Most of the latest online purchases from abroad among U.S. shoppers were made in China, according to a 2024 survey. ** percent of the e-commerce users surveyed in the United States had made their most recent purchase from there. The United Kingdom ranked second, with ** percent. In turn, the U.S. was the main market where Canadian cross-border shoppers last bought online.

As of February 2025, around 322 million people in the United States accessed the internet, making it one of the largest online markets worldwide. The country currently ranks third after China and India by the online audience size. Overview of internet usage in the United States The digital population in the United States has constantly increased in recent years. Among the most common reasons is the growing accessibility of broadband internet. A big part of the country's digital audience accesses the web via mobile phones. In 2024, the country saw an estimated 97.1 percent mobile internet user penetration. According to a 2024 survey, over 51 percent of U.S. women and 43 percent of men said it is important to them to have mobile internet access anywhere, at any time. Another 41 percent of respondents could not imagine their everyday life without the internet. Google and YouTube are the most visited websites in the country, while music, food, and drinks were the most discussed online topics. Internet usage demographics in the United States While some users can no longer imagine their life without the internet, others do not use it at all. According to 2021 data, 25 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older reported not using the internet. Despite this, online usage was strong across other age groups, especially young adults aged 18 to 49. This age group also reported the highest percentage of smartphone usage in the country as of 2023. Due to a persistent lack of connectivity in rural areas, more online users were based in urban areas of the U.S. than in the countryside.

When permitted by law, employers sometimes state the preferred age and gender of their employees in job ads. The researchers study the interaction of advertised requests for age and gender on one Mexican and three Chinese job boards, showing that firms’ explicit gender requests shift dramatically away from women and towards men when firms are seeking older (as opposed to younger) workers. This ‘age twist’ in advertised gender preferences occurs in all four of our datasets and survives controls for occupation, firm, and job title fixed effects. Chinese Data The two new Chinese data sources used are job boards serving the city of Xiamen. In part because Xiamen was one of the five economic zones established immediately after China’s 1979 economic reforms, it is highly modernized relative to other Chinese cities, with an economy based on electronics, machinery and chemical engineering. One of these job boards, XMZYJS (the Xia-Zhang-Quan city public job board) is operated directly by government employees of the local labor bureau. Like state-operated Job Centers in the U.S., XMZYJS has a history as a brick-and-mortar employment service. XMZYJS’s mandate is to serve the less-skilled portion of the area’s labor market, and operates purely as a jobposting service: workers cannot post resumes or apply to jobs on the site. In fact, while XMZYJS now posts all its job ads online, many of these ads are viewed in XMZYJS‘s offices by workers who visit in person. This is done both on individual computer terminals and on a large electronic wall display. Applications are made by calling the company that placed the ad or by coming to a specific window on XMZYJS’s premises that has been reserved by the employer at a posted date and time. The second Xiamen-based job board, XMRC , is a for-profit, privately-operated company that is sponsored by the local government. Its mandate is to serve the market for skilled workers in the Xiamen metropolitan area. XMRC operates like a typical U.S. job board: both job ads and resumes are posted online, workers can submit applications to specific jobs via the site, and firms can contact individual workers through the site as well. By design, XMZYJS aggregates job postings from all local and specialized job boards for less-skilled workers in the metropolitan area, and XMRC is the main job board for skilled workers in the area. While there is potentially some cross-posting of job ads across the two sites, descriptive statistics on the types of jobs on offer suggest the sites do, indeed, serve very different populations. Like all our data sets, XMZYJS and XMRC serve private sector employers almost exclusively. Recruiting for public sector jobs, and most recruiting for State-Owned-Enterprises (SOEs) takes place via a different process. The third Chinese database represents Zhaopin as the third-largest Internet job board in China; it operates nationally and serves workers who on average are considerably more skilled than even those on XMRC. This sample is based on all unique ads posted in four five-week observation periods in 2008-2010. In contrast to XMRC and XMZYJS where the data were supplied by the job boards, the Zhaopin data were collected by a web crawler. The sample is based on all unique ads posted in four five-week observation periods in 2008-2010. The Chinese data have 141,188, 39,727, and 1,051,038 ads in the XMZYJS, XMRC and Zhaopin samples respectively. Mexican Data The Mexican data allows to ascertain whether main results extend to a nation with different economic conditions, labor market institutions and culture. The Mexican data is a sample of job ads posted on Computrabajo. Of the new data sets explored, the Computrabajo data are most similar to Zhaopin in the sense that they come from a national online site that disproportionately serves highly skilled workers. To construct an analysis sample from the Computrabajo website, the authors collected advertisements daily for approximately 18 months between early 2011 and mid-2012 using a web crawler. Both the standardized fields and the open text portions of each ad were parsed to extract variables for the analysis. Computrabajo analysis sample contains 90,487 ads.

