Why is LinkedIn the most popular social media platform for Fortune 500 CEOs?

Only 32% of the F500 CEOs have some form of social media presence(LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Google+). Of these, LinkedIn is not only the most popular(140 CEOs are on LinkedIn), but also added more number of CEOs to its list compared to the previous year. This is based on the annual study by CEO.com and DOMO. The picture below is self-explanatory.

This prompted a very interesting question from a friend and industry colleague – “28% of Fortune 500 CEOs have ‘presence’ on LinkedIn. But, why shun other social media platforms (Tw, FB, G+ etc.)? “

My take on this was “Serious business discussions, professional networking and idea sharing happen mostly in LinkedIn. Facebook is strictly for personal networking(at least for me). Twitter is too noisy, and it is very difficult to cut through the clutter. G+ is promising(and it has been that way for some time), but does not have critical mass.. For me, LinkedIn wins hands down when it comes to work related stuff. Perhaps most CEOs feel the same?”.

The report had this to say about LinkedIn “The way CEOs are using LinkedIn is changing, and that is partl ydue to the “Influencer” program on LinkedIn Today, which has CEOs lining up to be seen as part of this prestigious club of experts. Here are four Fortune 500 CEOs who rank as LinkedIn Influencers – Meg Whitman, Jamie Dimon, Jeff Immelt, John Donahoe. “

Which social media platform do you prefer?

PS: The study can be downloaded here.