The number of social media users in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total *** million users (+**** percent). After the eleventh consecutive increasing year, the social media user base is estimated to reach ***** million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of social media users of was continuously increasing over the past years.The shown figures regarding social media users have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

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.

The ad spending growthin the 'Social Media Advertising' segment of the digital advertising market in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously decrease between 2023 and 2028 by in total 6.4 percentage points. After the fifth consecutive decreasing year, the indicator is estimated to reach 1.49 percent and therefore a new minimum in 2028. Find other key market indicators concerning the average ad spending per internet user (ARPU) and revenue. The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

Social media's influence in the United Kingdom continues to grow, with **** million active users as of February 2025, representing ** percent of the population. This penetration rate surpasses the global average of **** percent, positioning the UK as a leader in social media adoption. The country's high usage reflects a broader trend of increasing social media engagement worldwide, particularly in Northern and Western Europe. Global social media landscape The social media landscape is rapidly evolving, with China currently hosting over one billion users and India projected to become the largest social media audience by 2029. Notably, Nigeria is expected to see a staggering *** percent increase in its online networking audience between 2023 and 2029. In 2024, global social media users spent an average of *** minutes per day on social networks. Facebook is still the market leader Facebook is the most widely utilized social media platform globally, and India boasts *** million Facebook users, making it the leading country in terms of Facebook audience size. As of April 2024, it was found that men between the ages of ** and ** were the largest audience for Facebook, accounting for **** percent of global users. Furthermore, Facebooks second-largest audience base could be found with men aged 18 to 24 years.

The number of LinkedIn users in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 1.5 million users (+4.51 percent). After the eighth consecutive increasing year, the LinkedIn user base is estimated to reach 34.7 million users and therefore a new peak in 2028. User figures, shown here with regards to the platform LinkedIn, have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period and count multiple accounts by persons only once.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

The number of Instagram users in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 2.1 million users (+7.02 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the Instagram user base is estimated to reach 32 million users and therefore a new peak in 2028. Notably, the number of Instagram users of was continuously increasing over the past years.User figures, shown here with regards to the platform instagram, have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period and count multiple accounts by persons only once.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

The number of Pinterest users in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 0.3 million users (+3.14 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the Pinterest user base is estimated to reach 9.88 million users and therefore a new peak in 2028. Notably, the number of Pinterest users of was continuously increasing over the past years.User figures, shown here regarding the platform pinterest, have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period and count multiple accounts by persons only once.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

The ad spending in the 'social media advertising' segment of the digital advertising market in the United Kingdom was forecast to continuously increase between 2025 and 2029. After nearly a decade of consecutive increases, the spending is estimated to reach 12.8 billion U.S. dollars. Find other key market indicators concerning the average ad spending per internet user (ARPU) and revenue growth.The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

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Social Media Listening Market Size 2025-2029

The social media listening market size is forecast to increase by USD 4.87 billion at a CAGR of 8.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing usage of social media platforms worldwide. With over 4.3 billion users as of 2021, social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their customers and gain valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences. A key trend in this market is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in social media listening solutions, enabling more accurate and efficient data analysis. However, this market is not without challenges. Data privacy and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important, with stricter regulations being implemented to protect user data.
Companies must ensure they have strong data security measures in place to comply with these regulations and maintain consumer trust. Additionally, the vast amount of data generated on social media requires sophisticated analytics tools to extract meaningful insights. As such, businesses seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market must invest in advanced analytics solutions and prioritize data security and privacy. By doing so, they can effectively navigate the challenges and stay ahead of the competition.

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

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Social media listening has emerged as a crucial business tool, enabling organizations to gain valuable insights from the vast amount of data generated through social media activity. This data is analyzed using techniques such as topic modeling and sentiment scoring to understand consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. Social media geographics and demographics provide essential context, while social media reach and volume measure the scope and impact of conversations. Social media pulse and sentiment reflect the current sentiment and buzz surrounding specific topics, offering real-time insights into market dynamics and trends.
Social media listening software is a vital component of the global market for social media analytics. Social media influence is assessed through the size and engagement of an audience, providing valuable information for marketing and brand management strategies. The social media landscape and heatmap offer a comprehensive view of the social media ecosystem, helping businesses stay informed and adapt to evolving patterns.