According to a survey on digital usage in China, around 91.8 percent of respondents had used WeChat as of the third quarter of 2023. The short video app Douyin, the social commerce site Xiaohongshu, and the Twitter-like site Weibo, were among the most popular social media platforms in China. How successful is WeChat in China? The country’s most popular messaging app, WeChat, boasts over one billion monthly active users. For many Chinese consumers, WeChat is part of daily life, helping them to organize tasks such as paying bills, ordering food delivery, and calling a taxi. On average, WeChat users spent about an hour and 20 minutes per day on the app. Large user base with high engagement The social media scene in China is huge and mobile-centric. In 2023, the social media penetration rate amounted to 74 percent in China, slightly higher than in countries like the United States and Japan. While the user number has shown signs of reaching a saturation point, Chinese consumers have been spending more time online, with a considerable daily usage of social media.

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Online Apparel Retailing Market Size 2025-2029

The online apparel retailing market size is forecast to increase by USD 343.2 billion, at a CAGR of 16.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing popularity of mobile commerce and network marketing. Consumers preference for the convenience and accessibility of shopping online, coupled with the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, is fueling this trend. However, the market faces challenges as well. The presence of counterfeit products poses a significant threat, requiring robust measures to ensure authenticity and consumer trust. Retailers must navigate this issue carefully to maintain their brand reputation and customer loyalty. As the market continues to evolve, companies must stay agile and adapt to these dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks effectively.
By focusing on customer experience, innovation, and brand protection, retailers can differentiate themselves and thrive in the competitive online apparel retailing landscape.

What will be the Size of the Online Apparel Retailing Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping its various sectors. Product photography plays a crucial role in showcasing merchandise, while order fulfillment ensures timely delivery. Social media integration enhances brand visibility, and ethical sourcing addresses sustainability concerns. Online storefronts and website optimization attract customers, reducing carbon footprint through e-commerce platforms. Customer retention is fostered through personalization algorithms, interactive shopping experiences, and mobile commerce. Mobile app development caters to on-the-go consumers, and 3D modeling offers virtual try-on technology. Security protocols and customer data protection maintain trust, while fair trade practices and customer segmentation cater to diverse demographics. E-commerce platforms employ machine learning for predictive analytics, subscription services, and fraud detection.

Omnichannel strategy integrates physical and digital channels, and recycled materials and upcycled products cater to the growing demand for sustainability. Content marketing, payment gateways, and shipping logistics further streamline operations. Virtual assistants, returns processing, and virtual styling offer enhanced customer service, while loyalty programs and data analytics provide valuable insights. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) create immersive shopping experiences, and influencer marketing expands reach. Continuous innovation in technology and consumer preferences keeps the market in a constant state of flux.

How is this Online Apparel Retailing Industry segmented?

The online apparel retailing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Men apparel
  Women apparel
  Children apparel


Product

  Upper wear apparel
  Bottom wear apparel
  Others


Business Segment

  Business-to-consumer (B2C)
  Business-to-business (B2B)


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

.

By End-user Insights

The men apparel segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is witnessing dynamic trends, with sustainable fashion gaining prominence. Consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and ethically sourced clothing, leading retailers to prioritize ethical sourcing and fair trade practices. Inventory management plays a crucial role in ensuring stock availability and reducing wastage, while personalization algorithms offer customized shopping experiences. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising and social media marketing are key digital marketing strategies, driving customer engagement and sales. Interactive shopping experiences, such as virtual try-on technology and augmented reality, enhance the customer journey. Mobile commerce and mobile app development cater to the growing preference for convenient, on-the-go shopping. Fashion trends influence buying behavior, with product reviews and influencer marketing shaping customer decisions.

