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 2022, Social networking sites are estimated to reach 3.96 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.

A global survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023 found that the main reason for using social media was to keep in touch with friends and family, with over 49 percent of social media users saying this was their main reason for using online networks. Overall, 38 percent of social media users said that filling spare time was their main reason for using social media platforms, whilst 34.3 percent of respondents said they used it to read news stories. One in five users were on social platforms for the reason of following celebrities and influencers. The most popular social network Facebook dominates the social media landscape. The world's most popular social media platform turned 20 in February 2024, and it continues to lead the way in terms of user numbers. As of January 2024, the social network had over three billion global users. YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram follow, but none of these well-known brands can surpass Facebook’s audience size. Moreover, as of the final quarter of 2023, there were almost four billion Meta product users. Ever-evolving social media usage The utilization of social media remains largely gratuitous; however, companies have been encouraging users to become paid subscribers to reduce dependence on advertising profits. Meta Verified entices users by offering a blue verification badge and proactive account protection, among other things. X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and Reddit also offer users the chance to upgrade their social media accounts for a monthly free.

In 2024, natural skincare was the top beauty trend online, with over 13.3 million mentions across social media platforms TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram. Magnesium followed with about 9.6 million and Microneedling with 7.6 million mentions.

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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. With more individuals gaining access to the internet, the number of social media users continues to rise, providing a vast audience for businesses to engage with. However, this market growth is not without challenges. Privacy concerns have emerged as a major obstacle, with users becoming increasingly wary of how their data is being collected and used. This trend is particularly prevalent in regions with stringent data protection regulations. Despite these challenges, social networking platforms continue to innovate and adapt to meet user demands and regulatory requirements. For instance, some companies are focusing on improving data security and privacy features to address user concerns. Others are exploring new revenue streams, such as e-commerce and subscription services, to diversify their offerings and mitigate the impact of declining organic reach on advertising revenues. Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market must stay abreast of these trends and navigate privacy concerns effectively to succeed. Adopting a user-centric approach, investing in data security and privacy, and exploring new revenue streams are key strategies for companies looking to thrive in this dynamic market.

What will be the Size of the Social Networking Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide. This market encompasses various platforms, including messaging sites like Facebook Messenger and iMessage, as well as e-commerce platforms integrated with social media, such as Instagram. The business of apps has shifted towards a bottom-up approach, with independent databases and performance indicators becoming essential for B2C enterprises. In-app purchases and the purchase of apps themselves have become significant revenue streams. The market exhibits an s-curve function, with early adopters leading the way, followed by the mass market. The rise of 5G technology is expected to fuel further growth, enabling more experiences through 3D image context and real-time communication. However, data security concerns persist, necessitating security measures. National lockdowns have accelerated the shift towards online communities for various activities, including theatre, sports, art, music, and games. Overall, the market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses.

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. TypeAdvertisingIn-app purchasePaid appsDistribution ChannelGoogleAppleServiceCommunicationEntertainmentSocializationMarketingCustomer servicePlatformWebsite-basedMobile appsHybrid platformsGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaAPACChinaIndiaJapanEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKSouth AmericaBrazilMiddle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The advertising segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is experiencing significant growth, with the advertising segment leading the way in 2024. Social media advertising, which utilizes social media platforms to engage audiences, has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver highly targeted campaigns on social networking sites. Common advertising formats include static images, videos, stories, and messenger ads. The increasing use of social media for brand promotion and product awareness is driving market expansion. Furthermore, the rise of in-app purchases and the monetization of apps have contributed to the market's growth. A bottom-up approach, utilizing independent databases and performance indicators, reveals that smartphone users are the primary consumers, with a growing preference for cloud-based apps on Apple iOS-based devices. Consumer attitudes towards data security and privacy concerns are influencing market trends, with 5G technology and AI-based libraries playing a crucial role in addressing these concerns. National lockdowns have accelerated the shift towards online communities, live streaming videos, and OTT platforms. Influencer marketing and customized photo collages are also emerging trends in the market. The business of apps, including e-commerce platforms like Facebook Shops, and Big Tech companies, continue to dominate the landscape. Exchange rates and

Get a glance at the market report of share of various segments Request Free Sample

