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.

Social media platforms are integral to people's lives, offering ways to communicate, create and view content and share information. According to Ofcom, approximately 89% of UK internet users in 2023 used social media apps or sites. Teenagers and young adults are the biggest users, although there is rapid uptake among older age groups. Advertising is the primary revenue source for social media platforms, although subscription-based services are gaining momentum as platforms seek to diversify their incomes. TikTok is the success story of the last few years, becoming the most downloaded app between 2020 and 2022, according to Apptopia. The short-form video platform reported that it averaged revenue growth of over 450% between 2019 and 2022. After Musk's takeover, X, formerly known as Twitter, adjusted its content moderation and allowed previously banned accounts to return. As a result, over 600 advertisers have pulled their ads from the site because of fears their brand may be associated with malcontent. In response to falling ad revenue, X has introduced a subscription-based service which enables users to verify themselves and boosts the number of people who view their tweets. Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram have responded by introducing a similar service. Revenue is expected to grow by 14.3% in 2024-25, constrained by a slowdown in user growth for most major social media platforms. Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 32.8% to reach £9.8 billion. Looking forward, regulations relating to how data is collected, stored, and shared will force advertisers and platforms to rethink how they can target their desired demographics. The rising prominence of AI will require the introduction of adequate regulations. The Online Safety Bill sets out new guidelines for social media platforms to abide by, with hefty fines in store for those who do not. Operating costs will swell as platforms look to meet consumers’ expectations, weighing on profit. Over the five years through 2029-30, social media platforms' revenue is projected to climb at an estimated 9.4% to reach £15.4 billion.

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.

65 percent of U.S. respondents answer our survey on "Most used social media platforms by type" with "Social networks (e.g., Facebook)". The survey was conducted in 2023, among 60,267 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.

I’ve compiled a list of the latest social media user statistics showing just how big social media has become and where it’s likely to go in the future.

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

Social Media Platforms Market Outlook

The global social media platforms market size was valued at approximately USD 180 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 400 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 9.1% over the forecast period. This impressive growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, the expansion of internet connectivity, and the rising demand for digital advertising.

Several key factors are driving the growth of the social media platforms market. First and foremost, the increasing availability and affordability of smartphones and internet services globally have significantly expanded the user base of social media platforms. With the proliferation of affordable smartphones and widespread network coverage, even users in developing regions are now able to access social media, contributing to the market's expansion. Furthermore, mobile internet speeds have improved significantly, enabling richer media experiences on social platforms, which in turn attract more users and advertisers.

Another critical growth factor is the rising importance of digital marketing and advertising. Businesses of all sizes are leveraging social media platforms to reach their target audiences more effectively and efficiently. Given the advanced targeting capabilities and analytics offered by these platforms, advertisers can optimize their campaigns for better performance, thus funneling a significant portion of their advertising budgets to social media. Additionally, the integration of e-commerce features within social media platforms has created new revenue streams and engagement opportunities, further propelling market growth.

Content creation and user engagement are also key drivers in the social media platforms market. User-generated content (UGC) plays a vital role in keeping platforms vibrant and engaging. Social media platforms provide various tools and features, such as live streaming, stories, and reels, which encourage users to create and share content. This not only enhances user engagement but also attracts more users to join the platforms. Influencer marketing is another growing trend, where influencers with large followings collaborate with brands to promote products and services, thereby driving sales and brand awareness.

From a regional perspective, North America and Asia Pacific are the dominant players in the social media platforms market. North America, with mature markets in the U.S. and Canada, has a high penetration rate of social media usage and significant digital advertising expenditure. Conversely, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth due to its large population, increasing internet penetration, and the rising popularity of regional social media platforms. Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa also present substantial growth opportunities due to expanding internet access and increasing smartphone adoption.

Platform Type Analysis

The social media platforms market can be segmented by platform type into social networking, media sharing, blogging & microblogging, discussion forums, and others. Social networking platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, are among the most popular and widely used types. These platforms enable users to create profiles, connect with friends and colleagues, and share various forms of content. Social networking platforms are particularly popular due to their diverse feature sets, including messaging, multimedia sharing, and online communities, which cater to a broad range of user needs.

Media sharing platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok focus primarily on the sharing of videos and images. These platforms have gained massive popularity, especially among younger demographics, due to their focus on visual content and ease of use. The rise of short-form video content has been a significant trend, with platforms like TikTok leading the way. Media sharing platforms attract a large number of content creators and influencers, who generate engaging content that drives user engagement and retention.

Blogging and microblogging platforms, such as WordPress and Tumblr, provide users with a space to share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions through longer-form text content. Microblogging platforms like Twitter allow for shorter, more frequent updates, which can be particularly effective for real-time communication and news

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.

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

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

The global social networking market size was valued at USD 93.01 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.0% from 2023 to 2030. The rising popularity of social media platforms and the increasing number of internet users are the primary factors driving the market growth. Additionally, the growing adoption of smartphones and tablets is further contributing to the market's expansion. The increasing use of social media for business purposes, such as marketing and customer engagement, is also driving growth. Key market trends include the increasing adoption of social media for business purposes, the rising popularity of mobile applications, and the emergence of new social media platforms. The growing use of social media for business purposes is being driven by the increasing awareness of the benefits of social media marketing, such as its ability to reach a large audience, its cost-effectiveness, and its ability to build relationships with customers. The rising popularity of mobile applications is being driven by the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, as well as the development of new social media applications that are specifically designed for mobile devices. The emergence of new social media platforms is being driven by the increasing demand for new and innovative ways to connect with friends and family, as well as the desire for social media platforms that are tailored to specific interests or demographics.

