GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Social Network Industry Statistics

The social network industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with millions of users worldwide engaging with various platforms daily for socializing, networking, and marketing purposes.

🔥 Brand New

Our Free Guide: Master the Art of AI-Assisted Research

In our guide, we’ll show you how small tweaks and additions to your research process with AI can significantly improve your academic work.

Highlights: Social Network Industry Statistics

  • As of 2021, there are over 4.48 billion users of social networks worldwide.
  • Facebook is the leading social network with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2021.
  • YouTube is the second most popular social networking site, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly active users.
  • On average, an internet user spends 145 minutes on social media per day as of 2020.
  • Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2020.
  • Businesses are expected to spend more than $50 billion on social network advertising in 2021.
  • WhatsApp is the most popular global mobile messenger app with 2 billion users as of 2020.
  • Over 500 million daily active users use Instagram Stories as of 2021.
  • Around 50% of the world population uses social media.
  • 73% of marketers believe that their efforts through social media marketing have been ‘somewhat effective’ or ‘very effective’ for their business.
  • Social media ad spend reached $105 billion in 2020.
  • TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media networks with 689 million global active users
  • The average TikTok user spends 46 minutes per day on the app.
  • LinkedIn has more than 774 million users in more than 200 countries.
  • Social media reach worldwide is 45%.
  • A total of 1.3 billion people use Facebook Messenger monthly.
  • 91% of social media users access social channels via mobile devices.
  • WeChat has more than 1.2 billion monthly active users.
  • By 2023, an estimated 3.43 billion people will be using social networks.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Speed up your source research process with AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

The Latest Social Network Industry Statistics Explained

As of 2021, there are over 4.48 billion users of social networks worldwide.

The statistic that as of 2021, there are over 4.48 billion users of social networks worldwide indicates the widespread adoption and popularity of social media platforms across the globe. This large number highlights the significant impact that social networks have on modern society, connecting billions of individuals and facilitating communication, information sharing, and networking on a massive scale. The statistic underscores the importance of understanding the role of social media in shaping daily life, culture, and even global events, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with such widespread digital connectivity.

Facebook is the leading social network with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2021.

The statistic that Facebook is the leading social network with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2021 highlights the platform’s dominant position in the social media landscape. The sheer number of monthly active users indicates the widespread popularity and reach of Facebook, making it one of the most widely used social networking services globally. This statistic signifies Facebook’s significant influence on online interactions, information dissemination, and digital marketing. The platform’s large user base also presents a valuable opportunity for businesses and advertisers to connect with a vast audience and promote their products or services effectively.

YouTube is the second most popular social networking site, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly active users.

This statistic indicates that YouTube is a highly influential social networking platform, ranking second in popularity globally based on its impressive user base of over 2 billion logged-in monthly active users. As a platform primarily focused on video content sharing, YouTube has established itself as a go-to destination for a vast audience seeking entertainment, education, and information. The significant number of active users highlights YouTube’s wide reach and impact on online communities, making it a key player in the social media landscape. Marketers, content creators, and individuals looking to connect with a large audience have an opportunity to leverage YouTube’s extensive user base for various purposes, from brand promotion to community building and sharing valuable content.

On average, an internet user spends 145 minutes on social media per day as of 2020.

This statistic indicates that, as of 2020, the average internet user dedicates approximately 145 minutes per day to engaging with social media platforms. This suggests a significant portion of an individual’s daily activities is spent interacting on social media, potentially impacting their daily routine and time allocation. The extent of time spent on social media not only reflects the popularity of these platforms but also raises considerations regarding the potential effects on mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. Understanding these usage patterns can provide valuable insights into the influence of social media on individual behavior and societal trends in the digital age.

Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2020.

The statistic that Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2020 signifies the significant reach and popularity of the social media platform. This figure indicates the number of unique users who actively engage with the platform on a monthly basis, highlighting the vast audience that Instagram can potentially reach. With such a large user base, Instagram presents immense opportunities for individuals, brands, and businesses to connect with a wide and diverse audience, thereby allowing for the sharing of content, promotion of products or services, and fostering of community engagement on a global scale. Additionally, the statistic reflects the platform’s influence and impact on modern society, making it a key player in the realm of social media and digital marketing strategies.