How is this Social Media Listening Industry segmented?

The social media listening 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.

Type

  Software
  Services


End-user

  Retail and e-commerce
  IT and telecom
  BFSI
  Media and entertainment
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The software segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This segment encompasses platforms and tools that offer real-time, automated, and scalable capabilities to monitor and analyze social media conversations across various channels such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Reddit. Real-time monitoring is a key feature of these solutions, empowering brands to identify mentions, trends, and sentiment as they emerge. By staying abreast of evolving topics, businesses can respond promptly to customer concerns, capitalize on viral events, and maintain a strong online presence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are integral to social media listening software, enabling advanced topic identification, sentiment analysis, and trend recognition.

These technologies enable businesses to gain valuable customer insights, inform product development, and enhance customer experience. Social media listening platforms also offer data visualization and reporting features, allowing businesses to analyze and present their findings in a clear and actionable manner. Additionally, they provide social media dashboards, alerts, and governance tools to ensure compliance with social media policies and ethical standards. In summary, social media listening software plays a pivotal role in the global market for social media analytics, offering real-time insights and advanced capabilities to help businesses navigate the complex social media landscape and engage effectively with their audience.

Get a glance at the market report of share

In 2022, Android users in the United Kingdom did not engage more time on social video app TikTok and social communication app Facebook Messenger compared to 2021. YouTube saw a decrease of around **** percent year-over-year in engagement from Android users in the UK. Facebook saw users in the country spending approximately **** percent more less on the app.

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Social Media Management Software Market Size 2025-2029

The social media management software market size is forecast to increase by USD 54.98 billion, at a CAGR of 24.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of users on social media platforms. With billions of active social media users worldwide, businesses are recognizing the need for efficient and effective social media management solutions. A key trend in this market is the integration of advanced analytics capabilities into social media management software. This enables businesses to gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, informing data-driven marketing strategies. However, the high price point of application software poses a challenge for smaller businesses and startups, limiting their access to these tools.
To capitalize on market opportunities, companies must focus on offering competitive pricing and flexible pricing models. Additionally, continuous innovation in analytics capabilities and user-friendly interfaces will be essential to meet the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age.

What will be the Size of the Social Media Management Software Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The social media management market continues to evolve, with dynamic trends shaping its landscape. Integration of social media APIs facilitates seamless data flow between platforms and other business systems. Social media crowdsourcing harnesses user-generated content for marketing initiatives, while gamification adds an engaging element to brand interactions. Social media optimization ensures content is tailored for each platform, enhancing reach and engagement. Auditing tools assess performance, identifying areas for improvement. Monitoring solutions track brand mentions and sentiment analysis provides valuable customer insights.

Social media strategy is crucial, balancing automation and human intervention for effective community management. Reporting and analytics offer ROI measurements, while advertising targets specific demographics. Contests and sweepstakes foster engagement, with compliance a key consideration. Partnerships and storytelling expand reach, aligning with emerging trends. Continuous innovation characterizes this market, as businesses adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and platform features.

How is this Social Media Management Software Industry segmented?

The social media management software 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 and consumer goods
  Healthcare and life sciences
  IT and telecom
  Government and public sector
  Others