The Advertising segment w

During a 2024 survey among marketers worldwide, around 86 percent reported using Facebook for marketing purposes. Instagram and LinkedIn followed, respectively mentioned by 79 and 65 percent of the respondents. The global social media marketing segment According to the same study, 59 percent of responding marketers intended to increase their organic use of YouTube for marketing purposes throughout that year. LinkedIn and Instagram followed with similar shares, rounding up the top three social media platforms attracting a planned growth in organic use among global marketers in 2024. Their main driver is increasing brand exposure and traffic, which led the ranking of benefits of social media marketing worldwide. Social media for B2B marketing Social media platform adoption rates among business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) marketers vary according to each subsegment's focus. While B2C professionals prioritize Facebook and Instagram – both run by Meta, Inc. – due to their popularity among online audiences, B2B marketers concentrate their endeavors on Microsoft-owned LinkedIn due to its goal to connect people and companies in a corporate context.

Global ad spend were expected to reach over $134 billion in 2022. This means that it has increased by over 17% yearly.

These are the key social media statistics that you need to know.

TikTok comes in 6th position in a list of the world’s most-used social media sites today.

How many people use social media? Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities. In 2024, over five billion people were using social media worldwide, a number projected to increase to over six billion in 2028.

Who uses social media? Social networking is one of the most popular digital activities worldwide and it is no surprise that social networking penetration across all regions is constantly increasing. As of January 2023, the global social media usage rate stood at 59 percent. This figure is anticipated to grow as lesser developed digital markets catch up with other regions when it comes to infrastructure development and the availability of cheap mobile devices. In fact, most of social media’s global growth is driven by the increasing usage of mobile devices. Mobile-first market Eastern Asia topped the global ranking of mobile social networking penetration, followed by established digital powerhouses such as the Americas and Northern Europe.

How much time do people spend on social media? Social media is an integral part of daily internet usage. On average, internet users spend 151 minutes per day on social media and messaging apps, an increase of 40 minutes since 2015. On average, internet users in Latin America had the highest average time spent per day on social media.

What are the most popular social media platforms? Market leader Facebook was the first social network to surpass one billion registered accounts and currently boasts approximately 2.9 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular social network worldwide. In June 2023, the top social media apps in the Apple App Store included mobile messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram Messenger, as well as the ever-popular app version of Facebook.

59% of adults in the united states are using Instagram daily.

Global Social Media Market to hit USD 466.56B by 2029 growing at 13% CAGR. Explore trends, drivers, and competition for strategic insights with The Business Research Company.

A global survey conducted in the third quarter of 2024 found that the main reason for using social media was to keep in touch with friends and family, with over 50.8 percent of social media users saying this was their main reason for using online networks. Overall, 39 percent of social media users said that filling spare time was their main reason for using social media platforms, whilst 34.5 percent of respondents said they used it to read news stories. Less than one in five users were on social platforms for the reason of following celebrities and influencers. The most popular social network Facebook dominates the social media landscape. The world's most popular social media platform turned 20 in February 2024, and it continues to lead the way in terms of user numbers. As of February 2025, the social network had over three billion global users. YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp follow, but none of these well-known brands can surpass Facebook’s audience size. Moreover, as of the final quarter of 2023, there were almost four billion Meta product users. Ever-evolving social media usage The utilization of social media remains largely gratuitous; however, companies have been encouraging users to become paid subscribers to reduce dependence on advertising profits. Meta Verified entices users by offering a blue verification badge and proactive account protection, among other things. X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and Reddit also offer users the chance to upgrade their social media accounts for a monthly free.

The average Twitter user spends 5.1 hours per month on the platform.

Social media addiction statistics show that over 210 million people worldwide suffer from social media addiction.

The Reddit Subreddit Dataset by Dataplex offers a comprehensive and detailed view of Reddit’s vast ecosystem, now enhanced with appended AI-generated columns that provide additional insights and categorization. This dataset includes data from over 2.1 million subreddits, making it an invaluable resource for a wide range of analytical applications, from social media analysis to market research.

Dataset Overview:

This dataset includes detailed information on subreddit activities, user interactions, post frequency, comment data, and more. The inclusion of AI-generated columns adds an extra layer of analysis, offering sentiment analysis, topic categorization, and predictive insights that help users better understand the dynamics of each subreddit.

2.1 Million Subreddits with Enhanced AI Insights: The dataset covers over 2.1 million subreddits and now includes AI-enhanced columns that provide: - Sentiment Analysis: AI-driven sentiment scores for posts and comments, allowing users to gauge community mood and reactions. - Topic Categorization: Automated categorization of subreddit content into relevant topics, making it easier to filter and analyze specific types of discussions. - Predictive Insights: AI models that predict trends, content virality, and user engagement, helping users anticipate future developments within subreddits.

