1. The "Hashtag" was a User’s Idea, and Twitter Initially Hated It
In 2007, a user named Chris Messina suggested using the # symbol to group related tweets. Twitter’s founders originally thought it was "too nerdy" and wouldn't catch on. Today, it’s the universal language of the internet.
2. The First Social Media Site Launched in 1997
Most people think it started with MySpace or Facebook, but the first true social network was SixDegrees.com. It allowed users to create profiles and add friends just like we do today, years before Mark Zuckerberg even went to Harvard.
3. We Check Our Phones Nearly 50 Times a Day
On average, Americans check their phones 46 times per day. For younger users (ages 18-24), that number jumps to a staggering 74 times a day!
4. YouTube Started as a Dating Site
When it first launched on Valentine’s Day in 2005, YouTube was intended to be a video dating site where users could upload videos of themselves to find a match. When no one uploaded dating videos, they opened it up to any kind of video.
5. The Twitter Bird Has a Name
The iconic blue bird logo is officially named Larry. He was named after NBA legend Larry Bird, because one of Twitter’s co-founders, Biz Stone, is a huge Boston Celtics fan.
6. More People Use Social Media than Search Engines to Find Products
In 2026, social platforms like TikTok and Instagram have officially overtaken Google for product discovery among Gen Z. Over 60% of product searches now start on social media.
7. MySpace Once Turned Down the Chance to Buy Facebook
In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg offered to sell Facebook to MySpace for $75 million. The CEO of MySpace turned him down, thinking it was too expensive. A few years later, MySpace was sold for a fraction of its peak value, while Facebook became a trillion-dollar company.
8. Pizza is the Most Instagrammed Food
Readers might find it funny that pizza is the #1 most photographed food on Instagram, followed closely by sushi and steak.
9. LinkedIn is Older than Facebook
It’s often seen as the "corporate" younger brother, but LinkedIn actually launched in May 2003—nine months before Facebook was ever founded in a dorm room.
10. Every Second, 8 New People Join Social Media
The growth is relentless. On average, 7.8 new users join a social media platform every single second. By the time someone finishes reading your blog post, thousands of new people will be online.
Which of these surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments!
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