Social commerce is rapidly reshaping the way consumers shop online. By combining social media with eCommerce, brands are tapping into a powerful sales channel. Here are 44+ social commerce statistics to help you understand this booming trend and leverage it for success.
What is Social Commerce? A Simple Breakdown
Social commerce is a fusion of social media and online shopping, allowing users to purchase products directly within social platforms without leaving the app. This seamless social commerce ecommerce experience is changing how we shop, making it more interactive and convenient.
Here’s why it’s gaining traction:
- Shopping Meets Social: Consumers can browse, discover, and buy products while scrolling through their favorite social media feeds.
- Influencer Power: UGC and influencer recommendations heavily influence purchase decisions, making social commerce more personal and trusted than traditional e-commerce.
- Streamlined Experience: No need to visit separate websites; platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest integrate shopping features directly into their ecosystems.
- Real-Time Interaction: Live shopping events and instant customer engagement help brands build stronger connections with potential buyers.
By blending social interaction with shopping, social commerce is transforming the online retail experience into something more engaging and personalized. This not only helps in retention but also in increasing AOV.
The Global Rise of Social Commerce: A Billion-Dollar Industry
$1.3 Trillion Industry by 2023
The social commerce industry has already hit the $1.3 trillion mark in 2023, up from $958 billion in 2022. This rapid growth shows the strong momentum, especially with further projections to grow (Tidio).
68% of Consumers Make Purchases Through Social Media
A significant 68% of online shoppers have made at least one purchase directly through social platforms, highlighting the growing integration of shopping and social interaction (Hostinger).
Annual Growth Rate of 31.4%
Social commerce continues to expand with an annual growth rate of 31.4%, driven by increasing consumer trust and platform innovations (WiserNotify) (Hostinger).
Top Platforms Dominating Social Commerce
Facebook Leads with 56.1% of Social Commerce Sales
Facebook remains the dominant force, with 56.1% of global social commerce sales being driven by the platform, thanks to its integrated shopping features (Hostinger).
Instagram Accounts for 44% of Social Shopping
44% of social media users discover and purchase products via Instagram, especially through features like Stories and Shoppable posts (Hostinger).
TikTok’s Growing Influence: 20% of Gen Z Shops Here
20% of Gen Z shoppers now prefer TikTok for their social commerce purchases, driven by viral trends and influencer-driven content (Hostinger) (Tidio).
Social commerce strategies for influencers can further help you enhance your reach.
Consumer Behavior and Social Commerce Trends
70% of Consumers Trust Social Commerce
Consumers increasingly trust social commerce, with 70% of shoppers saying they trust recommendations from social media influencers more than traditional ads (Hostinger). Their involvement helps decrease the bounce rate.
84% of Millennials and Gen Z Follow Brands on Social Media
Younger consumers—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—follow brands on social media, making them a prime demographic for social commerce campaigns (WiserNotify) (Hostinger).
Social Proof Increases Purchase Likelihood by 45%
When consumers see reviews, testimonials, or user-generated content, their likelihood of making a purchase increases by 45% (Hostinger).
How Social Commerce Boosts Conversion Rates
Higher Conversion Rates by 10%
Social commerce boasts the conversion rate compared to traditional e-commerce, as consumers are able to make purchases directly on the platform (WiserNotify) (Hostinger).
43% of Shoppers Discover New Products on Social Media
A substantial 43% of consumers first learn about new products through social media, underlining the power of social platforms for product discovery (Tidio).
31% of Consumers Make Instant Purchases via Social Media Ads
With social media ads, 31% of users have made immediate purchases, showing the direct impact of targeted social advertising (Hostinger).
The Power of User-Generated Content in Social Commerce
79% of People Trust User-Generated Content Over Brand Ads
A large 79% of shoppers trust user-generated content more than traditional brand advertisements, making it a key element in social commerce (Hostinger).
UGC Boosts Conversions by 29%
When user-generated content (UGC) is integrated into social commerce campaigns, conversion rates can increase by 29%, as UGC adds authenticity to the shopping experience (WiserNotify).
90% of Consumers Say UGC Influences Their Buying Decisions
A remarkable 90% of consumers say that user-generated content heavily influences their final purchasing decision (WiserNotify) (Hostinger).
Mobile-First Social Commerce Stats
54% of Social Commerce Sales Come from Mobile
Mobile shopping is dominating, with 54% of social commerce transactions being made on mobile devices, reflecting the growing trend of mobile-first shopping (Hostinger) (Tidio).
Social Commerce on Mobile Grows 4x Faster than Desktop
Social commerce on mobile devices is growing at four times the rate of desktop transactions, driven by apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest (Hostinger).
Challenges and Opportunities in Social Commerce
47% of Consumers Worry About Payment Security
Although social commerce is growing rapidly, 47% of consumers hesitate due to concerns about payment security and fraud on social media (WiserNotify).
87% of Shoppers Expect Easy Checkout Processes
A seamless checkout experience is essential, with 87% of consumers expecting an easy and smooth transaction process when shopping on social media (Hostinger).
Businesses See a 30% ROI Increase with Social Commerce
Brands investing in social commerce have reported a 30% increase in ROI, thanks to real-time engagement, targeted advertising, and partnerships with influencers (Hostinger).
Social Commerce and the Future of Retail
60% of Gen Z Prefers Social Commerce Over Traditional eCommerce
60% of Gen Z shoppers say they prefer buying products through social media rather than traditional e-commerce sites, signaling a shift in shopping preferences (WiserNotify) (Hostinger).
92% of Companies Plan to Expand Social Commerce by 2025
Looking ahead, 92% of businesses plan to increase their investment in social commerce strategies by 2025, recognizing its growing importance in retail (Hostinger).
Social Commerce to Make Up 17% of eCommerce by 2025
By 2025, social commerce is projected to make up 17% of global e-commerce sales, cementing its role as a major sales channel for businesses (WiserNotify) (Tidio).
Embrace the Future of Shopping with Social Commerce
Social commerce is no longer just a trend—it’s the future of retail. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok leading the way, businesses can connect with consumers in more meaningful and interactive ways. From leveraging user-generated content to using mobile-first strategies, social commerce is transforming how we shop, trust, and engage with brands online.
By integrating engaging narratives with cutting-edge technology, Firework can make your digital storefront as engaging as a physical one. Our platform empowers you to create shoppable videos, host livestreams, and provide personalized shopping experiences that drive results.
Put your commerce in motion. Find out how Firework can power your business forward.
