In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in India amounts to approximately 493.31 million users. The number of WhatsApp users in India is projected to reach 795.67 million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

As of February 2025, two billion users were accessing the WhatsApp messenger on a monthly basis. The app’s reach in usage penetration is particularly strong in markets outside the United States, and it is one of the most popular mobile social apps worldwide. WeChat amassed over 1.38 billion users, and Facebook Messenger amassed around 947 million users worldwide. Instant messaging is a type of online chat which offers real-time text transmission via internet. Since the appearance of the smartphone and the subsequent explosion of mobile apps, low-cost or free chat and social messaging apps have proven themselves as a cheap alternative to operator-based text messaging via SMS. Many messenger apps offer features such as group chats, the exchange of graphics, video and even audio messages as well as stickers or emoticons.

In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in France amounts to approximately 20.82 million users. The number of WhatsApp users in France is projected to reach 22.78 million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

During a survey fielded in Brazil in January 2025 among mobile internet users who had WhatsApp installed on their phones, 93 percent of respondents said they used this app daily. In January 2022, 85 percent of users surveyed stated the same. Additionally, more than half of news consumers aged 47 and older in Brazil used WhatsApp as a source of news.

Introduction

WhatsApp vs. Telegram Statistics: WhatsApp and Telegram are two of the most popular messaging applications worldwide, each offering different features and user experiences. WhatsApp is known for its large global user base and simple interface, whereas Telegram is favored for its focus on privacy, cloud-based storage, and customizable options.

In 2024 and 2025, comparing their usage statistics, features, market share, and growth trends can help us understand which application performs better and is more suitable for different users. We need to focus on the above article, "WhatsApp vs Telegram Statistics - Which is Better?†.

As of March 2025, WhatsApp had three billion monthly active users, up from over 2 billion MAU in March 2020. The service is one of the most popular mobile messaging apps worldwide and was acquired by social network Facebook for 19 billion U.S. dollars in February 2014. WhatsAppWhatsApp is a cross-platform instant messaging service for smartphones that relies on the internet for the transmission of messages. Based on a low-cost subscription model, WhatsApp is a cheap alternative to carrier-billed text messaging via SMS, especially for international or group messaging. The mobile messaging app enables users to share text, image and video messages. In the United States, the WhatsApp audience amounted to 68.1 million users in 2019 and is set to grow to 85.8 million users in 2023. WhatsApp is especially popular in markets outside the United States while facing strong competition from Asia-based social messenger apps such as WeChat, LINE or Kakaotalk. WhatsApp’s popularity in emerging mobile markets is not only based on their low-cost business model but on many of its features.

Introduction

Social Media User Statistics: ​As of January 2025, approximately 5.24 billion individuals globally are active on social media platforms, representing 63.9% of the world's population. This marks an annual increase of 206 million users, equating to a growth rate of 4.1%. On average, users engage with 6.8 different social platforms each month and spend about 2 hours and 21 minutes daily on these platforms. Mobile devices account for 98% of social media usage time, highlighting the dominance of mobile access.

Facebook leads with over 3 billion monthly active users, followed by YouTube with approximately 2.5 billion users. Instagram and WhatsApp each report around 2 billion users, while TikTok has surpassed 1.5 billion users. These statistics underscore the pervasive role of social media in daily life and its significance in global communication.

In January 2024, 85 percent of WhatsApp monthly active users (MAU) surveyed in Brazil said they exchanged text messages through the mobile app. Around 79 percent of respondents stated that they sent voice messages via WhatsApp. Moreover, 93 percent of survey respondents stated that they used WhatsApp on a daily basis.

According to a January 2025 study, over ** percent of the smartphone users surveyed in Brazil claimed to use WhatsApp to exchange text messages. Meanwhile, ** percent of respondents claimed to use Instagram over its Direct channel for the same purpose. Overall, WhatsApp remains the most used messenger in the country, as ** percent of respondents claimed to use it for exchanging images and another ** percent to exchange voice messages.

