comScore: Top APAC Social Networks by Country

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Similar to trends observed in search, where language is a strong indicator of an engine’s likelihood for success due to differences between single and double-byte characters, social networks also succeed largely on language considerations.  The above chart from comScore’s State of Internet APAC report, observes:

• language considerations gave local Social Networks in certain countries an early-mover advantage
• Switching costs for Social Networking users are relatively high, and the nature of user recruitment (“friending”) lets these sites maintain concentrated strongholds
• Elsewhere, translation efforts by Facebook have allowed it to enter non-English speaking Asian markets at the expense of Friendster.

comScore – Social Networks Asia Pacific % Reach

Social networks in Asia are particularly strong.  Facebook has made significant gains in region at the expense of Friendster – who still uses Friendster?????

• Facebook has more than doubled its share in region to become the leading Social Network Asia Pacific.
• Baidu Space the leading CN social network, though numerous other challengers exist.
• Almost all networks have seen shrinking reach, with Myspace and Friendster seeing some of the largest losses.