As of March 2023, 76 percent of online users in Norway used social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, and 74 percent used media sharing platforms such as Snapchat and YouTube. Instant messaging services were also widely used in Norway, with a reach of almost 70 percent. Additionally, one in five internet users accessed business networks, like LinkedIn. Social networks were also the most popular type of platform in Denmark.

Social Media Market Outlook 2032

The global social media market size was USD 219.03 Billion in 2023 and is likely to reach USD 1,006.62 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 14.8% during 2024–2032. The market is propelled by the increasing adoption of smartphones and internet connectivity by the consumers based worldwide.



Increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, entertainment, and business is expected to drive the social media market, during the forecast period. Social media platforms are no longer just a place for personal interactions but have evolved into a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. The latest trends in the market indicate a shift toward personalized and interactive content, with features such as stories, live videos, and augmented reality filters gaining popularity.



Growing use of data analytics is another significant trend in the social media market. Companies are leveraging data gathered from social media platforms to gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. This data-driven approach allows businesses to create targeted and effective marketing strategies, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and profitability. The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data analysis is further enhancing the capabilities of social media as a business tool.



Rising concerns about privacy and security are shaping the future of the social media market. Social media platforms are being challenged to provide higher levels of data protection, as users become aware of the risks associated with sharing personal information online. This has led to the development of new features and technologies aimed at enhancing user privacy and security, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation in the market.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Social Media Market

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

According to a survey conducted in June 2023, adults in the United States spent more time per day on TikTok than on any other leading social media platform. Overall, respondents reported spending an average of 53.8 minutes per day on the social video app. YouTube and Twitter ranked second and third, each with an average of 48 minutes and 34 minutes spent on the platforms per day, respectively.

U.S. teens have time for certain platforms

Different social media platforms attract different demographics, with teenagers in the United States being more drawn to TikTok and YouTube over Facebook. In 2023, teenagers in the United States spent an average of almost two hours on YouTube and 1.5 hours on TikTok every day, 1451257 while Facebook was used by teens for less than half an hour per day. Furthermore, social media habits differ between genders, as teen girls were more likely to spend more time than boys on Instagram.

TikTok is king for teens and Gen Z

Although spending 1.5 hours on the Generation Z app of choice may sound rather modest, some TikTok users devote much more of their time to the platform . According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2022, around eight percent of teenagers in the United States spent over five hours a day on TikTok. 1417187 whereas another 22 percent reported spending between two and three hours daily on the video-based app.

As of September 2023, YouTube as the most popular social media platform for global users, with 97 percent of respondents reporting to use the popular video platform. YouTube was also the most popular social media among Gen Z users, with 96 percent of respondents in this age group reporting to have used the video platform as of the examined period. Facebook's usage kept steady among among the general digital population, with around eight in 10 reporting to have used the platform. In comparison, the social media's popularity was in free fall among gen Z users with only four in 10 among those surveyed reporting to engage with the Meta-powered platform.

Users spend an average of 19.6 hours per month on TikTok alone. This works out to be approximately 39 minutes per day.

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 800 million.

Social Network Market Outlook

The social network market size is projected to grow from $200 billion in 2023 to $500 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10.8%. One of the primary growth factors for this market is the increasing global internet penetration coupled with the proliferation of smartphones, which is making social networking platforms more accessible to a broader audience.

The burgeoning connectivity among individuals and businesses is playing a pivotal role in propelling the social network market. With the increasing availability of affordable internet services, more people are joining social networks, thus boosting user engagement and content sharing on these platforms. Additionally, the rise of digital marketing and advertising strategies is pushing businesses to leverage social media platforms for targeted marketing efforts, which is further contributing to market expansion.

Another significant growth factor is the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into social networking platforms. These technologies enable personalized content delivery, enhanced user engagement, and improved user experience by analyzing user behavior. Furthermore, AI-driven analytics and insights are becoming essential tools for businesses to understand market trends and consumer preferences, thereby driving the demand for advanced social networking solutions.

The increasing popularity of video content and live streaming is also significantly contributing to the market growth. Platforms that offer live streaming capabilities are witnessing higher user engagement rates. Additionally, the shift towards visual-based content such as images, videos, and stories is helping platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to gain tremendous popularity. This trend is expected to continue, driving further growth in the social network market.

The rise of Enterprise Social Networks and Online Communities is another trend shaping the social network market. These platforms are designed to facilitate communication and collaboration within organizations, allowing employees to share information, ideas, and resources more efficiently. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging open dialogue, enterprise social networks enhance employee engagement and productivity. They also serve as a valuable tool for knowledge management, enabling organizations to capture and disseminate institutional knowledge effectively. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the demand for enterprise social networks is expected to grow, providing new opportunities for innovation and growth in the social network market.

From a regional perspective, North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the social network market due to the high internet penetration, widespread adoption of smartphones, and the presence of major social networking companies. However, regions like Asia Pacific are anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rates due to the large population base, rapidly growing internet user base, and increasing adoption of social media platforms in countries like India and China.

Component Analysis

The social network market can be segmented by component into software and services. The software segment comprises social networking platforms, applications, and tools that enable users to interact, share content, and communicate. This segment is likely to dominate the market due to the continuous launch of new features and updates aimed at enhancing user experience. The integration of AI and ML technologies is further augmenting the capabilities of social networking software, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

On the other hand, the services segment includes consulting, deployment, integration, and maintenance services. These services are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation and optimization of social networking platforms. The demand for these services is expected to grow as businesses increasingly seek expert assistance to implement and manage their social media strategies effectively. The rise of social media marketing has also led to a surge in demand for specialized consulting services to help businesses maximize their return on investment (ROI) from social network campaigns.

The software component is further subdivided into mobile appli