Suppose that one stands in the middle of a crowded avenue and is immersed in 8 million voices. Every conversation is the prospect of getting in touch with potential customers willing to engage with liked brands. That street now is social media, and anyone who wants to survive must know how to handle it well to succeed in business. But where does one listen in on these conversations?
In comes social media analytics services. These tools are your backstage pass to proactively determine the nature of engagement, its rhythms, audience, and content behaviours. In this way, digital marketers can apply them to get maximum results and join not only the conversation but lead it.
Social media is not only a tool for publishing, but it is an enormous database that can be used for developing marketing strategies. Data is indeed plentiful, but having the right analytics helps brands turn that data into insights, insights into campaigns that truly connect with the target population.
In this blog, we will be talking about the top 20 social media analytics tools of 2024 and their benefits. Additionally, we will also talk about how to use these tools, to your benefit.
What are Social Media Analytics tools?
Social media analytics Tools are applications that enable the monitoring, analysis and reporting of your brand’s performance across different social media sites. From likes, shares, comments and engagement these tools help marketers track key performance indicators (KPIs) and understand the level of user engagement.
Some of them have additional options, such as analytics of the tone of the social media posts, the identification of target audiences, and the comparison of the performance indicators to that of competitors. Whether you want to know which of your posts is popular with the audience, or how people view your brand on social media, analytics will show how you stand in the social media scene.
Benefits of Using a Social Media Analytics Tools
Utilizing social media marketing tools along with the analytics tools could offer several key benefits for digital marketers.
Performance management
Campaign evaluation is made possible by performance measurement where common values like likes, shares, and comments, as well as impressions, are considered. This type of quantitative data insight informs what sorts of content is more popular and real-time tracking makes it less difficult to alter tactics.
Audience Insights
The analysis highlights the demographic breakdown of the audience, these being the age, gender and geographical location of your audience to be useful when designing your message. However, increased engagement becomes possible, if one knows such patterns of behaviour, for example, the best time to post something.
Competitor Analysis
Competitor analysis helps you to set certain goals, comparing them with competitors within the industry. From a trend identification view of your competitors, you can notice the novel opportunities and do a gap analysis to discover where the competitors are more improved and thus capitalize on the gaps.
Content Optimization
A = B testing offers the opportunity to experiment with content styles and posting times to manage content optimization. Such a communication loop allows for ongoing tweaking of content strategy based on consumers’ response patterns.
Time Management
Maintenance of time management occurs through the utilization of automated report generation and thus elimination of the time-consuming task of data collection. Scheduling allows you to put promotional materials at specific times according to the analyzed engagement rates, on the other hand, with an integrated dashboard, all the information is gathered in one place.
Best Social Media Analytics Tools for Your Brand
1. Hootsuite Analytics
Hootsuite is one of the most effective social media management platforms today that provides a capture analysis of your social media impact. Hootsuite enables marketers to view engagement statistics with the help of a convenient interface and use them to make informed decisions. It functions with too many social networks and interacts with other tools, thus making it an ideal tool for any business.
Key Features:
- Customizable reports and dashboards
- Engagement metrics for various platforms
- Audience Insights and demographics
- Social listening capabilities
- Integration with other marketing tools
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for easy navigation
- Strong integration options
- Supports multiple social media platforms
Cons:
- Limited analytics on lower-tier plans
- Can become expensive with advanced features
Best Used For Overall social media management and analytics.
Website: https://www.hootsuite.com/
2. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is an all-meter social media management platform that provides businesses with essential analytics tools to monitor and assess social media performance. It has a detailed reporting and engagement platform which can be used to make correct marketing decisions. Combined with tools like listening and competitor analysis, Sprout Social will appeal to brands seeking to transform their social experience.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive reporting capabilities
- Engagement metrics across platforms
- Social listening and sentiment analysis
- Content planning and scheduling tools
- Competitor benchmarking
Pros:
- Intuitive design and user-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support and resources
- Strong reporting and analytics features
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
- Some features may require a learning curve
Best Used For Brands seeking detailed analytics and reporting.
