A recent report from the Pew Research Center revealed that YouTube and Facebook are the most widely used online Social Media platforms among US adults. Approximately 83% of US adults reported using YouTube, making it a dominant player in the online landscape. Facebook, with a 68% user base, also maintains a significant presence. Instagram follows closely, with 47% of US adults using the Social Media platform.
The findings highlight that YouTube and Facebook are the only two platforms used by majorities across all age groups. However, a notable age gap exists for YouTube, with younger adults being more active users. In contrast, the age gap for Facebook is smaller. TikTok, previously subject to calls for a ban by some Congress members, has experienced growth, with 33% of US adults now using the video-based platform, up from 21% in 2021.
The survey, conducted from May to September 2023 with 5,733 US adults, also indicated that 27% to 35% of US adults use Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. Additionally, 20% of respondents reported using X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.
Age differences were stark, with platforms like Instagram (78%), Snapchat (65%), and TikTok (62%) being predominantly used by adults under 30. Those aged 30 to 49 stood out for higher usage rates on LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Women were more likely to use Pinterest (50%), TikTok (40%), and Instagram (54%) compared to men.