Sourced Directly from Reddit:

All social media data in this dataset is sourced directly from Reddit, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. The dataset is updated regularly, reflecting the latest trends and user interactions on the platform. This ensures that users have access to the most current and relevant data for their analyses.

Key Features:

• Subreddit Metrics: Detailed data on subreddit activity, including the number of posts, comments, votes, and user participation.
• User Engagement: Insights into how users interact with content, including comment threads, upvotes/downvotes, and participation rates.
• Trending Topics: Track emerging trends and viral content across the platform, helping you stay ahead of the curve in understanding social media dynamics.
• AI-Enhanced Analysis: Utilize AI-generated columns for sentiment analysis, topic categorization, and predictive insights, providing a deeper understanding of the data.

Use Cases:

• Social Media Analysis: Researchers and analysts can use this dataset to study online behavior, track the spread of information, and understand how content resonates with different audiences.
• Market Research: Marketers can leverage the dataset to identify target audiences, understand consumer preferences, and tailor campaigns to specific communities.
• Content Strategy: Content creators and strategists can use insights from the dataset to craft content that aligns with trending topics and user interests, maximizing engagement.
• Academic Research: Academics can explore the dynamics of online communities, studying everything from the spread of misinformation to the formation of online subcultures.

Data Quality and Reliability:

The Reddit Subreddit Dataset emphasizes data quality and reliability. Each record is carefully compiled from Reddit’s vast database, ensuring that the information is both accurate and up-to-date. The AI-generated columns further enhance the dataset's value, providing automated insights that help users quickly identify key trends and sentiments.

Integration and Usability:

The dataset is provided in a format that is compatible with most data analysis tools and platforms, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows. Users can quickly import, analyze, and utilize the data for various applications, from market research to academic studies.

User-Friendly Structure and Metadata:

The data is organized for easy navigation and analysis, with metadata files included to help users identify relevant subreddits and data points. The AI-enhanced columns are clearly labeled and structured, allowing users to efficiently incorporate these insights into their analyses.

Ideal For:

• Data Analysts: Conduct in-depth analyses of subreddit trends, user engagement, and content virality. The dataset’s extensive coverage and AI-enhanced insights make it an invaluable tool for data-driven research.
• Marketers: Use the dataset to better understand your target audience, tailor campaigns to specific interests, and track the effectiveness of marketing efforts across Reddit.
• Researchers: Explore the social dynamics of online communities, analyze the spread of ideas and information, and study the impact of digital media on public discourse, all while leveraging AI-generated insights.

This dataset is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of Reddit's vast ecosystem, offering the data and AI-enhanced insights needed to drive informed decisions and strategies across various fields. Whether you’re tracking emerging trends, analyzing user behavior, or conduc...

38.5% of Twitter users are aged 25-34 and make up the biggest age group on the platform. Only 6.6% of Twitter users are aged 13-17.

In January 2025, X, formerly known as Twitter, held a market share of more than 58 percent in Hong Kong's social media scene in terms of pageviews across all devices, followed by YouTube and Facebook. The American social news and discussion website Reddit has gained traction since the anti-government protests in the city in 2020. Facebook is losing ground A few years before 2017, Facebook controlled over 80 percent of the social media arena in Hong Kong. The drastic change started in 2018, when the networking site lost nearly 11 percentage points and another 19 percentage points in the following year. For many Gen Z and Millennials in the financial hub, Instagram became the favorite social media platform and YouTube was used more often than Facebook. Facebook was still the second place to go after Instagram for product research, it has been losing its appeal among young users and advertisers. Platforms claiming the new spots When it came to advertising audience size, X took the lead. YouTube came in second, however, its ad reach in Hong Kong was among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. In comparison, the fourth placeholder Instagram has been picking up steam, reaching 51.6 percent of internet users in Hong Kong. However, the biggest industry threat was TikTok, the most downloaded social media app in Hong Kong as of the time of writing. TikTok’s rising popularity among teenage users may probably change the game of video consumption.

There are over 1.5 billion registered users on Instagram in 2024.

There are over 875 million registered users on LinkedIn in 2024.

Snapchat now boasts over 319 million daily active users. That means it’s one of the most engaging platforms. Snapchat currently has a total user base of 617 million.