Website: https://sproutsocial.com/
3. Buffer Analyze
Buffer Analyze is a skinny tool that focuses solely on social media measurement in the Buffer universe. It provides fundamental Social Media Analytics to ensure the organization measure its productivity on social media. Buffer Analyze has a simple design, which helps marketers not only create reports and draw conclusions about their audiences but also improve their social media marketing activities.
Key Features:
- Performance tracking across social platforms
- Customizable reporting options
- Audience insights and engagement metrics
- Post-performance analysis
- Simple integration with Buffer’s scheduling tools
Pros:
- Simple setup and easy to use
- Great for small to medium-sized businesses
- Focused on essential analytics for social media
Cons:
- Limited features on lower-tier plans
- May not be sufficient for larger brands
Best Used For: Small to medium-sized businesses.
Website: https://buffer.com/
4. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a highly effective web analytics application that offers information about website traffic and the end-user’s activity on the site using their social media accounts. Originally it was more implemented in web tracking, but marketers can configure social media tracking to figure out how social networks influence traffic and conversions. Due to this, it is suitable for deep and general analysis of the digital marketing strategy.
Key Features:
- Traffic source tracking for social media
- User behaviour analytics and segmentation
- Goal tracking and conversions
- Custom dashboards and reports
- Integration with other Google products
Pros:
- Free to use with extensive features
- Powerful insights for website and social media performance
- Robust reporting capabilities
Cons:
- Requires setup for social media tracking
- Can be complex for beginners
Best Used For: Comprehensive website analytics with social media insights.
Website: https://developers.google.com/analytics
5. Socialbakers
Socialbakers is an analytics tool that leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence to give brands insights into social media activity. It can aid brands in their ability to understand the effectiveness of the content they deliver and the reactions of the audience; it provides the ability to look at competitors as well. The interface is set in a manner that will reduce complexities and enable the marketer to come up with the right decisions that will improve the social media platforms being used accordingly.
Key Features:
- Competitor benchmarking and analysis
- Audience insights and engagement metrics
- Content performance tracking
- AI-driven recommendations
- Custom reporting options
Pros:
- Strong focus on AI-driven insights
- User-friendly interface with intuitive design
- Comprehensive data analysis capabilities
Cons:
- Pricing can be high for advanced features
- Some users may find it lacks depth in specific areas
Best Used For: Brands focused on competitive analysis.
Website: https://emplifi.io/
6. Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a multifunctional social media application that is a blogging tool, a social media engagement tool, and a social media monitoring tool. It provides useful information regarding the effectiveness of social media for brands, enabling the measuring of performance indicators across the relevant social sites. Notably, Agorapulse is suitable for business entities of all scales owing to its cheap price and strong analytical functionality.
Key Features:
- Engagement metrics across platforms
- Custom reporting and dashboards
- Social listening and monitoring
- Content scheduling tools
- Competitor analysis
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Excellent customer service and support
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Some features may require time to learn
- Limited advanced analytics capabilities
Best Used For: Businesses looking for cost-effective analytics.
Website: https://www.agorapulse.com/
7. Brandwatch
Brandwatch is a social media management tool that includes analytic tools that enable the management to quantify performance indicators in social media platforms. It helps businesses to learn more about their strategies and topics they are posting on social media for efficient consumption and creation of content. User Experience is core to Falcon.io and this makes it easy for brands to manage their social media spaces efficiently.
Key Features:
- Reporting and analytics dashboards
- Audience insights and engagement metrics
- Content calendar and scheduling tools
- Social listening and monitoring
- Competitor benchmarking
Pros:
- Good integration options with other platforms
- Comprehensive data reporting capabilities
- Strong focus on user experience
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Higher cost for advanced features
Best Used For Medium to Large Enterprises.
Website: https://www.brandwatch.com/
8. Iconosquare
Iconosquare is indeed an analytics and management platform, but it is designed for use with Instagram, as well as Facebook only. Arguably, it offers fine-tuned engagement rates and the identity of followers, thus helping brands understand the efficiency of visual social networks. By targeting visuals, Iconosquare supports marketers in improving their strategies to reach brand objectives.
