Is social media an industry?

March 26th, 2009

It was an interesting discussion I came across today. In the comments, many argued that yes, it is an industry, and voiced some valid reasons. However, I had trouble agreeing with them, this until I came across one particular comment:

“Social media are a vehicle for other industries, such as advertising, journalism, and software development,” – aschrock

I thought that was an interesting point. Social media consist of the tools and best practices to improve and impact industries. It’s a method to share and discuss whatever’s on your mind — or on the Web. It has the possibility to save an industry, but I’m still not convinced it IS an industry.

Which leads me to another point. The concept of social media may always be around in some form – because it’s not the sites we use – but the techniques, ideas and skills that allow us to be successful.

I think another comment said it well: “Being able to use Twitter is not a ‘skill.’ Knowing how to communicate with an audience or individual *is,*” –Aaron Richard.

So no matter what the next hot site is – since yes, Twitter may one day become a site of the past, the skills we’re learning now are invaluable and can be applied to the next site – or the next initiative we take on.

Some food for thought.

Agree? Disagree?

Entry Filed under: Social media

Peter Stolmar

I agree with this post and the cited comments, but I think the phrase "social media industry" is ambiguous. "Industry" is simply a generic word for "business type", and "social media" is a way to say "(lots of) users interacting using technology."

I think social media can be called an industry, but from a quick peek around the 'net I've found that people will call just about anything an industry - so this seems like saying "gold is a commodity."

Generally, companies are in the "industry" they make the largest portion of revenue from. How do you sell "social media?" I think people make money using social media, but not directly from the sale of social media.

I would say "Web 2.0" is the design pattern that enables social media, and an "industry vertical" is a more specific grouping of businesses with a similar target market, essentially (whether one existed before or not). My theory:

Web 2.0 companies form a new industry vertical within the technology market.

You can sell "Web 2.0" - the code, design, etc. whereas selling "social media" suggests (to me, at least) that you have paid accounts - which apparently Twitter is considering. For now I'll just lump everything into the "technology industry" so I don't have to change my mind so often. If anyone can find an actual (updated) list of industries in this sense (not manufacturing) please share!

Do you think the sale of a product or service is required to be considered an industry?

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Hi -- thanks for stopping by. I'm Amanda Maurer, Digital News Editor for the Chicago Tribune. This is my personal blog of all things social media: strategy, community issues and generally cool things found online.

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