How many people use social media?
Now nearly vital to modern life, social media connects people across the globe, aids communication, and affects daily activities. The number of people using social media worldwide continues to grow, reflecting its importance and ubiquity in contemporary society.
As of early 2024, Statista reports reveal there are approximately 5.4 billion social media users globally. That’s more than 60 percent of the global population. Smartphone use and internet access have played a big role in this boom, making it easier than ever for people to get online and join social media.
Most popular social media platforms
Since it began, social media has been evolving, with several platforms emerging as leaders in the digital space. Check out a few of the most popular platforms based on their user bases:
Facebook: Since Facebook started, it has been a major player in social media. With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains the biggest social media platform. Its vast user base spans various demographics and regions.
YouTube: Boasting over 2.5 billion monthly active users, YouTube is a leading platform for video content. It remains popular with users looking for both entertainment and information.
WhatsApp: With around 2.3 billion users, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app. It is commonly used for personal and business communication.
Instagram: Instagram has just about 2 billion users and is particularly popular among younger audiences for photo and video sharing.
TikTok: One of the fastest-growing social media platforms is TikTok. It has amassed about 1.6 billion users. Short-form video content has driven its growth, resonating with younger demographics.
Twitter/X: With roughly 450 million users, Twitter (now rebranded as “X”) remains an influential platform for real-time news and public discourse.
Regional variations
Social media usage varies significantly by region. Globally, Statista reports show social network penetration rates reach 62.3 percent, with Northern Europe topping the charts at 81.7 percent. Conversely, though numbers are rising for Eastern and Middle Africa, they report lower rates at 10.1 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
Based on Statista research, the following regions boast some of the most significant user bases:
Asia: Asia is home to the largest number of social media users, driven by populous countries like India and China. Platforms like Facebook, WeChat, and TikTok are prevalent here.
North America and Europe: Both North America and Europe have high social media rates. They use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Africa and Latin America: Africa and Latin America have lower overall usage rates than Asia, North America, and Europe. But social media use is growing fast in these regions, aided by increasing internet access.
Social media demographics
Social media platforms attract diverse demographics with distinct preferences and behaviors. Studies from Pew Research reflect how people connect and interact online.
Ages 18-29: YouTube (93 percent), Instagram (78 percent), Facebook (67 percent), Snapchat (65 percent), TikTok (62 percent), Reddit (44 percent), WhatsApp (32 percent), LinkedIn (32 percent).
Ages 30-49: YouTube (92 percent), Facebook (75 percent), Instagram (59 percent), LinkedIn (40 percent), TikTok (39 percent), WhatsApp (38 percent), Reddit (31 percent), Snapchat (30 percent).
Ages 50-64: YouTube (83 percent), Facebook (69 percent), Instagram (35 percent), Pinterest (33 percent), LinkedIn (31 percent), WhatsApp (29 percent), TikTok (24 percent), Reddit (11 percent).
Ages 65+: YouTube (60 percent), Facebook (58 percent), Pinterest (21 percent), WhatsApp (16 percent), Instagram (15 percent), LinkedIn (12 percent), TikTok (10 percent), Reddit (3 percent).
How much time do people spend on social media?
On average, Internet users spend 143 minutes daily on social media, according to 2024 Statista reports. That’s a slight decrease from 151 minutes the year before. Brazil leads in daily social media use, with users spending an average of just under four hours daily on social media. The US trails at two hours and 16 minutes.
Additionally, studies reveal that most social media users credit its usage as having a significant impact on their daily lives. According to Statista, more than 50percent of respondents credit social media with promoting greater communication, freedom of expression, and access to information.
Yet advantages seldom come without some drawbacks. Conversely, respondents also reported worsening personal privacy, increased political polarization, and more distractions during the day. Whether the pros of social media outweigh the cons might come down to personal perspective and preference.
