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.

In March 2025, ******** accounted for ** percent of all social media site visits in the United States, confirming its position as the leading social media website by far. Other social media platforms, despite their popularity, had to make do with smaller shares of visits across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices combined. ********* ranked second with ***** percent of all U.S. social media site visits, while X (previously Twitter) accounted for ***** percent of the total visits in the country. Additionally, the U.S. is home to the third largest social media audience worldwide. Facebook: mobile vs desktop usage At the beginning of 2022, around ** percent of Facebook users across the globe were using the platform’s social networking services exclusively via mobile phone, while only *** percent reported using their desktop or laptop devices. In September 2022, three Facebook Inc. products occupied some of the leading positions as most downloaded social networking apps on the Apple App Store in the United States. WhatsApp’s messaging platform ranked second with more than *** million downloads, while Facebook and the instant-messaging service Messenger followed ranking third and fifth with *** million and **** million downloads respectively. Social media evolution Between 2012 and 2024, the daily time spent on social networks worldwide experienced an almost constant increase, with users reaching an average of *** minutes per day in 2023, with a decrease to *** daily minutes of engagement in 2024. However, users’ favorite platforms have changed since 2019, and the power balance appears to be shifting further from Facebook’s market dominance. Not only Facebook’s user growth rate is estimated to slow down in the next years, but users belonging to Generation Z appear to prefer video-first social platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

In 2023, Meta Platforms had a total annual revenue of over 134 billion U.S. dollars, up from 116 billion in 2022. LinkedIn reported its highest annual revenue to date, generating over 15 billion USD, whilst Snapchat reported an annual revenue of 4.6 billion USD.

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.

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.

How many people use social media? Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities. In 2024, over **** ******* people were using social media worldwide, a number projected to increase to over *** billion in 2029. 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 ** 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 *** minutes per day on social media and messaging apps, an increase of ** 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 *** billion registered accounts and currently boasts approximately *** 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.

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.

Which countries spent the most and least time on social media?

Global Social Media market size is expected to reach $466.56 billion by 2029 at 13%, segmented as by type, social media advertisement, social media subscription

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

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

** percent of Australian 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 ****** 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.

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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.

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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

A survey held in the United States in 2023 revealed that 40 percent of responding adults said that what they disliked most about getting news on social media was the fact that the news is inaccurate, an increase of nine percent from 2018. Other reasons given were low-quality news or other people's behavior. Social media news consumption is complex With inaccurate news being the main reason consumers dislike news via social networks, the issue of trust also comes into play. Whilst fake and manipulated content can circulate on any platform, social media platforms can exacerbate the matter, with written posts, video footage, and audio easily shared and disseminated at the click of a button. TikTok in particular, with its focus on short-form snappy content, ranked poorly in terms of trusted social networks - 50 percent of U.S. adults responding to a survey considered the platform very untrustworthy. What are the positives of news found on social media? Data from 2023 showed that 20 percent of adults in the United States who used social media to get news stated that convenience was their main reason for doing so. Speed and interaction with people were the two next most popular reasons for using social networking platforms as a source of news. Even so, the majority (more than a third) of respondents said they did not know why they liked getting news on social networks or did not answer. This speaks to the complex relationship the public now has with social media – its convenience, as well as its prevalence in users’ everyday lives, means that it can often be difficult to avoid using it. However, when it comes to news, users remain unsure.

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.

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 Analytics Market Size 2025-2029

The social media analytics market size is forecast to increase by USD 21.2 billion, at a CAGR of 35.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expanding availability and complexity of social media data. Businesses increasingly recognize the value of social media insights to inform marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement, and gauge brand reputation. In response, social media platforms continue to roll out advanced targeting options, enabling more precise audience segmentation and personalized messaging. However, the surging use of social media data also presents challenges. Interpreting unstructured data from various sources remains a formidable task, requiring sophisticated analytics tools and expertise.
Companies must navigate these complexities to effectively harness the power of social media analytics and stay competitive in today's digital landscape. To succeed, organizations need to invest in advanced analytics solutions, cultivate data literacy skills, and establish clear data governance policies. By addressing these challenges, businesses can unlock valuable insights from social media data and capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic market.

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The market continues to evolve, offering valuable insights for businesses across various sectors. Hashtag tracking and sentiment classification help organizations understand public perception and engagement with their brand. Engagement metrics, share of voice, and trend analysis algorithms provide valuable data for brand reputation management and customer journey mapping. Social media ROI, influencer marketing metrics, and sentiment scoring offer insights into the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. User behavior patterns, predictive modeling, and anomaly detection enable businesses to anticipate trends and respond to crises in real-time. Social media listening, lead generation attribution, influencer identification, and customer satisfaction scores provide actionable insights for community management and crisis communication management.

Data visualization dashboards and social listening tools facilitate effective audience segmentation and conversational AI. Reach forecasting, content performance, keyword analysis, and campaign effectiveness metrics offer valuable insights for optimizing social media strategies. Platform-specific insights enable businesses to tailor their approach to each social media channel. According to recent market research, the market is expected to grow by over 15% annually, reflecting the increasing importance of social media data for businesses. For instance, a retail company used social media listening tools to monitor customer conversations and identified a trend in customer complaints about product packaging. The company responded by redesigning the packaging, resulting in a 12% increase in sales.

This example highlights the potential impact of social media analytics on business performance.

How is this Social Media Analytics Industry segmented?

The social media analytics industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Retail
  Government
  Media and entertainment
  Travel
  Others


Application

  Sales and marketing management
  Customer experience management
  Competitive intelligence
  Risk management
  Public safety and law enforcement


Deployment

  On-premises
  Cloud


Type

  Predictive analytics
  Prescriptive analytics
  Descriptive analytics
  Diagnostics analytics


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

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

Social media analytics plays a pivotal role in retail marketing, enabling businesses to track and analyze customer engagement, sentiment, and trends in real-time. Tools such as hashtag tracking, sentiment classification, and engagement metrics help retailers understand their audience's preferences and behavior patterns. Share of voice and trend analysis algorithms provide insights into market dynamics and brand reputation management. Customer journey mapping and social media ROI measurement allow businesses to optimize their marketing strategies and improve sales. Influencer marketing metrics, sentiment scoring, and advertising

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.

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.