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 February 2025, China ranked first among the countries with the most internet users worldwide. The world's most populated country had 1.11 billion internet users, more than triple the third-ranked United States, with just around 322 million internet users. Overall, all BRIC markets had over two billion internet users, accounting for four of the ten countries with more than 100 million internet users. Worldwide internet usage As of October 2024, there were more than five billion internet users worldwide. There are, however, stark differences in user distribution according to region. Eastern Asia is home to 1.34 billion internet users, while African and Middle Eastern regions had lower user figures. Moreover, the urban areas showed a higher percentage of internet access than rural areas. Internet use in China China ranks first in the list of countries with the most internet users. Due to its ongoing and fast-paced economic development and a cultural inclination towards technology, more than a billion of the estimated 1.4 billion population in China are online. As of the third quarter of 2023, around 87 percent of Chinese internet users stated using WeChat, the most popular social network in the country. On average, Chinese internet users spent five hours and 33 minutes online daily.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Live Streaming Platform Market size will be XX million by 2033, whereas its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be XX% from 2025 to 2033. • North America held the largest share of the global Live Streaming Platform market around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • Asia Pacific held a market share of around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • Europe accounted for a share of over XX% of the global market size of USD XX million. • The Latin American market is around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • Middle East and Africa held the major market of around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033.

Market Dynamics of the Live Streaming Platform Market

Key Drivers of the Live Streaming Platform Market

Increased penetration of the internet and the rise of smartphones are driving the live streaming platforms market growth 

The increasing adoption of smartphones, enhanced internet connectivity, and the growing popularity of social media platforms are driving the expansion of live streaming services in this region. Emerging markets such as China and India play a significant role in this market growth. As global internet infrastructure continues to improve and high-speed connectivity becomes more prevalent, the accessibility and quality of live streaming have markedly improved. Greater internet penetration allows for a larger potential audience, while faster speeds facilitate a smoother and more enjoyable streaming experience. This aspect is vital for attracting and retaining viewers, particularly for content that requires high data transfer rates, such as high-definition videos and virtual events. For instance, according to Dacast, a minimum bandwidth of 3 Mbps is necessary for live streaming, although an ideal bandwidth would be closer to 11 Mbps. For 4K video resolutions, the recommended bandwidth is 20 Mbps or more, while streaming in 1080p requires at least 5 Mbps. The optimal internet speed for streaming is approximately 100 Mbps or higher, which is particularly suitable for 4K video streaming and online gaming. The minimum upload speed for streaming typically ranges from 1 Mbps to 1.5 Mbps, sufficient for standard definition (SD) 480p streams. (https://www.dacast.com/blog/viewers-internet-speed-needed-for-streaming/) A reliable and stable internet connection is essential for online video streaming, ensuring a good upload speed for an effective streaming experience. The increasing investments by major stakeholders in the advancement of 5G technologies are expected to exert a substantial and positive influence on the global broadband services market in the near future. In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced 5G technology in India, which is set to enhance spectrum and network efficiency, delivering highly reliable communications, reduced latency, seamless coverage, and elevated data rates. (https://www.thegpstime.com/pm-modi-launched-5g-technology-in-india/) For instance, according to The Economic Times, India currently boasts over 820 million active internet users, with more than half—442 million—originating from rural areas. (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/how-india-is-using-the- ) In 2023, internet penetration experienced an eight percent year-on-year increase, according to new data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2024-11-27-facts-and-figures.aspx#:~:text=%) By 2024, it is estimated that approximately 5.5 billion individuals will be online, reflecting an increase of 227 million based on revised 2023 estimates, as indicated by a report from the research and statistical service Datareportal as of April 2024. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of the internet audience is notable, now comprising 67.1% of the global population. The number of internet users continues to...

