platforms, and content. Insights from Global Social Media Statistics Social media is a global phenomenon that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Here are some statistics that illustrate the diversity and dynamism of social media users and platforms around the world. In terms of regional social media use, current data indicates varied penetration rates across different parts of the world, with Eastern Asia showing a 74% penetration rate, North America at 71%, Southern America at 66%, and both Northern and Western Europe between 80-82%. The lowest penetration rates are observed in Southern Asia (32%), Western Africa (16%), and Middle Africa (10%), illustrating the diverse adoption and usage patterns of social media globally. Facebook is the biggest existing social network, with 2.96 billion monthly active users recorded recently. Over 75% of the world’s population aged 13+ uses social media. Over 93% of internet users are social media users. 76% of North Americans use social media A recent in-depth study of social media penetration rates by country and territory shows that the United Arab Emirates currently tops the list. It has a rate of 105.6%, which suggests there are more social media users than people there. Most top-ranked social networks with more than 100 million users originated in the United States, but services like Chinese social networks WeChat, QQ, or video sharing app Douyin have also garnered mainstream appeal in their respective regions due to local context and The country with the lowest social media penetration rate is North Korea, with 0% of its population using social media. The main reasons people use social media are to stay in touch with friends and family, fill their spare time, and read the news These statistics show that social media is a diverse and dynamic landscape that offers different opportunities and challenges for users, marketers, and businesses. It is important to understand the preferences and behaviors of different audiences and regions and to adapt to the changing trends and demands of the social media environment. Social Media Users Worldwide One of the key factors that drives the growth and innovation of social media is the number of users. Here are some statistics that show how many people use social media around the world and how this number is expected to change in the future. A typical social media user interacts with 6.6 social media platforms. China, with 1.02 billion users, is the country with the most social media users. India and the United States make it to the top three with 755.47 million and 302.25 million users, respectively. An average person uses social media for two hours and thirty-five minutes every day. The average number of social media accounts used by millennial or Gen Z users worldwide is 8.5. These statistics indicate that social media is still growing at a rapid pace and that more and more people are joining the social media community. This means that social media will continue to offer new and exciting opportunities for communication, information, and entertainment for users, as well as for marketing, branding, and customer service for businesses. Active Social Media Users by Region Another important factor that influences the growth and diversity of social media is the regional distribution of users. Here are some statistics showing how many active social media users there are in different regions of the world and how this number is expected to change. The region with the highest number of active social media users is projected to be East Asia, with 1.42 billion users, accounting for 28.8% of the global total. Conversely, the region with the lowest number of active social media users is projected to be Oceania, with 50 million users, representing 1% of the global total. The region with the highest social media penetration rate is projected to be Northern America, with 81.7% of its population using social media. The region with the lowest social media penetration rate is projected to be Central Africa, with 10.1% of its population using social media. The most popular global social media platforms in 2024 are expected to be Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, with more than one billion monthly active users each. These statistics indicate that social media usage is not uniform globally, revealing notable disparities in both the number of users and their proportions across different regions. Social Media Use Statistics Before you can determine the best way to reach your audience through social media, you should understand how people generally use these platforms. The following statistics provide a glimpse into social media usage among various markets around the world. Frequency of Social Media Use Users spend an average of 2 hours and 29 minutes daily on social media platforms. The countries with the highest daily social media usage are projected to be the Philippines, Brazil, and Colombia, with more than 3 hours and 30 minutes each. The countries with the lowest daily social media usage are projected to be Japan, China, and South Korea, with less than 1 hour and 30 minutes each1. On average, Americans spend 2 hours and 14 minutes per day checking their social media. This amounts to 10 minutes less than the global average. At the same time, Canadians spend 105 minutes every day on social media platforms. Types of Content Consumed on Social Media The most effective type of content on social media in 2024 is short-form video, which has an average engagement rate of 9.3% across all platforms. Short-form video is especially popular on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, where users can easily create and consume bite-sized content that is entertaining, informative, or educational. TikTok statistics and popularity have made this category especially popular in recent years. The second most effective type of content on social media is audio chat and live rooms, which have an average engagement rate of 7.8% across all platforms. Audio chat and live rooms are interactive and immersive formats that allow users to join live conversations with hosts, guests, and other listeners. Platforms such as X Spaces, Clubhouse, and Meta Live Audio Rooms have seen a surge in popularity and usage