Is Social Media the new Google?

At this point in time, it’s fair to say that social media has become a part of our daily lives.

From scrolling through old high school friends' new babies on Facebook feeds to checking out the latest memes on the ‘Gram, and stalking previous employers on Linkedin, we are constantly connected to the online world.

But social media isn’t just people, photos and LOLs aplenty. In fact, word on the digital street is that many user behaviours on social media indicate that we’re using it more and more like Google.

So, is social media evolving to become a search engine of its own?

The rise and rise of social media

Social media platforms have exploded in popularity over the past decade. What started as a way to connect with friends and share updates has evolved into a global phenomenon with billions of users worldwide.

Thanks to individuals and brands posting prolifically, social media has also become a hub for inspiration along with valuable information and recommendations.

With the rise of social media, the way we search for information has undergone a revolution. Instead of typing in a search query on Google, an increasing number of users now turn to social media to seek answers to their questions. In fact, 40% of Gen-Z prefers searching on TikTok or Instagram over Google.

Search engine for the socially savvy

Social media has transformed into a multifaceted search engine option that combines text-based search, visual search, and user-generated content to provide a unique and engaging search experience.

Whether it's seeking inspiration for travel, fashion, food, or home decor, users turn to platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to explore and discover new ideas. Hashtags and keywords have become the new search terms, allowing users to easily find and curate content that resonates with their interests, while spending time on platforms that feel personal and familiar.

The social media search revolution

The social media search experience continues to become more intuitive and user-friendly by the minute.

With advanced algorithms and machine learning, social media platforms now provide personalised search results based on a user's interests, behaviour, and engagement history. This allows users to discover content that is most relevant to them, making the social media search experience more tailored.

And as social media continues to evolve, it's likely that its search capabilities will become even more sophisticated. We can expect more personalised search results, improved visual search, and enhanced recommendation features.

Social media platforms will undoubtedly continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs and preferences of their users, shaping the future of social media search.

Social Media vs Google – the battle for information supremacy

So, is social media the new Google?

While Google remains the dominant search engine for general information, social media has undoubtedly carved its own niche as a unique and dynamic search engine that caters to the socially savvy and visually oriented users of today.

Whether you're scrolling through Instagram for travel inspiration, seeking product recommendations on Facebook, or discovering home design ideas on Pinterest, social media has certainly become an alternative to Google in many ways.

Don’t be fooled though — Google isn’t going anywhere.

For a well-rounded approach to your digital marketing, it’s best to balance your budgets and your content styles to engage in both social media and Google efforts.

Social media platforms offer unique opportunities to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and engage in authentic conversations. Social media can drive meaningful engagement and foster customer loyalty, but users aren’t necessarily there with buyer intent.

On the other hand, Google Ads provide powerful tools for reaching users who are actively searching for products or services, allowing you to capture high-intent traffic and generate qualified leads.

By combining the reach and engagement of social media with the targeted intent of Google Ads, you can take a holistic approach to your digital marketing that covers all bases.

If you’re wondering how to best strike the balance for your business, let’s have a chat.