Web users these days have an incessant hunger for visual content. Photo-based networks Pinterest and Instagram have filled the tech news pipeline for months now, and recent data proves they really are worth the buzz. A study released by Pew on September 13, 2012 shows that creating and curating photos online is even more popular than we thought.
“Photos and videos have become key social currencies online,” the report reads. Regardless of network choice, a very large percentage of internet users are sharing photos in the online space. 46% of adult internet users post original photos or videos online that they have created, while 41% post photos or videos they they have found online. 56% of internet users do at least one of these activities (curating or creating), and 32% do both creating and curating.
Here’s a breakdown by platform:
12% of online adults say they use Pinterest. The platform is still largely dominated by women – 19% of online women use Pinterest.
12% of online adults say they use Instagram. Users skew young – 27% of internet users ages 18-29 use the mobile photo platform.
Tumblr
5% of online adults say they use Tumblr. Again, this network skews young, with 11% of young online adults using the service.
To maximize your visual engagement, check out our tips on improving your site’s pinning experience, adding Instagram to your Facebook page, as well as a case study on brands using Tumblr.
