With an **** percent share of internet users in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, YouTube was the most popular social media platform. For that year, the total number of active social media users in the country was approximately **** million.  Social media usage in the UAE The number of social media users in the United Arab Emirates is expected to grow steadily between 2023 and 2028. According to this forecast, the social media user base in the UAE will have increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2028. Notably, the number of social media users has been steadily increasing in recent years, as social networking has become one of the most popular digital activities worldwide. In 2022, the primary reason for using social media in the UAE was to communicate with friends and family, followed by passing the time and reading news stories. In comparison, a lower proportion of respondents indicated that they use social media for live streaming and making new contacts. Social media advertising worldwide   Social media advertising has become one of the most popular digital marketing tools. In 2021, the majority of respondents in India perceived to be somewhat or very trustworthy; ** percent of consumers surveyed in the UAE felt the same way. In comparison, only a small proportion of UK respondents shared the same view on social media advertising at the time. In 2022, most social media advertising audiences in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were between the ages of ** and **, with approximately ** percent being males.

As of the third quarter of 2024, WhatsApp was the most used social media platform in the United Arab Emirates amongst surveyed individuals in the country aged 16 and above. iMessage, which is exclusive to Apple's iOS operating system, was used by approximately ** percent of respondents.

"Sent private messages" and "Commented on posts" are the top two answers among Emirati consumers in our survey on the subject of "Most common social media activities".The survey was conducted online among ***** respondents in the UAE, in 2024. Statista Consumer Insights offer you all results of our exclusive Statista surveys, based on more than ********* interviews.

UAE Social Media Analytics Market is projected to grow at 12.5% CAGR, reaching $500 Mn by 2030, driven by digital penetration, e-commerce growth, and AI advancements.

UAE social media listening market is expected to reach $350 Mn by 2030, growing at 12.5% CAGR, driven by digital penetration, AI adoption, and real-time consumer insights.

As of the third quarter of 2024, around **** percent of social media users in the United Arab Emirates reported WhatsApp as their favorite social media platform. Instagram, also owned by META, was second favorite with **** percent amongst survey respondents.

United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: Desktop: Youku data was reported at 0.000 % in 10 Jul 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 09 Jul 2024. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: Desktop: Youku data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Jun 2023 (Median) to 10 Jul 2024, with 218 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.250 % in 26 Mar 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 10 Jul 2024. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: Desktop: Youku data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share.

In 2024, the ad spending change in the 'Social Media Advertising' segment of the advertising market in the United Arab Emirates was modeled to amount to ***** percent. Between 2018 and 2024, the figure dropped by ***** percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory. The forecast shows the ad spending change will steadily decline by **** percentage points from 2024 to 2030.Further information about the methodology, more market segments, and metrics can be found on the dedicated Market Insights page on Social Media Advertising.

The highest social media usage rate among internet users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January 2021 was YouTube, at about **** percent. The most visited websites in the country for that year were Google, Facebook, and YouTube.

** percent of Emirati respondents answer our survey on "Most used social media platforms by type" with "Instant messengers (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat)". The survey was conducted in 2023, among ***** consumers.Access millions of exclusive survey results with Statista Consumer Insights.

United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Youku data was reported at 0.070 % in 02 May 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.010 % for 01 May 2024. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Youku data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Jan 2024 (Median) to 02 May 2024, with 109 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.080 % in 02 Apr 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 30 Apr 2024. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Youku data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share.

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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.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 41% growth during the forecast period.
By the Type - Advertising segment was valued at USD 80.70 billion in 2023
By the Distribution Channel - Google segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 318.56 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 312.30 billion 
CAGR : 21.6%
North America: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market continues to expand its reach and influence across various industries, with businesses recognizing its potential for customer engagement and brand awareness. According to recent studies, there are approximately 4.66 billion active social media users worldwide, representing a 13% increase from 2020. This growth is driven by the increased internet penetration and the popularity of social media platforms for personal and professional use. Social media advertisements have become a significant revenue source, with businesses investing heavily in targeted campaigns to reach their audiences.
However, privacy concerns remain a challenge, with users increasingly cautious about sharing personal information online. Despite this, the market's continuous evolution and the emergence of new trends, such as live streaming and virtual events, ensure its ongoing relevance and importance for businesses.

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

Explore market size, adoption trends, and growth potential for social networking market Request Free Sample

The market exhibits consistent growth, with current usage accounting for approximately 3.6 billion users worldwide, representing a significant 4.5% increase year-over-year. Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate a continued expansion, with projections indicating a 5.2% annual growth rate. Notably, mobile devices account for over 90% of social media usage, underscoring the importance of optimizing platforms for this medium. Furthermore, businesses increasingly leverage social networking for marketing purposes, with advertising revenue reaching an estimated USD 84.3 billion in 2021. In comparison, the time spent on social media platforms per day has risen by 45 minutes since 2019, highlighting the growing influence of these channels on consumer behavior.
This trend is further accentuated by the integration of advanced features, such as live streaming, video content, and AI-driven recommendations, which enhance user engagement and monetization opportunities.

