How many people use social media?

              Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities. In 2024, over five billion people were using social media worldwide, a number projected to increase to over six billion in 2028.

              Who uses social media?
              Social networking is one of the most popular digital activities worldwide and it is no surprise that social networking penetration across all regions is constantly increasing. As of January 2023, the global social media usage rate stood at 59 percent. This figure is anticipated to grow as lesser developed digital markets catch up with other regions
              when it comes to infrastructure development and the availability of cheap mobile devices. In fact, most of social media’s global growth is driven by the increasing usage of mobile devices. Mobile-first market Eastern Asia topped the global ranking of mobile social networking penetration, followed by established digital powerhouses such as the Americas and Northern Europe.

              How much time do people spend on social media?
              Social media is an integral part of daily internet usage. On average, internet users spend 151 minutes per day on social media and messaging apps, an increase of 40 minutes since 2015. On average, internet users in Latin America had the highest average time spent per day on social media.

              What are the most popular social media platforms?
              Market leader Facebook was the first social network to surpass one billion registered accounts and currently boasts approximately 2.9 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular social network worldwide. In June 2023, the top social media apps in the Apple App Store included mobile messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram Messenger, as well as the ever-popular app version of Facebook.

Over the five years through 2025-26, industry revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 20.3% to reach £12.5 billion. 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. 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 past five years, becoming the most downloaded app between 2020 and 2022, according to Apptopia. The short-form video platform has over 30 million monthly users in the UK in 2025. 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 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. In 2025, more social media platforms are using AI to boost user engagement. This improves click-through rates and drives higher advertising revenue. Industry revenue is expected to grow by 6.3% in 2025-26. Over the five years through 2030-31, social media platforms' revenue is projected to climb at an estimated 9.2% to reach £19.4 billion. 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 tightening of regulations will raise industry compliance costs, weighing on profit margin. Older age groups present a new revenue opportunity for social media platforms if they can bridge the gap between passive TV consumption and interactive digital engagement. Augmented Reality (AR) technology will move beyond filters to become standard for immersive product trials, interactive ads, and virtual meetups

The global social media analytics market size was valued at USD 14.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 83.11 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.9% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market in 2024, holding a market share of over 33.0% in 2024. The social media analytics market share is driven by the rising need for data analytics that enhances decision-making processes, increasing utilization of various social media platforms, and the growing focus on quick and effective responses to customer inquiries.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on component, deployment mode, organization size, application, and end user.

Snapshot img

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?

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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

Profile growth - the growth on our social platforms to see where and when we're gaining followers. Engagement rate - a ratio of how many people interacted with ours posts based on when users are usually online. Reach - the number of feeds our posts appeared in (doesn't mean people interacted with the post).

AI in Social Media Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the AI in Social Media market size reached USD 2.45 billion globally in 2024, reflecting robust adoption across diverse industries. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 22.5 billion by the end of the forecast period. This significant growth is being driven by the increasing integration of artificial intelligence to enhance user engagement, automate content creation, and deliver personalized experiences on social media platforms. As per our latest research, the proliferation of AI-powered tools and analytics solutions is fundamentally transforming the way organizations leverage social media for marketing, customer service, and brand management.

One of the primary growth factors for the AI in Social Media market is the surging demand for intelligent customer engagement solutions. AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated response systems are enabling brands to interact with customers in real time, providing instant support and personalized recommendations. This not only enhances user satisfaction but also streamlines business processes, allowing organizations to handle higher volumes of customer queries with minimal human intervention. The ability of AI to analyze vast amounts of unstructured social data and extract actionable insights is further fueling adoption, as businesses seek to understand customer sentiment, emerging trends, and market dynamics more effectively.

Another key driver is the exponential growth in content creation and curation powered by AI algorithms. Social media platforms are increasingly leveraging machine learning and natural language processing to generate, filter, and recommend content that resonates with individual users. AI-based tools can automatically produce text, images, and videos tailored to specific audiences, enabling marketers and influencers to maintain a consistent and engaging online presence. The efficiency and scalability offered by AI in managing content workflows are particularly valuable in the era of information overload, where capturing user attention is increasingly challenging. This trend is expected to accelerate as generative AI models become more sophisticated, supporting a wider range of creative applications across social networks.

