Is Social the New Search?

Is Social the New Search?

In a recent interview, a Google senior vice president shared that social apps such as Instagram and TikTok continue to run off with what was once Google’s stronghold of Search and Maps. Google’s internal research, which included a survey of 18 to 24-year-old U.S.-based users, revealed that users in this age group are opting to visit social media apps such as TikTok or Instagram instead of starting on Google for location-based searches. In a digital world where 55% of product searches now begin on Amazon, maybe it makes sense that users are leaning toward more “visually rich platforms.” On July 19, Meta announced it is introducing a new searchable and dynamic map experience on Instagram. The new feature includes an immersive experience to help users find “popular locations and businesses around them via tagged posts, stories and guides.” With digital trends moving away from legacy search tools such as Google, brands and companies will need to continue prioritizing “social SEO” in addition to legacy SEO.

Sources: TechCrunch – Google, TechCrunch Meta

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