For kids growing up in a world of digital buzz, being part of social media is as natural as breathing for them. They carry their cell phones and other devices around like oxygen tanks which they are always attached to.
Let's take a look at how kids are interacting with social media.
YouTube is the number-one brand among kids ages 6 to 12. Through this platform, kids not only watch videos, but also plug into other kids' worlds and stay up with current trends. YouTube has caused many kids to see their life as a stage, as they produce their own videos and promote their own "personal brand."
In the last year, the percentage of 6 to 12-year-olds posting videos online has increased from 15% to 35%.
Musically is used by 58% of all kids with 67% of pre-teens using it. It's a free social media music app that allows kids to watch and create user generated lip sync videos.
Snapchat is used by 55% of all kids with 54% of pre-teens using it. It's a very popular social network with a messaging platform. Kids can "chat" with their friends by sending them photos and short videos of up to 10 seconds. It's like texting with pictures and videos.
Unlike other social media networks, Snapchat content is not keep online, but disappears a few seconds after it's been opened. There is also the option to create a news feed where kids can post photos and videos that are posted for 24 hours before disappearing.
Facebook is the grandfather of social media. It began in 2004 and is used by 48% of kids with 52% of pre-teens using it. Facebook makes it easy for kids to connect and share text, pictures, video and more with family and friends.
Instagram is used by 47% of kids with 50% of pre-teens using it. It's a photo sharing app that allows users to assign filters to pictures and share them with followers. Instagram can also be integrated other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and more..
Pinterest is used by 43% of kids with 47% of pre-teens using it. It allows kids to use visual assets like photos or infographs as a kind of social currency. Kids can garner likes and "repins" for their posts.
KiK is used by 32% of kids with 26% of pre-teens using it. It's a smartphone application used for instant messaged. Kids can message individual friends or groups of kids.
Twitter is used by 29% of kids with 28% of pre-teens using it. It's an online news and social networking site where people communicate in short messages called tweets. You can type up to 280 characters.
So, there's the latest findings. Trust it will be of help as you minister.
