Social Media Benchmarks: What Are the Average Engagement Rates for Your Industry?

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the growth and evolvement of a country have been tied to the success of its industrial sector. With a crippling industry, economic growth is stagnant, thus resembling the country's incapability of progression.

One significant factor that symbolizes an industry's excelling is its engagement rates. The higher the engagement rates, the more performance it will have, making the particular industry more economically prosperous.

The data for the engagement rates was obtained through anonymous data from different social accounts that are all connected by Hootsuite. Moreover, each engagement rate benchmark consists of more than 100 accounts.

For the agency industry, the most engagement was on Instagram, with an average of 2.06%, then on LinkedIn (1.18%), and finally on Twitter (1.02%). On TikTok and Facebook, the engagement was 0.71% and 0.82%.

For the education industry, the highest engagement levels were shown on the platform Instagram (3.16%), then on LinkedIn (1.81%), and at last on Facebook (1.63%). There was noticeable engagement on Twitter (1.03%) and TikTok (0.52%).

The entertainment and media industry engagement levels were recorded the most on TikTok, almost eight times higher than the second-placed platform. TikTok had 9.77% engagement for the entertainment and media industry, while Instagram had 1.66%, Twitter had 1.4%, LinkedIn had 1.32%, and Facebook bagged engagement levels of 1.09%.

For financial services, the most engagement levels were on Instagram (1.87%), then on LinkedIn (1.74%), and then on Twitter (0.99%). While Tiktok had an engagement level of (0.64%) and Facebook had (0.97%).

For the food and beverage industry, Instagram had the most engagement levels (1.49%); in second place was LinkedIn (1.11%), and in third came Twitter (0.79%). Tiktok had an engagement of 0.64%, and Facebook had (0.71%).

For the healthcare and wellness industry, the most engagement was seen on Instagram (2.28%), then on LinkedIn (1.61%) and finally on Facebook (1.31%). On TikTok, the engagement level was 0.75%, and on Twitter, it was 0.92%.

For the tech industry, the highest engagement level was on LinkedIn (1.72%). Second place came Instagram (1.47%), and third came to Twitter (1.34%). Facebook had an engagement of 1%, and Tiktok had 0.55%.

For the travel, leisure, and hospitality industry, the highest engagement levels were on TikTok (6.01%%), then on LinkedIn (1.47%), second last on Instagram (1.7%), and lastly on Twitter (1.32%).

Read next: Google Delists Over 48,000 Facebook URLs After Europe’s New Privacy Guidelines
by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

LinkedIn Expands Display For Customized CTA Buttons To Drive Greater Engagement

Social media giant LinkedIn is rolling out an enhanced display featuring CTA buttons so profiles can benefit. The goal of this feature is to facilitate greater creator engagement.

The new lineup of buttons will be seen across search results as well as on posts published in-stream.

We first heard about this endeavor in April of this year where premium users were given the chance to benefit from this rollout first. This helped subscribers add the buttons to their respective profiles with the help of a single preset message that came as a collection of six different variants.

The idea is to drive greater engagement as more profile visitors would be directed to a particular URL via the app’s presence.

H/T: Lindsey Gamble

Images were displayed by the company as visual examples that showed how one specific CTA called for Visiting My Store on a profile in the picture. But now, this will also be popping up across feed posts of users as well, one social media expert shared today.

In action…. pic.twitter.com/1ZZepeHhXh

— Lindsey Gamble (@LindseyGamble_) October 1, 2023

While we agree it’s not very noticeable across the top of user profiles, the app appears to be falling short of room to include such headings. Moreover, search labels are designed to be prominent and give rise to a new way through which creators can produce direct traffic via the app. And that in itself may help to serve as a new incentive to better the user’s presence on the platform.

The company has long been working toward giving the creator the right type of tools to build a presence and ensure their followers keep increasing. The goal seems to be linked to bettering the activity of posts and ensuring people stay glued to the app for a longer period of time.

Similar to how other social media apps function, the company is also making the effort to lean into the realms of the broader Creator Economy. And that’s even if the latter is not doing too great right now or serving too many benefits because a lot of individuals aren’t working for the app in a direct manner.

It’s true that a lot of influencers are making some huge sums of money through posts across social media and we also know how many people do end up converting that into an actual means of making a living, including the position of a content creator. However, this concept appears to be linked more toward enticing users that they can make huge sums of money through social media posting. And for the majority, that’s never the case.

But again, the greater the opportunities that come into place, the greater the chances for success. So yes, while it might not exactly be a creator economy, we can better think of it as a fantasy. Therefore, many of us can dive into it by taking the leap and who knows, it could pay off.