Businesses are expected to spend more than $50 billion on social network advertising in 2021.

This statistic indicates that businesses are projected to allocate a significant financial investment towards social network advertising in the year 2021, amounting to an estimated total spending exceeding $50 billion. This suggests a growing recognition among businesses of the importance and potential effectiveness of leveraging social media platforms as advertising channels to reach and engage with their target audience. The substantial expenditure planned for social network advertising reflects a strategic shift towards digital marketing strategies, highlighting the continued trend of businesses adapting to the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and the increasing prominence of online platforms for marketing and advertising purposes.

WhatsApp is the most popular global mobile messenger app with 2 billion users as of 2020.

The statistic that WhatsApp is the most popular global mobile messenger app with 2 billion users as of 2020 indicates the immense reach and widespread adoption of the app among mobile users worldwide. With 2 billion active users, WhatsApp has established itself as a dominant player in the messaging app market, surpassing many other competitors. This statistic highlights the app’s popularity, user engagement, and significance in enabling communication and connection on a global scale. Such a large user base also signifies the potential impact and influence that WhatsApp has on trends, behaviors, and interactions within the digital realm.

Over 500 million daily active users use Instagram Stories as of 2021.

The statistic that over 500 million daily active users use Instagram Stories as of 2021 indicates the widespread popularity and engagement of this feature on the social media platform. Instagram Stories are short, ephemeral posts that can include images, videos, and text, providing a way for users to share moments from their daily lives in a more casual and temporary format. The fact that such a large number of users are actively engaging with this feature highlights its significance as a key component of the overall Instagram experience and underscores its effectiveness in driving user interaction and enhancing the platform’s overall user engagement metrics.

Around 50% of the world population uses social media.

The statistic that around 50% of the world population uses social media indicates a substantial and widespread presence of social media usage on a global scale. This high percentage highlights the ubiquitous nature of social media platforms and their impact on how people worldwide communicate, connect, and engage with information and each other. This statistic underscores the significant role that social media plays in modern society, shaping interactions, sharing experiences, and influencing behaviors across diverse cultures and demographics. Furthermore, it underscores the need for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to understand and engage with social media platforms effectively in order to navigate this digital landscape and leverage its potential benefits while mitigating potential risks.

73% of marketers believe that their efforts through social media marketing have been ‘somewhat effective’ or ‘very effective’ for their business.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority (73%) of marketers feel that their efforts in social media marketing have had a positive impact on their business, as they perceive their strategies to be at least somewhat effective if not very effective. This suggests that social media marketing is considered an important and valuable tool in the marketing arsenal for a majority of marketers. However, the interpretation of the effectiveness of social media marketing can vary among individuals and businesses, as success metrics and goals may differ. Nonetheless, the statistic highlights the general sentiment of optimism and satisfaction among marketers regarding social media marketing’s contribution to their business outcomes.

Social media ad spend reached $105 billion in 2020.

The statistic ‘Social media ad spend reached $105 billion in 2020’ refers to the total amount of money spent on advertising across various social media platforms throughout the year 2020. This expenditure represents a significant investment by businesses and advertisers to promote their products or services to a wide audience on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The substantial increase in social media ad spend reflects the growing importance of digital marketing and the shift towards online advertising strategies. This statistic highlights the increasing trend of businesses leveraging social media as a key channel for reaching and engaging with their target customers in a highly competitive digital marketplace.

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media networks with 689 million global active users

The statistic that TikTok has rapidly grown to become one of the fastest-growing social media networks, boasting 689 million global active users, highlights the platform’s significant impact and popularity on a global scale. This rapid expansion indicates a strong user interest and engagement with TikTok’s unique content format and features, leading to a wide reach and adoption across various demographics and regions. With a large and diverse user base, TikTok has positioned itself as a key player in the social media landscape, offering opportunities for content creators, marketers, and users to engage, connect, and share in a dynamic and innovative online environment.

The average TikTok user spends 46 minutes per day on the app.

