Important Social Media Shopping Statistics for 2023 – From Scrolling to Purchasing

In recent years, social media has truly revolutionised the way we live, and it’s not just limited to keeping us connected or entertained. Surprisingly, it has also emerged as a haven for all the shopaholics out there. Gone are the days when you had to step out and navigate through countless stores to find that perfect outfit or the ideal cosmetic product. 

While visiting the mall may have its own unique charm, social media shopping offers unparalleled convenience and comfort. No longer burdened by worries of fraud or scams, people have wholeheartedly embraced social media shopping as an integral part of their daily lives. Nearly every social media platform offers an extensive range of options. 

It’s remarkable how often we find ourselves casually discussing an item with a friend, only to be pleasantly surprised when an ad for that very product magically appears on our screen once we’re back home. This seamless integration between conversations and shopping has undeniably made the entire experience more enjoyable, effortless, and efficient for all.

The growing popularity of this concept has brought about a complete transformation in the shopping experience. So, let’s delve deeper into how social media shopping reshaped the traditional concept of purchasing goods from the store. 

The Vital Role of Social Media in Consumer Behaviour

The emergence of social media shopping has significantly revolutionised the way consumers behave. It dramatically contributes to purchasing decisions while efficiently driving brand engagement to a safe haven. In other words, businesses have as pretty much benefited from social media shopping as customers. As a business owner, you no longer have to wait around for your customers to show up, but you can ensure your products are well advertised on their platforms.

Successful businesses are those aware of the power of social media and have effectively leveraged it to their own interest. It’s a magical opportunity to connect with their target audience while building brand loyalty and making big sales. There are more than a few marketing tools to use to ensure a victorious social media shopping experience. 

Moreover, social media shopping has benefited customers, where users now take advantage of social media by sharing their experiences. The reviews, warnings, and information transmitted over products can highly impact purchasing decisions. Nonetheless, most advertising on social media was proven to influence consumers and their buying behaviour positively.

Recent Statistics Related to Social Media Shopping

• 71% of online users are more likely to make purchasing decisions based on reviews on social media.
• 54% of online users conduct product research on the social media platform they’re shopping from. 
• 74% of consumers prefer social media shopping to purchase various goods.
• 43% of U.S. internet users are classified as “social media shopping addicts.”
• 40% of consumers in America purchased something after reading reviews on social media.
• 70% of consumers have professed to use social media networks for gift ideas.
• 41% of social media shoppers confessed to discounts and deals being their most prominent driving force.
• Most internet users spend over 2 hours and 30 minutes online for social media shopping.
• China is the leader of social media shopping, whopping 84% of consumers and reaching about $1.3 billion in 2023. 
• The highest rate of online shoppers in Western Europe is in Ireland, amounting to around 83% of online consumers.
• In the Philippines, 66% of social media shoppers were females, while 77% were males. 
• 2.9% of social media shoppers in Egypt were female, purchasing through their smartphones, while the male shoppers were only 2.2%
• 80% of Irish internet users prefer social media shopping to traditional shopping.

Statistics on the Age Groups That Utilise Social Media for Shopping the Most

• In 2023, 61% of young adults under 25 years in America resorted to social media shopping, while the percentage in 2020 was 53%.
• The generations that follow their purchases on social media are mostly Gen Z and millennials, making up approximately 50% of online shoppers. 
• 70% of internet users who utilise social media for shopping recommend the brands they buy from. 
• Influencers play a vital role in affecting consumers’ buying behaviour, with 44% of Gen Z making a purchase after a blogger’s recommendation. 
• Compared to the percentage of Gen Z, only 26% of the general population would make a purchase based on influencers’ recommendations. 

The Impact of Influencers on Social Media Shopping

Blogging is no longer a public diary that you share among your small circle, describing your emotions or telling stories. Today, bloggers are often known as influencers, given their influencing power over consumers’ buying behaviour, especially among the younger generations. Whether the market for products in fashion, lifestyle, fitness, or food industry, people are following them.

Marketers today are creating marketing campaigns entirely led by influencers. They’re also setting huge budgets to borrow the influencers’ online presence, contributing to encouraging social media shopping. Bloggers or influencers mostly write, edit, and publish their own content, yet their skills extend beyond content marketing. 

Sharing fresh material is one thing, but their capability to understand the mindset of their audience and actively interact with them goes a long way. Influencers have the power to deliver more traffic to your business and boost your visibility on social media. As a consequence, they will surge your sales through their immense impact on purchasing behaviour. 

Through their trust and authenticity, these individuals have the power to propel brand awareness and foster unwavering loyalty among their dedicated audience.

Key Statistics Showing the Impact of Influencers and Bloggers on Social Media Shopping in Different Industries

• 31% of internet users trust influencers in learning about new products and brands.
• 70% of teenagers and Gen Z put their trust in bloggers and influencers more than celebrities.
• 49% of social media shoppers rely on recommendations by bloggers. 
• 52% of marketers claim to reach their target audience and potential buyers through the help of influencers.
• 41% of active users of Twitter make purchasing decisions based on a tweet.
• Among the most used social media platforms for shopping, Instagram ranks first, with 72% of marketers depending on it. 
• TikTok comes second after Instagram, attracting up to 61% of marketers to use it to work with content creators. 

3 Main Concerns Associated With the Increase of Social Media Shopping

The shift from brick-and-mortar shops to the online realm has posed quite a challenge for many individuals, particularly the older generations who aren’t used to the dominance of the internet. The uncertainty of dealing with anonymous sellers and the inability to physically inspect products before purchasing can spark anxiety and trust issues. Although shopping via social media has become a popular trend nowadays, it is important to note that it brings its own set of challenges.

Trust Issues Regarding Online Transactions

One of the primary reasons why a considerable number of individuals remain hesitant to shop online stems from the unsettling reality of card fraud and stealing financial information. It’s a legitimate concern, as many consumers worry that their valuable financial information could be stolen from their cards without their consent. 

What intensifies this fear further is the potential loss of transaction evidence, leaving them unable to prove anything if a dispute were to arise. Consequently, there is an underlying unease among online shoppers regarding the legitimacy of the businesses they encounter. With the rise of cybercrime, it’s pretty understandable where these people come from.

Scepticism Towards Sponsored Content

Consumer’s scepticism towards the credibility of a company’s marketing claims can have a profound impact on their purchasing decisions. To navigate this, customers increasingly rely on social media to gather insights and recommendations about products or services. 

Such platforms serve as an invaluable source of information, giving consumers the opportunity to seek out positive word-of-mouth before committing to a purchase. In fact, when people they personally know provide positive reviews, it becomes the defining factor that reassures them and fosters trust in a product or service.

Security and Privacy Concerns

In this digital age, the prospect of sharing personal information online can often evoke a sense of fear, especially when engaging with emerging brands that have only recently appeared on the market. The reluctance to hand over details like home address or phone number stems from genuine concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of such information by unknown sellers. 

One of the biggest worries when it comes to shopping through social media apps or other online platforms is the fear of making a wrong purchase. However, this is where the power of influencers truly shines—particularly those with an immense following and a track record of reliable recommendations.

The more the social media shopping experience grows, the more brands will be inclined towards their presence online. Although purchasing all your needed items and products from the comfort of your own home has its own appeal, we believe it won’t abolish the existence of physical stores. Walk-in stores will always be available for those who prefer them, yet the future of shopping will undoubtedly heavily rely on the internet.