recently. The third most effective type of content on social media is content that represents brand values, which has an average engagement rate of 6.5% across all platforms. Content that represents brand values showcases the mission, vision, and purpose of a brand, as well as its social and environmental impact. Users are more likely to trust and support brands that align with their values and beliefs and that demonstrate authenticity and transparency. The least effective type of content on social media is high-quality images, which have an average engagement rate of 2.1% across all platforms. High-quality images are still important for visual appeal and brand recognition, but they are not sufficient to capture and retain users’ attention in a crowded and competitive social media landscape. Users are seeking more dynamic and engaging content that provides value, emotion, or connection. Social Media Usage and Age Demographics Social media usage by age can vary widely from generation to generation. The average number of social media accounts used by millennial or Gen Z users worldwide is 8.5. According to research on 46 nations with internet users aged between 16 and 64, Japan had the lowest overall number of social media accounts at 3.8, while India had the highest at 11.5 accounts per user. Social Media Use and Mobile Devices The number of unique mobile phone users is currently 5.61 billion. The latest data from GSMA Intelligence reveals that 69.4 percent of the world’s total population now uses a mobile device, with the global total having increased by 138 million (+2.5 percent) compared to a previous point in time. 98.3% of users access social platforms via mobile. Understanding Different Social Media Platforms Facebook is the largest and most popular social media platform globally, with 3.05 billion monthly active users. YouTube is the second biggest and most popular social media platform in the world, with 2.5 billion monthly active users as of January 2024. WhatsApp is the third biggest and most widely used social media platform in the world, with 2 billion monthly active users. Instagram statistics indicate that it is the fourth biggest and most popular social media platform in the world, with 2 billion monthly active users. TikTok is the fifth biggest and fastest-growing social media platform in the world, with 1.56 billion monthly active users. Social Media Usage Trends Some of the possible factors that influence the popularity and growth of social media platforms are: The quality and variety of the content and features that they offer can attract and retain users’ attention and engagement. The relevance and personalization of the content and features that they provide can cater to users’ needs and preferences. The accessibility and affordability of the platforms can enable users to use them easily and conveniently. The network and community effects of the platforms can encourage users to join and invite others to join. The innovation and adaptation of the platforms can help them respond to changing user behaviors and market trends. FactorImpact on Popularity and GrowthBenefitsChallenges Quality & Variety of Content and FeaturesHigh-quality and diverse content/features attract a wide audience, increasing user engagement and time spent on the platform.- Increases user satisfaction - Encourages content creation and sharing - Enhances user experience- Requires continuous innovation - High production costs - Risk of content saturation Relevance & Personalization of Content and FeaturesPersonalized and relevant content/features increase user loyalty and retention.- Improves user engagement - Increases the likelihood of content virality - Strengthens user relationships- Privacy concerns with data collection - Complexity in implementing effective algorithms - Risk of echo chambers Accessibility & AffordabilityEasy and affordable access to platforms broadens the user base, including users from diverse demographics and regions.- Expands market reach - Increases inclusivity and diversity - Encourages daily use- Infrastructure and operational costs - Need for localization and language support - Digital divide issues Network & Community EffectsPlatforms that leverage network effects grow rapidly as users invite others, creating a larger and more engaged community.- Accelerates user growth - Enhances user engagement through social connections - Strengthens platform loyalty- Initial user acquisition challenge - Managing community standards and behavior - Risk of monopolization and user dependency Innovation & AdaptationPlatforms that continuously innovate and adapt to market trends and user behaviors can sustain growth and relevance.- Keeps the platform competitive - Aligns with evolving user expectations - Encourages creative content creation- Resource-intensive research and development - Risk of alienating existing users with changes - Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements Time Spent on Social Media The regions with the highest daily social media usage are projected to be South America and Africa, with more than 3 hours each. The regions with the lowest daily social media usage are projected to be Europe and North America, with less than 2 hours each. The most popular time of day to use social media globally is 9 am, followed by 12 pm and 5 pm. Frequency of Social Media Use The platform with the highest daily social media usage currently is TikTok, with an average of 52 minutes per user per day, followed by Instagram with 49 minutes, and Facebook with 38 minutes. The platform with the lowest daily social media usage is Twitter, with an average of 10 minutes per user per day, followed by Pinterest with 14 minutes, and LinkedIn with 17 minutes. The platform with the highest monthly social media usage in 2024 is Facebook, with an average of 19.5 hours per user per month, followed by YouTube with 18.8 hours, and Instagram with 14.8 hours. The Impact of Social Media on Society Social media now plays a crucial role in modern society, impacting communication, information consumption, and business, among other areas of our lives. Social media platforms facilitate cross-border user interaction across political, cultural, and geographic divides by allowing users to produce, share, and