The messaging app LINE was used by 81.6 percent of internet users in Japan during the third quarter of 2024. LINE was the most used social media service, ahead of X, Instagram, and TikTok.

A survey conducted in Japan during fiscal year 2023 showed that the messaging app LINE was used by almost ** percent of the respondents. While globally leading networks such as Instagram, X, and Facebook do get their fair share of popularity within the Japanese social media market, the only platform able to compete with LINE in terms of penetration rates is YouTube, which was used by almost ** percent of the respondents. What makes LINE so popular?The success story of the messaging service LINE started back in 2011 during the Great East Japan Earthquake. While conventional communication channels in affected areas had broken down to a large degree due to damages brought about by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami, official sources as well as private individuals turned to online options for communicating news and confirming the safety of friends and family members. The LINE app, which was initially developed for communication between employees at NHN Japan, a Japanese subsidiary of the South Korean internet powerhouse Naver, was released for public use later that year. It appealed greatly to Japanese consumers due to its unique and customizable design, which allowed for both private and business usage. Today, the app is operated by LY Corporation, which is part of a joint venture between SoftBank Group and Naver.How do Japanese use social networks?As a comparison of social network penetration rates of different countries shows, a vast majority of people in Japan use social networks. People in Japan on average spend several dozen minutes per weekday on social media, making social media one of the most time-consuming online activities. According to a survey, the leading reasons for using social media are communicating with already existing acquaintances as well as searching for information.

Threads was downloaded more than 12 million times in Japan in 2024, making it the leading social network app in terms of downloads during that year. It was followed by Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and BeReal.

50 percent of Japanese respondents answer our survey on "Most used social media platforms by type" with "Media sharing (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest)". The survey was conducted in 2023, among 12,209 consumers.Find this and more survey data on most used social media platforms by type in our Consumer Insights tool. Filter by countless demographics, drill down to your own, hand-tailored target audience, and compare results across countries worldwide.

According to a survey conducted among Generation Z in Japan in November 2024, more than ** percent of the respondents used YouTube. YouTube was the leading social media platform, ahead of Instagram, X, and TikTok.

The microblogging app X (formerly known as Twitter) generated an app revenue of **** million U.S. dollars in Japan in 2024, making it the leading social network app during that year. It was followed by the matchmaking service Marrish, which recorded an app revenue of *** million dollars.

The number of social media users in Japan was estimated at approximately ***** million in 2023. This figure was projected to increase to almost ***** million users by 2028. Leading social networking servicesThe most commonly used social media in Japan are the messaging app LINE, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook. LINE was developed by a Japanese subsidiary of the South Korean internet search engine provider Naver as a response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. While the traditional telecommunication infrastructure was damaged, people were able to connect with loved ones via social media and could stay informed about the most recent news. These possibilities generated a boost for social media in Japan, not only for LINE, but for Twitter and Facebook as well. Usage todaySocial media plays an important role today in how people in Japan communicate with each other. The average time people spend on using social media per weekday has increased significantly in recent years. According to one survey, communication with already existing acquaintances is the most common reason for using social media in Japan. Due to their nearly ubiquitous presence in the daily lives of people, social media services are also an important information tool for government institutions or companies that want to get their messages across to citizens and customers.

We asked Japanese consumers about "Social network usage by brand" and found that "YouTube" takes the top spot, while "WeChat" is at the other end of the ranking.These results are based on a representative online survey conducted in 2025 among 12,567 consumers in Japan.

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Social Networking Market Size 2025-2029

The social networking market size is forecast to increase by USD 312.3 billion, at a CAGR of 21.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing internet penetration worldwide. This expansion is fueled by the rising number of active social media users, enabling businesses to reach a larger audience through digital platforms. However, the market's growth is not without challenges. Privacy concerns are increasingly obstructing market expansion, as users become more conscious of their online data and demand greater control over their information. Social media advertisements, a major revenue source for social networking companies, are gaining traction, creating intense competition among market players. Companies must navigate these challenges by addressing privacy concerns through transparent data handling policies and effective user data protection measures.
Additionally, innovation in advertising formats and targeting strategies will be crucial for businesses to differentiate themselves and maintain a competitive edge. In summary, the market presents both opportunities and challenges, with increasing internet penetration driving growth while privacy concerns and intense competition shaping the strategic landscape. Companies must effectively address these challenges to capitalize on the market's potential and stay ahead of the competition.

What will be the Size of the Social Networking 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.
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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic patterns emerging across various sectors. Customer acquisition and sales conversion are key areas of focus, as social CRM and mobile marketing strategies gain traction. User engagement remains a priority, with social listening and social network analysis providing valuable insights. Big data and data analytics play a crucial role in informing business decisions, while media relations and crisis communication strategies adapt to the digital landscape. Influencer marketing and viral marketing campaigns continue to shape consumer behavior, with conversion optimization and organic reach driving growth. Live streaming and user-generated content offer new opportunities for brands to engage with audiences.

