Web 2.0 - Top Social Networks

Posted by Jim Stroud

May 19, 2006

Top social networking sites

Nielsen//NetRatings announced that April’s top 10 social networking sites collectively grew 47% YTY, increasing from an unduplicated unique audience of 46.8 mln 2004 to 68.8 mln in April 2006, reaching 45% of active Web users. MySpace topped the list with 38.4 mln unique visitors and a remarkable YTY growth rate of 367%. Blogger took #2 spot, garnering 18.5 mln unique visitors and growing 80% YTY, followed by Classmates.com with 12.9 mln unique visitors and a 10% YTY increase. YouTube and MSN Groups rounded out the top five, with 12.5 mln and 10.6 mln unique visitors, respectively.

The interactive nature of social networking sites keeps visitors coming back. MySpace enjoyed the highest retention rate among the group, with 67% of all March 2006 at-home visitors returning in April 2006. MSN Groups and Facebook also benefited from a loyal following, with 58 and 52% of visitors returning month over month, respectively. Xanga.com and MSN Spaces rounded out the top five sites ranked by retention rate, with 49 and 47%, respectively.