US Social Media Statistics 2024 | Most Popular Platform in US

US Social Media Statistics 2024 | Most Popular Platform in US

Social Media in the United States

The social media landscape in the United States of America can be very different from country to country, but what’s true all over the world is that the number of people using social media platforms has skyrocketed in recent years. This growing trend means that businesses will need to learn how to use social media in order to reach their target audience effectively and on a budget.

The number of social media users in the US is one of the highest in the world. This is due to the country’s high social network penetration rate. For most of the successful social media channels, the US is a huge market with enormous potential. In 2024, there are 246.0 million active social media users in the United States of America. This accounts to 72.5% of the total population of US.

The social media in the United States of America is constantly changing, with new websites and apps emerging every day to keep up with the demands of social media users around the world. Social media platforms have taken the place of traditional channels, such as print and broadcast, in terms of popularity, engagement and influence among users.

The use of social media has also become an important part of political and social movements in the US. Platforms such as X (Twitter) and Facebook have been used to organize protests, spread information, and mobilize support for various causes. However, the use of social media has also raised concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the spread of hate speech and online harassment. These issues have led to calls for greater regulation of social media platforms and more awareness about how to use them responsibly.

Facebook is the most popular social network in the United States, with 221.71 million active users. 74.2% of the users use Facebook, an online social networking service based in Menlo Park, California. Facebook is closely followed by Instagram.

The most popular social network of U.S. teens is Instagram. There are 180.77 million active users in the United States for Instagram, a photo and video sharing social networking service. Facebook Messenger, an instant messaging app and platform developed by Facebook. There are about 180.11 million active users using Facebook Messenger in the US. TikTok are also popular among adults under 30.

While it may be tempting to dabble on all social networks, your best bet is to pick a few that cater specifically to businesses and make them a top priority. For example, if you’re hoping to sell shoes, Pinterest and Instagram would probably be better bets than X (Twitter) or Facebook. Of course, some small businesses are all over when it comes to social media, but try sticking with these two biggies.

In the United States, social media has effects on mental health. On one hand, it can be a source of social support and connection, which can improve mental health outcomes. It can also provide a platform for individuals to raise awareness about mental health issues and share their experiences, which can reduce stigma and increase understanding.

On the other hand, social media can also have negative effects on mental health. It can contribute to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and anxiety, particularly if individuals are comparing themselves to others or experiencing cyberbullying. Social media use has also been associated with poor sleep quality, which can impact mental health outcomes.

Research has shown that excessive social media use, particularly among adolescents and young adults, is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It is important to recognize the potential negative effects of social media and to engage in responsible use to minimize these risks. This may involve setting limits on social media use, seeking out positive online communities and content, and taking breaks from social media when needed.

Digital Culture at a Glance in United States

Top Influencer Campaign PlatformInstagram
Most Important Social Media Marketing ChannelFacebook
Top 2024 Marketing TrendTikTok for Business

Social Media Statistics of the United States of America in 2024

Social media has become an integral part of modern life in the US, with millions of people using platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube for communication, information sharing, and content consumption. Social media has also had a significant impact on politics and social movements, with many activists and advocacy groups leveraging these platforms to advance their causes and connect with others who share their views.

While social media has become an important tool for marketing and advertising, it has also been criticized for contributing to polarization, echo chambers, and the spread of misinformation. In response, there have been calls for increased regulation and accountability for social media platforms, particularly concerning user data and content moderation practices.

Total population of US339.1 million
Number of Internet users311.3 million
Active social media users246.0 million
Number of Mobile Internet users282.34 million

The population of US is 339.1 million. Of that, the number of internet users comes to around 311.3 million. 91.8% of the US population are internet users. The number of active social media in the US is 246.0 million.

As desktop use declines, mobile devices are growing at a rapid rate. It is good for social media users who are accessing social media on their mobile devices. The users are constantly connected to these social media platforms. There are about 282.34 million Mobile Internet users in the US.

PercentageGrowth in Numbers
Annual growth of Internet users0.5%1,500,000+

The annual growth of Internet users is 0.5% with another 1.5 million new users.

Average daily time spent using Internet6 hours 59 mins
Average daily time spent using social Media2 hours 16 mins

In the US, the average daily time spent using the Internet is 6 hours 59 mins, of which 2 hours 16 mins of the daily time is spent using social media.

Most Used Social Media Platforms in US in 2024

As mentioned in the beginning, Facebook is the most used social media platform in the United States, with 74.20% of the internet users enrolled. In numbers, it is 221.71 million active users.  It saw a statistically significant growth since 2019. This tells that the reach is growing rapidly. US is the biggest market for Facebook, both in terms of views and subscribers. The second most liked Social Media Platform by the Americans is Instagram, with 180.77 million users.

Most Used Social Network PlatformsPercentageActive Users (in million)
Facebook74.20%221.71
Instagram60.50%180.77
Tik Tok47.00%140.44
X (Twitter)42.30%126.39
Pinterest37.00%110.56
LinkedIn29.90%89.34
Reddit29.30%87.55
Skype15.00%44.82
Nextdoor13.50%40.34

After Facebook, Instagram, an American photo and video sharing social networking service founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, continue to influence the online landscape of the US. 60.50% of the users in the US have profiles on Instagram, and that makes it the second most popular platform. Instagram is the widely used social media site among US adults. Instagram has been used by many big brands in the US to engage with their fans.