Email marketing and loyalty programs foster brand loyalty and customer retention. Product photography, order fulfillment, and shipping logistics ensure a seamless shopping experience. Data privacy and security protocols protect customer data, while machine learning and predictive analytics optimiz

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ePharmacy Market Size 2025-2029

The epharmacy market size is forecast to increase by USD 148.5 billion, at a CAGR of 21.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing availability of high-speed internet services and the subsequent acceptance of online pharmacy services in various regions. This trend is particularly noticeable in newly regulated European states, where consumers are increasingly turning to ePharmacies for the convenience and accessibility they offer. However, the market also faces challenges, with the illegal and counterfeit trading of drugs through ePharmacy platforms posing a significant threat. As regulatory bodies work to combat this issue, ePharmacies must prioritize security measures and transparency to maintain consumer trust and adhere to evolving regulations. To capitalize on the market's potential, companies must focus on providing secure and reliable platforms, ensuring regulatory compliance, and offering competitive pricing and customer service. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the market's growth drivers, ePharmacies can effectively compete in the digital healthcare landscape and meet the evolving needs of consumers.

What will be the Size of the ePharmacy Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, with dynamic market activities shaping its landscape. Integral components include e-commerce solutions, big data analytics, virtual assistants, order fulfillment, prescription drugs, customer service, health literacy, marketing automation, and AI-powered diagnosis. These elements intertwine, creating a complex web of interconnected services. E-commerce solutions facilitate seamless transactions, while big data analytics enable personalized patient care and predictive modeling. Virtual assistants streamline customer interactions, and order fulfillment ensures timely prescription drug delivery. Prescription drugs remain the core offering, with health literacy initiatives enhancing patient understanding. Marketing automation and AI-powered diagnosis further refine patient care, while medication adherence tools and third-party payer integrations simplify the payment process. Data security measures safeguard sensitive patient information, and referral programs foster customer loyalty. Health monitoring through wearable sensors and telemedicine integration address disease prevention and chronic disease management. Supply chain management, inventory management, and quality control ensure efficient drug distribution. Machine learning and predictive modeling aid in drug discovery and clinical trials. Wellness programs, medication tracking, and insurance claims processing further enrich the ePharmacy experience. Website platforms and virtual consultations provide convenient access to healthcare services, while HIPAA compliance ensures regulatory adherence. Over-the-counter medications, prescription refill reminders, and affiliate marketing expand the market reach. Delivery services, digital therapeutics, personalized medicine, and automated dispensing systems further enhance the ePharmacy experience. The ongoing unfolding of these market activities underscores the continuous evolution of the ePharmacy sector.

How is this ePharmacy Industry segmented?

The epharmacy industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. Product TypeMedicationsHealth and wellness and nutritionPersonal care and essentialsDrug ClassPrescription drugsOver-the-counter drugsDistribution ChannelMobile applicationsOnline platformsEnd-userIndividualsCommercialGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaRest of World (ROW)

By Product Type Insights

The medications segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.In the dynamic world of medications, the market is witnessing significant advancements, integrating various technologies to streamline processes and enhance patient care. The prescription verification system ensures accuracy and safety before dispensing, while payment gateways facilitate seamless transactions. Mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine integration enable remote consultations and monitoring, fostering disease prevention and chronic disease management. Supply chain management, inventory management, and pharmaceutical logistics ensure efficient drug delivery, while clinical trials and drug discovery continue to bring new treatments to market. Machine learning and artificial intelligence power predictive modeling and medication adherence, addressing drug interactions and persona

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Online Therapy Services Market Size 2025-2029

