The genesis of social networks in Algeria as we know them today began in 2009/2010 and originates from the introduction of the internet and ADSL. Initially confined to the domestic sphere and cyber cafes, social networks have mutated into a digital marketing tool that has gradually infiltrated Algerian companies.
A study conducted jointly by two companies, Medncom and Ideatic, published in 2010, shows the meteoric evolution of the social network Facebook and how it is used today.
According to the same study, 32% of internet users declared connecting to Facebook; the gap between Facebook and all other connection choices has become a chasm in Algeria. From its height of 70%, Facebook crushes Google+, Twitter, and many others regarding connections to social networks.
In 2010, Facebook had more than 1.2 million members
In 2011, La Semaine du Web was a first in Algeria since, for the first time, all licenses or events of Web professions were grouped in one point (1 place, 1 date, 1 organization), with high-quality speakers of international renown who came to introduce the concept of Personal Branding and Web 2.0 communication.
It was the mobile operators that constituted a significant tipping point regarding the evolution of communication strategies on social networks. Almost no one now thinks of questioning the preeminence of digital, which has become a true cornerstone of effective corporate communication in Algeria.
The launch of 3G in 2013 meant that mobile took over and the problem of internet access was finally resolved, particularly for accessing social networks.
Other social networks have come to enrich and support social media communication: Youtube, Google+, Instagram, Blog…
Companies now speak of web and social media communication managers yes… yes… that’s right, we have made a huge leap!!! It is one of the most sought-after positions in Algeria.
The two private mobile operators are at the top of the ranking, followed by local Algerian companies that are effectively adopting the new way of communicating.
1 – Ooredoo Algérie with more than 2,970,851 fans with an engagement rate of over 13,743
2 – Djezzy with more than 2,648,728 fans and an engagement rate of more than 16,737
3 – ZemZem Voyage with 1,642,800 fans and an engagement rate nearing 1,288 and 9,434 check-ins
4 – Mobilis and Amor Benamor, respectively a public mobile operator and an Algerian pasta manufacturer, with 1,616,684 fans and 1,612,313 fans.
We live today in an Algerian information society, a communication society. And we speak of relationships with web influencers and particularly content creators on various social networks, especially Facebook which represents a true medium of choice. More than just a medium, we could even speak of a world apart based on an economy and a social life in full development where fear and misunderstanding reign—the case of Djezzy is proof, having had to manage scandals and anti-Djezzy campaigns launched by Facebook pages and influencers.
The question currently being asked is: What is the impact of other social networks on Algerian internet users?
Nowadays, we see more and more companies investing in other social networks besides Facebook, such as Twitter and Instagram, which are not as developed as Facebook but allow them to reach interesting targets.
Twitter, which brings together journalists, business leaders, and bloggers, allows brands and companies to find information relays that ensure a comfortable transition to the powerful Facebook.
Instagram, with the support of Facebook, allowed it to become the leading social network for photos, which attracted the interest of fans already present in mass on Facebook, and companies are starting to communicate via visuals and photos.
By organizing games and contests on Facebook to boost their Instagram accounts and thereby guarantee more visibility on a social network that has very bright days ahead in Algeria, especially with the launch of 4G