Key Features:
- Engagement metrics for Instagram and Facebook
- Follower demographics and insights
- Hashtag performance tracking
- Content scheduling and management
- Custom reporting options
Pros:
- Focused insights for visual platforms
- Easy to use with a clean interface
- Strong reporting capabilities
Cons:
- Limited to Instagram and Facebook marketing Services
- Some features may be basic compared to larger tools
Best Used For Brands primarily on visual social media.
Website: https://www.iconosquare.com/
9. Later Analytics
Later Analytics is a social media management platform primarily known for its visual content scheduling, especially on Instagram. It offers analytics features to track post performance, engagement rates, audience growth, and more. Designed for brands, influencers, and small businesses, Later helps optimize posting schedules, provides hashtag performance insights, and simplifies visual content planning through its drag-and-drop calendar.
Key Features:
- Instagram Analytics
- Content Performance
- Audience Analytics
- Instagram Story Analytics
- Post Scheduling with Analytics
- Hashtag Analytics
Pros:
- Visual-Focused Management
- Optimized Scheduling
- User-Friendly Interface
- Comprehensive Insights
- Cross-Platform Reporting
Cons:
- Limited Free Plan
- Focused on Instagram
- No Comprehensive Competitor Analysis
Best For : Later Analytics is best suited for visual content creators, influencers, small businesses, and e-commerce brands who primarily focus on Instagram.
Website: https://later.com/
10. Mention
Mention is a social media monitoring tool that helps track a brand’s mention on all channels out there. It offers real-time alert and sentiment analysis for brands to help them monitor their reputation online. As a result, Mention enables marketers to view conversations regarding their brand and contribute appropriately due to its friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Real-time monitoring of brand mentions
- Sentiment analysis for online conversations
- Custom alerts and notifications
- Reporting and analytics dashboards
- Competitor monitoring
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Excellent for reputation management
- Comprehensive coverage across platforms
Cons:
- Limited in-depth analytics capabilities
- Can become overwhelming with high-volume mentions
Best Used For: Brands needing to monitor their online presence.
Website: https://mention.com/en/
11. Zoho Social
Zoho Social is a social media management tool with the added functionality of analytics. It provides analytics that enables businesses to monitor interaction and popularity for their social pages, it makes it easier to run the social platform efficiently. In summary, Zoho Social is cheap and is well suited to businesses of small to medium size that wish to improve their social media engagement.
Key Features:
- Real-time monitoring and reporting
- Engagement metrics across platforms
- Audience Insights and demographics
- Content scheduling and publishing tools
- Integration with Zoho’s suite of applications
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with a range of features
- User-friendly interface
- Good for collaboration within teams
Cons:
- Limited features compared to larger tools
- Some advanced analytics may require higher-tier plans
Best Used For: Small to medium-sized businesses.
Website: https://www.zoho.com/social/
12. Keyhole
Keyhole is an application that helps users analyze social media focusing on hashtag tracking and keyword tracking. It enables brands to measure the impact of social media campaigns and monitor them as they unfurl providing real-time information on the content. Thanks to its easy-to-navigate design, Keyhole is ideal for organizations that want to enhance their multiple social media approaches with data.
Key Features:
- Real-time hashtag tracking
- Keyword monitoring across platforms
- Engagement metrics and audience insights
- Custom reports and analytics
- Influencer tracking and analysis
Pros:
- Focused on hashtag and keyword tracking
- Easy to use with a clean interface
- Useful for campaign analysis
Cons:
- Limited to specific tracking features
- Higher pricing for advanced capabilities
Best Used For: Brands running hashtag campaigns.
Website: https://keyhole.co/
13. Rival IQ
Competitive analysis is also available, as well as social media reporting that allows brands to determine their standing against competitors. It gives a better understanding of the performance of competitors, the audience’s interaction with content and the prospects of the material. This tool will prove most useful for marketing professionals seeking a comparison to industry standards.
