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.

Social Media has become a part of our day-to-day routine, keeping users from across the world well-connected through digital platforms. With each passing year, social media is evolving at a rapid speed. With each passing year, the number of social media users is increasing at an immersive speed. Reports also suggest the number of social media users will reach a milestone of 5.85 billion in 2027.

In 2024, 62.6% of the world’s population will access social media, which clearly indicates the dominance of social media platforms in today’s world. In this article, we will examine social media statistics for 2024, uncovering monthly active users, daily time spent by users, most downloaded social media apps, etc.

During a 2025 survey among marketers worldwide, around 83 percent reported using Facebook for marketing purposes. Instagram and LinkedIn followed, respectively mentioned by 78 and 69 percent of the respondents. The global social media marketing segment According to the same study, 60 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 2025. 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.

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.

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 **** ******* 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.

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.

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

As of February 2021, YouTube had a global penetration rate of 62 percent, followed closely by Meta's Facebook, with 61 percent. Overall, instant messaging service WhatsApp had a global penetration rate of 52 percent. Additionally, 12 percent of people used TikTok, and one in ten people around the world use messaging service Telegram.

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

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

Social Networking Market Outlook

The global social networking market size is anticipated to expand significantly from USD 88.8 billion in 2023 to USD 177.3 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% over the forecast period. This remarkable growth trajectory is propelled by the ever-increasing penetration of smartphones, the proliferation of internet access, and a heightened focus on digital social interactions. The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) into social networking platforms is also enhancing user engagement levels, thus fostering market expansion. As the world becomes more digital, individuals and enterprises alike are increasingly seeking platforms that offer seamless communication, real-time updates, and personalized experiences.

A key growth factor of the social networking market is the continuous rise in internet adoption rates across the globe. As more regions gain access to the internet, the potential user base for social networking platforms expands correspondingly. Internet penetration has especially surged in developing countries, fueled by affordable smartphone availability and government initiatives aimed at improving digital infrastructure. This has allowed social networking platforms to tap into previously inaccessible markets, thereby driving user growth and engagement. Furthermore, as the digital economy grows, social networking sites are increasingly seen as essential tools for marketing, branding, and customer engagement, prompting businesses to invest heavily in these platforms to reach their target audiences effectively.

The evolution of user preferences towards visual and real-time content is another significant growth driver. Platforms that offer video sharing, live streaming, and ephemeral content have seen substantial increases in user engagement. This shift is largely driven by younger demographics who favor interactive and dynamic content over static text-based updates. Social networking platforms are capitalizing on this trend by incorporating features such as stories, reels, and live broadcasts, which not only enhance the user experience but also open up new revenue streams through advertising and partnerships. The ability of these platforms to innovate and adapt to changing user preferences is pivotal in maintaining user interest and ensuring long-term growth.

The increasing importance of data analytics and targeted advertising also plays a vital role in market growth. Social networking platforms provide businesses with unprecedented access to consumer data, allowing for highly personalized advertising strategies. This capability for precise targeting makes social networking advertising an attractive option for companies looking to maximize their marketing ROI. Moreover, advancements in AI and machine learning are further refining these targeting capabilities, enabling platforms to offer even more sophisticated and effective advertising solutions. As a result, advertising revenues for social networking platforms continue to rise, contributing significantly to overall market growth.

Regionally, North America and Asia Pacific are leading the charge in social networking market expansion. North America, with its technology-savvy population and high internet penetration rates, remains a dominant force, driven by continuous innovation and strategic partnerships within the industry. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by the increasing number of internet users and the widespread adoption of smartphones. Emerging economies in this region, particularly China and India, are becoming key markets for social networking platforms looking to capitalize on vast, untapped user bases. Europe also presents substantial opportunities, with a focus on privacy and data protection driving innovation and compliance in social networking applications. In contrast, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are gradually catching up, with improvements in digital infrastructure and connectivity.

Platform Type Analysis

The social networking market is segmented into various platform types, including social media, professional networking, dating, and others. Each platform type plays a crucial role in the overall market landscape, catering to different user needs and preferences. Social media platforms remain the most popular segment, driven by their ability to connect people across the globe and facilitate the sharing of personal experiences through text, photos, and videos. These platforms have evolved significantly over the years, incorporating features such as live streamin

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

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

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

Facebook is fast approaching 3 billion monthly active users. That’s about 36% of the world’s entire population that log in and use Facebook at least once a month.

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

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 Media Management Market Outlook

The social media management market size is projected to exhibit a significant growth trajectory, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 14% from 2024 to 2032. In 2023, the global market was valued at around USD 12 billion, and it is anticipated to reach approximately USD 28 billion by 2032. The significant growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of social media platforms for brand awareness and customer engagement, as well as the rising need for businesses to manage their online presence effectively. The proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity has exponentially increased the number of social media users globally, which in turn drives the demand for comprehensive social media management solutions.

One of the key growth factors in the social media management market is the increasing penetration of social media platforms across diverse demographics. Social media is no longer confined to younger audiences but has expanded its reach to older age groups, creating a broader user base for businesses to target. This shift in demographic usage patterns necessitates more sophisticated and targeted social media strategies, thereby boosting the demand for management tools that can analyze and optimize content for diverse audiences. In addition, businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven insights derived from social media analytics, which are crucial for tailoring marketing strategies and improving customer engagement.

Another significant driver is the surge in digital marketing expenditure by businesses across various industries. As traditional advertising channels lose efficacy, companies are shifting their focus towards digital platforms, where social media occupies a prominent position. This transition is powered by the need to reach a global audience instantly and to leverage the interactive nature of social media for real-time customer feedback and engagement. Consequently, businesses are investing more in social media management solutions that offer advanced features such as scheduling, analytics, customer interaction management, and content creation tools to enhance their online marketing efforts.

Moreover, technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing a pivotal role in the evolution of social media management tools. These technologies are enabling more sophisticated functionalities like predictive analytics, automated customer interactions, and personalized content delivery. AI-powered chatbots, for instance, are increasingly being used for customer service on social media platforms, providing instant responses and enhancing user experience. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to offer even more refined tools for social media management, further fueling market growth.

In this evolving landscape, Social Media Contest Platforms have emerged as a dynamic tool for brands to engage with their audience creatively and effectively. These platforms provide businesses with the ability to host interactive contests and giveaways, which can significantly boost brand visibility and user engagement. By leveraging these platforms, companies can tap into the viral nature of social media, encouraging users to share content and participate in brand-related activities. This not only enhances customer interaction but also helps in gathering valuable user-generated content and insights. As businesses strive to create memorable social media experiences, incorporating contest platforms into their strategies can lead to increased brand loyalty and a wider reach.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a dominant position in the social media management market due to early technology adoption and the presence of major social media and software companies. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The rapid digitalization across emerging economies, coupled with increasing social media penetration and mobile internet users, is driving the demand for social media management solutions. Europe is also expected to exhibit substantial growth due to the rising focus on digital transformation among businesses in the region.

Component Analysis

The social media management market can be segmented by components into software and services. Software solutions constitute a major portion of the market as they provide comprehensiv