Top Cities Revolutionising Social Media-Based Businesses
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Social media has become a transformative force in global commerce, driving business innovation and creating thriving entrepreneurial hubs. A study by Indexsy identifies the top 10 cities leading this revolution, including Los Angeles, New York, São Paulo, and Dubai. These hubs are transforming commerce with fast-growing businesses and influential creators. As platforms evolve, these cities shape the future of the global economy.
Social media has grown far beyond its beginnings as a tool for personal connection. Today, it serves as a powerful engine for business innovation, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to build brands, sell products, and offer services on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This transformation has turned social media into a global marketplace, reshaping how businesses operate and connect with consumers.
A recent study by Indexsy founded by Jacky Chou, a prominent digital marketing firm specialising in search engine optimisation (SEO) and advanced marketing strategies, highlights the cities leading this social media business revolution. The firm has helped over 50 businesses, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, enhance their online presence and maximise their digital potential.
The study highlights the important role of social media in today's commerce, showing how it helps businesses and influencers succeed in the fast-changing digital economy.
Top 10 cities becoming hubs for social media businesses
Indexsy’s latest research identifies the top 10 cities worldwide that are at the forefront of social media entrepreneurship. Each city was evaluated based on three key factors: the total number of social media-based businesses, their year-over-year growth rate, and the number of influencers with over 100,000 followers. The findings reveal a vibrant and rapidly growing global social media economy.
1. Los Angeles, USA
SMB Score: 93.33
Number of Businesses: 25,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 20%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 14,500
Los Angeles tops the list as the leading hub for social media businesses. The city’s dynamic ecosystem combines a high concentration of influencers and fast-growing businesses. With its deep-rooted celebrity culture and established infrastructure, LA attracts top-tier talent managers, brand partnership specialists, and media agencies. These factors help influencers and entrepreneurs build lucrative careers. The city’s role as a global entertainment capital further enhances its status as a hotspot for social media-driven ventures.
2. New York City, USA
SMB Score: 87.50
Number of Businesses: 28,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 15%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 15,000
New York City boasts the highest number of social media-based businesses and influencers, making it a powerhouse in the industry. However, its slightly lower growth rate suggests a more established market. The city’s iconic landmarks and thriving fashion, finance, and art scenes provide unique opportunities for influencers to create engaging content. NYC’s large number of flagship stores also facilitates collaborations between brands and influencers, ensuring its position as a vital hub.
3. São Paulo, Brazil
SMB Score: 56.67
Number of Businesses: 20,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 15%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 8,800
São Paulo leads Latin America as a hub for social media businesses. The city’s fast-growing digital landscape supports entrepreneurs and influencers, with social media playing a significant role in consumer decisions. A 2022 survey revealed that nearly half of Brazilians purchased products recommended by influencers. São Paulo’s vibrant urban economy and culturally diverse population make it an ideal location for social media-driven enterprises.
4. London, UK
SMB Score: 56.40
Number of Businesses: 20,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 12%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 11,500
London combines its global reputation as a cultural and financial centre with its appeal to social media entrepreneurs. While its growth rate is slower, the city’s creative industries, international connectivity, and access to major global brands provide a strong foundation for influencers. London’s prominence in fashion, art, and media further attracts social media businesses and partnerships.
5. Paris, France
SMB Score: 52.75
Number of Businesses: 18,500
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 13%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 10,200
Paris is a magnet for influencers in the luxury and fashion sectors, aligning perfectly with social media’s visually driven nature. The city’s reputation as a global fashion capital draws entrepreneurs looking to associate their brands with Parisian elegance. With a growing number of social media-based businesses and a significant concentration of top-tier influencers, Paris continues to strengthen its position as a European hub.
6. San Francisco, USA
SMB Score: 51.91
Number of Businesses: 12,500
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 18%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 9,200
San Francisco is a natural fit for social media businesses due to its innovation-focused ecosystem. The city is home to tech-savvy entrepreneurs who blend technology with creative social media strategies. With a high growth rate and a strong base of influencers, San Francisco exemplifies the integration of digital tools and entrepreneurial opportunities.
7. Beijing, China
SMB Score: 51.15
Number of Businesses: 18,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 14%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 9,000
Beijing’s rapid digital transformation makes it a key player in the social media business space. The city’s local platforms, such as WeChat and Douyin, enable unique opportunities for influencers and businesses to engage audiences. With a significant number of enterprises and a fast-growing ecosystem, Beijing reflects the potential of social media commerce in China.
8. Tokyo, Japan
SMB Score: 50.94
Number of Businesses: 22,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 10%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 10,000
Tokyo’s vibrant culture and advanced technology make it an attractive location for social media entrepreneurs. The city has a large number of businesses and influencers, but its slower growth rate indicates a mature market. Tokyo’s creative industries and strong consumer base ensure it remains an influential player in the global social media economy.
9. Mexico City, Mexico
SMB Score: 48.47
Number of Businesses: 18,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 14%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 8,000
Mexico City’s growing social media economy is a reflection of its increasingly engaged digital audience. The city’s strategic position in Latin America and its vibrant cultural scene make it an emerging hub for influencers and businesses. Its 14% growth rate highlights the untapped potential of social media entrepreneurship in the region.
10. Dubai, UAE
SMB Score: 48.24
Number of Businesses: 13,000
Year-over-Year Growth Rate: 18%
Influencers with 100k+ Followers: 7,500
Dubai is rapidly gaining prominence in the social media business landscape. The city’s innovative infrastructure, strategic location, and high growth rate make it an ideal hub for influencers and entrepreneurs. Dubai’s global mindset and willingness to embrace new trends further enhance its appeal in the digital marketplace.
The study highlights a global shift as cities adapt to the growing influence of social media in commerce. From celebrity culture in LA to digital innovation in Dubai, these hubs provide fertile ground for entrepreneurs to harness the potential of social media.
As Jacky Chou, the founder of Indexsy, remarked: "Social media is no longer a trend; it’s a driving force shaping the global economy. Cities embracing this transformation will define the future of commerce."
With platforms evolving and consumer behaviours shifting, social media-based businesses are poised for exponential growth. As these cities lead the charge, the global economy will increasingly rely on the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit cultivated within these hubs.
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