The statistic “The average TikTok user spends 46 minutes per day on the app” indicates that, on average, individual users dedicate nearly three-quarters of an hour daily to engaging with the TikTok platform. This statistic provides valuable insight into the level of user engagement and time commitment associated with the app, pointing towards a high degree of user involvement and interest. By quantifying the average time spent on the app, this statistic offers a measure of the app’s overall popularity and impact on users’ daily routines, highlighting the significance of TikTok as a prominent social media platform in today’s digital landscape.

LinkedIn has more than 774 million users in more than 200 countries.

The statistic that LinkedIn has more than 774 million users across over 200 countries indicates the widespread reach and popularity of the professional networking platform. This large user base signifies the platform’s utility and appeal for individuals and businesses seeking to connect, network, recruit, and market themselves globally. The fact that LinkedIn has millions of users from diverse backgrounds and locations highlights its role as a key player in the professional social networking space, offering opportunities for networking, career advancement, and knowledge sharing on a global scale.

Social media reach worldwide is 45%.

The statistic ‘social media reach worldwide is 45%’ indicates that approximately 45% of the global population has access to and uses social media platforms. This measurement suggests the widespread adoption of social media across various regions and demographics, highlighting its influence as a communication and networking tool on a global scale. With nearly half of the world’s population engaged in social media, businesses and organizations can leverage these platforms to reach a broad audience and connect with potential customers or stakeholders worldwide. Understanding this statistic can inform marketing strategies and decision-making processes to effectively engage with the online community and stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.

A total of 1.3 billion people use Facebook Messenger monthly.

The statistic indicates that there are 1.3 billion monthly active users of Facebook Messenger, a popular messaging app owned by Facebook. This number represents the total count of individuals who engage with the app on a monthly basis, highlighting the widespread adoption and usage of the platform globally. The data point signifies the significant reach and impact of Facebook Messenger as a communication tool, underscoring its role in connecting a large portion of the global population through messaging services. This statistic showcases the platform’s popularity and the large audience it caters to, making it a prominent player in the messaging app market.

91% of social media users access social channels via mobile devices.

The statistic ‘91% of social media users access social channels via mobile devices’ indicates that a vast majority of social media users use mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets to engage with social platforms. This high percentage underscores the importance of mobile technology in facilitating social media usage and suggests that mobile optimization is crucial for reaching and engaging with this user demographic effectively. As mobile devices offer users convenient access to social media anytime and anywhere, it is vital for businesses and marketers to tailor their strategies and content to suit the mobile platform in order to connect with and cater to the preferences of the majority of social media users.

WeChat has more than 1.2 billion monthly active users.

The statistic ‘WeChat has more than 1.2 billion monthly active users’ indicates that the popular messaging and social media platform WeChat has a substantial user base of over 1.2 billion individuals who actively engage with the platform each month. This statistic highlights the widespread adoption and usage of WeChat, particularly in countries like China where it is incredibly popular. The large number of monthly active users signifies the platform’s significant influence and importance in the digital landscape, making it a valuable channel for communication, social networking, and potentially business activities for a diverse range of users.

By 2023, an estimated 3.43 billion people will be using social networks.

The statistic “By 2023, an estimated 3.43 billion people will be using social networks” indicates the projected number of individuals worldwide who will be actively engaged in online social networking activities by the year 2023. This statistic suggests a continued growth in the popularity and widespread adoption of social media platforms as a means of communication, networking, and sharing information. The increasing connectivity afforded by social networks presents opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to reach a larger audience and engage with users on a global scale. This projected figure highlights the significance of social media in shaping how people interact and consume information in the digital age, emphasizing the continued importance of these platforms in our society.

Conclusion

The social network industry continues to experience rapid growth and evolution, with statistics pointing towards increasing engagement and usage across various platforms. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses and marketers looking to make informed decisions and reach their target audience effectively in the ever-changing digital landscape. Keep an eye on the latest statistics to stay ahead of the competition and leverage the power of social networks for success.

References

0. – https://www.www.oberlo.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.datareportal.com

3. – https://www.blog.hootsuite.com

4. – https://www.www.lyfemarketing.com

5. – https://www.buffer.com

6. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!