The online therapy services market size is valued to increase USD 64.09 billion, at a CAGR of 53.9% from 2024 to 2029. Surging adoption of smartphones coupled with increased preference for online services will drive the online therapy services market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 42% growth during the forecast period.
By Type - Cognitive behavioral therapy segment was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2023
By Application - Residential use segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 2.00 million
Market Future Opportunities: USD 64085.90 million
CAGR : 53.9%
North America: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market encompasses the provision of mental health and wellness services through digital platforms. This sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the surging adoption of smartphones and the increasing preference for online services. According to a recent study, the global teletherapy market is projected to reach a 25% adoption rate by 2025. However, the market's evolution is not without challenges. Privacy concerns related to patient mental health issues persist, necessitating stringent regulations and compliance measures. Core technologies, such as artificial intelligence and telecommunication, are revolutionizing online therapy services by enabling remote consultations, personalized treatment plans, and real-time monitoring.
Applications range from text-based therapy to virtual reality therapy and telepsychiatry. Service types include individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Regional mentions include the United States, where teletherapy is gaining popularity, and Europe, where governments are investing in digital health initiatives. Despite these advancements, challenges such as reimbursement policies and licensing requirements continue to pose obstacles. Nevertheless, opportunities for growth abound, with increasing awareness of mental health issues and the convenience and accessibility of online therapy services.

What will be the Size of the Online Therapy Services Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Online Therapy Services Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The online therapy services industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Cognitive behavioral therapy
  Psychodynamic therapy
  Personal centered therapy
  Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  Mindfulness-Based Therapy


Application

  Residential use
  Commercial
  Educational Institutions
  Corporate/Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
  Non-Profit/Community Use
  Telehealth Integration


Industry

  Hospitals
  Clinics
  Ambulatory centers
  Others


Delivery Mode

  Synchronous
  Asynchronous


Technology Platform

  Mobile apps
  Web-based platforms
  Integrated wearable


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The cognitive behavioral therapy segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Online therapy services have witnessed significant growth in recent years, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) being one of the leading segments. CBT, an evidence-based approach to mental health treatment, has seen a surge in popularity due to digital platforms. Approximately 25% of online therapy service users opt for CBT, and this number is projected to increase by 30% in the upcoming years. The telehealth industry, which includes online therapy services, is expected to expand by 15% in the next five years. This growth is driven by the convenience and flexibility offered by these services. Patients can access therapy sessions at their own pace and schedule, making it an attractive alternative to traditional in-person therapy.

Telehealth platforms provide various features, such as appointment scheduling tools, patient portal access, addiction treatment options, depression treatment methods, and video conferencing software. These platforms also offer secure messaging systems, online CBT programs, data encryption protocols, billing and insurance services, and a network of licensed therapists. Additionally, remote patient monitoring, family therapy services, patient engagement tools, electronic health records, mental health

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Online Auction Market Size 2025-2029

The online auction market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.98 billion, at a CAGR of 14% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts in consumer preferences, with an increasing trend towards digital platforms over traditional auction houses. This transition is driven by the convenience and accessibility that online auctions offer, allowing participants to bid from anywhere at any time. However, this market is not without challenges. One major concern is the emergence of AI-based online auctions, which raises questions about fairness and transparency. Some buyers and sellers may feel uneasy about the role of artificial intelligence in setting bids and prices.
Another challenge is the rise in shill bidding during online auctions, which can artificially inflate prices and create an unfair advantage for certain participants. Companies looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market must navigate these challenges carefully, ensuring transparency and fairness in their platforms while providing a user-friendly experience that caters to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

What will be the Size of the Online Auction Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market activities shaping its intricate landscape. Seamlessly integrated auction rules govern the bidding process, allowing for real-time, automated bidding and proxy bidding. Online bidding is accessible via web interfaces and mobile apps, enabling users to participate in auctions from anywhere. Social media integration and user reviews foster community engagement, while data analytics provide valuable insights for sellers and buyers alike. Legal compliance and buyer authentication are essential components, ensuring secure transactions and protecting against fraud. API integration and bidding software streamline processes, enabling third-party integrations for payment gateways, shipping logistics, and inventory management.

Image hosting and affiliate marketing expand reach, while notification systems keep users informed of auction closing times and bid updates. Data encryption and security protocols safeguard sensitive information, and dispute resolution mechanisms address any conflicts that may arise. Rating systems, bid history, and feedback systems promote transparency and trust. Filtering options and search functionality facilitate efficient item categorization and seller registration. Performance monitoring ensures optimal system functionality and user experience. In this ever-changing market, market dynamics continue to unfold, with emerging trends shaping the future of online auctions. From automated bidding and real-time bidding to email marketing and commission rates, the market remains a vibrant and evolving ecosystem.

How is this Online Auction Industry segmented?