consume information. Social Media and Communication Social media has transformed global communication by increasing accessibility, affordability, diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. It allows users to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime, using various modes and reducing costs, especially for remote or underdeveloped areas. Social Media and Information Consumption Social media has profoundly influenced how we consume information by enhancing accessibility, personalizing content, and encouraging engagement. It provides a wealth of information on numerous topics, enabling users to explore a variety of sources and viewpoints. Additionally, social media platforms allow users to participate in the creation and sharing of information, giving them the ability to like, comment, share, and rate content. This has contributed to a more diverse and interactive society. The Influence of Social Media on Business A significant impact of social media is its influence on business. Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to market their products and services, as well as to engage with their customers. Social Media Marketing Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote a brand, product, or service, as well as to achieve various business goals, such as increasing awareness, traffic, leads, sales, and loyalty. Social media marketing involves creating and sharing content, such as posts, stories, videos, and ads, that are relevant, valuable, and engaging to the target audience. Social Media and Customer Engagement Social media and customer engagement is the use of social media platforms to interact with customers, as well as to build and maintain relationships with them. Social media and customer engagement involve listening and responding to customer feedback, questions, and complaints, as well as providing customer support, service, and satisfaction. Future Trends in Social Media Networks Social media networks are constantly evolving to meet user needs and preferences, enabling innovation, collaboration, and influence. Trends in social media networks include advancements in technology, content, user behavior, and business. Technology will see the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), blockchain and cryptocurrency, and the rise of short-form and bite-sized content. Content will also evolve, with short-form content dominating, audio and live content becoming more popular, and content representing brand values becoming more influential. User behavior will change, with search becoming more common and frequent, and search will become more personalized and contextualized. These trends will shape the social media landscape in the future, allowing users to explore new possibilities, engage with brands, and participate in the social media economy. Emerging Social Media Platforms Threads, the explosive sensation, has disrupted the social media world with an impressive user base of 131 million. Clubhouse, the audio-chat social app, has over 28 million downloads worldwide. Always at the forefront of social interaction, it offers innovative features like chat moderation, rooms, events, and exclusive clubs. Anchor, now occupied by Spotify, is one of the most essential apps for podcast enthusiasts. Designed for both smartphone and web users, it unlocks a wealth of editing possibilities with a single tap on the record icon, ensuring your podcast stands out whenever creativity strikes. Mastodon has reached 2.5 million monthly users, solidifying its position as an open-source powerhouse and providing seamless sharing of text, images, and videos to its users. Patreon allows creators to build a direct relationship with their fans and supporters. Creators can offer exclusive content, such as early access to new episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, and merchandise discounts. Fans can choose to support their favorite creators on a monthly basis. The popularity of Patreon has lured creators to join the platform in order to reach new audiences. In the last 3 years, more than 50,000 creators have joined the platform. Predicted Trends in Social Media Use Advertisers are expected to spend over 82 billion dollars promoting their products on social networks in the near future. Ad spending is anticipated to demonstrate a consistent annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.04%, leading to a projected market volume of US$241.9bn in the future. With a projected market volume of US$84,610m, most revenue will be generated in the United States. 58. Ad spending in the Video Advertising market is projected to reach US$191.3bn in the near future. Ad spending on short-form videos in the Video Advertising market is projected to reach US$99.4bn in the near future. Ad spending on short-form videos is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.04%, leading to a projected market volume of US$145.8bn in the future. https://youtube.com/watch?v=A30YGfU3hEg%3Fsi%3DNZ7LTqJ_jIg8fDkq FAQs: Social Media Statistics What percent of the world uses social media? According to recent data, 62.3% of the global population, equivalent to 5.04 billion people, actively use social media, underscoring the expansive reach and influence of social platforms worldwide. What is the number 1 social media platform in the world? Facebook statistics indicate that it remains the dominant social media platform globally, boasting 2.96 billion monthly active users, making it a cornerstone in both social networking and social media marketing strategies. What are 5 facts about social media? The global average time spent on social media is approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes per day. Leading platforms by user count include YouTube and WhatsApp, with YouTube reaching a potential advertising audience of 2.491 billion and WhatsApp maintaining 2 billion monthly active users. Social media usage statistics reveal that over 75% of the global population aged 13 and above engages with social media. The diversity in social media usage across regions is significant, from Eastern Asia’s 74% penetration to Western Africa’s 16%. Users typically interact with an average of 6.6 different social media platforms, highlighting the importance of a multi-platform