Facebook tops social networks in HK

Hong Kong - Facebook has overtaken Chinese language social networks such as Xanga and UWants as the top social network with a 37.72% share in Hong Kong.

According to Hitwise, the top five social networking websites in Hong Kong for January 2008 are Facebook, Xanga, UWants, Windows live spaces and Friendster.

The study revealed that Facebook had surpassed traditionally leading Chinese language social networks such as Xanga in August 2007 and UWants in October 2007 based on visits from Hong Kong internet users.

Social networks account for 5.53% of all internet visits in January 2008 among Hong Kong internet users, driven by the rise of Facebook.

Indeed, 2008 has seen major brand advertisers jump on the Facebook bandwagon.

McDonald's launched a facebook application to promote its shake shake fries earlier and most recently, Nike has launched an online movie leveraging on facebook.

Another major marketer, Coke Zero has tapped on Facebook to reach out to its target audience.

Will this social network wave continue throughout the year and what are some of the key challenges marketers face leveraging social networks to launch campaigns?