Data visualization and machine learning are transforming how businesses analyze and respond to market trends. E-commerce platforms and social commerce are disrupting traditional retail models, with advertising platforms and social media marketing becoming essential tools for businesses. Algorithm updates and link building strategies impact search engine optimization and content strategy. Privacy concerns and network externalities are shaping the platform economics, while network effects drive user growth. Content creation tools and search engine optimization are essential for effective brand building, with public relations and sentiment analysis playing a critical role in reputation management. Video marketing and customer satisfaction are key drivers of brand loyalty, with data security and competitor analysis essential for maintaining a competitive edge.Social media platforms continue to evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses to connect with their audiences and build strong brands.

How is this Social Networking Industry segmented?

The social networking 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.

Type

  Advertising
  In-app purchase
  Paid apps


Distribution Channel

  Google
  Apple
  App Store Distribution


Service

  Communication
  Entertainment
  Socialization
  Marketing
  Customer service


Platform

  Website-based
  Mobile apps
  Hybrid platforms


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

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

In the dynamic landscape of the market, various entities intertwine to shape its evolution. Big data and machine learning fuel social media analytics, enabling targeted advertising, conversion optimization, and customer satisfaction. Social listening and sentiment analysis inform brand monitoring, reputation management, and crisis communication. Social crm and community management foster customer loyalty and engagement. Mobile marketing, including user-generated content and live streaming, e

According to a survey conducted in December 2019, the messaging app LINE was leading among mobile social media and communication applications in Japan, being used by almost 90 percent of smartphone owners. It was followed by the microblogging service Twitter, which was used by more than half of the respondents.

The annual expenditure of businesses on influencer marketing in Japan was projected to amount to 86 billion Japanese yen in 2024. It was expected that the market would grow further and reach a value of more than 164 billion yen by 2029. Advertising and social media in Japan Japan is home to a large advertising market, which is considered to be one of the most creative worldwide. In recent years, online advertising has become more and more important, while many traditional media increasingly struggle to generate advertising revenues. This shift from traditional to digital media was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led people to spend more time inside their own homes and increased the demand for digital entertainment. Social media plays an increasingly important role for advertising not only because social media platforms offer an opportunity to connect with other people, but also because they are frequently used to look up information. Among social advertising expenditures, regular social networking services as well as video sharing platforms constitute the largest ad categories. Social media marketing Unlike advertising, which refers to the process of making a product or service known to potential customers, marketing usually involves further aspects that are directly related to the dissemination of advertisements, such as the research and analysis necessary for the design and creation of ads. Influencer marketing is part of the larger social media marketing market, which is expected to exhibit strong growth in the coming years. As a breakdown of this market shows, it consists of social media advertising, influencer marketing, support for the operation of social media accounts, expenses for analytics tools, as well as campaign planning and consulting. While analytics tools and campaign planning and consulting make up comparatively small shares of the market, they are indispensable aspects with regard to choosing the right platform and advertising strategy. Within the Japanese influencer market, YouTube, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), and Tiktok represent the major segments.

During the first quarter of 2023, internet users in Brazil spent an average of three hours and 49 minutes per day on social media. Nigeria and the Philippines also reported high usage levels. By comparison, internet users in Japan spent less than 50 minutes per day on social media. Low levels of daily usage were also recorded in South Korea and the Belgium.

As of January 2023 social network Facebook was ranked first worldwide in terms of active users with almost three billion MAU. Other popular social media include mobile messaging platforms YouTube and WhatsApp, as well as social content sharing networks such as Instagram and social video platform TikTok.

Most social networks are accessible through multiple platforms, but many popular social media started out as mobile apps, demonstrating the growing trend of mobile first development. Examples include Instagram, which initially was launched as an iOS photo editing and discovery app as well as mobile social messenger, as well as TikTok, which recorded 23.7 million downloads worldwide via the Google Play Store alone in June 2023.

Social networking does not only enable users to connect with other people but also with brands and celebrities. Social media has also become a growing source of news for internet users in many countries.

According to a survey conducted in November 2020, close to 48 percent of the respondents in Japan used social media more than two times a day. The share of people who had registered but did not use their accounts at all amounted to more than two percent.

Ecommerce Social Media Market Outlook

The global ecommerce social media market size was valued at approximately USD 48.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a staggering USD 157.4 billion by 2032, growing at an impressive CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increasing integration of social media platforms with ecommerce functionalities, which has revolutionized the way businesses interact with customers and market their products.

