There was a recent release of the top 100 social brands by social media marketer Virtue, and not surprisingly iPhone took the number one spot, surprisingly 2 ahead of Apple which ranked 3rd.  Although it is entirely surprising that the iPhone is popular but its history is far shorter than many brands that ranked lower such as CNN, Disney, Sony and a plethora of other brands that consumers have known for years and decades.

Although the findings themselves are quite impressive it is important to try to analyze what it is that has taken iPhone to this number one position in such a short time span. I think it really comes down to three things and it is the combination that has made the iPhone (and made the iPod) what it is.

• Ease of Use
• Aesthetics
• Marketing

Obviously the ease of use and having a product that works and does so in an easy way is a sure way to make a product popular and highly used.  You can a beautiful product, with millions of dollars supporting it but if its not user friendly then success can be greatly jeopardized.   I think that the aesthetics and marketing also play an important role and I think Apple has found the right combination.  With beautiful sleek designs and great marketing to go along with it, they have a following that has ventured out of niche and into mass.