35+ Social Media Statistics For Marketers in 2026

Welcome to 2026, the year social media stops being “something brands should pay attention to” and officially becomes the engine behind culture, commerce, and every campaign. Algorithms are smarter, creators are more influential than ever, and platforms are dropping updates faster than you can say “Wait… what happened to my engagement rate?”

If you’re a marketer trying to keep up, social media stats are your GPS, your cheat codes, your insider leaks into what your audience actually cares about. These numbers tell you exactly where your audience is hanging out, what content they’re vibing with, which platforms are worth your budget, and how to stop throwing spaghetti at the wall.

Whether it's Instagram reinventing engagement, YouTube dominating search, LinkedIn turning into the new thought-leader playground, or Pinterest quietly becoming an e-commerce powerhouse, the data tells the real story.

So buckle up. We’re diving into over 35 social media statistics to create smarter strategies, spot platform shifts early, and impress your boss (or your clients) with reporting that actually matters.

Before we get into the juicy numbers, let’s take a quick reality check. In this always-on digital universe, social platforms aren’t just for vibes and memes. They’re where trends spark, communities form, and brands win over customers long before a single product page is ever clicked.

The social media marketing statistics below aren’t here to shock you; they’re here to help you understand just how massive the opportunity is. Whether you're building brand awareness, generating demand, or trying to get in front of your next loyal customer, social is still where the momentum is.

Average Adult Internet User Spends Over 6 Hours Online 

According to recent global data, the average adult internet user now spends over six hours online every single day (DataReportal, 2025). Before you say, “couldn’t be me,” think about how your day goes:

• Scroll during breakfast.
• Scroll on your commute.
• Scroll between meetings.
• Scroll while eating.
• Scroll to fall asleep.
• Repeat tomorrow.

But here’s what this means for marketers: Those six hours aren’t random. They’re spread across researching products, watching reviews, sliding into DMs, bingeing UGC, discovering brands, and yes, getting influenced. So if you’re wondering whether social content still matters, this stat pretty much screams:

“Your audience is literally online all day… post something.”

Digital Ads Will Account for 75% of Total Advertising Spend 

If you needed one stat to prove that digital marketing isn’t just part of the advertising game anymore, it is the game. Here it is: in 2025, digital ads will have made up a jaw-dropping 75% of all global ad spend (eMarketer, 2025).

Why? Because digital ads give you everything your boss loves:

• Better targeting.
• Real-time analytics.
• Creator-driven influence.
• Multi-platform touchpoints.

Plus, the algorithm gods are constantly working overtime. Whether you're on TikTok, Meta, YouTube, or the next “it” platform, digital ads adapt fast, which is more than we can say for a billboard on the side of the highway. Digital advertising is the backbone of marketing strategy, audience reach, and revenue growth across the board.

Over 75% of Users Say Social Media Influenced a Purchase Decision

Here’s your daily reminder that social media isn’t just where people vibe, it’s where they shop.

Over 75% of global users say social media directly influenced a purchase they made (eMarketer, 2025). Yep. Three out of four people are buying things because they saw it on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, or wherever the algorithm decided to sprinkle temptation that day.

From a brand perspective? This is your green light to lean into creator partnerships, make your content shoppable, and craft campaigns that feel like conversations, not commercials.

Over 60% of the World’s Population Is on Social Media

Yes, you read that right. More than 60% of the entire planet is scanning, double-tapping, posting, lurking, sharing, and occasionally doom-scrolling their way through social media (eMarketer, 2025). This stat tells brands:

• Your audience is online.
• Your future customers are online.
• Your competition is definitely online.
• And your content? It better show up and show out.

With a global majority on social platforms, marketers finally have a direct line to audiences of all ages, locations, interests, and niches. Whether you’re targeting Gen Z skincare lovers, millennial plant parents, or retirees who recently discovered TikTok (and now won’t stop sending videos) social media is where the magic happens.

8.4 New Social-Media User Identities Are Created per Second

While you’ve been scrolling this blog, dozens of new social accounts have already popped into existence. Every single second, 8.4 new social media user identities are created, which means the internet is experiencing a  population boom on every platform (Global Newswire, 2024).

For marketers, this stat isn’t just eye candy; it’s your sign that social media is nowhere near saturated. The audience? Growing. The opportunity? Expanding. The competition? Getting louder. And the brands that are thriving are the ones leveling up their content game, staying consistent, and using smart tools to get in front of fresh eyeballs.

Think of it like this: every second, eight new potential customers, fans, lurkers, future brand besties, or keyboard warriors join the global social party. By the time you finish your morning latte? Thousands. After a full workday? Millions.