Key Features:
- Competitive analysis and benchmarking
- Engagement metrics for multiple platforms
- Content performance tracking
- Customizable reports and dashboards
- Social media listening capabilities
Pros:
- Strong competitive analysis features
- Easy to generate reports
- Good for benchmarking performance
Cons:
- Limited features for small businesses
- Some users may find it lacks depth
Best Used For: Brands focused on competitive intelligence.
Website: https://www.rivaliq.com/
14. SocialBee
SocialBee, as it will be described further, is a scheduling tool with a twist of analytics capabilities. Through it, brands can create and post content and get detailed information about the audience’s engagement. As an effective content categorisation tool SocialBee aids businesses optimize their social media marketing endeavour.
Key Features:
- Content categorization for streamlined posting
- Engagement metrics and audience insights
- Customizable reports and dashboards
- Integration with various social platforms
- Content recycling and scheduling tools
Pros:
- Good for content management and organization
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing options
Cons:
- Limited advanced analytics features
- May require time to learn for full functionality
Best Used For: Businesses focusing on content management.
Website: https://socialbee.com/
15. Reputation | Nuvi
Nuvi is Social Media Analytics and Management Software that helps brands know their real-time performance. It provides social listening, the ability to engage your audience, and audience analysis, which makes it a strong fit for brands wanting to perfect their Social. In its place of complex data presentation, Nuvi has incorporated a visual dashboard to ease marketers’ interpretation.
Key Features:
- Real-time social listening and monitoring
- Audience insights and engagement metrics
- Custom reporting and dashboards
- Trend analysis and sentiment tracking
- Integration with multiple social platforms
Pros:
- Strong visualizations for data analysis
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities
- Good customer support
Cons: Consistency
- Pricing may be high for small businesses
- Some features may require a learning curve
Best Used For: Brands seeking real-time insights.
Website: https://reputation.com/
16. TweetDeck
TweetDeck is a free application that is used for the management of multiple Twitter accounts. Originally designed for Twitter, it can partially analyze the traffic and provide data on the number of mentions. It is particularly useful where a company has several Twitter handles to manage ‘cause it simplifies the process.
Key Features:
- Multi-account management for Twitter
- Real-time tracking of mentions and hashtags
- Customizable columns for monitoring
- Tweet scheduling and publishing tools
- Basic analytics for engagement
Pros:
- Free to use with robust features
- Easy to manage multiple accounts
- Real-time updates for engagement tracking
Cons:
- Limited to Twitter only
- Basic analytics compared to other tools
Best Used ForBrands is primarily active on Twitter.
Website: https://pro.twitter.com/
17. Sendible
Sendible is a comprehensive social media management and analytics platform designed to help businesses, agencies, and individuals effectively manage their social media presence. It offers a wide range of tools to streamline social media operations, enhance engagement, and measure performance across multiple platforms.
Key Features:
- Social Media Scheduling and Publishing
- Analytics and Reporting
- Social Listening and Monitoring
- Engagement Tools
- Content Management
- Connect with popular tools like Canva, Dropbox, Google Analytics, Zapier
Pros:
- Manage multiple social media accounts from one platform
- Access comprehensive analytics to make informed decisions
- Facilitate teamwork with features designed for agencies
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from solo entrepreneurs to large enterprises
Cons:
- Can be relatively expensive for very small businesses or solo users
- Some users have noted that Instagram analytics are not as robust as other platforms
Best Used For: Sendible is best suited for organizations and individuals seeking a comprehensive, scalable, and user-friendly social media management solution.
Website: https://www.sendible.com/
18. DashThis
DashThis is a reporting tool that the marketer can use to build friendly dashboards for social media analysis on this platform. It is compatible with other programs, which allows getting a complete report about social media performance in one workspace. If there are multiple metrics that an agency or business needs to report, then this tool is very helpful.
Key Features:
- Customizable dashboards and reporting
- Integration with various social media platforms
- Automated reporting features
- Visual data representation
- Multi-channel analytics
Pros:
- Highly customizable for specific reporting needs
- Good for agencies managing multiple clients
- User-friendly interface for creating reports
Cons:
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- May require time to set up integrations
Best Used For: Agencies needing comprehensive reporting.