Deployment

  Cloud-based
  On-premises


Sector

  Large enterprises
  Small and medium sized enterprises


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

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

Social media integration is a crucial aspect of modern business strategies, enabling seamless communication between various platforms and retail systems. Measuring social media performance through analytics and reporting tools is essential for understanding engagement levels, sentiment analysis, and reach. Social media management solutions facilitate scheduling, automation, and monitoring of multiple accounts, ensuring consistent brand messaging and community management. Social media platforms themselves offer various features for contests, giveaways, and sweepstakes to boost engagement and reach. Social media advertising provides targeted campaigns to reach specific audiences, while optimization and auditing tools help improve performance. Listening and responding to customer feedback through social media is vital for maintaining positive brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Social media marketing strategies focus on storytelling, partnerships, and trends to create immersive and harmonious brand experiences. Sentiment analysis and engagement metrics help brands understand their audience's preferences and tailor their messaging accordingly. Social media contests, gamification, and crowdsourcing foster a sense of community and encourage user-generated content. Social media optimization and compliance are essential for maintaining brand integrity and adhering to industry regulations. Social media trends continuously evolve, making it necessary for businesses to sta

The results might surprise you when looking at internet users that are active on social media in each country.

The UK entertainment and media market size reached USD 128 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 194.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78% during 2025-2033. The market is booming due to the country's continuous digital transformation, increased internet penetration, rising consumer spending on experiences, the growing importance of social media platforms, and significant growth in online advertising.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product and revenue type.

56.8% of the world’s total population is active on social media.

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Social Networking Market Size 2025-2029

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

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

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

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic patterns emerging across various sectors. Customer acquisition and sales conversion are key areas of focus, as social CRM and mobile marketing strategies gain traction. User engagement remains a priority, with social listening and social network analysis providing valuable insights. Big data and data analytics play a crucial role in informing business decisions, while media relations and crisis communication strategies adapt to the digital landscape. Influencer marketing and viral marketing campaigns continue to shape consumer behavior, with conversion optimization and organic reach driving growth. Live streaming and user-generated content offer new opportunities for brands to engage with audiences.

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

How is this Social Networking Industry segmented?

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

Type

  Advertising
  In-app purchase
  Paid apps


Distribution Channel

  Google
  Apple
  App Store Distribution


Service

  Communication
  Entertainment
  Socialization
  Marketing
  Customer service


Platform

  Website-based
  Mobile apps
  Hybrid platforms


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

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

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

Gen Z and Millennials are the biggest social media users of all age groups.

In this post, I'll give you all the social media addiction statistics you need to be aware of to moderate your social media use.

Facebook and YouTube are still the most used social media platforms today.

The public relations (PR) and communications industry has expanded and is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 4.6% to reach £4.7 billion over the five years through 2024-25. This growth is thanks to companies recognising the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence in the face of evolving media landscapes. Traditional media's shift towards new digital platforms has facilitated more direct interactions with target audiences, enhancing demand for PR services. The sector has consistently demonstrated resilience despite periodic fluctuations influenced by business confidence and government spending levels. The pandemic posed challenges as businesses curtailed PR spending amid dwindling confidence, yet government efforts to circulate vital information during the crisis partially cushioned this impact. As the industry navigates the post-pandemic economic landscape, it confronts both opportunities and hurdles. The evolution and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising productivity, enabling PR firms to allocate more resources towards creative strategies. This technological advancement, coupled with major global events (like the 2024 Paris Olympic games) and increased corporate engagement in socio-political issues, including the Israel-Hamas war, is set to spur demand for PR services. Notably, an expected 5% rise in industry revenue in 2024-25 underscores the sector's promising outlook. The industry's profitability is likely to step up, albeit modestly, constrained by economic uncertainties and the imperative for businesses to preserve profits amid potential client losses. Industry revenue is forecast to soar by 5.3% over the five years through 2029-30, reaching £6 billion. This growth will be underpinned by heightened business activity, augmented government spending and an expanding digital media landscape. Platforms (like websites, blogs and social media) offer fertile ground for expansion, promising to elevate profit alongside revenue. Nonetheless, emerging challenges, including intensifying competition and ethical considerations surrounding AI use, are poised to shape the industry's trajectory. Amid this dynamic environment, PR firms that adeptly navigate these trends while championing ethical and environmentally friendly practices are likely to capture increasing demand for PR services.

Regional use of social media has a significant effect on the male and female social media statistics.