TikTok, a video-focused social networking service owned by Chinese company ByteDance Ltd, has 47.00% of internet users in the US. TikTok has 140.44 million active users in the US. TikTok’s users are mainly U.S. teenagers and young adults. ByteDance Ltd. is the parent company of TikTok. It has grown into a source of income for creators in the US and a great sales channel for businesses. According to a report, the most popular video categories on TikTok include: dance challenges, lip-syncing and music videos, comedy skits, educational content and DIY and life hacks. By 2024, TikTok influencer marketing is projected to be worth $3 billion. TikTok’s in-feed advertisements have outperformed industry standards, with an engagement rate of 8% to 10% on average.

A few other social media platforms that are popular in the US are X (formerly Twitter) with 42.30% penetration, Pinterest (37.00% penetration), LinkedIn (29.90% penetration), Reddit (29.30% penetration) and Skype (15.00% penetration). Skype is followed by Nextdoor (13.50% penetration), a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods.

*Note: YouTube was not offered as an answer option in the survey.

Most Used Messenger Apps in the US 2024

FB Messenger is the most popular Messenger App in the US, with 180.18 million active users. Facebook-owned FB Messenger has 60.30% of the country’s total internet users. The second most popular on the list is iMessage, an instant messaging service developed by Apple Inc., with 39.50% penetration. It has 118.03 million active users. The third is Snapchat (111.75 million), which is really popular among teenagers, has 37.40% users. Forth in the list of 2024 social media chat apps is WhatsApp with 27.30% penetration.

Most Used Messenger Apps in USPercentageActive Users (in million)
Facebook Messenger60.30%180.18
I Message39.50%118.03
Snapchat37.40%111.75
Whatsapp27.30%81.57
Discord15.70%46.91
Telegram13.50%40.34

A few other messenger apps that are favored in the US are Discord (15.70% penetration), Telegram, a freeware, cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging (IM) service with 13.50% penetration.

The Future Of Social Networking In the US

What does social media look like in five years? Will we still be interacting with our friends and families via apps like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter)? Or will we be using something completely different? As it stands now, most Americans use Facebook to communicate with people who live far away. Almost a quarter of us have some form of social media account; many more have tried them but didn’t stick around. That’s got a lot to do with privacy concerns and security fears—which are understandable—but it also has to do with the fact that many people just don’t know how useful social networking is anymore. For some groups and individuals, though, there are clear upsides.

Share of Web Traffic by Device

In 2024, the most dominant device in the US are Laptop & Desktop, with a share of 48.89%. Equally, in the commanding position is the Mobile Phone, with a share of 48.31%. The next device on the list is Tablet with 2.77%. All other Devices constitute 0.03%.

DevicePercentage
Mobile Phone48.31%
Laptop & Desktop48.89%
Tablet2.77%
Other Devices0.03%

Popular Browser in the US

Chrome is the most popular browser in the US with a share percentage of 50.70% which is closely followed by Safari (34.01%). Microsoft Edge is at the distant third with 6.98% market share, followed by Firefox(3.60%), Samsung Internet(1.69%), Opera(1.09%) and Android (0.80%).

BrowserPercentage
Chrome50.70%
Safari34.01%
Microsoft Edge6.98%
Firefox3.60%
Samsung Internet1.69%
Opera1.09%
Android0.80%
Others1.13%

Top Websites in the US

The top website in the US is Google.com. Second, on the list is YouTube followed by Facebook, Amazon.com and Yahoo.

WebsitesDeveloped by
Google.comGoogle
Youtube.comGoogle
Facebook.comMeta
Amazon.comAmazon
Yahoo.comYahoo

Search Engine Market Share in US 2024

Search EnginesPercentage
Google86.49%
Bing7.82%
Yahoo2.95%
DuckDuckGo2.35%
Yandex0.11%
Baidu0.03%
Others0.24%

In 2024, Google is the most popular search engine in the US. The share of Google is 86.49% which is clearly ruling the market. Bing is second most popular with 7.82%. Other browsers used in the United States are Yahoo (2.95%), DuckDuckGo (2.35%), Yandex (0.11%), Baidu (0.03%), Others (0.24%).

Share of Web Traffic by Mobile OS

The top mobile OS in the US are Apple IOS with a share of 55.72% followed by Android OS (43.90%) and Samsung OS (0.30%).

Mobile OSPercentage
Apple IOS55.72%
Android OS43.90%
Samsung OS0.30%
Others0.07%

Top Mobile Apps in the US

The top mobile apps in the US are Facebook, followed by Facebook Messenger, Amazon, Instagram and Snapchat.

Mobile ApsParent Company
FacebookMeta
Facebook MessengerMeta
AmazonAmazon
InstagramMeta
TikTokByteDance Ltd.

