Pew Research Reveals New Social Media Usage Insights

The latest Pew Research report on social media usage trends in the U.S. reveals the continuing dominance of platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, while providing insights into the uncertain future of X. Based on a survey of 5,626 U.S. adults conducted earlier this year, the findings highlight both stability and subtle shifts in how users engage with social platforms.

YouTube remains the most widely used platform among U.S. adults. While its classification as a “social” app is debatable, given its primary function as a video consumption tool, it continues to outpace competitors in overall reach. Facebook and Instagram also maintain their strong standing, with Facebook proving particularly popular among older demographics, and Instagram used by roughly half of U.S. adults.

TikTok, which has garnered significant attention in recent years, has seen its user growth plateau, though it remains a major force in the social media landscape. Other platforms, such as LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Reddit, have shown modest increases in usage, while Snapchat’s user base remains steady, appealing mostly to younger audiences. WhatsApp has also gained traction, valued for its versatility as a communication tool. Meanwhile, BeReal, which enjoyed a short-lived surge in popularity, has since faded into relative obscurity.

X, formerly Twitter, has experienced a slight decline in user numbers. While many users have left for other platforms such as Bluesky, the platform simply has too many users for a mass exodus to have happened overnight – however, its ability to maintain relevance appears increasingly strained, particularly as it now appeals to a narrower audience compared to Facebook and Instagram.

Demographically, Facebook continues to dominate among older users, while TikTok and Snapchat captivate younger audiences. All three are still the most popular platforms within their target audiences, although many more social media startups are aiming to take a piece of the pie for themselves as we move into 2025.