social media marketing strategy. What are the most popular social media platforms worldwide? The major social media platforms, each with over a billion monthly active users, include Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, indicating their critical roles in global communication and social media marketing. How much time do people spend on social media daily? On average, daily social media usage stands at 2 hours and 29 minutes, illustrating the significant role of social media in people’s daily routines and its potential for targeted social media advertising. How has social media changed the way businesses interact with customers? Social media has revolutionized the approach to customer engagement, allowing businesses to leverage social media advertising and marketing strategies for direct communication, real-time feedback, and personalized marketing, enhancing overall customer experience and brand loyalty. What is the future of social media? Future trends in social media point towards the integration of advanced technologies like AR/VR and AI, an emphasis on short-form content, and evolving social media marketing strategies aimed at fostering more immersive and personalized user experiences. How does social media usage vary across different regions? Social media usage statistics reveal significant regional variances, with penetration rates ranging from Eastern Asia’s high of 74% to Western Africa’s low of 16%, indicating the need for region-specific social media strategies to effectively reach diverse audiences. Where can I find the Latest social media statistics? For the latest social media statistics regarding usage, advertising, and marketing trends, professionals and businesses should refer to credible industry reports, digital marketing research publications, and updates from leading social media platforms. These resources provide important insights into social media stats that can help shape effective social media strategies and advertising campaigns. Additionally, you can look for statistics specific to particular age groups or platforms. For instance, you might search for “Snapchat statistics,” “Twitter statistics,” or “LinkedIn statistics.” Image: Envato Elements This article, "Social Media Statistics: Key Insights into Social Media" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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On Friday, Trader Joe’s issued a recall on yet another product: its frozen Organic Acai Bowls. A recall notice was posted on the company’s website, explaining the recall was due to the risk of plastic inside the frozen meal. “Out of an abundance of caution, please discard any Trader Joe’s Organic Acai Bowls, as the product may contain foreign material (plastic), or return them to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s store for a full refund,” the message reads. Notices were also spotted in Trader Joe’s locations. While Trader Joe’s has voluntarily removed the product from shelves, the recall hasn’t made it to the Food and Drug Administration yet. As of Monday morning, the FDA had not listed the item on its list of newly recalled items. Last week, another recall hit Trader Joe’s, too. Several canned tuna products were recalled over a risk of botulism. “Tri-Union Seafoods has made the decision to voluntarily recall select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s brand names,” the FDA’s notice reads. It continued, “This voluntary recall is out of an abundance of caution following the notification from our supplier that the ‘easy open’ pull tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.” In 2024, Trader Joe’s was plagued by a record number of recalls. Multiple frozen items were deemed unsafe due to foreign plastics, or other materials, like metals, lurking in the meals. Some customers complained they found rocks in a rice pilaf meal. The company had recalls over listeria concerns, salmonella, and more. The products were sold under Trader Joe’s private label, which has raised concern about the brand’s cost-cutting measures. The company previously declined to answer Fast Company’s questions about the high number of recalls. View the full article

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Have you ever come out of an important meeting feeling confused or frustrated? Was there ever an occasion where you found it difficult to explain yourself to a colleague or customer? When it comes to communication, there’s no one-size-fits-all style. All of us communicate differently, and sometimes, this difference can make matters difficult for your business. By understanding different communication styles, you can enhance workplace productivity, leading to better business results. What are communication styles? Communication styles are our preferred way of interacting with others. Some people may find it easier to articulate confidently how they feel. Others may prefer keeping their opinions to themselves because they want to avoid conflicts. In every workplace, you will find people with different preferences. A healthy workplace will encourage a good balance of these differences to encourage new ideas and processes. Why Learn to Handle Different Types of Communication Styles in the Workplace Successful businesses understand the importance of clear and effective workplace communication. They also understand that it’s tricky because everyone has a preferred style of communicating. However, learning to handle these different styles is beneficial for a number of reasons. Improved communication skills: To encourage each team member to share ideas. Improved work-life balance: To avoid miscommunication. Improved teamwork: To get the best out of different team members. Better work relationships: To achieve common goals. Improved self-awareness: To be respectful of different opinions. What are the five communication Styles? If not managed properly, the differences in our communication styles can cause confusion, misunderstanding, and unnecessary stress. To address this challenge and to leverage different learning styles, a growing number of businesses are using a tool called DISC. DISC is a useful tool that can help you better understand people’s behaviors and emotions. It’s designed to provide insight into why