Website: https://dashthis.com/
19. CoSchedule
CoSchedule is a marketing calendar that also includes social media sharing and analytical capabilities. It gives details on Post Performance as well as Audiences to inform content strategies for brands. Since it focuses on the coordination of marketing activities CoSchedule is valuable for companies that are managing their efforts.
Key Features:
- Social media scheduling and publishing
- Engagement metrics and performance tracking
- Customizable reporting features
- Content calendar for streamlined planning
- Integration with various marketing tools
Pros:
- Great for content marketing and planning
- User-friendly interface
- Strong collaboration features for teams
Cons:
- Limited in-depth analytics compared to dedicated tools
- Some features may require a learning curve
Best Used For Marketing teams focused on content planning.
Website: https://coschedule.com/
20. Quantity
Quintly is one of the professional social media analytics tools that offer statistical data over different networks. It also enables brands to monitor their performance, compare with others and produce reports. Over the analytics feature, Quintly is especially relevant for brands requiring extensive social media presence analysis.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform performance tracking
- Competitor benchmarking and analysis
- Customizable dashboards and reporting
- Audience insights and engagement metrics
- Social media listening features
Pros:
- Comprehensive analytics capabilities
- Strong focus on competitive analysis
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Some users may find it complex
Best Used For: Brands needing detailed performance analysis.
Website: https://www.quintly.com/
Comparison Table
| Tool | Best Used For | Pricing | Target Audience | Ratings (out of 5) |
| Hootsuite Analytics | Overall social media management | Free trial, then $19+/month | Small to large businesses | 4.3 |
| Sprout Social | Detailed analytics and reporting | Free trial, then $99+/month | Medium to large enterprises | 4.5 |
| Buffer Analyze | Small to medium-sized businesses | Free trial, then $15+/month | Small businesses | 4.2 |
| Google Analytics | Comprehensive website analytics | Free | All businesses | 4.7 |
| Socialbakers | Competitive analysis | Free trial, then $200+/month | Medium to large enterprises | 4.4 |
| Agorapulse | Cost-effective analytics | Free trial, then $79+/month | Small to medium-sized businesses | 4.6 |
| Falcon.io | Medium to large enterprises | Free trial, then $108+/month | Medium to large enterprises | 4.3 |
| Iconosquare | Visual social media strategies | Free trial, then $49+/month | Brands focusing on visuals | 4.3 |
| Brandwatch | Brand reputation management | Custom pricing | Large enterprises | 4.5 |
| Mention | Online presence monitoring | Free trial, then $29+/month | Small to medium-sized businesses | 4.6 |
| Zoho Social | Small to medium-sized businesses | Free trial, then $10+/month | Small businesses | 4.2 |
| Keyhole | Hashtag campaigns | Free trial, then $99+/month | Brands running campaigns | 4.1 |
| Rival IQ | Competitive intelligence | Free trial, then $199+/month | Medium to large enterprises | 4.3 |
| SocialBee | Content management | Free trial, then $19+/month | Small businesses | 4.4 |
| Nuvi | Real-time insights | Custom pricing | Medium to large enterprises | 4.2 |
| TweetDeck | Twitter management | Free | Twitter users | 4.5 |
| Piqora | Visual platforms like Instagram | Custom pricing | Brand focused on visuals | 4.0 |
| DashThis | Comprehensive reporting | Free trial, then $39+/month | Agencies and marketers | 4.1 |
| CoSchedule | Content Planning | Free trial, then $29+/month | Marketing teams | 4.5 |
| Quantity | Detailed performance analysis | Free trial, then $300+/month | Brand needing in-depth analysis | 4.4 |
Social Media Analytics Within Social Media Platforms
Most social networks have analytics tools offered as inbuilt features, which give brands easily usable general options for tracking various indicators instead of having to resort to the use of third-party applications. These native analytics are compatible with each platform to provide users the resourceful insights from the platform.
Instagram Insights
Instagram Insights gives out critical data points to improve engagement plans. It monitors likes, comments and shares and also provides followers’ details such as their ages or where they come from. The tool also measures story performance discovers the most engaging posts and allows brands to correctly post on a period when they have the highest engagement.