But that again is on the side. The main point worth noticing here is how the company is including greater chances for creators to get success and better their reach as well as a presence on the platform. Innovation and drive to make a change is there and that must be appreciated.

Let’s not forget how the app is already witnessing some record-breaking engagement when it comes to usage. This is being done via original content sharing on the platform which continued to flourish in an upward direction last year. Figures quoted were nearly a whopping 41% rise from previous stages.

So as you can imagine, the opportunity is there and such tools really do go the extra mile in terms of giving users the chance to grow further.

Read next: Smaller Influencers Generate Nearly 5 Times More Engagement Than Big Celebrities
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

FCC Makes History By Launching Its First Fine That’s Designed To Combat Space Debris Concerns

The FCC has just made history by rolling out a new fine that’s designed to prevent satellite space debris from reentering the Earth's atmosphere.

The regulatory agency is not making top firm Dish Network happy by forcing them to pay a staggering $150k. This comes after it was accused of a failing attempt of its satellites to deorbit one of the outlined broadcasts in 2022.

The company was actually supposed to allow the retired satellite called EchoStar-7 to enter a disposal orbit. In reality, it was seen flying so low that was below the designated elevation laid out on the license. In the end, it led to huge concerns related to orbit debris accumulation.

In February of last year, the company revealed how it wanted this satellite to follow the requirements set out but it just could not because there was not a lot of propellant left for it to carry out the task efficiently. Hence, it had to abort plans that were in place for mitigating space debris found in the license it obtained.

Dish ended up retiring this satellite at a shocking 122km disposal orbit figure that’s further from the geostationary requirements outlined. Similarly, it was short by nearly 300 km which was the original part of the plan.

To get a better perspective of this, the satellite did manage to travel at the geostationary orbit, and that put it nearly 36k away from Earth. As you can imagine, it’s much higher than the usual Starlink satellite that continues to orbit low.

Therefore, this EchoStar-7 needed to get nearer to several orbits in operation of nearby geostationary satellites which the FCC would have preferred. But clearly, that did not happen.

To make things clear, this fine was not only hinted in the direction of Dish Network. We know about more American regulators that are issuing signals on the matter and how they’re ready to crack down against such behavior regarding satellite constellations not following rules that are necessary.

And in today’s day and age where satellites continue to be more commonly used with the space economy doing so well, experts at the FCC feel it’s necessary for operators to comply with such rules.

This is guaranteed to bring forward a long list of scrutiny for others including Elon Musk’s Starlink which is a constellation that beams at intense internet speed for those people working on the ground. Moreover, the system is outlined to span a whopping 4800 functional satellites that have already raised plenty of concerns about how they are making radio interferences, producing hazardous debris, and also causing an uproar in terms of astronomical sightings.

But with that comes a very interesting point linked to how SpaceX created its Starlink satellites in a manner that could be moved with ease. This would ward off any kind of collision that could potentially take place with other satellites and even space junk.

Moreover, such satellites are even created to blow up our planet’s atmosphere after they retire. That leads us to another investigation being done by authorities linked to whether the satellites from Starlink can withstand the impact of atmospheric reentry. Hence, if that’s the case, the threat is great to the general public and obviously hazardous to human life.

Each year, the figure for hazardous fragments re-entering the planet’s atmosphere continues to peak and that again is of mega concern to regulating agencies. Right now, the figure outlined through stats is that such dangerous fragments can kill or cause harm to 0.6 individuals every year.

Read next: America and China’s Dominance of the Data Center Market Brings Record Breaking Revenue
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Twitter's Unexpected Retreat as it Partners with Google Display Network

Twitter, or should we say "X" now, has decided to collaborate with the Google Display Network in a plot twist worthy of a Shakespearean farce. This surprise union follows a 59% drop in Twitter's ad revenue, making it a real-life drama. Let's unravel this unusual couple's collaboration, peppered with humor, and see if they can rekindle Twitter's ad flame.

Twitter's Identity Crisis: From Twitter to X

First things first, Twitter has undergone a rebranding, and now it goes by the mysterious name "X." It's like your friend Steve suddenly insisting that everyone call him "Lord of the Dance" because he learned a few dance moves. But we digress.

Twitter's Desperate Move: Outsourcing Ad Sales

Twitter, apologies, X is in a pickle. Its ad revenue dropped precipitously, forcing it to outsource the sale of some of its ad space. It's like watching a superhero request assistance from their arch-nemesis. The question is whether this unusual alliance can save the day.

Google's New Playmate: The Google Display Network

So, Twitter, or X, is now holding hands with the Google Display Network. It's like your cat making friends with a dog; you never thought you'd see the day. Advertisers will soon be able to access X's home feed inventory through Google Ads Display campaigns. But, shh, the exact details of the deal are a well-guarded secret, probably buried in a treasure chest guarded by a dragon.

