Facebook contributed $200bn to world economy in 2014

Facebook contributed $200 billion to the global economy last year and supported 4.5 million jobs, according to consultancy firm Deloitte.

While you wouldn't think that sharing your holiday snaps and latest statuses with friends really has a great deal of economic value attached to it, Deloitte said Facebook helps connect people and businesses, aids marketers and stimulates innovation.

The consultants - hired by Facebook to evaluate its economic impact - pointed to the social network as a place for marketers to reach prospective customers by creating profiles for their businesses, as well as it being a platform for app developers.

Evaluating data from October 2013 to October 2014, Deloitte estimated that Facebook enabled a global economic impact of $227 billion.

A closer look suggests the US netted $104 billion of that impact, as well as 1.2 million jobs, while EMEA benefitted from $67 billion and 1.5 million jobs.

As of June last year, more than 30 million SMBs had a Facebook page, and more than 1.5 million firms used the social network's targeted advertising system to reach potential customers, according to Deloitte.

Meanwhile, more than 80 per cent of iOS apps and 90 per cent of Android apps are integrated with Facebook, the consultancy group added.

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said: "Across the world there is a greater urgency about creating jobs.

"The good news is the tech industry is powering the economy and creating jobs within and beyond its own campuses. Every day, businesses of all sizes, sectors, and skill sets are using the Facebook platform to grow and expand."