As of January 2025, the largest group of Facebook users in the Netherlands were aged 25 to 34 years, making up around three million users of the social network in the country. WhatsApp and Facebook remain the two most popular online social platforms in the Netherlands, with more than ten million users each. The amount of daily active users (DAU) of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat in the Netherlands has increased in recent years.

As of April 2025, India had the biggest Snapchat user base in the world, with an audience of 210 million users. The United States ranked in second place with a Snapchat audience base of over 105 million users. Snapchat’s popularity Being one of the most popular social networks worldwide and especially liked by younger online audiences, Snapchat is an increasingly attractive platform for advertisers. According to industry estimates, Snapchat’s 2019 advertising revenue is forecast to amount to over 2.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, up from 1.53 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. Snapchat is a mobile-first social network, with the majority of visits generated via mobile phones. According to U.S. Snapchat users, the main reason for using the platform was to keep in contact with friends and family. Snapchat’s vanishing photo sharing function has popularized the sharing of everyday photos in a story stream, a setup that has since also been adopted by other photo and messaging apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Despite the competition, Snapchat users are among the most engaged – a total of 48 percent of U.S. Snapchat users post content to the app on a weekly basis. Only WhatsApp and Facebook can boast a more active audience.

In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in Russia amounts to approximately 84.70 million users. The number of WhatsApp users in Russia is projected to reach 83.89 million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

The global encrypted messaging apps market, valued at $357 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increasing concerns about data privacy and security in the digital age are leading consumers and businesses to adopt end-to-end encrypted communication platforms. The rise of remote work and collaboration tools further accelerates this demand, as organizations prioritize secure communication channels for sensitive information. The proliferation of smartphones and readily available high-speed internet access also contributes significantly to market growth, making encrypted messaging apps easily accessible globally. Furthermore, the continuous evolution of encryption technologies and the incorporation of new features, such as self-destructing messages and enhanced security protocols, are attracting a broader user base. Competition among established players like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, alongside the emergence of niche players focusing on specific security needs, fuels innovation and further enhances market dynamism. Segment-wise, the enterprise application segment is expected to demonstrate faster growth compared to the individual segment, driven by the increasing adoption of secure communication solutions within corporate environments. While Android currently holds a larger market share than iOS due to its wider global reach, both platforms are experiencing parallel growth, reflecting the ubiquitous nature of smartphones. Geographically, North America and Europe currently represent significant market shares, owing to high internet penetration and strong awareness of data security issues. However, rapid growth is anticipated in regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa, fueled by increasing smartphone adoption and rising digital literacy. Regulatory changes promoting data privacy and stringent security standards in various regions further bolster the market's growth trajectory. Despite the challenges associated with maintaining the balance between user-friendliness and robust security, the market is poised for substantial expansion in the coming years.

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.

The global live chat app market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of digital communication channels across various industries and demographics. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $1522.7 million. While the provided CAGR is missing, a reasonable estimation, considering the rapid expansion of digital communication and the increasing demand for real-time customer support and engagement, would place the CAGR between 15% and 20% for the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by several key factors. Businesses are leveraging live chat applications to improve customer service, enhance engagement, and streamline sales processes. The increasing preference for instant communication and the rising adoption of mobile devices further contribute to market expansion. Segmentation reveals that the cloud-based deployment model is likely dominating the market due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. The age demographics suggest a wide user base, with potentially higher adoption rates among younger age groups (20-30 years old) who are more digitally savvy. However, increasing adoption across all age groups is expected as businesses continue to embrace live chat as a primary customer interaction channel. Geographic distribution indicates strong market presence in North America and Asia Pacific, fueled by high internet penetration and technological advancement in these regions. Despite significant growth, challenges such as data security concerns and the need for seamless integration with existing business systems could act as potential restraints. The market's future trajectory is highly positive, with continued growth expected throughout the forecast period. The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in live chat applications is anticipated to enhance personalization and automation, leading to improved customer experience and operational efficiency. Furthermore, emerging trends such as omnichannel integration and the use of live chat in diverse sectors (e-commerce, healthcare, education) will further propel market growth. Competition among established players like Tencent, Facebook, and Skype, along with emerging innovative companies, is expected to drive innovation and affordability, making live chat solutions more accessible to a wider range of businesses and consumers. Therefore, the live chat app market is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