Why It Matters: Twitter's 59% Ad Revenue Freefall

Why should you be interested in this amusing rendezvous? After Elon Musk came over, Twitter's ad revenue decreased by 59% in the United States. It's like witnessing a big-budget film bomb at the box office. With ads accounting for 90% of X's revenue, this setback proved devastating to the company's profit margins.

Elon Musk's Attempted Rescues: New CEO and Now Google

Enter Elon Musk, the mastermind behind SpaceX and Tesla. He's trying to save the day by first bringing in Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO. It's like trying to fix a leaky boat with a Band-Aid. Now, he's outsourcing ad sales to Google, one of the advertising industry's bigwigs. It's almost as if he's calling in the Avengers to deal with a neighborhood dispute.

A Potential Marketing Superpower: Google and X's Data Fusion

According to Tom Ruff, Head of Social at digital marketing agency Journey Further, the odd couple's union has a silver lining. He believes that he can construct the ideal marketing database by merging data from Google and X. It's like combining peanut butter and chocolate—it'll either be a match made in heaven or a disaster. However, the effectiveness of this collaboration is dependent on their ability to successfully communicate their data.

Google's Take: It's Just Business as Usual

What does Google have to say about all this? Well, they seem pretty nonchalant, as if they've seen it all before. According to a Google spokesperson, X has decided to monetize its home feed with Google Ad Manager. It's like hearing your neighbor say, "Oh, they've just decided to mow their lawn at 5 AM. No big deal." Google insists that advertisers can still choose where their ads will appear because, you know, they have standards to uphold.

Conclusion: Will This Odd Couple Save the Day?

The alliance between Twitter, er, X, and Google is a beautiful twist in the worlds of social media and advertising. Will this unlikely pairing resurrect X's ad revenue, or will it be a comedy of errors? Only time will tell whether this collaboration is a blockbuster or a one-season sitcom in the realm of technology and advertising. We'll be watching with popcorn in hand, either way.

Read next: Microsoft CEO's Bleak Outlook on Google's Search Dominance
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

The Best US Cities for AI Jobs Revealed

Much like social media fueled a firestorm of new job openings in the 2010s, and similarly to how the tech boom of the 2000s created multiple new opportunities for gainful employment, the latest trend of AI is driving considerable growth in the job market as well. In spite of the fact that this is the case, not all of these AI jobs are spread equally across the US. Luckily, the Brookings Institute has identified six of the hottest locations for AI jobs.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that San Francisco offers more AI opportunities than the rest of the major hotspots combined. 20 of the most highly valued AI startups in the world are based in San Francisco, thereby indicating that there are better paying jobs here than might have been the case otherwise.

Indeed, California itself is perhaps the single best location for anyone that wants to enjoy the AI space in the near future. Based on the findings presented within this report, 35 of the top 50 AI companies according to Forbes are located in this state along the Western Coast of the US.

Furthermore, 60% of jobs that are focused on the rapidly rising field of generative AI can be found in the Bay Area, further confirming that San Francisco is the place to be if you want to get in on the ground floor. Perhaps most importantly, OpenAI, widely considered to be the most promising AI start up in the world, has its base of operations in this region.

Coming in at a distant second is New York with four of the biggest AI start ups located there. Texas has a couple of decent companies in this space as well. One thing that might make New York a tad more appealing is that it contains Runway, an AI based video editing company that has made waves after helping create scenes in the critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All At Once. This just goes to show that there is a lot of diversity in the industry at present.

Read next: 78% of Companies Say AI Created More Jobs
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Microsoft CEO's Bleak Outlook on Google's Search Dominance

Have you felt a tug of war lately between Microsoft Bing and Google? If not, then this piece is fresh from the oven just for you. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has launched a tsunami of sarcasm to challenge Google's stranglehold on the search engine business. Despite investing $100 billion in Bing, Nadella believes it is a "bogus" venture in comparison to Google's monopoly. He even claims that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will fail in the "no-fly zone" of web search. Let's take a look at this ridiculously grim outlook and see whether Nadella can brighten up the search engine competition.

Google's Monopoly: A Comedy Act

Nadella's verdict on Google's claim of competition in the search engine market? Well, he thinks it's as bogus as claiming a unicorn is your pet. According to him, Google's stronghold is so solid that it makes a concrete wall look like a house of cards. It's so unbreakable that even AI, the superhero of technology, can't save the day.

The U.S. vs. Google Antitrust Trial: A Theatrical Drama

The ongoing antitrust lawsuit between the United States and Google is as dramatic as a Shakespearean play. It's like witnessing a wicked plot emerge as Google purportedly raises ad pricing only to fulfill revenue targets. If Google is proven to have abused its monopoly, it may be the end of the firm completely changing the search environment. Aside from the drama, we're all wondering whether Google will require an attorney or a stand-up comic in court.

