Difference between social networks and social media
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 8:45 am
Both terms are often confused and it is difficult to answer whether there is really a difference between social networks and social media or whether they refer to the same thing. Two different points of view but which are equally valid and defensible.
Those who consider that they are the same : social media is, after all, a kind of English translation of the idea of social networks or social media . Many professionals and experts consider that they refer to the same platforms.
Those who answer a resounding no : in this case they consider that when talking about social media, they are referring to the format/concept of information that is shared with users – news, video, photos, GIFs, etc. – and that social networks are the name of those sites/apps in which the connection between users is defined based on the relationship that exists or is established between them.
Types of social networks
There are different ways to classify the types of social networks . The one that is most frequently used is the one that focuses on the objective and point of view of those who use them:
Generalists : They are aimed at a broad and heterogeneous bahrain whatsapp data audience, as is the case with Facebook, Instagram (although it started out specialising in photography), TikTok…
Specialized : This could be the case of LinkedIn, for professional topics, or those that have been created to find a partner, for very specific groups (LGTBI community, among others).
Examples of the most used social networks
Digital marketing plans that include a presence on different types of social networks must be aware of aspects such as the user profile of each one, the frequency of use and the engagement offered by the tool in question. This data is very important for choosing which of the existing social media will best reach the potential public.
These are representative cases to consider, examples of the most used social networks according to the goals set and the client a brand is targeting:
For millennials and Gen X? Facebook!
If you want to connect with followers of certain influencers? YouTube, TIkTok and Instagram.
Want to reach the youngest? Go straight to TikTok, with a notable presence of people between 16 and 25 years old.
Critical and middle-aged citizens? The site is X, with a large participation of users between 25 and 49 years old.
Fashion, beauty, lifestyle and travel brands? Instagram is your place.
Some complement each other, so it is not about focusing on just one, but rather about assessing economic and human resources, quantifying the effort that could be made and establishing a strategy for presence on social networks. It is not about doing more to achieve the best, but about calibrating in an appropriate way so that participation in these media is adequate and really seeing the color of participating in these platforms. It is not about being there for the sake of being there... it is about knowing how to be on social networks .
The best way to train yourself to get the most out of these tools is to take highly specialized courses. At EAE Barcelona we have a Degree in Marketing and Digital Communication, which is one of the most interesting for potential students. And for those who want to specialize and improve their professional performance, we have the Master in Digital Marketing & Growth Hacking , a sure bet for advancing in the career of online marketing and digital media. Those interested can consult with the EAE teaching team to help them make the best decision.
Those who consider that they are the same : social media is, after all, a kind of English translation of the idea of social networks or social media . Many professionals and experts consider that they refer to the same platforms.
Those who answer a resounding no : in this case they consider that when talking about social media, they are referring to the format/concept of information that is shared with users – news, video, photos, GIFs, etc. – and that social networks are the name of those sites/apps in which the connection between users is defined based on the relationship that exists or is established between them.
Types of social networks
There are different ways to classify the types of social networks . The one that is most frequently used is the one that focuses on the objective and point of view of those who use them:
Generalists : They are aimed at a broad and heterogeneous bahrain whatsapp data audience, as is the case with Facebook, Instagram (although it started out specialising in photography), TikTok…
Specialized : This could be the case of LinkedIn, for professional topics, or those that have been created to find a partner, for very specific groups (LGTBI community, among others).
Examples of the most used social networks
Digital marketing plans that include a presence on different types of social networks must be aware of aspects such as the user profile of each one, the frequency of use and the engagement offered by the tool in question. This data is very important for choosing which of the existing social media will best reach the potential public.
These are representative cases to consider, examples of the most used social networks according to the goals set and the client a brand is targeting:
For millennials and Gen X? Facebook!
If you want to connect with followers of certain influencers? YouTube, TIkTok and Instagram.
Want to reach the youngest? Go straight to TikTok, with a notable presence of people between 16 and 25 years old.
Critical and middle-aged citizens? The site is X, with a large participation of users between 25 and 49 years old.
Fashion, beauty, lifestyle and travel brands? Instagram is your place.
Some complement each other, so it is not about focusing on just one, but rather about assessing economic and human resources, quantifying the effort that could be made and establishing a strategy for presence on social networks. It is not about doing more to achieve the best, but about calibrating in an appropriate way so that participation in these media is adequate and really seeing the color of participating in these platforms. It is not about being there for the sake of being there... it is about knowing how to be on social networks .
The best way to train yourself to get the most out of these tools is to take highly specialized courses. At EAE Barcelona we have a Degree in Marketing and Digital Communication, which is one of the most interesting for potential students. And for those who want to specialize and improve their professional performance, we have the Master in Digital Marketing & Growth Hacking , a sure bet for advancing in the career of online marketing and digital media. Those interested can consult with the EAE teaching team to help them make the best decision.