The online auction industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Collectibles
  Electronics
  Artistic goods
  Jewelry
  Others


Platform

  Web-based
  Application-based


Product Category

  Electronics
  Vehicles
  Collectibles
  Real Estate
  Services


Auction Format

  Standard auctions
  Reserve price auctions
  No reserve auctions
  Sealed-bid auctions
  Dutch auctions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The collectibles segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic world of online auctions, various entities play integral roles in facilitating seamless transactions and enhancing user experience. The auction listing process allows sellers to showcase their collectibles with detailed information, images, and histories, increasing transparency and trust. Payment processing ensures secure and efficient financial transactions, while pay-per-click advertising attracts potential buyers through targeted online campaigns. Terms of service and shipping logistics provide clarity on expectations and delivery details, fostering confidence in buyers. The auction platform serves as the marketplace where bidding takes place, with mobile apps and social media integration expanding reach and accessibility.

User reviews offer valuable insights, data analytics provide market trends, and legal compliance ensures a secure and fair environment. Buyer authentication, API integration, bidding so

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E-Commerce Market Size 2023-2027

The e-commerce market size is forecast to increase by USD12.95 billion at a CAGR of 27.15% between 2022 and 2027.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. Firstly, the advantages of e-commerce platforms, such as convenience, accessibility, and a wider product selection, continue to attract consumers. Secondly, technological advancements, including AI and machine learning, are enhancing the consumer experience by providing personalized recommendations and seamless transactions. However, regulatory issues pose challenges to market growth. Governments around the world are implementing stricter regulations on data privacy and security, which can increase compliance costs for e-commerce businesses. As the market continues to evolve, it is essential for businesses to stay informed of these trends and adapt to the changing regulatory landscape to remain competitive.

What will be the Size of the E-Commerce Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market in the United States continues to experience robust growth, fueled by the increasing adoption of smartphones among the smartphone-using population and their subsequent use for browsing digital content. This trend is particularly prominent in sectors such as travel and leisure, financial services, and e-tailing. Technological awareness and connectivity have become essential drivers of consumer behavior, leading to the widespread use of online marketing tools like Google Ads and Facebook Ads, as well as social media applications for communication and buying and selling goods and services. Established organizations and large enterprises have responded by investing in infrastructure to improve user experience, reduce operational costs through inventory management systems, and cater to the growing demand for vertical and specialized marketplaces.Overall, the market is poised for continued expansion, driven by consumer wealth, the convenience of online shopping, and the ongoing evolution of digital technology.

How is this E-Commerce Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The e-commerce industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2023-2027, as well as historical data from 2017-2021 for the following segments.ApplicationHome appliancesFashion productsGroceriesBooksOthersTypeB2BB2CGeographyAPACChinaJapanNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanyUKSouth AmericaMiddle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The Home appliances segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various retail sectors, with home appliances being a significant segment. This matured segment, which includes consumer electronics, houseware, and kitchen appliances, is experiencing a decelerating growth rate. A major challenge in this sector is the absence of a comprehensive logistics platform for the delivery of home appliances bought online. This issue arises due to the supply side constraints, particularly in developing countries, where logistical barriers pose significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, the home appliances segment is projected to remain the largest revenue generator within the market throughout the forecast period. The increasing standard of living and the resulting influence on the global online home appliance market are key drivers for this segment's growth.

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The Home appliances segment accounted for USD 1099.73 billion in 2017 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is projected to lead The market growth due to the expanding internet population and rising adoption of digital technology. With countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia exhibiting significant potential, the e-commerce sector in these late-adopter nations is anticipated to experience substantial expansion. The increasing purchasing power of the middle class in APAC is another key factor fueling market growth. China, a significant contributor to the e-commerce industry, hosts prominent global companies such as Alibaba and JD. The region's the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, making APAC a significant influence on the global market landscape.

Market Dynamics

Our e-commerce market researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of driver

As of February 2025, English was the most popular language for web content, with over 49.4 percent of websites using it. Spanish ranked second, with six percent of web content, while the content in the German language followed, with 5.6 percent. English as the leading online language United States and India, the countries with the most internet users after China, are also the world's biggest English-speaking markets. The internet user base in both countries combined, as of January 2023, was over a billion individuals. This has led to most of the online information being created in English. Consequently, even those who are not native speakers may use it for convenience. Global internet usage by regions As of October 2024, the number of internet users worldwide was 5.52 billion. In the same period, Northern Europe and North America were leading in terms of internet penetration rates worldwide, with around 97 percent of its populations accessing the internet.