The growing emphasis on social media monitoring and advanced analytics also contributes to the expansion of the AI in Social Media market. Businesses are investing in AI-powered solutions to track brand mentions, monitor competitor activities, and detect potential crises in real time. These systems leverage sentiment analysis, image recognition, and predictive analytics to provide actionable intelligence, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions and respond proactively to market shifts. The integration of AI with advertising platforms further enhances targeting capabilities, optimizing campaign performance and maximizing return on investment. As regulatory scrutiny around data privacy intensifies, AI technologies are also being harnessed to ensure compliance and safeguard user information, adding another layer of value for enterprises.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the AI in Social Media market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The presence of leading technology companies, early adoption of advanced digital solutions, and a mature social media ecosystem underpin North America's leadership. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, driven by rapid digitalization, expanding internet penetration, and the proliferation of mobile-first social platforms. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth as businesses in these regions increasingly recognize the strategic importance of AI in enhancing social media engagement and brand visibility.

In the realm of social media, the ability to swiftly identify and manage potential crises is becoming increasingly crucial. AI-Powered Social Media Crisis Detection is emerging as a vital tool for brands looking to protect their reputation and maintain customer trust. By leveraging advanced algorithms and real-time data analysis, these systems can detect negative sentiment, viral content, or pote

The market for Enterprise Social Media Analytics Tools is expected to grow from USD 2,908.4 million in 2025 to USD 6,792.2 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The market growth is attributed to the rising adoption of social media by businesses, the need for better understanding of customer behavior, and the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in businesses. The market is segmented by application, type, and region. By application, the market is divided into SMEs and large enterprises. By type, the market is divided into web apps and platform, and mobile applications. By region, the market is divided into North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. North America is the largest market for Enterprise Social Media Analytics Tools, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The growing adoption of social media by businesses in these regions is driving the growth of the market.

Social Media Management Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 26.41% during the forecast period 2023-28, says MarkNtel Advisors. (Leading Companies - Adobe Inc., Clarabridge, Digimind, Falcon.io ApS, Google LLC, Hootsuite, HubSpot, IBM, Khoros, Lithium Technologies, Meltwater, and Salesforce, Inc.)

The global Social Media Automation Tool market is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach a market size of approximately $1,800 million by 2025, with an estimated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% over the forecast period of 2025-2033. This upward trajectory is primarily driven by the increasing need for efficient social media management across businesses of all sizes. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting these tools to compete with larger organizations by streamlining content scheduling, audience engagement, and performance analytics. The shift towards cloud-based solutions is a significant trend, offering scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for many businesses. Major players like Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and Buffer are continuously innovating, introducing advanced features such as AI-powered content optimization, comprehensive analytics, and integrated social listening capabilities to cater to evolving market demands. The market's expansion is further fueled by the growing importance of a strong online presence for brand building, customer service, and lead generation in today's digital-first landscape. Despite the robust growth prospects, the Social Media Automation Tool market faces certain restraints. The intense competition among numerous vendors, including established giants and emerging startups, can lead to price pressures and make differentiation challenging. Concerns regarding data privacy and security also remain a significant consideration for businesses, requiring tool providers to maintain stringent compliance standards. Furthermore, the potential for over-automation leading to a perceived lack of authenticity in brand communication can be a deterrent for some users. However, the overwhelming benefits of time savings, improved consistency, and data-driven insights are expected to outweigh these challenges. The market is segmented by application into SMEs and Large Enterprises, with SMEs expected to contribute significantly to adoption growth. By type, cloud-based solutions dominate, driven by their inherent flexibility and scalability. Regionally, North America and Europe are leading markets, with Asia Pacific showing rapid adoption due to increasing internet penetration and digital transformation initiatives. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of the global Social Media Automation Tool market, providing critical insights for stakeholders navigating this dynamic landscape. With a study period spanning from 2019 to 2033, including a base year of 2025, and a detailed forecast period of 2025-2033, this report delivers actionable intelligence. We delve into market concentration, identify emerging trends, pinpoint dominating regions and segments, and examine product nuances. The report quantifies the market's potential, projecting significant growth, with estimated market revenues reaching $3.5 million in the base year of 2025, and a projected $9.2 million by 2033. We explore the competitive environment, analyze driving forces and challenges, and highlight crucial growth catalysts that will shape the industry. Key players are identified, and significant historical and future developments are meticulously documented.

