Klout Score was a numerical metric (1-100) developed by Klout Inc. that measured a user’s social media influence based on their ability to drive engagement generate reactions and amplify messages across social networks. Higher scores indicated greater online influence and reach.
The algorithm analyzed factors including:
- Engagement rates on published content
- Network size and quality
- Content sharing frequency and consistency
- Amplification through retweets shares and reposts
- Influence of engaged audience members
Though once widely referenced in digital marketing for identifying influencers measuring social media impact and even affecting hiring decisions in social media roles Klout was acquired by Lithium Technologies in 2014 and subsequently shut down in May 2018.
The concept of quantified social influence measurement persists through alternative platforms like Kred PeerIndex and more specialized influencer marketing platforms. Modern approaches typically incorporate more nuanced metrics including topic-specific influence audience quality engagement authenticity and conversion impact rather than universal influence scores.
Michael Smith
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