As of February 2025, 5.56 billion individuals worldwide were internet users, which amounted to 67.9 percent of the global population. Of this total, 5.24 billion, or 63.9 percent of the world's population, were social media users. Global internet usage Connecting billions of people worldwide, the internet is a core pillar of the modern information society. Northern Europe ranked first among worldwide regions by the share of the population using the internet in 20254. In The Netherlands, Norway and Saudi Arabia, 99 percent of the population used the internet as of February 2025. North Korea was at the opposite end of the spectrum, with virtually no internet usage penetration among the general population, ranking last worldwide. Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of online users worldwide – over 1.34 billion at the latest count. Southern Asia ranked second, with around 1.2 billion internet users. China, India, and the United States rank ahead of other countries worldwide by the number of internet users. Worldwide internet user demographics As of 2024, the share of female internet users worldwide was 65 percent, five percent less than that of men. Gender disparity in internet usage was bigger in African countries, with around a ten percent difference. Worldwide regions, like the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe, showed a smaller usage gap between these two genders. As of 2024, global internet usage was higher among individuals between 15 and 24 years old across all regions, with young people in Europe representing the most significant usage penetration, 98 percent. In comparison, the worldwide average for the age group 15–24 years was 79 percent. The income level of the countries was also an essential factor for internet access, as 93 percent of the population of the countries with high income reportedly used the internet, as opposed to only 27 percent of the low-income markets.

As of 2024, the estimated number of internet users worldwide was 5.5 billion, up from 5.3 billion in the previous year. This share represents 68 percent of the global population. Internet access around the world Easier access to computers, the modernization of countries worldwide, and increased utilization of smartphones have allowed people to use the internet more frequently and conveniently. However, internet penetration often pertains to the current state of development regarding communications networks. As of January 2023, there were approximately 1.05 billion total internet users in China and 692 million total internet users in the United States. Online activities Social networking is one of the most popular online activities worldwide, and Facebook is the most popular online network based on active usage. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were over 3.07 billion monthly active Facebook users, accounting for well more than half of the internet users worldwide. Connecting with family and friends, expressing opinions, entertainment, and online shopping are amongst the most popular reasons for internet usage.

In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the Chinese e-commerce corporation Alibaba Group recorded a revenue of around 449.8 billion yuan in Chinese online sales. This translates to approximately 62 billion U.S. dollars. China's e-commerce market and AlibabaIn 2024, the gross merchandise volume of China's e-commerce market amounted to around 15.5 trillion yuan and was expected to grow further in the coming years. Some of the factors contributing to this growth are increased internet penetration and the ever-growing spending power of the general population, but also the expansion of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. The revenue of Alibaba Group reached 996 billion yuan (approximately 137 billion U.S. dollars) in the financial year 2025. Alibaba’s most prominent e-commerce websites include Taobao Marketplace, Tmall, cross-border e-commerce platforms AliExpress and Kaola.com, a developer of platforms for cloud computing and data management called Alibaba Cloud, as well as O2O fresh food service Freshippo. Its payment provider, Ant Group, formerly known as Alipay or Ant Financial, was spun off in 2014 into an independent company. Singles' DayThe company’s most profitable day in the year is Singles' Day, a popular Chinese festival functioning like the antithesis of Valentine’s Day. On November 11, Chinese singles throughout the country celebrate being single and proud, especially by treating themselves with presents. During the Singles' Day sales in 2021, Alibaba's online retail platforms recorded a total GMV amounting to more than 84.5 billion U.S. dollars.

When asked about "Attitudes towards the internet", most Chinese respondents pick "It is important to me to have mobile internet access in any place" as an answer. 50 percent did so in our online survey in 2025. Looking to gain valuable insights about users of internet providers worldwide? Check out our reports on consumers who use internet providers. These reports give readers a thorough picture of these customers, including their identities, preferences, opinions, and methods of communication.

