YouTube, Facebook Remain the Most Used Platforms in the US

Social media giants YouTube and Facebook maintain their dominant positions in the US social media sphere, a new report by Pew Research Center shows. 

The study, which looks into the social media habits of Americans, sheds light on user trends and demographic patterns over the past two years. It surveyed 5,733 American adults between May and September 2023.

Survey results reveal that 83% of respondents reported using YouTube, while 68% reported using Facebook.

The Rise of TikTok

The report also highlights the remarkable growth of TikTok, which has seen explosive adoption among American users. In just two years, the proportion of adults who reported using TikTok surged from 21% to 33%.

This growth trajectory is indicative of TikTok's increasing prominence among certain demographics, according to Jeff Gottfried, associate director of research at the Pew Research Center.

The rise of TikTok, however, has not hindered the adoption of other platforms, such as Meta-owned Instagram. Its user base grew from 40% to 47% over the same time period, demonstrating its resilience in the face of competition from emerging platforms.

The report also delves into demographic disparities in social media usage. Notably, age plays a significant role in platform preferences, with younger demographics showing higher engagement on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

For instance, while only 15% of individuals aged 65 and older reported using Instagram, the figure jumps to 78% among 18 to 29-year-olds.

While the Pew Research Center's report provides valuable insights into social media use, it also underscores the need for further investigation into the underlying reasons behind these patterns.

Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang