Instagram Surpasses Snapchat Among Teens, TikTok Remains Favourite

According to a recent Piper Sandler survey, Instagram has become the most used social media platform among U.S. teenagers, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Out of 13,500 surveyed teens, 87% reported using Instagram monthly, a record high and an increase from 80% the previous year. TikTok ranked second, with 79% of teens using it monthly, while Snapchat saw a decline, with 71% usage compared to 74% last year.

Instagram’s success can be attributed to Meta’s focus on features designed to engage younger audiences. New offerings such as status updates, enhanced direct messaging features, and AI tools have helped the platform grow its influence. Instagram’s monthly user growth was also supported by reports from data firm Sensor Tower, which noted a spike in downloads earlier in the year.

Despite Instagram’s dominance in usage, TikTok remains teens’ favourite platform, with 39% identifying it as their preferred app, compared to 32% for Instagram. Snapchat, once a favourite among younger users, now trails significantly, with only 18% of teens ranking it as their favourite, down from 28% in 2023.

Snapchat’s decline in both usage and popularity may indicate a challenging road ahead, despite its April 2024 report claiming it reached 90% of 13- to 24-year-olds in key markets. Meanwhile, Instagram and TikTok continue to lead in capturing teen interest, although both platforms are facing increasing scrutiny from U.S. officials over the safety and mental health impacts on younger users.