Social media's influence in the United Kingdom continues to grow, with 56.2 million active users as of January 2024, representing 82.8 percent of the population. This penetration rate surpasses the global average of 62.3 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 142 percent increase in its online networking audience between 2023 and 2029. In 2024, global social media users spent an average of 143 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 378 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 25 and 34 were the largest audience for Facebook, accounting for 18.4 percent of global users. Furthermore, Facebooks second-largest audience base could be found with men aged 18 to 24 years.

As of early 2025, among the presented social networks, advertising on YouTube had the highest reach in the United Kingdom, both among women and men, with 35.7 and 42.4 percent, respectively. On average, YouTube advertising reached over 39 percent of adults from the country.

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

In January 2025, the United Kingdom had more than 55.9 million Facebook users. Four years before, in September 2020, the number of Facebook users in the UK stood at 45.85, showing a 21.9 percent growth in audience size in four years. Facebook remains the leading social network Despite a recent history of controversies and user privacy breaches - not least of which being the Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018 - Facebook has managed to remain the top social network in the UK. As of July 2024, the platform had a 62.8 percent market share, almost six times over that of X, formerly known as Twitter. Besides being the most popular social network across all age groups, Facebook and its subsidiary WhatsApp report the highest use among those aged between 26 and 35 years old. Role in political advertising Facebook has also proved to be a lucrative advertising platform, having generated 22.7 percent of online ad revenue in the UK in 2018. This was forecast to increase to 28 percent in 2021, placing the social network second to Google within the online advertising sector. Unsurprisingly, political groups aiming to capitalize on this reach have taken to large-scale advertising on Facebook. In 2019, 3.31 million euros was spent on targeted political advertising in the UK alone, the second-highest reported figure in Europe.  

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. With more individuals gaining access to the internet, the number of social media users continues to rise, providing a vast audience for businesses to engage with. However, this market growth is not without challenges. Privacy concerns have emerged as a major obstacle, with users becoming increasingly wary of how their data is being collected and used. This trend is particularly prevalent in regions with stringent data protection regulations. Despite these challenges, social networking platforms continue to innovate and adapt to meet user demands and regulatory requirements. For instance, some companies are focusing on improving data security and privacy features to address user concerns. Others are exploring new revenue streams, such as e-commerce and subscription services, to diversify their offerings and mitigate the impact of declining organic reach on advertising revenues. Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market must stay abreast of these trends and navigate privacy concerns effectively to succeed. Adopting a user-centric approach, investing in data security and privacy, and exploring new revenue streams are key strategies for companies looking to thrive in this dynamic market.

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

Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide. This market encompasses various platforms, including messaging sites like Facebook Messenger and iMessage, as well as e-commerce platforms integrated with social media, such as Instagram. The business of apps has shifted towards a bottom-up approach, with independent databases and performance indicators becoming essential for B2C enterprises. In-app purchases and the purchase of apps themselves have become significant revenue streams. The market exhibits an s-curve function, with early adopters leading the way, followed by the mass market. The rise of 5G technology is expected to fuel further growth, enabling more experiences through 3D image context and real-time communication. However, data security concerns persist, necessitating security measures. National lockdowns have accelerated the shift towards online communities for various activities, including theatre, sports, art, music, and games. Overall, the market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses.

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. TypeAdvertisingIn-app purchasePaid appsDistribution ChannelGoogleAppleServiceCommunicationEntertainmentSocializationMarketingCustomer servicePlatformWebsite-basedMobile appsHybrid platformsGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaAPACChinaIndiaJapanEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKSouth AmericaBrazilMiddle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The advertising segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is experiencing significant growth, with the advertising segment leading the way in 2024. Social media advertising, which utilizes social media platforms to engage audiences, has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver highly targeted campaigns on social networking sites. Common advertising formats include static images, videos, stories, and messenger ads. The increasing use of social media for brand promotion and product awareness is driving market expansion. Furthermore, the rise of in-app purchases and the monetization of apps have contributed to the market's growth. A bottom-up approach, utilizing independent databases and performance indicators, reveals that smartphone users are the primary consumers, with a growing preference for cloud-based apps on Apple iOS-based devices. Consumer attitudes towards data security and privacy concerns are influencing market trends, with 5G technology and AI-based libraries playing a crucial role in addressing these concerns. National lockdowns have accelerated the shift towards online communities, live streaming videos, and OTT platforms. Influencer marketing and customized photo collages are also emerging trends in the market. The business of apps, including e-commerce platforms like Facebook Shops, and Big Tech companies, continue to dominate the landscape. Exchange rates and

