As the Olympics draw near, X is gearing up to attract advertisers by showcasing the surge in sports conversations on the platform.
A weekend of sports buzz
Over the weekend of July 13–14, 2024, the sports world was excited as major international tournaments reached their climaxes. Fans worldwide flocked to X, eager to share their emotions and experiences in real time. This lively engagement wasn't limited to just fans; brands, pundits, and athletes joined in, making the app a bustling hub of activity.
“Over the weekend of July 13–14, 2024, the sports world was buzzing as several major international tournaments crowned their champions. And when the sports world is buzzing, so is X. As fans tuned in to the action, they flocked to X to share their passions and pains before, during, and after the events. And they were joined live by brands, pundits, and the athletes themselves,” stated X.
Despite the app not experiencing user growth since Elon Musk's acquisition, it continues to be a prime destination for discussions about live events. Sports communities, in particular, remain highly active and engaged on X. Twitter may be a thing of the past. Some discussions have shifted to Meta's Threads. Thanks to its real-time feed and well-established communities, X still excels in live event coverage.
The role of X in sports discussions
For sports fans, X remains a vital platform. Many fans developed a habit of using Twitter to connect with like-minded individuals, and this habit has seamlessly transitioned to X. The platform's ability to provide real-time updates and foster communities around live events keeps users returning.
So, even though X's audience hasn't grown, it remains a crucial player in the social media landscape. These statistics are essential for your planning if you want to engage with sports fans.
The upcoming Olympics are set to be a primary focus for X. The platform has already seen a significant increase in conversations about the event.
“The road to the Olympics continues to heat up. Conversation around the event has increased 112% in the past month. With 6 in 10 sports fans using X (20% more sports fans than other platforms), we can anticipate a historical level of engagement, viewership, and conversation during the Olympic Games. Athletes from around the globe, including many that participated in this weekend's championship matches, will arrive in Paris, and the world will watch the events, emotions, and celebrations together live on X,” the statement continued.
Competing platforms
While sports discussions are prevalent on other social platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, X stands out for its in-the-moment conversations. X's real-time nature makes it a crucial platform for live sports commentary and fan engagement.
X's unique ability to connect instantly with other fans, brands, and athletes during live events sets it apart. As the Olympics approach, this feature will likely draw even more users to the platform, enhancing its appeal to advertisers looking to tap into the games' excitement and engagement.
In summary, while X may have yet to see an increase in user numbers, its role as a critical platform for sports discussions, particularly around live events, remains undiminished. X is poised to be a central hub for fans, athletes, and advertisers as the Olympics approach.