Are folks nonetheless utilizing Fb? Is BeReal nonetheless subsequent huge factor? And is TikTok nonetheless only for Gen Z?
For those who’re searching for solutions to these questions, I’ve bought ‘em.
We asked 700+ U.S. adults concerning the social media platforms they use in Might 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 info.
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 just a few quick details concerning the high platforms US shoppers use in 2024, preserving in thoughts that this record is likely to be totally different in different international locations.
- Fb (71%), YouTube (61%), and Instagram (42%) are the preferred social media apps.
- Lemon8 (+200%), Tumblr (+20%), and TikTok (+9%) noticed essentially the most development since 2023.
- The best declines in utilization had been seen on Reddit (28%), X/Twitter (23%), and LinkedIn (22%).
- Whereas Fb is the preferred social media platform for folks over 28, Gen Z’s favourite platform is TikTok.
It’s fascinating to match these development stats to social media entrepreneurs’ predictions for 2024. In 2023, social media entrepreneurs rated Instagram as having the very best development 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 facet, out of these three apps, TikTok skilled essentially the most development (+9% YoY), then Instagram (+5% YoY) then Fb (+4% YoY).
Social media entrepreneurs’ utilization of the apps they predicted to have essentially the most development 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 development in utilization from shoppers we polled in our 2024 Client Tendencies Survey. It’s a photo-sharing app (owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s mum or dad firm) and is described as an Instagram-Pinterest hybrid.
It has solely been out there within the U.S. for a 12 months and a half, so, why’s it so fashionable?
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 may really feel that the preferred 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 footage/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 excited by your area of interest.
You can even leverage the platform for influencer advertising and marketing. For those who make an account and discover fashionable influencers/creators in your area of interest, you possibly can kind 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 tendencies (28%).
So, 17 years in, how is it nonetheless going robust?
I believe Tumblr is so fashionable as a result of it’s a community-based platform. You’re nearly 100% assured to seek out individuals who share your similar 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 provides 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 excited by.
Tumblr is actually fandom central — a judgment free zone for folks to seek out their folks.
3. TikTok
Regardless of TikTok’s ongoing regulatory concerns, individuals are beginning to use the channel for the primary time, and individuals who find it irresistible stick round.
Between Might 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 after 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 tendencies and apps. From our analysis, we estimate that one in three American adults now makes use of TikTok.
I’m attributing this development to the recognition of short-form video, which has stolen the present fully in recent times. Customers advised us that, of all forms of content material they see on social media, they get pleasure from short-form movies essentially the most—precisely what TikTok gives.
Customers are additionally doing extra social buying, which TikTok gives. Actually, TikTok is the second-most seemingly app for shoppers to have used to make a purchase order prior to now three months.
For those who aren’t on TikTok but, you need to preserve it in your radar and think about whether or not the app is sensible on your model. Simply remember that constructing a profitable technique would require some video-related time and assets, in addition to consumer analysis into all of the tendencies occurring there.
For those who use it, you’ll seemingly 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 12 months.
You’ll be able to study extra about TikTok marketing here.
6. Instagram
It is no shocker that Instagram is likely one of the favorites amongst a number of generations. Between Might 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 is likely to 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 Might.
- Instagram grew essentially the most with Child Boomers with a +53% improve (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, development was comparatively low, with 1% and a couple of% will increase, respectively.
4. Fb
Fb turned 20 this 12 months, and utilization amongst shoppers grew +4% YoY. As of April 2024, it’s the preferred social community worldwide and the favourite platform for shoppers over the age of 28.
Regardless of the main privateness points it confronted (Mark Zuckerberg was required to testify in Congress a few information leak), it’s nonetheless going robust. I believe its continued development and curiosity from shoppers are as a consequence of its novelty—it was one of many first three fashionable social media platforms (after LinkedIn and Myspace).
Now that we’ve coated a number of the fastest-growing social media platforms, listed here are those slowing down in 2024.
Which platforms are dropping steam?
Probably the most important change from 2023 is that BeReal, which led the pack with 313% utilization development, had a 0% change this 12 months.
Twitch, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter had been additionally a part of the group with excessive development, however all three skilled important drops.
I used to be shocked 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 here to learn why Reddit, Pinterest, and YouTube might be losing steam in comparison with their competitors.
Need extra social media insights? I additionally advocate trying out these useful assets:
Extra Social Media Insights
For those who’re searching 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 the right way to drive neighborhood, gross sales, and virality, and the most effective half is that the report is free to obtain.
Take a look at our 2024 Social Media Tendencies Report totally free beneath.