Exploring Social Media Usage Trends, Global User Stats, and Platform Popularity
Key Takeaways
- Over 5.27 billion people use social media globally in 2025.
- Approximately 4.65 billion people use social media daily.
- Social media statistics worldwide show that 64.4% of the global population are active social media users.
- Social media usage by age highlights platform preferences, with younger users favoring TikTok and older users preferring Facebook.
- Mobile devices account for the vast majority of social media access.
- The number of social media users has increased by roughly 52% between 2020 and 2025.
We live in a world where tapping and scrolling have become second nature. From sharing memes to networking professionally, social media plays a dominant role in our daily routines. But have you ever wondered how many people use social media today?
As of 2025, social media usage is at an all-time high. With platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn dominating the digital sphere, the number of social media users in 2025 has crossed 5.17 billion globally, accounting for over 64% of the world’s population. This explosive growth is not just about more users—it’s about deeper engagement, shifting demographics, and evolving digital habits.
Let’s dive into the latest social media statistics worldwide, trends, and facts that define today’s connected world.
How Many People Use Social Media Daily?
Understanding how many people use social media daily helps gauge the platform’s real-time impact. Approximately 4.65 billion people engage with social media every day, showing not just widespread adoption but active and frequent use.
This figure highlights the pervasive nature of social platforms in modern life people don’t just have accounts; they use them consistently for communication, entertainment, news, and shopping.
Social Media Usage Statistics by Country
The growth and penetration of social media vary significantly across countries. Here’s a snapshot of social media usage statistics by country:
| Country | Social Media Users (2025) | % of Population Using Social Media |
|---|---|---|
| India | 770 million | 54% |
| China | 1.02 billion | 72% |
| United States | 325 million | 92% |
| Brazil | 165 million | 85% |
| Indonesia | 150 million | 73% |
Fact: While countries like the United States have high penetration rates, nations like India and China lead in absolute numbers due to their large populations.
Social Media Users by Platform
The social media landscape is diverse, with different platforms capturing various user segments. Here are the leading social media users by platform worldwide:
- Facebook: 3.05 billion monthly active users
- YouTube: 2.9 billion
- WhatsApp: 2.7 billion
- Instagram: 2.6 billion
- TikTok: 1.9 billion
Each platform appeals to different audiences and content types, contributing to the overall social media ecosystem’s richness.
Social Media Usage by Age
Social media usage by age reveals distinct preferences:
| Age Group | Most Used Platform |
|---|---|
| 13–17 | TikTok |
| 18–34 | |
| 35–54 | |
| 55+ |
Younger generations gravitate towards newer, video-centric platforms like TikTok, while older users tend to prefer Facebook’s broader social networking.
Average Time Spent on Social Media
On average, users spend 2 hours and 28 minutes daily on social media platforms. This is a crucial statistic showing not just how many people use social media but how engaged they are.
Regions differ; for example, Filipinos spend the most time (3h 30m), while Japanese users spend the least (51 minutes).
How Many People Use Social Media Worldwide in 2025?
As of 2025, 5.17 billion people use social media globally, which equals 64.4% of the total global population. This figure reflects an ongoing trend of digital connectivity and rapid adoption across developing regions.
Mobile vs Desktop Social Media Usage
With the rise of affordable smartphones and faster internet connections, mobile social media usage now accounts for 96.6% of all access. Desktop usage continues to decline, especially among younger users who prefer the convenience of mobile devices.
Has the Number of Social Media Users Increased Since 2020?
Absolutely. In 2020, global social media users numbered around 3.6 billion. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has surged to 5.17 billion, reflecting a 43% increase in five years due to improved internet access, smartphone availability, and digital literacy worldwide.
Quora Example: What People Are Asking
On Quora, a user recently asked:
“How many people use social media daily, and what impact does it have on society?”
Top Answer:
“Currently, around 4.65 billion people use social media daily, spending over 2 hours a day on these platforms. Social media has transformed how we communicate and consume information, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance to avoid negative effects like screen fatigue.” – Digital Marketing Expert
This question reflects growing awareness about the significance of social media in daily life.
Which Country Has the Highest Number of Social Media Users?
China leads globally with over 1.02 billion users, followed by India’s 770 million users. In terms of penetration rates, smaller countries like the United Arab Emirates (99%) and South Korea (95%) top the list.
Social Media Growth Rate and Future Trends
While growth in developed markets slows due to saturation, emerging markets in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America continue to experience significant increases in social media adoption.
Future trends to watch include:
- AI-driven content curation
- Voice and video-based social platforms
- Growth of niche communities and interest-based networks
- Integration of social media with the metaverse
Final Thoughts: The Power of Social Media Usage
Understanding how many people use social media and their habits is critical for businesses, policymakers, and individuals alike. The continuous rise in social media usage statistics by country and platform reflects not just connectivity but also the profound ways social media shapes culture, commerce, and communication globally.