Facebook Insights
Insights on Facebook works as an effective marketing coaching tool to analyze page activity. It quantifies reach, number of likes among the fans and engagement rates, thus assisting brands to get closer to their consumers. While the level of detail delineated in the demographics and post-engagement analysis will not allow marketers to completely customize the content, this is something they can do well. Also, it has a monitor of the advertisement and shared traffic and such information is helpful.
Twitter Analytics
Twitter Analytics can be broken down into two main aspects; it is the performance of tweets and the performance of the target audience. It measures how many likes and retweets it gets, and how many responses it has, to know what its followers find most relevant. It offers audience demographic information and offers impression and profile visit information as well. This analysis can allow the brands to see which of the previous tweets engaged the high number of people the brand desires to attract, and hence, create content to post on platforms to meet that goal.
LinkedIn Analytics
LinkedIn Analytics is a popular linkedIn marketing tool therefore essential for B2B marketers. He gauges the post engagement through likes and share whereas the components that segment the followers based on the industry and jobs are offered. This tool measures the performance of any company page and also tracks how its contents are being engaged by users making it easier for the brand to get its messages right for the targeted professional audience.
YouTube Analytics
YouTube Analytics is indispensable for working with video materials. It offers parameters such as impressions and watch time, as well as information about the channel’s audience. The tool records sources of traffic and subscriptions, so the creators can learn about the audience. In the same regard, it also tracks engagement through likes and comments, to inform future content strategy.
Get Actionable Intelligence from Social Media Analytics Tools
To truly benefit from social media analytics tools, marketers must focus on deriving actionable insights.
Set Clear Objectives: Set a target for your social media initiatives; whether it is a targeted number of followers or page views. It directs efforts to readiness of which metrics to measure.
Track Relevant Metrics: Select metrics that are close to the vision and mission, thus on what is important in most cases.
Regular Reporting: Establish weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the analytics holder – monthly or quarterly reports can also show progress over some time to better adapt to the strategies being employed.
Experiment and Optimize: Write the different types of content and post at various times to measure its engagement level with the audience.
Stay Updated on Trends: Social media analytics should be checked frequently so that after several days or weeks the strategy might be adjusted due to the new opportunities found or changes in the target audience’s behaviour.
Engage with Your Audience: Engage audiences by answering comments and posting content that serves their needs and wants in the hope that they become returning customers who actively promote your brand.
Conclusion
Social media analytics tools are invaluable assets for digital marketers looking to enhance their social media strategies.
By measuring performance, understanding audience behaviour, and leveraging insights, brands can refine their approach, engage their audiences more effectively, and ultimately achieve their marketing goals. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, the right analytics tool can provide the intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of social media marketing.
This blog will help you in a great way providing you with the top 20 Social Media Analytics tools of 2024, additionally, we have added a comparison table, to provide you with a crux of all the tools, making it easy for you to choose.
Hope this blog was helpful.
Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is social media analytics?
Social media monitoring tools are responsible for measuring and assessing performance within social networks. They give information on interaction, target platform, and the success of the particular campaign. This data is useful to help marketers in their decision-making process.
What is the significance of social media analytics?
They give a theoretical formulation of the ways audiences interact and engage with musicals. Marketers who can comprehend this amount of data could develop new strategies to improve exposure and results. Finally, they aid in the realization of specific marketing objectives on the market.
What are the key considerations when selecting a social media analytics tool?
Therefore, one should look for features that would show performance metrics, audience, and reporting. There is also useful additional information such as a competitor analysis and social listening. It also lies in ease of use and compatibility with other tools as well as in the toolset.
What is the reality of free social media analytics?
Indeed, analytics primarily feature built-in, free add-ons provided by many of the platforms. Some third-party solutions also have some free versions but with very limited functions. Of course, applications are free, but paid tools are typically more detailed and can provide additional information.
When is the best time to analyze my social media performance?
Analyses are suggested to be conducted on a monthly or at most every quarter. It also aids in monitoring the instances and coming up with a frequency to indicate changes in frequency over periods. Real-time changes using data make the strategy effective.
