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Domo reveals how the internet is used every minute in 2021

Domo has just released its annual infographic showing how we divide our time online every 60 seconds. With a pandemic-induced shift in digital trends, as well as a 10% rise in those with access to the internet, there are some notable changes from last year.

Still reeling from the Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp blackout?

Not as much as the conglomerates and billionaire entrepreneurs at their helm you’re not. They’ll be counting their lucky stars that this infographic came out before the outages.

We’re talking, of course, about the widely anticipated ‘Data Never Sleeps’ chart from Domo which is created during July and crops up around October every year.

If, in 2021, you’re new to the party for Domo’s ninth infographic, it assesses internet data minute by minute across our habitual activities. For lots of us, a quick look at the chart has become the easiest way of quickly establishing how our online behaviours are shifting.

For marketers, it obviously represents an opportunity to capitalise on new trends and generate big bucks. Who doesn’t love an accessible pie chart?

The stats cover everything: from our social media usage, how much we’re spending in ecommerce, how many messages we’re sending, how often we’re streaming, as well as analytics about the most visited apps.


The natural growth of internet users

Firstly, it has to be stated that the population of global internet users is growing every year. Up 10% from 2020, 5.17bn users consumed 79 zettabytes of data this year and projections suggest this will grow to 180 zettabytes by 2025.

As it stands, 65% of the world’s population is now online and with an extra 700 million users onboarded in 2021, you’d expect shared data, streams, and messaging to grow too.

This, indeed, is the case.

Coinciding with data showing that 96% of all internet users now prefer mobile, streams on TikTok rose to 167 million clips, and YouTube videos to 167 million clicks.

Take a look yourself at the various stats around some of your favourite activities, apps, and subscriptions – all the while bearing in mind, this is just 60 seconds worth.


The lasting effects of the pandemic

It’s clear as day that the pandemic continues to influence how we engage with brands, each other, and the world, even after the fever pitch of Covid has passed.

One of the most notable shifts being the continued growth of ecommerce spending. Six million people are said to shop online every minute, with Amazon alone raking in $283,000 in that time.

Coming at a considerable cost to the environment, it’s further proof (like we really needed it) that convenience is key for consumers whether we’re talking fashion, groceries, or the latest ‘TikTok made me buy its’.

When it comes to our go-to modes of entertainment, the pandemic led to engagement numbers soaring across multiple industries – chiefly gaming. 12 months on, we’re no longer confined to our homes, yet the habits have stuck.

Proof lies in the fact that Netflix, the most ubiquitous TV app, has seen its streams rise from 404,000 per minute in 2020 to 452,000 in 2021. Unfortunately, Apple TV isn’t displayed for the hipsters reading this.

Our modes of communication have permanently adapted too, as working from home becomes the norm for most businesses. Video calling apps like Zoom are going from strength to strength, whilst Microsoft Teams has doubled from 50k to 100k connected users since 2020s chart.

Researchers have long suggested that our online data habits show no signs of slowing down, but it’s surprising to see just how rapidly the world changes within 12 months – and a minute at a time.

At this rate, we’re going to need some bigger servers. Preferably renewable ones.

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