Google's Exclusive Content Deals: Comedy Gold

Google plans to pay publishers for exclusive content rights like a comedy sketch. Nadella points out that if Google keeps this up, it will render every other search engine irrelevant. It's like saying, "Hey, we have the secret sauce, and you can't have a taste!" Nadella's concern about the future availability of public content is almost like wondering if we'll ever see daylight again.

Publishers vs. Large Language Models: A Battle of Wits

Publishers are concerned about the growth of large language models (LLMs) such as GPTBot, and with reason. Many major websites have prohibited GPTBot because they are concerned that their information would be utilized for training without remuneration. It's the equivalent of shutting the cookie jar to keep the cookie monster at away. Of course, Google has remained mute on these allegations, possibly because it is too busy looking for its own cookies.

Microsoft's Quest to Break the Google Habit: A Comedy of Errors

Microsoft's attempt to break Google's monopoly on search is a bit like trying to teach a cat to fetch a stick—it's cute but utterly futile. Despite launching Bing and Bing Chat with great fanfare, they've failed to steal Google's thunder. Nadella's exuberance about gaining a 0.5% market share is almost as charming as a toddler trying to outrun Usain Bolt.

Google Search Ads 360: A Not-So-Friendly Feud

The conflict between Google Search Ads 360 and Microsoft is akin to two children arguing over a toy. Nadella sought to make switching from Google to Microsoft as simple as possible, but Google appears to have responded with a "not gonna happen" attitude. It's like ordering chocolate ice cream and receiving broccoli instead.

The Unbreakable Habit: Google's Default Domination

Google's default search agreements, especially the one with Apple, are the holy grail of its dominance. It's like saying, "You wake up, brush your teeth, and search on Google." Changing this habit seems as likely as convincing your cat to become a vegetarian. Nadella dreams of Bing becoming the default on Safari, but in reality, that's like trying to turn a tricycle into a Ferrari.

The $100 Billion Punchline: Microsoft's Investment in Bing

Microsoft has invested a staggering $100 billion in Bing, a joke that even comedians would envy. Nadella sees internet search as a worthwhile software sector to pursue despite Microsoft's market share being as minuscule as a flea on an elephant's back. It's the equivalent of buying sunblock in Antarctica.

Nadella's Pessimistic Stand-Up Routine: A New Act

Nadella's unusually bleak outlook is like seeing your favorite comedian perform a somber set. He's not claiming that Microsoft Bing is better than Google Search; he's merely acknowledging reality. It's like saying, "I'm here for the laughs, but let's not kid ourselves."

Conclusion: Will Google Be the Punchline of This Antitrust Trial?

Nadella's witty take on Google's hegemony in the search engine business is a breath of fresh air in the tech world. While he does not consider Microsoft Bing to be a serious competitor, he hopes that this antitrust lawsuit will put Google in its place. The $244 billion question is whether Google will change its ways or become the punchline of this legal farce. Only time will tell whether or not this technological drama has a good ending.

Source: TheVerge / Reuters / NYT / WindowsCentral.

Read next: 70% of Consumers Are Worried About Privacy and Security in the Metaverse
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

70% of Consumers Are Worried About Privacy and Security in the Metaverse

The metaverse is a bold concept, even though it tends to be rather confusing to the vast majority of consumers. With one of the biggest tech companies in the world essentially rebranding itself to be a metaverse centered company after decades of specializing in social media, a lot of buzz has been generated regarding how the metaverse could very well be the way of the future.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, it turns out that there are some major concerns that are holding consumers back. According to a survey conducted by S&P Global, 70% of consumers were worried about privacy, data collection and security as it pertains to the metaverse. The fact that Mark Zuckerberg, a tech titan not usually known for being careful about data privacy in the past, is at the wheel is certainly making things even worse than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that harassment and bullying is another prime concern that might become a significant pain point during the customer journey down the line. 44.5% of the people that responded to this survey stated that they are at least somewhat concerned about the establishing of community rules, with 29.3% stating that they are extremely concerned.

Perhaps the most important bit of data that people will be worried about when it comes to the metaverse is transactional data because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up causing widespread financial harm. 40.9% of survey respondents admitted to being slightly concerned, with a whopping 33.9% reporting feels of strong concern with all things having been considered and taken into account.

One thing that could pose a problem is the inclusion of blockchain tech in the metaverse. This is still a nascent technology with many detractors, yet the metaverse and its entire digital economy might not be sustainable without the use of blockchain and the various tokens that are associated with it in the here and now.

Read next: 45% of Americans Are Extremely Concerned About Online Privacy
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World