Google on target to be 2nd largest social network

Google+ is well-positioned to become the second-largest social networking site in the US within the next 12 months, YouGov predicts.

As an estimated 16 million U.S. online adults plan to join Google+ in the next year, substantially higher than any other social network. As a result, Google+ is positioned to surpass Myspace, Twitter, and LinkedIn in U.S. membership within the next 12 months, according to Michael Nardis, Head of YouGov investment products.

Already 13 percent of adult Internet users in the United States have signed up for a Google+ account with another nine percent planning to sign up in the next 12 months. Those signing up are also highly engaged. Some 45 percent of users report reading content once a day or more. Only Facebook’s 62 percent daily readership is higher among social networks.

Some 46 percent of Google+ users report creating content (e.g., creating updates; posting links) at least once a week. This is on par with Twitter (42 percent).

The demographics of Google+ users are significantly different from other social networks. As existing networks like Facebook and LinkedIn have matured as products, they are attracting a more mature demographic. Google early adopters skew young, male and educated.

Google+ has three male members for every two women (that compares with one man for every 1.2 women on Facebook). Some 43 percent of membership is 18 to 29 (compared to 31 percent for Facebook.

 

Some 48 percent are single, compared to 33 percent of Facebook users.

Google on target to be 2nd largest social networking site