Market Share Breakdown of Major Chat and IM Services in the US

Measuring the market share of instant messaging (IM) and chat services has always been a tricky task, navigating through the complexity of multiple clients and online aggregators. The landscape of these services has evolved significantly, with some aggregators gaining prominence while others decline. This article delves into the changes in market share over the years, focusing on the major players such as AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook.

Historical Overview of IM Market Share

Between 2006 and 2007, the IM market saw significant shifts. According to public data, the market share distribution was as follows:

AIM: 45% MSN: 25% Yahoo: 20% Google: 8% Other: 2%

Google was on a rising trend and, taking this into account, by today's standards, Google's share could be around 15%. Meanwhile, AIM, Yahoo, and MSN were all in decline.

The Rise of Facebook Chat and Its Impact

One significant event that altered the IM landscape was the launch of Facebook Chat, which began to gain popularity in 2006. According to Facebook, 67% of their users had tried the chat at least once. With 132 million uniques in December of that year and approximately 30 active IM users per user, this translates to around 40 million monthly Facebook chat users. This would have made it slightly smaller than AIM in 2007.

The significance of Facebook Chat lies in its ability to attract users under 18, who are less likely to use standard IM services. Instead, they gravitate towards Facebook Chat or use multiple platforms, with Facebook Chat often acting as a supplementary tool.

Current Market Share Analysis

Based on current trends and data, the major IM services and chat platforms have not seen significant growth since 2007. The large traditional IM services, including AIM, Yahoo, and MSN, have likely seen their market shares either stagnate or slightly decline. Facebook Chat, on the other hand, has either replaced or complemented these services, particularly in the High School and College age groups. Google Talk is believed to hold a share of around 15%.

Future Trends and Considerations

Measuring market share exactly is complicated because users often have multiple IM accounts. For example, teenagers under 18 might use Facebook Chat as their primary platform while still maintaining an AIM or Yahoo account for secondary communication. This demonstrates that the traditional model of assigning one IM network per user is becoming less accurate.

The rise of Facebook Chat and its impact on traditional IM networks is a testament to how social media platforms can reshape communication habits. As technology evolves, platforms like Facebook and Instagram integrate more chat functionalities, further altering the landscape of IM services.

For any business or researcher looking to understand the current state and future trends in the IM and chat market, it’s crucial to recognize the changing dynamics and the importance of integrating social media and chat functions into their strategies.

Key Takeaways

The traditional IM market has seen a decline in market share, with AIM, MSN, and Yahoo seeing fewer users. Facebook Chat has become a significant player, replacing or complementing traditional IM services, especially among younger demographics. Google Talk holds a share of around 15%, and the overall market is expected to see minimal growth due to the widespread use of multi-platform communication.

Conclusion

The US IM and chat market is in a state of flux, with new platforms and social media functionalities reshaping communication. Understanding the evolving landscape is crucial for both users and businesses alike.