The Fastest Growing Social Media Platforms of 2024 [New Data]

Are individuals nonetheless utilizing Fb? Is BeReal nonetheless subsequent massive factor? And is TikTok nonetheless only for Gen Z?

If you happen to’re searching for solutions to these questions, I’ve obtained ‘em.

We asked 700+ U.S. adults concerning the social media platforms they use in Could 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 information. 

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Social Media Utilization in 2023 vs. 2024

Unsurprisingly, 87% of US adults use social media. However what platforms are they utilizing most?

Listed here are just a few quick details concerning the prime platforms US customers use in 2024, conserving in thoughts that this checklist is likely to be totally different in different international locations.

• Fb (71%), YouTube (61%), and Instagram (42%) are the most well-liked social media apps. 
• Lemon8 (+200%), Tumblr (+20%), and TikTok (+9%) noticed probably the most progress since 2023.
• The best declines in utilization have been seen on Reddit (28%), X/Twitter (23%), and LinkedIn (22%). 
• Whereas Fb is the most well-liked social media platform for individuals over 28, Gen Z’s favourite platform is TikTok.

It’s fascinating to match these progress stats to social media entrepreneurs’ predictions for 2024. In 2023, social media entrepreneurs rated Instagram as having the very best progress 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 aspect, out of these three apps, TikTok skilled probably the most progress (+9% YoY), then Instagram (+5% YoY) then Fb (+4% YoY).

Social media entrepreneurs’ utilization of the apps they predicted to have probably the most progress 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 progress in utilization from customers we polled in our 2024 Client Traits Survey. It’s a photo-sharing app (owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s father or mother firm) and is described as an Instagram-Pinterest hybrid.

It has solely been accessible 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 customers. It’s centered round user-generated and natural content material, which is a welcome respite to customers who would possibly really feel that the most well-liked social media platforms are brand-forward and too salesy. 

Shoppers 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 accomplish that 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 about your area of interest. 

You too can leverage the platform for influencer advertising and marketing. If you happen to make an account and discover fashionable influencers/creators in your area of interest, you possibly can type partnerships with them to construct consciousness for what you supply to its customers.

2. Tumblr

Tumblr, launched in 2007, is a microblogging web site 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 developments (28%). 

So, 17 years in, how is it nonetheless going sturdy? 

I feel 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 supplies 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 about. 

Tumblr is basically fandom central — a judgment free zone for individuals to seek out their individuals.

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 Could of 2023 and January of 2024, TikTok utilization amongst our surveyed customers 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 developments and apps. From our analysis, we estimate that one in three American adults now makes use of TikTok.

I’m attributing this progress to the recognition of short-form video, which has stolen the present fully in recent times. Shoppers instructed us that, of all kinds of content material they see on social media, they get pleasure from short-form movies probably the most—precisely what TikTok presents. 

Shoppers are additionally doing extra social buying, which TikTok presents. In reality, TikTok is the second-most doubtless app for customers to have used to make a purchase order prior to now three months. 

If you happen to aren’t on TikTok but, you need to maintain it in your radar and think about whether or not the app is sensible to your model. Simply needless to say constructing a profitable technique would require some video-related time and sources, in addition to person analysis into all of the developments occurring there. 

If you happen to use it, you’ll doubtless 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 be taught 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 Could and January, utilization by customers we surveyed grew by +5%.

Whereas the channel continues to win over Gen Z and achieve consideration from Boomers, it is likely to be shedding a few of its Millennial viewers. Beneath are just some quick details.

• Round 42% of U.S. adults use Instagram, up 5% from final Could.
• Instagram grew probably the most with Child Boomers with a +53% enhance (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’ prime three favourite apps, progress was comparatively low, with 1% and a couple of% will increase, respectively.

4. Fb

Fb turned 20 this 12 months, and utilization amongst customers grew +4% YoY. As of April 2024, it’s the most well-liked social community worldwide and the favourite platform for customers over the age of 28. 

Regardless of the foremost privateness points it confronted (Mark Zuckerberg was required to testify in Congress a few information leak), it’s nonetheless going sturdy. I feel its continued progress and curiosity from customers are resulting from its novelty—it was one of many first three trendy social media platforms (after LinkedIn and Myspace).

Now that we’ve coated among the fastest-growing social media platforms, listed here are those slowing down in 2024.

Which platforms are shedding steam?

Essentially the most vital change from 2023 is that BeReal, which led the pack with 313% utilization progress, had a 0% change this 12 months.

Twitch, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter have been additionally a part of the group with excessive progress, however all three skilled vital 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 testing these useful sources: 

Extra Social Media Insights

If you happen to’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 be taught all about tips on how to drive neighborhood, gross sales, and virality, and the very best half is that the report is free to obtain.

Try our 2024 Social Media Traits Report totally free under.