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 and evolving landscape of digital communication, the market continues to expand, driven by innovative technologies and user engagement. According to recent data, social networking platforms accounted for approximately 30% of the total time spent online in 2021, reflecting a significant 15% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, industry experts anticipate that social media usage will continue to grow, with an estimated 25% of the global population expected to use social media by 2025. Content moderation systems play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and inclusive online environment. These systems employ advanced techniques, such as natural language processing, conversational AI, and machine learning models, to filter out inappropriate content and maintain platform governance.

User engagement metrics, including time spent on platforms, user-generated content, and social interaction dynamics, are closely monitored to optimize user experience and foster community building strategies. Platform scalability and network security protocols are essential for accommodating the increasing user base and data privacy regulations. Spam filtering techniques and link pred

United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Sina Weibo data was reported at 0.000 % in 22 Oct 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 21 Oct 2025. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Sina Weibo data is updated daily, averaging 0.020 % from Jan 2024 (Median) to 22 Oct 2025, with 139 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.120 % in 26 Mar 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 22 Oct 2025. United Arab Emirates Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share: All Platforms: Sina Weibo data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Social Media Market Share.

UAE Digital Advertising and Influencer Economy Market valued at USD 1.2 billion, driven by high internet penetration and social media growth, with key segments in social media and retail.

In 2022, Whatsapp was the leading social media platform among internet users in the UAE, with **** million users. The total number of active social media users in the country for that year was around **** million.

UAE Online Advertising and Digital Media Market valued at USD 1.5 Bn, driven by internet penetration, mobile devices, and e-commerce growth in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Middle East Media and Entertainment market, valued at $41.13 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.41% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The region's burgeoning young population, with a high percentage of digitally native individuals, is driving significant demand for digital music streaming services, video-on-demand platforms (SVOD, TVOD), and online gaming. Increased smartphone penetration and improved internet infrastructure are further accelerating this digital transformation. Government initiatives promoting diversification of the economy and investments in technological infrastructure are also contributing to market growth. Growth in e-publishing and digital advertising further complements the overall market expansion. While challenges such as content regulation and piracy persist, the market's inherent dynamism and strong investment from both local and international players suggest a continued upward trajectory. The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape. Digital music, encompassing both downloads and streaming, constitutes a significant portion, driven by the popularity of global and regional music platforms. Video games, fueled by the rise of esports and mobile gaming, are experiencing rapid growth. Video-on-demand services, including subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), and video downloads, are gaining traction due to increased affordability and availability of high-speed internet. E-publishing is also witnessing growth, reflecting changing reading habits and the accessibility of digital content. Finally, the digital advertising segment is expanding rapidly, driven by the increasing reach and engagement of digital media channels. The competitive landscape includes both established players like MBC Group and beIN Media Group and emerging companies tapping into the region's unique media consumption patterns. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations represent the largest markets within this region, reflecting their higher levels of disposable income and digital adoption. Recent developments include: March 2024 - Intigral, the media arm of STC Group, announced a partnership with Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media. The partnership aims to launch a new linear channel called "Blippi & Friends" on its streaming platforms, STC TV and Jawwy TV. The channel will be available for viewers across the MENA region., November 2023 - Arabian Publishing Media partnered with Beautiful Minds Media GmbH to bring the Madame brand to the region. This partnership combined the legacy of Madame, a luxury lifestyle brand, with Arabian Publishing Media's expertise in creating content that resonates with the market. Madame Magazine features a rich heritage, covering print, digital, social media, events, and e-commerce.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Trends Around Personalization and Increased Digitalization, Significant Growth in Online Gaming, OTT, and Internet Advertising. Potential restraints include: Growing Trends Around Personalization and Increased Digitalization, Significant Growth in Online Gaming, OTT, and Internet Advertising. Notable trends are: Internet Access Segment to Hold Major Market Share.

UAE Digital Advertising Market valued at USD 3.3 Bn, poised for 12% CAGR growth driven by internet penetration, social media, and e-commerce expansion.

GCC Cloud-Based Social Media Management Platforms Market valued at USD 1.2 billion, driven by digital marketing adoption, social media growth, and cloud advancements in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.

UAE audience analytics market valued at USD 1.9 billion, driven by digital marketing, social media, and AI advancements, with growth in retail and media sectors.