by 
Updated on December 10, 2021
Twitter’s a popular platform for journalists, media creators (including bloggers), celebrities, and even politicians. Especially politicians; Donald Trump particularly loves it, though mostly out of cynical reasons (less filtering or room for questioning versus a press conference). I enjoy using the social network as well.
Unfortunately, it seems not enough new people are using Twitter, per latest figures. On top of that, revenue has also faltered.
Twitter’s flat growth
The infographic below outlines the social network’s growth problems:
You will find more infographics at Statista
Revenue growth went from a high peak in 2012 to virtually flat as of 2016. Twitter’s currently trying various means of increasing its revenue, such as deals to stream various types of sporting events. Still, the revenue trending line doesn’t look good if things don’t change.
A low growth rate versus other social networks
Also concerning might be Twitter’s low rate of growth compared to other social networks:
You will find more infographics at Statista
While Twitter’s added some users over the past few years, it pales in comparison to its longtime rival Facebook. Despite Facebook supposedly no longer the “hip” place for millennials (or whatever other demographics are in vogue), Facebook is still seeing growth. Same goes for WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram… all Facebook-owned services.
Outside of Facebook, even Snapchat’s seen more user growth than Twitter. And even Snapchat’s having some problems, largely from Facebook stealing its thunder by adding similar features to Instagram and the main Facebook app.
My only suggestions for Twitter is to address its user experience. While it’s trying a few things to improve user experience, it still feels like more could be done regarding things like trolls.
As for whether “Twitter is doomed,” I hope not. I’d think it’s still too prominent/valuable a social network, even despite being up against Facebook and Facebook’s sibling services. If nothing else, I expect someone else to buy it, though hopefully without going the route of MySpace.
Photo from Pixabay.