What is OTT? OTT, short for "Over-the-Top," represents a modern method of media distribution that challenges traditional television formats, such as cable or satellite. This technology enables users to stream video content directly over the internet to various devices, bypassing conventional broadcasting methods. There are three primary types of OTT services: Subscription-Based Services (SVOD): These are premium platforms where users pay for access to a wide range of content. Examples include Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and MAX, where viewers subscribe to enjoy movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Ad-Supported Streaming (AVOD): Services like Pluto TV and Amazon Free provide free access to content, supported by advertisements. These platforms do not have premium levels and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (vMVPDs): These are companies that offer live and on-demand video content over the internet, through multiple channels. YouTube, Hulu +Live TV, and Sling TV are examples of this type, offering a range of channels and content choices similar to traditional cable TV but delivered over the internet. OTT platforms have become immensely popular due to their convenience and flexibility. They provide viewers with the freedom to watch a diverse range of shows, movies, and documentaries anytime, anywhere, without the need for satellite or cable connections. This flexibility, combined with the option of free and subscription-based content, allows users to trial different OTT apps before deciding on a subscription. Furthermore, many OTT platforms enhance user experience by offering personalized recommendations and a vast library of content, including exclusive original productions, to maintain user engagement and satisfaction. Different Types of OTT Platforms The different types of OTT platforms cater to various entertainment needs: Video Streaming Platforms: These are perhaps the most recognized OTT services. They allow users to watch a wide variety of video content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other on-demand videos. Mostly available through subscription-based models, popular examples include Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix. Music Streaming Platforms: Services like Spotify and YouTube Music fall under this category. They enable users to stream music, create and listen to playlists, enjoy podcasts, and more, all online. This has significantly reduced the reliance on traditional physical mediums like CDs or cassettes. These platforms often offer personalized music experiences with custom playlists and recommendations. Live TV Streaming: This type of OTT service focuses on live content. Users can watch events as they happen in real-time, such as live news broadcasts, sports events like football games, and various live entertainment shows. This brings the immediacy and excitement of live TV to the internet. Gaming OTT Platforms: A relatively new addition to the OTT space, these platforms combine traditional entertainment content with interactive gaming experiences. Users can both watch shows and play games within the same service. An example of this innovation is Netflix, which in 2021 introduced Netflix Games, specifically catering to mobile users. The growth and diversification of OTT platforms indicate a significant shift in entertainment consumption, offering users more flexibility, variety, and personalized content across different types of media.

As of February 2025, India was the country with the largest offline population worldwide. The South Asian country had over 651 million people without internet connection. China ranked second, with around 311.9 million people not connected to the internet. Despite these large shares of the disconnected population in these countries, China and India ranked first and second, respectively, as countries with the highest number of internet users worldwide. Internet access in Africa In 2023, Africa lagged behind other global regions regarding internet penetration rate, as only 37 percent of the continent’s population accessed the web. In contrast, around 91 percent of Europe’s population were internet users. This is heavily influenced by the infrastructure development in the region. However, some improvements are forecasted, as by 2028, the internet penetration rate in Africa will be at an estimated 48.15 percent. Global internet access challenges: disruptions and restrictions Government internet shutdowns around the world are another challenge for internet access. Between 2015 and the first half of 2023, 172 local internet connection disruptions occurred due to protests globally. Moreover, according to a 2023report on internet freedom, almost four out of ten global internet users were deprived of essential freedoms on online platforms. In 2023, 76 new restrictions on internet usage were implemented worldwide. Asia led in imposing these restrictions, accounting for approximately 55 cases across various countries in the region.

During a 2020 survey, 45 percent of internet users in India reported frequently viewing livestreams of influencers, and as many as 83 percent said they were likely to buy products from influencers they follow. While the share of internet users who frequently watched influencer livestreams in China was lower than in India, eight out of ten still said they were likely to buy from those influencers they were interested in.

Which county has the most Facebook users? There are more than 383 million Facebook users in India alone, making it the leading country in terms of Facebook audience size. To put this into context, if India’s Facebook audience were a country, then it would be ranked third in terms of largest population worldwide. Apart from India, there are several other markets with more than 100 million Facebook users each: The United States, Indonesia, and Brazil with 196.9 million, 122.3 million, and 111.65 million Facebook users respectively. Facebook – the most used social media Meta, the company that was previously called Facebook, owns four of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram. As of the third quarter of 2021, there were around 3.5 billion cumulative monthly users of the company’s products worldwide. With around 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the most popular social media worldwide. With an audience of this scale, it is no surprise that the vast majority of Facebook’s revenue is generated through advertising. Facebook usage by device As of July 2021, it was found that 98.5 percent of active users accessed their Facebook account from mobile devices. In fact, almost 81.8 percent of Facebook audiences worldwide access the platform only via mobile phone. Facebook is not only available through mobile browser as the company has published several mobile apps for users to access their products and services. As of the third quarter 2021, the four core Meta products were leading the ranking of most downloaded mobile apps worldwide, with WhatsApp amassing approximately six billion downloads.

