Social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we connect, share, and consume information.
As of October 2024, 63.8 percent of the world’s population were social media users. That equates to a whopping 5.22 billion people!
Consumers use social media for news, entertainment, socializing, researching, and shopping. The global social commerce market will be valued at $82.4 trillion by 2030.
What is Social Commerce?
Social commerce integrates social media features with commerce functionalities so users can seamlessly browse, research, and shop without leaving their favorite social platforms. Shoppable posts are spurring the massive growth of social spending.
The entire customer journey exists within the social channel, from the first time they see your product to cash out. An undoubtedly convenient way to shop.
In fact, According to recent data, the average US social buyer is expected to spend around $937 annually in 2024. (eMarketer)
24 Amazing Social Commerce Statistics
Here are 24 social commerce stats to help you capitalize on in-market shoppers on social media.
- 87% of buyers believe social media helps them make shopping decisions.
- 54% of social media users use social media to research products and 71% are more likely to purchase products and services based on social media referrals. The average daily time spent on social media is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- 90% of people shop from brands they follow on social media.
- 66% of customers purchase after seeing others’ social media posts.
- 39% of people said deals and discounts are top factors motivating them to increase their use of social commerce, while 33% of people said ease of purchase is the top factor.
- Around 84% of consumers search for brands on social media before making a purchase.
- 59% of businesses say that their company is making more sales through social media marketing than other forms of marketing.
- 29% of social media users are more likely to purchase on the same day of using social media.
- 33% of worldwide social commerce spending is expected to come from millennials in 2025, with 29% expected from Gen Z, and 28% from Gen X.
- Social selling generates 45% more opportunities than traditional sales channels.
- 53% of global consumers say they intend to shop more through social platforms in the future.
- People who have already made a social commerce purchase are 2X more likely to buy from a brand they’ve never heard of before than those who haven’t.
- 89% of marketers prefer using Facebook, while 80% prefer Instagram as a social selling tool. (Statista)
- 54% of Gen Z shoppers and 58% of Millennials agree that social platforms are better than online searches for new products.
- 70% of shoppers use Instagram to find their next purchase.
- 43% of Gen Z audiences start their online product searches on TikTok—beating traditional product discovery methods like Google or Amazon.
- 41% of Gen Z and Millennials make an impulse purchase online every 2-3 weeks.
- 73% of Boomers responding to a recent survey said they’ve made a purchase on Facebook in the past three months.
- 62% of US social buyers said their most recent social purchase took place on Facebook, with features like Marketplace and Shops facilitating these transactions.
- More than 465 million people use the platform every month to find ideas and research products.
- Social media-based influencer recommendations help 49% of consumers decide what to buy–and around 80% of consumers have purchased something after seeing it recommended by an influencer.
- During the holidays, 34% of consumers used social media sites to make purchases, and 70% of consumers in the United States have used social media networks to find inspiration for purchases.
- Around 80% of social media marketers say consumers will buy products directly within social apps more often than on brands’ websites or third-party websites like Amazon.
- Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are entering the mainstream. In 2024, an estimated 104.3 million Americans will use AR, and close to 73.7 million will use VR. By 2025, 19.8% of these people will access this type of technology via social networks.
6 Social Commerce Strategies for 2025
1. Leverage Shoppable Posts & Stories
Shoppable posts are the linchpin of social commerce. Use them strategically to showcase your products or services within your social media content.
Ensure that your shoppable posts are visually appealing, well-tagged, and accompanied by compelling product descriptions. Make it easy for users to discover, explore, and purchase.
2. Host Live Shopping Events
Live shopping events offer a great way to engage with your audience in real time. Host live broadcasts to showcase your products and your personality!
Answer questions, and offer exclusive deals. Interact directly with viewers, creating a sense of urgency and community.
3. Prioritize Personalization
Leverage data and AI-driven algorithms to offer personalized shopping experiences.
Use customer browsing and purchase history to make product recommendations tailored to individual preferences. Personalization enhances user engagement and increases conversion rates
4. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content, such as customer reviews, testimonials, and product photos shared by satisfied customers, carries immense weight in social commerce.
Encourage customers to share their experiences and content related to your products. Repost UGC to build trust and authenticity. Run contests and giveaways to incentivize you customers to get involved.
5. Invest in Influencer Marketing
Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand and target audience. Utilize affiliate marketing programs.
Encourage influencers to provide genuine recommendations and share their personal experiences with your products. Create sponsored content and product reviews.
6. Improve Customer Engagement and Service
Exceptional customer service is crucial to social commerce success. Respond to customer inquiries and comments in a timely and professional manner.
Offer post-purchase support, including easy returns and exchanges.
Social Commerce Marketing Solutions
Need help reaching in-market shoppers on social media? Our rich audience insights and social commerce marketing solutions help get your offerings in front of them.
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