Internet & Mobile User Statistics of the United States 2024

Total Population339.1 million
Active Internet Users311.3 million
Mobile Internet Users282.34 million
Active Social Media Users246.00 million
Avg Daily Time Spent using Internet on Mobile Devices3H 28M

Internet Connection Speed in the US

The average broadband internet speed in the US is 189.48 Mbps, which is a 41.3% increase when compared with the previous year. The average speed of mobile internet connection is 74.83 Mbps. When compared to the previous year, there is a growth rate of 40.5%.

Avg Broadband Internet Speed189.48 Mbps
Avg Speed of Mobile Internet Connection74.83 Mbps

Top Mobile App by Number of Downloads

The top mobile app by number of downloads in the US is ByteDance owned TikTok, followed by YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger and Zoom Cloud Meetings. Then comes Cashapp followed by Netflix, HBO MAX and Snapchat.

Mobile AppsParent Company
TikTokBytedance
InstagramMeta
WhatsAppMeta
FacebookMeta
CashappSquare Inc.
YoutubeGoogle
Facebook MessengerMeta
AmazonAmazon
Disney+Disney
SnapchatSnap

Advantages of Social Media in US

One of the primary advantages of social media is the ability to connect with others. Social media platforms enable individuals to interact with people from all over the world, regardless of distance or time zone. This has facilitated the growth of social networks, allowing people to build relationships and communities that were once impossible. Through social media, people can also stay connected with family and friends, even when they are far away.

Another advantage of social media is its impact on business and marketing. Social media platforms have become a powerful tool for businesses to reach new customers and connect with their existing ones. With billions of users on social media platforms, businesses can leverage these platforms to promote their brand, products, and services to a massive audience. Social media advertising is also cost-effective compared to traditional advertising methods, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Social media has also had a significant impact on education and learning. Social media platforms provide a wealth of information, resources, and educational opportunities that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere. These platforms have enabled students to collaborate on projects, communicate with educators, and access educational resources, regardless of their location.

In addition to its impact on education, social media has also transformed the way people consume news and information. With social media, people can access news from a variety of sources in real-time, allowing them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments around the world. Social media also allows people to engage with news and information, providing a platform for discussion and debate on important issues.

Social media has also played a critical role in social and political activism. Activists and advocacy groups have leveraged social media platforms to raise awareness about important issues, mobilize support, and drive social change. Social media has also provided a platform for marginalized groups to share their stories and experiences, allowing their voices to be heard in ways that were once impossible.

Finally, social media has had a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Social media platforms provide an outlet for people to express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with others who may be going through similar challenges. Social media can also provide a sense of community and support, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who may feel isolated or alone.

Social media has several advantages in the US, including the ability to connect people, promote business and marketing, support education and learning, provide access to news and information, drive social and political activism, and promote mental health and well-being. While there are certainly challenges associated with social media, its benefits cannot be overlooked. As social media continues to evolve, it is likely that it will continue to transform how people connect and engage with each other and the world around them.

How Popular is Social Media in the United States?

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life in the United States. Millions of people use social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to connect with friends and family, share information and opinions, consume content, and participate in online communities. Social media has had a profound impact on various aspects of American culture, including business, education, politics, and social activism.

One of the primary ways that social media has impacted American culture is through its influence on business. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for businesses to reach new customers and connect with their existing ones. With billions of users on social media platforms, businesses can leverage these platforms to promote their brand, products, and services to a massive audience. Social media advertising is also cost-effective compared to traditional advertising methods, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Additionally, social media has provided businesses with new ways to engage with customers and build relationships, such as through customer service chatbots, personalized content, and influencer marketing.

Social media has also had a significant impact on education and learning in the United States. Social media platforms provide a wealth of information, resources, and educational opportunities that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere. These platforms have enabled students to collaborate on projects, communicate with educators, and access educational resources, regardless of their location. Social media has also given rise to new educational models, such as online courses and distance learning programs. Additionally, social media has provided educators with new ways to engage with students, such as through interactive assignments, virtual field trips, and social media discussions.

In addition to its impact on education and business, social media has transformed the way Americans consume news and information. With social media, people can access news from a variety of sources in real-time, allowing them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments around the world. Social media also allows people to engage with news and information, providing a platform for discussion and debate on important issues. However, the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media has raised concerns about the reliability of information shared on these platforms.

Social media has also played a critical role in social and political activism in the United States. Activists and advocacy groups have leveraged social media platforms to raise awareness about important issues, mobilize support, and drive social change. Social media has also provided a platform for marginalized groups to share their stories and experiences, allowing their voices to be heard in ways that were once impossible. However, the spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media has also contributed to polarization and divisiveness in American society.

Social media has had a positive impact on mental health and well-being in the United States. Social media platforms provide an outlet for people to express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with others who may be going through similar challenges. It can also provide a sense of community and support, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who may feel isolated or alone. However, social media has also been associated with negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and social comparison.

Social media has had a profound impact on various aspects of American culture, including business, education, politics, and social activism. While there are certainly challenges associated with social media, its benefits cannot be overlooked. As social media continues to evolve, it is likely that it will continue to transform how Americans connect and engage with each other and the world around them.

(Source: Data Reportal)

READ: Canada Social Media Statistics

Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.