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The Advertising segment w

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

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

Instagram’s appeal in the United Kingdom is the strongest among women between 25 and 34 years, with 15.6 percent of the popular photo and video platform's demographic being women in this age group as of January 2025. Overall, 55 percent of Instagram's audience in the UK were women, while men engaging with Instagram were 45 percent of the total. Instagram in the United Kingdom In November 2024, Instagram counted over 34.7 million users in the United Kingdom. This represents an increase of 1.2 million from the corresponding month in 2023, when Instagram users in the country were approximately 33.5 million. Audiences of millions The leading British influencers have fan bases with millions of followers, a dream scenario for advertisers looking to direct brand messages quickly to massive audiences for less than advertising in traditional media. As of 2020, David Beckham was the United Kingdom’s most popular celebrity influencer with over 65 million followers, followed by singer Dua Lipa with a following of 58 million.

Over 210 million people worldwide suffer from social media addiction.

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

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.

Today the average time spent on social media is 2 hours and 24 minutes today for people aged 16 to 64.

Teenagers are the 2nd largest group of people affected by social media addiction. Teens ages 13 to 18 years old spend a significant amount of their free time on social media with an average of 3 hours a day.

The average person has 8-9 social media accounts. This has doubled since 2013, when the average person just had 4-5 accounts.

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Visual Content Market Size 2025-2029

The visual content market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.24 billion at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market, encompassing digital stock images and software-generated graphics, continues to experience significant growth In the US. Key drivers include the increasing demand for digital content in various sectors such as real estate, education, and digital marketing. A catalyst for this growth is the rising preference for visuals like 360-degree images and videos. However, the market faces challenges, including limited online video consumption due to slow internet speeds. As digital marketing becomes more prevalent, the need for high-quality, visually engaging content is increasingly important. This trend is expected to continue, with advancements in technology further enhancing the potential of visual content to captivate audiences and drive engagement.

What will be the Size of the Visual Content Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market continues to expand as businesses recognize the power of engaging, shareable content to capture audience attention and drive performance. The human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text, making infographics, videos, photos, and interactive visuals effective tools for conveying complex information and boosting brand awareness. For example, a brand may include a CTA in an infographic, inviting users to sign up for a newsletter or download an e-book. Visual content drives ROI through increased traffic, backlinks, and calls to action. 



Platforms and others provide businesses with a range of image-based and interactive content solutions. As the market evolves, expect to see a continued focus on creating high-quality, shareable visuals that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results. Visual capitalists are leveraging a variety of formats, including pictures, diagrams, charts, online videos, slide decks, native video, and ultimate guides, to present complex data and insights in an engaging and accessible way.

How is this Visual Content Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The 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.

Product

  Stock images
  Stock video


Application

  Editorial
  Commercial


License Model

  RF
  RM


End-user

  Media and entertainment
  Advertising
  Corporate
  Others


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Product Insights

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

The market experienced significant growth in 2024, with stock images leading the segment. The proliferation of digital photography, driven by the easy accessibility and affordability of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, has contributed to market expansion. Notably, there has been an increasing trend of collaborations among companies, enabling them to broaden their offerings, reach larger audiences, and enhance customer value. The market exhibits minimal price differentiation based on picture resolution due to the transition to mobile and online platforms. The demand for responsive web design has fueled the need for high-quality, small images, leading to advancements in image resolution technology. Visual content encompasses various formats, including infographics, videos, YouTube, Hubspot, and social media, among others.