As of April 2024, almost 32 percent of global Instagram audiences were aged between 18 and 24 years, and 30.6 percent of users were aged between 25 and 34 years. Overall, 16 percent of users belonged to the 35 to 44 year age group.

              Instagram users

              With roughly one billion monthly active users, Instagram belongs to the most popular social networks worldwide. The social photo sharing app is especially popular in India and in the United States, which have respectively 362.9 million and 169.7 million Instagram users each.

              Instagram features

              One of the most popular features of Instagram is Stories. Users can post photos and videos to their Stories stream and the content is live for others to view for 24 hours before it disappears. In January 2019, the company reported that there were 500 million daily active Instagram Stories users. Instagram Stories directly competes with Snapchat, another photo sharing app that initially became famous due to it’s “vanishing photos” feature.
              As of the second quarter of 2021, Snapchat had 293 million daily active users.

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.

As of February 2025, India was the country with the largest YouTube audience by far, with approximately 491 million users engaging with the popular social video platform. The United States followed, with around 253 million YouTube viewers. Brazil came in third, with 144 million users watching content on YouTube. The United Kingdom saw around 54.8 million internet users engaging with the platform in the examined period. What country has the highest percentage of YouTube users? In July 2024, the United Arab Emirates was the country with the highest YouTube penetration worldwide, as around 94 percent of the country's digital population engaged with the service. In 2024, YouTube counted around 100 million paid subscribers for its YouTube Music and YouTube Premium services. YouTube mobile markets In 2024, YouTube was among the most popular social media platforms worldwide. In terms of revenues, the YouTube app generated approximately 28 million U.S. dollars in revenues in the United States in January 2024, as well as 19 million U.S. dollars in Japan.

Social commerce has become increasingly significant in the e-commerce sector. In 2025, sales through social networks accounted for an estimated ***** percent of total online sales. This figure is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Who has grown a liking for this channel? The term "social commerce" is gaining traction worldwide. In 2024, global revenues generated through social media platforms were forecast to reach nearly *** billion U.S. dollars, an increase of roughly ** percent compared to the previous year. However, some countries have embraced this sales channel more vigorously than others. Leading the way in social shopping are Thailand, Colombia, and China. In 2023, approximately **** out of ten internet users in these countries made purchases through social networks. The future of shopping is live Live commerce has grown in popularity in recent years. Its prevalence is only expected to increase as companies utilize livestreaming technologies more and more for promotional and marketing purposes. Digital shoppers benefit from live commerce because it offers attractive discounts as well as inspiration and ideas. In 2022, Facebook was the leading social network platform where internet users purchased products during live streaming events. As with social commerce, Asian countries have paved the way for this highly interactive shopping experience. In 2023, over ***** in ten consumers engaged in live shopping in China, India, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates.

Reliance Jio was the leading company with a wireless telecom subscriber base of over 465 million across India as of December 2024. The south Asian country was the second-largest telecom market worldwide. The number of mobile subscribers in India amounted to around 1.15 billion in the same year. The country also achieved a 100 percent digitalization of the cable television network in 2019. Reliance JioReliance Jio is the subsidiary of Jio Platforms, the digital services segment of the Reliance Industries. The company only operates a 5G and LTE network and does not offer 2G or 3G services. Launched in December 2015 as Jio soft, it became publicly available in September 2016. The company is the largest mobile operator in India, and the third-largest network operator in the world. At the end of financial year 2024, the operating revenue of Reliance Jio was around 1.3 trillion Indian rupees. Telecom sector outlookThe telecom equipment sector revenue was estimated to be 3.36 trillion Indian rupees in 2024. The number of internet subscribers has grown more than five times in the last decade. It was estimated, by 2029, the internet users in the country will surpass 1.2 billion.