By Christine Persaud

Did you know that among the top eight social media networks, there are 2.735 billion users combined?

Thanks to this new infographic from visual.ly, we can see the total impact that social media has on brand perception and loyalty… and just why marketers see it as highly attractive medium to reach markets of all kinds.

It’s not hard to see why, given the widespread global adoption of the top social networks and the ever-increasing time spent perusing through social media on a daily basis. Among the top six social networks, members spent an average of 624 minutes per month actively logged in; 405 of which are on Facebook alone.

Here are some more of the highlights:

–       1 billion people have an active monthly membership on facebook. That’s 1 out of every 7, people!

–       50% of social media users under 35 follow their online friends’ recommendations on products and services

–       64% of twitter users and 51% of facebook users are more likely to buy the brands they follow online

Check out the full details in the infographic below to gauge the full influence of social media.

Based in Toronto, ON Canada, Christine Persaud is a tech expert and journalist with 11 years of experience in consumer technology retail trade journalism. She currently serves as editor and freelance writer for a number of technology, business, marketing, retail and parenting Websites and magazines. Follow her on Twitter @ChristineTechCA.