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The stock images segment was valued at USD 3.38 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 38% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market holds the largest share In the global visual content industry. The US is the primary contributor to this market's growth due to the increasing demand for video content among commercial consumers. Factors such as enhanced broadband penetration and faster internet speeds facilitate smoother video consumption. Furthermore, the proliferation of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram In the US fuels market expansion. Visual content encompasses various formats, including infographics, videos, YouTube, Hubspot, and interactive visuals. These ele

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Social Commerce Market Size 2025-2029

The social commerce market size is forecast to increase by USD 1474.8 billion at a CAGR of 15.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the personalized shopping experience and diverse product portfolios offered on social media platforms. Technological advancements in social media, enabling seamless transactions and real-time interactions, further fuel this growth. Brands and retailers are investing in customer engagement and retention strategies, including influencer marketing and social media advertising, to capitalize on the market trend. The market has witnessed significant growth due to the increasing use of laptops and PCs for social media engagement. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends and the challenges they present, including data security concerns and the need for seamless integration with e-commerce platforms. Adopting these strategies can help businesses tap into the vast potential of social commerce and stay competitive In the ever-evolving digital landscape.

What will be the Size of the Social Commerce Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving segment within the broader e-commerce landscape. This market enables customers to shop and discover products directly within virtual environments of social media platforms. The shopping process on these platforms often begins with content sharing and product discovery through organic or paid posts. Interested buyers can engage with brands and sellers through messaging features, influencer collaborations, and shoppable posts. Millennials and the internet-savvy population are key demographics driving the growth of social commerce. Brands and sellers leverage this market to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience. Small businesses and individuals also benefit from the personalized shopping experience offered by social media platforms.
Modern technologies, such as messaging features, secure payment methods, and user data protection, contribute to the convenience and safety of social commerce. The market encompasses various product categories, including electronics, home decor, and more. Changing consumer preferences and the increasing use of user-generated content further fuel its growth. Despite its advantages, the market faces challenges such as privacy concerns, regulatory compliance, and ensuring secure payment methods. As the market continues to evolve, large players and smaller niche providers will need to adapt to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

How is this Social Commerce Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The social commerce 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.

Device

  Laptops and PCs
  Mobiles
  Tablets
  Others


Business Segment

  Business to consumer
  Business to business
  Consumer to consumer


Product Type

  Fashion and apparel
  Beauty and personal care
  Electronics and gadgets
  Home decor and furniture
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Device Insights

The laptops and PCs segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. These devices offer a larger screen size, enhancing the visual appeal of social media platforms and facilitating product discovery through customer reviews, ratings, and advertisements. Social media platforms have become essential tools for shopping, with users comparing prices across various social commerce websites. Virtual environments, such as social networks and messaging features, enable interested buyers to engage in immediate communication with brands, sellers, and influencers, fostering personalized customer experiences and brand awareness. Modern technologies, including Video Commerce, livestream shopping, and shoppable posts, have further enhanced the buyer experience.
Millennials and younger generations, in particular, have shown a strong preference for social commerce, with mobile technology enabling seamless shopping on-the-go. However, concerns over cyberattacks, data collection, and security have emerged as challenges, necessitating regulatory compliance, secure payment methods, and user data protection. Brands, sellers, small businesses, and individuals alike leverage social media for marketing, personalized shopping, and consumer engagement, driving conversion rates. The latest technology trends, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, continue to shape the social commerc

Users aged 25 to 34 years old made up the largest audience of Facebook in the United Kingdom in January 2025, accounting for 24.7 percent of all users. Overall, Facebook users aged 35 to 44 were the platform's second-largest demographic in the UK, followed by those aged 18 to 24. Dip in overall user numbers As of November 2024, there were over 55.9 million Facebook users in the UK, up from 39.01 million in September 2018, according to napoleoncat.com. However, since a peak of 57.1 million users in May 2022, Facebook's audience has decreased slightly. Facebook’s user number issues have not just been limited to the United Kingdom, with figures released by the company highlighting issues in several key markets. There was a small growth in Europe from the first quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2020. The company counted 305 million daily active users (DAU) in Europe during the first quarter of 2020. Facebook United Kingdom key source of European revenue Facebook UK Limited generated approximately 211 million British pounds in revenue during 2015, a figure that skyrocketed  to 842 million British pounds in 2016. According to Facebook UK, this was the results of the company commencing advertiser reseller services in April 2016. In 2019, Facebook UK Limited revenue reached roughly one billion British pounds. In the third quarter of 2024, the company’s total European revenue reached over 9.49 billion U.S. dollars 

As of February 2024, Twitter is ranked as the 12h most popular social media site in the world. The platform currently has 436 million active monthly users.

These Twitter user statistics will give you the complete story of where Twitter is at today and what the future looks like for the social media company.