The global mobile messaging apps market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, affordable data plans, and the rising demand for instant communication solutions. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $150 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the continuous innovation in features, such as enhanced security, multimedia sharing, and integration with other platforms, is attracting a wider user base. Secondly, the emergence of business-oriented messaging solutions is driving adoption among enterprises for communication, customer service, and marketing purposes. Finally, the growing popularity of social commerce and integrated payment gateways within messaging apps is further boosting market revenue. However, regulatory challenges related to data privacy and security, along with the intense competition among established players and emerging startups, pose significant restraints to market growth. The market is segmented by application (primarily focusing on users aged 50 and above, reflecting a growing segment of tech-savvy older adults), and deployment type (on-premise and cloud-based). The cloud-based segment dominates due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Geographic distribution shows strong growth across regions, with North America and Asia-Pacific leading the market due to high smartphone penetration and tech-savviness of their populations. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established tech giants (Tencent, Facebook, etc.) and specialized players catering to niche markets. While established players benefit from substantial user bases and brand recognition, smaller companies are innovating with specialized features and tailored user experiences. The market's future hinges on the evolution of messaging functionalities, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for personalized experiences, improved security protocols to address data breaches, and the expansion into new verticals such as healthcare and education. Successful players will need to adapt rapidly to changing user preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory environments, maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and user privacy.

In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in Italy amounts to approximately 36.90 million users. The number of WhatsApp users in Italy is projected to reach 37.15 million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in the United Kingdom amounts to approximately 40.23 million users. The number of WhatsApp users in the United Kingdom is projected to reach 38.35 million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

In 2021, there were 1.21 billion monthly active users of Meta's Instagram, making up over 28 percent of the world's internet users. By 2025, it has been forecast that there will be 1.44 billion monthly active users of the social media platform, which would account for 31.2 percent of global internet users.

How popular is Instagram?

Instagram, as of January 2022, was the fourth most popular social media platform in the world in terms of user numbers. YouTube and WhatsApp ranked in second and third place, respectively, whilst Facebook remained the most popular, with almost three billion monthly active users worldwide.

India had the largest number of Instagram users as of January 2022, with a total of over 230 million users in the country. The second-largest Instagram audience could be found in the United States, with almost 160 million people subscribing to the photo and video sharing app.

Gen Z and Instagram

As of September 2021, Gen Z users in the United States spent an average of five hours per week on Instagram. Although Instagram ranked third in terms of hours per week spent on the platform, Gen Z users spent considerably more time on TikTok, amounting to a weekly average of over 10 hours being spent on the mobile-first video app.

Most followed accounts on Instagram

As of May 2022, Instagram’s own account had 504.37 million followers. In terms of celebrities, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo (@chistiano) had over 440.41 million followers on the social network. Moreover, the average media value of an Instagram post by Ronaldo was over 985,000 U.S. dollars.

The most liked post on Instagram as of May 2022 was Photo of an Egg, which was posted in 2019 by the account @world_record_egg. Photo of an Egg has not only exceeded 55 million likes on the platform, but it also has nearly 3.5 million comments, and the account itself has over 4.5 million Instagram followers. After mysterious posts published by the account, World Record Egg revealed itself as part of a mental health campaign aimed at the difficulties and demands of using social media.

Individuals aged 18 to 25 and 25 to 34 years constituted the largest groups of Messenger users in Germany in January 2025. Those over 65 years of age made up the smallest age group, with just eight percent of users falling under this category. Messenger users in Germany Messenger, the standalone version of Facebook’s integrated messaging feature, is used by millions of German residents. As of January 2025, nearly 25.9 million people used Messenger, up from 20.4 million users in September 2018, according to napoleoncat.com. WhatsApp leads the pack  WhatsApp – another Facebook property – holds a strong position at the top of the market in Germany. WhatsApp Messenger counted over six million daily active users in October 2020 compared to 2.4 million daily active users for Messenger for Android.