In 2024, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated ************ U.S. dollars. Projections indicate a ** percent growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to come close to ************** dollars by 2028. World players Among the key players on the world stage, the American marketplace giant Amazon holds the title of the largest e-commerce player globally, with a gross merchandise value of nearly *********** U.S. dollars in 2024. Amazon was also the most valuable retail brand globally, followed by mostly American competitors such as Walmart and the Home Depot. Leading e-tailing regions E-commerce is a dormant channel globally, but nowhere has it been as successful as in Asia. In 2024, the e-commerce revenue in that continent alone was measured at nearly ************ U.S. dollars, outperforming the Americas and Europe. That year, the up-and-coming e-commerce markets also centered around Asia. The Philippines and India stood out as the swiftest-growing e-commerce markets based on online sales, anticipating a growth rate surpassing ** percent.

In December 2023, the fast-fashion e-commerce site shein.com was the most visited in the fashion and apparel category worldwide, accounting for over *** percent of desktop traffic. The online site for Nike ranked second, with **** percent of visits. Chinese brand's popularity in the U.S market Based on the yearly percentage growth in terms of website traffic, shein.com emerged as the one of the leading fast-fashion retailer websites in the United States in 2021, with a growth of ** percent compared to 2020. The affordable fast-fashion retailer also got listed as the second most downloaded shopping application in App Store in the United States, with over ** million downloads in 2021. Shein and U.S. teens Shein does not have any physical stores, but it has garnered millions of followers across the globe for its wide range of trendy products and rock-bottom prices. It is the second preferred online shopping website of teens in the United States, after Amazon.

Market leader Facebook was the first social network to surpass one billion registered accounts and currently sits at more than three billion monthly active users. Meta Platforms owns four of the biggest social media platforms, all with more than one billion monthly active users each: Facebook (core platform), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. In the third quarter of 2023, Facebook reported around four billion monthly core Family product users. The United States and China account for the most high-profile social platforms Most top ranked social networks with more than 100 million users originated in the United States, but services like Chinese social networks WeChat, QQ or video sharing app Douyin have also garnered mainstream appeal in their respective regions due to local context and content. Douyin’s popularity has led to the platform releasing an international version of its network: a little app called TikTok. How many people use social media? The leading social networks are usually available in multiple languages and enable users to connect with friends or people across geographical, political, or economic borders. In 2025, social networking sites are estimated to reach 5.42 billion users and these figures are still expected to grow as mobile device usage and mobile social networks increasingly gain traction in previously underserved markets.

In May 2025, the United States accounted for 27.12 percent of traffic to the online search website Bing.com. China was ranked second, accounting for 14.16 percent of web visits to the platform. The United Kingdom came in third place, closely followed by India and Germany, all accounting for less than five percent of the web page online volume.

In December 2024, China accounted for 95 percent of traffic to the online search website Baidu.com. Hong Kong and the United States ranked second and third, accounting for less than 2.5 percent of visits combined to the platform, followed by Taiwan.

In January 2025 mobile devices excluding tablets accounted for over ** percent of web page views worldwide. Meanwhile, over ** percent of webpage views in Africa were generated via mobile. In contrast, just over half of web traffic in North America still took place via desktop connections with mobile only accounting for **** percent of total web traffic. While regional infrastructure remains an important factor in broadband vs. mobile coverage, most of the world has had their eyes on the recent 5G rollout across the globe, spearheaded by tech-leaders China and the United States. The number of mobile 5G subscriptions worldwide is forecast to reach more than ***** billion by 2028. Social media: room for growth in Africa and southern Asia Overall, more than ** percent of the world’s mobile internet subscribers are also active on social media. A fast-growing market, with newcomers such as TikTok taking the world by storm, marketers have been cashing in on social media’s reach. Overall, social media penetration is highest in Europe and America while in Africa and southern Asia, there is still room for growth. As of 2021, Facebook and Google-owned YouTube are the most popular social media platforms worldwide. Facebook and Instagram are most effective With nearly ***** billion users, it is no wonder that Facebook remains the social media avenue of choice for the majority of marketers across the world. Instagram, meanwhile, was the second most popular outlet. Both platforms are low-cost and support short-form content, known for its universal consumer appeal and answering to the most important benefits of using these kind of platforms for business and advertising purposes.