For the Record': How Social Media Powered the Rise of the Islamic State

The growth of the Islamic State across the Middle East gained steam when Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate in 2014. However, it has continued to grow thanks to a steady influx of new recruits from around the world — many inspired by the group’s postings on social media networks.

Intelligence experts told TheBlaze TV's For the Record that the Islamic State's online presence was one of the biggest reasons it presented an ever-growing threat — not only in the Middle East, but in Western nations as well.