The global Metaverse Social Media Platforms market is anticipated to grow from USD xx million in 2025 to USD xx million by 2033, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. The market is driven by the increasing popularity of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the rise of social media, and the growing demand for immersive and engaging social experiences. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Metaverse Social Media Platforms, as people seek new ways to connect with friends and family. The market is segmented by type (mobile app, web-based), application (advertising, games, instant messaging, financing, others), and region (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific). The mobile app segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period, due to the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets. The advertising segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, as businesses increasingly recognize the potential of Metaverse Social Media Platforms for reaching and engaging customers. The North America region is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period, due to the presence of major technology companies and the early adoption of VR and AR technologies.

Social Media Analytics Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Social Media Analytics market size reached USD 8.1 billion in 2024, driven by rapid digital transformation and the increasing need for actionable insights from social media channels. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 23.2% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size projected to reach USD 61.3 billion by 2033. This significant growth is attributed to the rising adoption of advanced analytics tools, the proliferation of social media platforms, and the growing emphasis on customer engagement and brand management across industries.

A primary driver of the Social Media Analytics market is the exponential increase in social media usage worldwide. With billions of active users across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, organizations are increasingly leveraging social media analytics to monitor brand sentiment, understand consumer behavior, and refine marketing strategies. The growing volume of user-generated content provides a vast data pool that, when analyzed, offers valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive positioning. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize campaigns, and enhance customer experiences, fueling the demand for sophisticated social media analytics solutions.

Another key growth factor is the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, which have significantly enhanced the capabilities of social media analytics platforms. These technologies enable real-time data processing, predictive analytics, and automated sentiment analysis, allowing organizations to gain deeper and more accurate insights at scale. The integration of AI and ML not only improves the efficiency of data analysis but also enables the identification of emerging trends, potential risks, and new opportunities. As a result, companies across various sectors are investing in AI-powered analytics tools to stay ahead in a highly competitive digital landscape.

The increasing importance of personalized marketing and customer-centric strategies is also propelling the growth of the Social Media Analytics market. Businesses are utilizing analytics to segment their audience, tailor content, and deliver targeted campaigns that resonate with specific customer groups. This not only enhances engagement and conversion rates but also fosters brand loyalty and long-term customer relationships. Furthermore, the rise of influencer marketing and the need to measure campaign effectiveness are prompting brands to adopt advanced analytics tools to track engagement metrics, ROI, and overall impact on brand reputation.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the Social Media Analytics market, accounting for the largest share in 2024 due to the presence of major technology players, high digital adoption rates, and substantial investments in analytics infrastructure. However, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, driven by the rapid expansion of the digital economy, increasing internet penetration, and the growing adoption of social media platforms among businesses and consumers. Europe also holds a significant market share, supported by stringent data privacy regulations and the rising demand for compliance-driven analytics solutions.

Component Analysis

The Social Media Analytics market by component is bifurcated into software and services, each playing a pivotal role in the ecosystem. The software segment encompasses a wide range of analytics tools and platforms designed to collect, process, and visualize data from various social media channels. These solutions are increasingly equipped with advanced features such as AI-driven sentiment analysis, real-time monitoring, and customizable dashboards, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights efficiently. As businesses continue to prioritize data-driven decision-making, the demand for comprehensive

The social media analytic market size is projected to grow from USD 11.38 billion in 2025 to USD107.3 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 25.16% during the forecast period till 2035.

Social Media Software Market size was valued at USD 3.24 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.25 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 17.07% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Social Media Software Market Drivers

Increasing Social Media Adoption: Growing number of social media users worldwide, driving the demand for software to manage and optimize social media presence.

Business Marketing and Branding: Businesses leveraging social media for marketing, branding, and customer engagement, necessitating advanced social media software tools.

