Influencer marketing in Japan - statistics and facts

The most popular social media

Japan has a high internet penetration rate and consequently also a large social media user base. Many Japanese consumers rely on the messaging app LINE in order to stay connected with friends and acquaintances. YouTube is the most popular video-sharing service, while Instagram and Twitter both enjoy higher popularity than Facebook. As is the case in many other countries, TikTok is embraced particularly by young people. Depending on user demographics and features, each service offers different opportunities for advertisers. A breakdown of the annual expenditure on influencer marketing by segment shows that YouTube accounts for the largest share of influencer marketing in Japan, followed by Instagram and Twitter.

Influential celebrities

Rankings of the most popular accounts on each social network also indicate differences of audience preferences. While the most popular accounts on Instagram and Twitter often belong to celebrities, the most popular profiles on Facebook are dominated by brands instead of famous people. The most-followed accounts are not the only ones attractive to advertisers, however, as influencers with a smaller following usually have a closer connection with their audiences and therefore higher engagement rates. Furthermore, micro and nano influencers can cater to niche audiences with highly specific tastes. One trend observed in Japan in recent years are virtual influencers, which are designed from the outset for marketing purposes.

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