people behave in the way they do. According to this model, there are four distinct personality types: Dominance Influence Steadiness Conscientiousness Based on this model, there are five communication styles that clearly stand out. Passive Communication Style Do you know someone who tends to avoid conflicts and prefers to stay under the radar? This is typical of the passive communicators. They don’t mind taking a step back and let the more assertive people lead the way. That’s because they don’t want to get involved in a confrontational situation. To keep peace, they may say, “You’re right, let’s go with it.” In doing so, they may avoid sharing their real feelings. If you observe their body language, you will notice they tend to hold their head down, speak softly, and avoid eye contact. This type of communication style is useful when you need to win small battles. For example, if you have difficult customers who are only interested in their own ideas, a passive communicator can be brought in to placate them. How to Handle a Passive Communicator Dealing with the passive communication style can be challenging. If you push too hard, they may completely shut down. Here are some straightforward examples of how you can effectively manage these interactions: Give them space to articulate their opinions and needs Do not dismiss their ideas Ask them open-ended questions Engage with them in one-on-one interactions Do not expect an immediate response Aggressive Communication Style An aggressive communicator doesn’t believe in staying on the sidelines. In a discussion, aggressive communicators will adopt a loud and hostile demeanor to get their points across. They will also not shy away from rejecting other opinions. It’s therefore not unusual for them to boss around and dismiss other ideas with curt responses like “It’s a terrible article” or “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Their tone of voice and gestures are all meant to suggest their opinions matter the most and that they’re not interested in what others have to say. When they don’t get their way, they will scowl or glare at others. How to handle an Aggressive Communicator An aggressive person can create a hostile work environment, especially when there are more passive co-workers in the team. Here are some ways to handle aggressive communicators: Do not return the aggression Explain to them why their behavior is not acceptable Give them advice on how they should tone down their aggressiveness Streamline your conversations to stay on topic Take HR’s help if the situation gets too difficult Passive-aggressive communication Style On the surface, passive-aggressive communicators appear easygoing. In reality, however, they are dissatisfied and angry. Their real emotions come out in the expressions of sarcasm, sly digs and silent treatments. It’s often challenging to work with passive-aggressive people because they have the same effect as aggressive communicators. When they cannot get their way, they will look for opportunities to undermine other people. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out myself like I always do,” or “We’ll work on this if it makes you happy. That’s all they care about anyway.” It’s their resentment that makes them believe they are powerless in the organization. How to Handle a Passive-Aggressive Communicator If not handled properly, passive-aggressive individuals can create a toxic team environment. Here are some examples of how you can manage passive-aggressive team members. Speak to them privately to understand what motivates their behavior. Do not react in the same way. Set boundaries. Stay calm. Create an environment where they don’t feel they are underappreciated. Assertive Communication Style Assertive communication is regarded as the most effective communication style. Assertive communicators express confidence while respecting the opinions of others. They convey their messages without causing offense. For instance, when seeking clarification, they might say, “I’d like to understand your thoughts on the content structure because I don’t think I got it right,” or “I felt your edits made my article more generic.” They excel at both verbal and non-verbal communication. They make direct eye contact and speak with clarity. An assertive communicator is also a good listener who is firm when dealing with different individuals. How to handle an Assertive Communicator Because of their balanced style, assertive communicators are the easiest to handle. Here are some ways to get the most out of these individuals. Give them space to think. Come up with solutions. Listen to their ideas. Be specific. Explain the problem clearly. Manipulative Communication Style Manipulative communicators are astute in their interactions with others. They possess a talent for influencing people and achieving their own goals. For instance, if they desire a job that a colleague is also pursuing, they might manipulate the situation by saying, “I wouldn’t want to be in your position. They couldn’t pay me enough to take this one up.” Their style of communication is patronizing and aggressive. It is this behavior that often leads to resentment among colleagues. Manipulative communicators, however, have very little regard for what others want or think as long as they get their way. While their behavior is not ideal, their ability to control people makes them useful in difficult customer interactions. How to Handle a Manipulative Communicator Managing a manipulative communicator requires some skills because they are good at what they do — controlling others. Here are some simple ways to handle these individuals: Be cautious when interacting with them. Stand your ground. Do not let them sway your opinions. Be firm but polite. Stick to the topic at hand. How are the five communication styles different from each other? Each communication style brings with it a set of opportunities and challenges. With passive communication, it takes a lot of effort to get them to share their feelings with the group. With the aggressive type, having a productive discussion can often seem impossible. Manipulative and passive-aggressive communication styles involve a shrewd approach to dealing with others. It’s important to call such people out