A significant growth factor for the ecommerce social media market is the ubiquitous presence of social media platforms in daily life. Social media has become a critical channel for businesses to reach their target audience, engage with customers, and drive sales. The massive user base of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provides businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to market products and services more effectively. Moreover, technological advancements such as AI and machine learning are enhancing personalized customer experiences, thereby driving higher engagement and conversion rates.

Another major driver is the shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping. The convenience, variety, and competitive pricing offered by ecommerce platforms are attracting more consumers to shop online. Social media platforms are playing a pivotal role in this shift by offering features like shoppable posts, in-app purchases, and targeted advertisements. These features not only simplify the purchasing process but also make it more engaging and personalized. As consumers spend more time on social media, businesses are leveraging these platforms to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.

The growing trend of influencer marketing is also contributing significantly to the growth of the ecommerce social media market. Influencers have the power to affect the purchasing decisions of their followers due to their perceived expertise, authenticity, and relatability. Businesses are increasingly collaborating with influencers to promote their products, thereby reaching a larger and more targeted audience. This form of marketing is proving to be highly effective in driving brand awareness and increasing sales.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of a Sports Social Media Platform is reshaping how sports enthusiasts engage with their favorite teams and athletes. These platforms are designed to cater specifically to sports fans, offering a unique blend of social networking and sports content. Users can follow live updates, engage in discussions, and share their opinions on games and events. This specialized focus allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, as fans can connect with others who share their passion for sports. The integration of ecommerce functionalities on these platforms further enhances the user experience, enabling fans to purchase merchandise and tickets directly through the platform. As a result, sports social media platforms are becoming an integral part of the sports ecosystem, driving fan engagement and creating new revenue streams for sports organizations.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the ecommerce social media market, driven by high internet penetration, advanced technological infrastructure, and a high concentration of social media users. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, fueled by the rapid adoption of smartphones, growing internet user base, and increasing popularity of social media platforms in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region's burgeoning middle class and their increasing disposable income also contribute to this growth.

Platform Type Analysis

In terms of platform type, the ecommerce social media market is segmented into Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and others. Facebook continues to dominate the market due to its massive user base and advanced advertising tools. Businesses leverage Facebook's comprehensive data analytics and targeted advertising capabilities to reach specific demographics and enhance their marketing strategies. Additionally, Facebook's integration with ecommerce features like Facebook Shops has further solidified its position as a leading platform for social commerce.

Instagram is another key player in the ecommerce social media market. Its visually rich platform is particularly appeal

Smartphones accounted for 575 billion Japanese yen of the total online video advertising spending in Japan in 2024. While connected TVs and PCs accounted for smaller shares, the advertising expenditure was expected to increase for all three types of devices. Online video advertising in Japan Internet advertising expenditures have exhibited stable growth in Japan in recent years. A major component are expenditures on internet advertising media, which can be differentiated into paid search advertising, display advertising, video advertising, affiliate advertising, as well as other forms of internet advertising. Next to paid search advertising and display advertising, online video advertising is one of the most important ways for advertisers to get their messages across to consumers. A breakdown of online video advertising spending by type shows that in-stream and in-feed ads are the leading types of online video ads in Japan, while vertical video advertising and in-banner advertising account for much smaller shares. Internet usage in Japan Japan has a high internet penetration rate and therefore a large potential audience for internet advertising. The spread of smartphones throughout the 2010s has made mobile internet use much more convenient than before. Partly as a consequence of this development, the average time people spend on using the internet via mobile devices per weekday has increased significantly in recent years. In addition, various forms of online entertainment and services have become more and more important for people in their daily lives. While television still reigns supreme, video sharing and streaming services as well as videos on social media are among the most popular types of video consumption. More recently, the reduction of mobile carrier fees as well as the increasing adoption of the 5G mobile standard are also thought to positively influence online video consumption.

**** was the most popular social commerce platform in Japan, as revealed in a survey conducted in February 2023 by Rakuten Insight. Instagram followed in second place, with ** percent of respondents making purchases on the photo and video sharing platform in the past 12 months.

In 2022, around 3* percent of influencers in Hong Kong were using Instagram. In comparison, Facebook was the most commonly used platform for influencers in Vietnam that year, with ** percent using the platform. Moreover, YouTube was a popular platform for many countries, including Cambodia, Japan, and Singapore.

A survey conducted during the third quarter of 2024 showed that 44.5 percent of internet users in Japan used social media to conduct research on brands. Social networks were the most common type of social media used for this purpose, followed by blogs on products or brands.

According to a survey from June 2020, almost 98 percent of young social media users aged between 17 to 19 years old in Japan were using the messaging app LINE. Twitter followed with close to 82 percent. The same survey revealed that the share of young people who were using social media in Japan stood at about 91.6 percent.

In a survey conducted in February 2023 in Japan, 66 percent of respondents with experiences in finding information about restaurants on social media network stated that they used Instagram. This was the most common platform to do so, followed by Twitter.