T he five biggest social media moments of 2013
Long ago (in a galaxy very nearby) social media meant “Top Friends” lists, an endless stream of mirror selfies, and blaring songs on each profile visit. These days? Not so much. Instead, social media brings to mind the changing landscape of the web, and an opportunity to build your company’s presence online. As 2013 winds down, and we get ready to dive into another year of business, here are social media’s five biggest moments of the year:
1) Facebook gets hashtags
Not one to be left behind, Facebook hopped onto the popular hashtag bandwagon this year. This is just one sign that social media networks are keeping an eye on the competition, and always looking for ways to improve – which is good news for users. It also opens a new avenue for businesses looking to promote their content, with the ability to use hashtags in their posts.
2) Twitter launches Vine, Instagram launches video feature
Vine was a puzzling announcement at launch, with many ridiculing the service. Still, it’s become quite popular, and both users and businesses continue to find creative ways to use Vine. A few months after its launch, the Facebook owned Instagram launched its own comparable video feature – further proving that Facebook isn’t content to let competitors’ innovations go without an answer.
3) Yahoo buys Tumblr
In a prominent example of how important rising social networks are perceived to be, Yahoo purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion this year – far more than what the Washington Post sold for at $250 million. Surprisingly, little has changed with the platform since the acquisition, staying true to Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer’s statement that, “Part of our strategy here is to let Tumblr be Tumblr.”
4) Facebook tries to buy Snapchat
Snapchat – the relatively new social media service which allows users to send out photos for only a few seconds before they self destruct – has seen explosive popularity this year. Facebook (being Facebook) wanted a slice of that, and offered the company $3 billion for its acquisition. Shockingly, Snapchat declined. Biggest financial mistake ever, or savvy maneuver? We’ll just have to wait and see.
5) Twitter goes public
Given that Twitter has long been the Pepsi to Facebook’s Coca Cola, it’s little surprise that Twitter was the second social media giant to go public. Fortunately for Twitter, the IPO fared far better than Facebook’s disastrous outing. In light of this, it’s also likely that Twitter is not the last social media company to go public (our money’s on Pinterest).
2013 was a major year for social media, and 2014 is shaping up to be even larger. Wondering how social media can boost your company’s online presence? Drop us a line – we’re happy to show you how.
Gary works from his apartment in Portland as Zbra Studios’ Senior SEO Strategist (mostly in pajamas, with a cat or two nibbling at his leg). Those in web3 may known him as weary (or vvveary, give or take a “v”), where he works in the moonlight hours on the core team of the MetaArchitects HUB.
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