Content Creation and Management: Rising need for tools that facilitate content creation, scheduling, and management across multiple social media platforms.

Analytics and Insights: Demand for analytics tools to measure social media performance, track metrics, and gain insights into audience behavior.

Customer Engagement and Support: Need for tools that enhance customer engagement and provide efficient customer support through social media channels.

Influencer Marketing: Growth of influencer marketing, requiring software to identify, manage, and track influencer collaborations and campaigns.

Ad Campaign Management: Increasing investment in social media advertising, driving the need for software that helps manage and optimize ad campaigns.

Social Media Listening: Importance of social media listening tools to monitor brand mentions, track sentiment, and manage reputation.

Integration with Other Tools: Integration capabilities with other business tools such as CRM, email marketing, and e-commerce platforms, enhancing the overall marketing strategy.

Regulatory Compliance: Need for tools that help ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and social media platform policies.

The global social media marketing tools market is projected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of social media platforms by businesses for marketing and customer engagement. The market size is expected to reach USD 4136.4 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2033. The market growth is driven by factors such as the increasing penetration of social media worldwide, the need for effective social media management tools, and the rising demand for data-driven marketing campaigns. The market is segmented into various categories based on type, application, and region. In terms of type, the market is classified into cloud-based and web-based tools. Cloud-based tools are gaining popularity due to their scalability, flexibility, and accessibility from anywhere. In terms of application, the market is divided into large enterprises and SMEs. Large enterprises are expected to account for a significant share of the market due to their extensive social media marketing needs. Regionally, North America is expected to remain the dominant market due to the early adoption of social media marketing tools and the presence of a large number of technology companies. Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing adoption of social media in emerging economies. The key players in the market include Monday, HubSpot, Bitrix, AgencyAnalytics, Agile CRM, Zoho Social, Hootsuite Media, Buffer, SEMrush, SocialPilot, Missinglettr, Animatron, Facebook Apps and Tabs, Loomly, Post Planner, Later, Preferred Market Solutions, and Statusbrew. This comprehensive market report provides an in-depth analysis of the global social media marketing tools industry, with a focus on key trends, market segments, growth drivers, and competitive dynamics. The report leverages proprietary data and insights from industry experts to offer a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape.

The global social media marketing service market size was valued at USD 116.80 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 494.46 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period. The market growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of social media platforms by businesses to connect with their target audience, enhance brand awareness, and drive sales. Additionally, the growing popularity of influencer marketing and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are further fueling market expansion. By application, the brand promotion segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is anticipated to continue dominating the market throughout the forecast period. Social media platforms offer brands an effective way to reach and engage with their target audience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. Other major segments include product sales, digital advertising, and social media management. In terms of region, North America accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The dominance of North America is attributed to the early adoption of social media marketing services by businesses in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing smartphone penetration and the growing presence of emerging markets.

Social Media Analytics Market was valued at USD 10.26 Bn in 2024, projected to reach USD 35.88 Bn by 2030, growing at 23.20% CAGR during 2025–30, says MarkNtel Advisors.

Discover the explosive growth of the social media platforms market! This in-depth analysis reveals key trends, leading companies (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn), market size projections, and regional insights for 2025-2033. Learn about driving forces, challenges, and future opportunities in this lucrative sector.

The global social media software market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 45 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% from 2025 to 2033.

The global social media integration market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 45 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2025 to 2033.

The global Social Media Management and Analytics Software market is estimated to be worth USD 3883.7 million in 2025, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The market growth is driven by the increasing use of social media platforms to engage with customers, improve brand reputation, and drive sales. Additionally, the growing adoption of cloud-based software solutions and the increasing demand for data analytics to gain insights into social media data are further contributing to the market growth. North America is the largest regional market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The United States is the largest country market, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany. The key players in the market are HubSpot, SharpSpring, Zoho Social, Wrike, YouScan, Awario, HootSuite Media, Sprout Social, Salesforce, Mention, Sprinklr, Sysomos, Sendible, Critical Mention, Digimind, LexisNexis, and Meltwater. The market is fragmented with a number of small and medium-sized players, and the top 10 players account for around 50% of the market share.