for their behavior. But treating them the way they treat others is not wise. Rather, a more direct approach to address their problematic workplace communication styles is the right way to get things done. Methods of Communication to Be Aware of in Business Just as we have a preferred style of communicating with others, we also have preferred or effective communication methods of expressing ourselves. These methods are based on our personalities. For example, a passive communicator eager to stay out of confrontational situations may prefer to use a submissive method of workplace interaction. Understanding various communication styles can help you connect more effectively with individuals and foster stronger relationships. Analytical An analytical person loves data. Feelings-driven statements are too vague and confusing for such a person. Quantifiable data, on the other hand, is easy to decipher. For example, a positive sales outlook is an undefined statement. A 10% growth, however, is concrete information. With an analytical person, it’s easier to look at things objectively. They can separate feelings from work and provide a more rational perspective in their workplace. However, the challenge is such individuals are often perceived as cold and unapproachable in communication. Personal Those who prioritize human connection and emotion often lean towards a personal style of communication. These individuals place a high value on people and are attentive listeners, valuing the feelings of those around them. When faced with poor sales numbers, their initial approach is to assess whether team morale is low. The personal style is crucial for maintaining team cohesion. Individuals with this style excel at resolving conflicts and identifying solutions to hidden challenges. However, they often struggle to make quick decisions when logic must take precedence. Submissive Submissive people believe other people’s needs and opinions are much more important than their own. They lack self-esteem and try their best to avoid conflicts. So, they stay away from making decisions that they think will upset others. They are also quick to apologize in a conversation, even when it’s not their fault. It’s not difficult to take advantage of a submissive person. Their low energy can also leave others exasperated. Intuitive An intuitive person focuses on the big picture. They don’t let excessive details get in the way of achieving results. They are action-oriented and much more focused on the result than the process. That’s why they prefer brief conversations that get straight to the point. For example, a quick conversation about a LinkedIn and email campaign is preferred over a detailed explanation of each step to design and execute the digital content plan. Because they are able to look at the big picture, intuitive communicators find it easy to come up with innovative, creative solutions. They can get things done quickly because they don’t let the steps come in the way. However, these people end up losing patience when something requires a detailed and long-term approach. Functional Unlike those who prefer the intuitive style of communication, functional communicators like focusing on details and processes. They like taking their time before coming up with solutions and new ideas. When interacting with them, it’s best to come prepared to answer their questions. Their detail-oriented approach is helpful when it comes to making project plans, allocating responsibilities, and creating timelines. But it can be a challenge for them to stay focused on the big picture. They can also lose the attention of their audience when they fixate on their methodical style. In other words, it can be quite difficult for them to work well with those who have an intuitive style of communication. How to Improve Your Communication Style Clear and effective communication can go a long way in boosting productivity, improving relations, and reducing stress. But interacting with people who have different styles than yours can be tricky. By improving your communication skills, you can connect with people more easily. You can also influence them to get your message across. Here are some simple ways to improve your communication and work well with different styles. Work on your body language: Not all communication is verbal. Physical cues are also important. To communicate clearly, work on your posture, stand straight, and avoid slouching. Engage your audience: No matter how important, your message isn’t just about yourself. Engage your audience by asking questions. Enhance your listening skills: An effective communicator is also an attentive listener. Pay attention to what your audience is expressing, and consider their opinions to build their trust. Keep your message simple: Use simple language and avoid using jargon that can confuse your audience. Have an open mind: An openminded approach can help when you have to engage with someone whose style is different than yours. It can make things easier, especially when you face criticism in the course of a conversation. Request feedback: Are you addressing everyone’s needs when communicating with them? The best way to know this and to improve your style is by asking for feedback. Seek opinions to understand areas where you need to get better. What is the Best Communication Style in Business? In business, the assertive communication style is considered the best for a number of reasons. Assertive communicators respect other opinions and needs without neglecting their own. By doing so, they earn the trust and respect of their coworkers and customers. Assertive communicators excel at being straightforward. They promptly address the main issue and communicate their needs directly. Their self-awareness proves valuable, particularly in interactions with customers. By improving your assertive communication style, you can influence decisions and make people feel more involved in the process. It’s not always easy, especially when you have to deal with difficult people. But by keeping an open mind when someone is not agreeing with you, you can achieve your goals. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Handle Different Communication Styles in Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article