According to social media performance specialist Hootsuite, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are poised to be the first 'Social Media Olympics,' with the potential to break records and captivate online audiences like never before.
Leveraging global insights from platforms like TikTok and X, along with online sources such as Reddit, blogs, magazines, forums, and news sites, Hootsuite's data also highlights which sports are gaining online popularity. The presence of stars like Rafael Nadal and Snoop Dogg carrying the Olympic torch into the iconic opening ceremony has further boosted the event's online visibility. Hootsuite data reveals that the Paris Olympics generated 342% more online mentions than the Tokyo Olympics, with 569,000 mentions compared to Tokyo's 129,000.
In the crucial 30 days leading up to the opening ceremony, the Paris Olympics have already garnered over 4.1 million mentions – a remarkable 46% increase compared to Tokyo's 2.8 million during the same period. Additionally, Paris has accumulated 211.8 million online engagements, marking a staggering 216% increase over Tokyo's 67 million engagements during the lead-up.
Throughout the entire Tokyo Games, the event was mentioned 8.4 million times online. Hootsuite's predictions suggest that the Paris Games will exceed 10 million total mentions by the end of the closing ceremony, surpassing Tokyo's record.
Hootsuite experts state that the Paris Olympics have been a viral sensation even before the Games officially began. For the first time, fans are receiving an unprecedented inside look into the lives of Olympians, from viral trends featuring athletes showcasing their Olympic kits to behind-the-scenes tours of the Olympic Village.
This surge in online exposure offers athletes a unique opportunity to build their personal brands, competing for likes and followers in addition to medals. This increased visibility can lead to lucrative brand deals and partnerships.
Hootsuite experts note that the competition for gold, silver, and bronze in online buzz is wide open. The Paris 2024 Olympics are more than just a sporting event – they are a global social media phenomenon.