Are folks nonetheless utilizing Fb? Is BeReal nonetheless subsequent huge factor? And is TikTok nonetheless only for Gen Z?
Should you’re on the lookout for solutions to these questions, I’ve acquired ‘em.
We requested 700+ U.S. adults in regards to the social media platforms they use in Could 2023 and once more in January 2024 to seek out out which apps are rising and that are slowing down. Right here’s what I gathered from the information.
Desk of Contents
Social Media Utilization in 2023 vs. 2024
Unsurprisingly, 87% of US adults use social media. However what platforms are they utilizing most?
Listed below are a number of quick details in regards to the high platforms US shoppers use in 2024, protecting in thoughts that this listing may be completely different in different nations.
- Fb (71%), YouTube (61%), and Instagram (42%) are the most well-liked social media apps.
- Lemon8 (+200%), Tumblr (+20%), and TikTok (+9%) noticed probably the most progress since 2023.
- The best declines in utilization have been seen on Reddit (28%), X/Twitter (23%), and LinkedIn (22%).
- Whereas Fb is the most well-liked social media platform for folks over 28, Gen Z’s favourite platform is TikTok.
It’s fascinating to match these progress stats to social media entrepreneurs’ predictions for 2024. In 2023, social media entrepreneurs rated Instagram as having the very best progress potential, adopted by TikTok and Fb. At the moment, Instagram was utilized by 65% of entrepreneurs, TikTok by 36%, and Fb by 67%.
On the patron aspect, out of these three apps, TikTok skilled probably the most progress (+9% YoY), then Instagram (+5% YoY) then Fb (+4% YoY).
Social media entrepreneurs’ utilization of the apps they predicted to have probably the most progress really fell YoY: Instagram utilization fell -20% YoY, TikTok by -5% YoY, and Fb by -7% YoY.
With that, let’s take a deeper dive into the fastest-growing platforms.
The Quickest Rising Social Media Platforms
1. Lemon8
Lemon8 noticed +200% YoY progress in utilization from shoppers we polled in our 2024 Shopper Developments Survey. It’s a photo-sharing app (owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s dad or mum firm) and is described as an Instagram-Pinterest hybrid.
It has solely been out there within the U.S. for a yr and a half, so, why’s it so standard?
For starters, Lemon8 is extra of a platform for shoppers. It’s centered round user-generated and natural content material, which is a welcome respite to shoppers who would possibly really feel that the most well-liked social media platforms are brand-forward and too salesy.
Customers additionally care that the content material they see on social media is genuine and relatable, so the content material they see from different customers speaks on to that curiosity. A majority of people that use the app say they achieve this to get concepts and inspiration and to share their very own photos/movies.
As with all rising platforms, there’s no assure that Lemon8 will final, so my recommendation for manufacturers/companies is to get on the platform to safe your deal with and see what’s trending for customers involved in your area of interest.
You may as well leverage the platform for influencer advertising. Should you make an account and discover standard influencers/creators in your area of interest, you may type partnerships with them to construct consciousness for what you supply to its customers.
2. Tumblr
Tumblr, launched in 2007, is a microblogging website the place customers can share textual content and multimedia posts. It’s grown +8% since 2023, and its customers say they use the platform to seek out entertaining content material (28%) and sustain with information/cultural developments (28%).
So, 17 years in, how is it nonetheless going robust?
I believe Tumblr is so standard as a result of it’s a community-based platform. You’re virtually 100% assured to seek out individuals who share your identical pursuits, and to have the ability to fill your feed with content material that solely speaks to your pursuits.
It’s additionally a personality-driven platform, which supplies customers the benefit of feeling like they are often themselves, particularly in the event that they’re closely concerned within the communities they’re most involved in.
Tumblr is basically fandom central — a judgment free zone for folks to seek out their folks.
3. TikTok
Regardless of TikTok’s ongoing regulatory issues, persons are beginning to use the channel for the primary time, and individuals who find it irresistible stick round.
Between Could of 2023 and January of 2024, TikTok utilization amongst our surveyed shoppers grew by +20% YoY. Utilization additionally grew throughout all generations, particularly older ones that when appeared completely uninterested.
The variety of Boomers utilizing TikTok grew by +60% YoY and +12% YoY for Gen X, exhibiting once more that they’re catching on to many viral Gen Z developments and apps. From our analysis, we estimate that one in three American adults now makes use of TikTok.
I’m attributing this progress to the recognition of short-form video, which has stolen the present fully in recent times. Customers instructed us that, of all sorts of content material they see on social media, they get pleasure from short-form movies probably the most—precisely what TikTok gives.
Customers are additionally doing extra social procuring, which TikTok gives. Actually, TikTok is the second-most possible app for shoppers to have used to make a purchase order up to now three months.
Should you aren’t on TikTok but, you must maintain it in your radar and think about whether or not the app is smart to your model. Simply take into account that constructing a profitable technique would require some video-related time and assets, in addition to consumer analysis into all of the developments happening there.
Should you use it, you’ll possible reap the advantages: social media entrepreneurs usually tend to charge TikTok as having excessive ROI and say that short-form movies (which TikToks are) have resulted within the highest ROI this yr.
You possibly can study extra about TikTok advertising right here.
6. Instagram
It is no shocker that Instagram is among the favorites amongst a number of generations. Between Could and January, utilization by shoppers we surveyed grew by +5%.
Whereas the channel continues to win over Gen Z and acquire consideration from Boomers, it may be dropping a few of its Millennial viewers. Beneath are just some quick details.
- Round 42% of U.S. adults use Instagram, up 5% from final Could.
- Instagram grew probably the most with Child Boomers with a +53% enhance (from 15% to 23%).
- There was an 8% drop in utilization amongst Gen X, from 51% to 47%.
- Regardless of being amongst Gen Z and Millennials’ high three favourite apps, progress was comparatively low, with 1% and a couple of% will increase, respectively.
4. Fb
Fb turned 20 this yr, and utilization amongst shoppers grew +4% YoY. As of April 2024, it’s the most well-liked social community worldwide and the favourite platform for shoppers over the age of 28.
Regardless of the foremost privateness points it confronted (Mark Zuckerberg was required to testify in Congress a few knowledge leak), it’s nonetheless going robust. I believe its continued progress and curiosity from shoppers are resulting from its novelty—it was one of many first three trendy social media platforms (after LinkedIn and Myspace).
Now that we’ve coated a few of the fastest-growing social media platforms, listed here are those slowing down in 2024.
Which platforms are dropping steam?
Essentially the most vital change from 2023 is that BeReal, which led the pack with 313% utilization progress, had a 0% change this yr.
Twitch, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter have been additionally a part of the group with excessive progress, however all three skilled vital drops.
I used to be stunned to see LinkedIn and Twitch drop off, however not X/Twitter. Its 22% decline aligns with Elon Musk’s controversial takeover.
To dive deeper into the shifts, Click on right here to study why Reddit, Pinterest, and YouTube may be dropping steam in comparison with their competitors.
Need extra social media insights? I additionally suggest testing these useful assets:
Extra Social Media Insights
Should you’re on the lookout for much more social media insights, I like to recommend diving into your 2024 State of Social Media reporting.
It’s primarily based on outcomes from a survey we ran of 1,500+ social media entrepreneurs. You’ll study all about find out how to drive neighborhood, gross sales, and virality, and the very best half is that the report is free to obtain.
Try our 2024 Social Media Developments Report free of charge under.