If you don’t have a handle on how your target demographic is using social media, you’re missing an entire piece of the pie. The statistics below outline how, when, and why people are using social media and how brands can benefit from it starting now.

83% of Gen Z Attempting To Limit Social Media Usage 

Gen Z is chronically online, but plot twist: According to eMarketer, 83% are actively trying to cut back. Whether it’s digital detoxing, muting half their feed, or deleting apps “just for the weekend,” this generation is becoming way more intentional about where they spend their scroll time.

For brands, this means your content has to earn its spot. We’re talking value-packed posts, authentic storytelling, and zero fluff. If your content doesn’t land, Gen Z will swipe right past, respectfully.

70% of Generation X Check Social Media Daily 

It’s not just Gen Z doom-scrolling at 2 a.m. Gen X is actually the generation most likely to check social media every single day (Statista, 2024). Yep, the same crew that grew up with landlines and mixtapes is now out here refreshing feeds like pros.

This is marketers' cue: don’t sleep on Gen X. They’re active, engaged, and scrolling just as much as the rest of us, which means your content marketing strategy should absolutely include them.

42% of Gen Z Are Muting or Unfollowing Accounts 

Heads up marketers, Gen Z is ghosting you. A whopping 42% are hitting mute or unfollow on accounts that feel spammy, irrelevant, or just plain extra (eMarketer, 2025). This isn’t rejection. It’s a signal to curate your content, stay authentic, and keep your content aligned with what they actually want to see. Otherwise, you might end up as just another scroll past.

Daily Time Spent on Social Media Dropped in 2024

According to Statista, in 2024, daily time spent on social media dropped, signaling that audiences are becoming more selective with where they spend their screen time.

Translation? Quality > quantity. Your content needs to stop the scroll fast, hit with purpose, and make every second count because attention spans aren’t waiting around.

36% of Gen Z Are Disabling App Notifications 

Gen Z is officially done with FOMO,or at least the constant reminder of it. 36% of Gen Z are turning off app notifications, choosing peace over pings (eMarketer, 2025). For marketers, this is a wake-up call. If your content isn’t scroll-stopping, your audience might never even see it. It’s time to get creative, be authentic, and become algorithm-friendly.

TikTok has moved way past “the app everyone’s talking about.” It’s one of the biggest platforms on the planet, shaping trends, shopping habits, and culture in real time. If you’re a marketer or creator, staying on top of TikTok statistics isn’t just helpful, it’s how you spot opportunities before everyone else does. Below, we’re breaking down the latest TikTok numbers that show how massive the platform is, how fast it’s growing, and what that means for your next campaign.

16,000 TikTok Videos Uploaded Every Minute 

Every 60 seconds, over 16K videos are uploaded to TikTok (Statista, 2024) from viral dances to life hacks and everything in between. For marketers, this means the feed moves fast, trends explode even quicker, and there’s always room for your brand to hop on a moment before it’s old news.

TikTok Is Valued at Over 75 Billion

TikTok is more than a trend. With a valuation of over $75 billion, it’s one of the most powerful platforms in social media and a major opportunity for brands looking to grow fast (Statista, 2025). If TikTok isn’t part of your strategy yet, you’re already behind the curve.

There Are Nearly 2 Billion TikTok Users

TikTok is a global stage with nearly 2 billion users scrolling every day (Statista, 2025). From viral dances to niche communities, the app’s reach is immense, making it a marketer’s dream for audience discovery, engagement, and trendspotting. If your brand isn’t on TikTok yet, you might want to hit that “download” button ASAP.

TikTok’s Biggest Demographic Is Men Aged 25–34

Guess who’s really running the TikTok party? Men aged 25–34 (Statista, 2025). While Gen Z gets all the hype, this slightly older crowd is scrolling, liking, and buying, making them a key audience for marketers. If your brand is targeting millennials who love snackable, scrollable content, you need to know that TikTok isn’t just for teens anymore.

Indonesia Is Home to the Majority of TikTok Users

Indonesia has the largest share of TikTok’s monthly users, highlighting just how global the platform really is (Statista, 2025). For marketers, that means trends can take off fast and regional content can be the difference between blending in and going viral.

Instagram has evolved far beyond a photo-sharing app. It’s a full‑blown digital megaphone, a culture hub, a storefront, and a marketing engine all rolled into one. With every scroll, like, and share, it’s reshaping how brands connect with people worldwide. That’s why knowing the latest Instagram trends and social media user statistics is your secret weapon if you want to own your social strategy.

• If you’re chasing attention, you’re chasing the right platform. With 2 billion users, you’ve got reach.
• Targeting 18–34s + design-savvy, trend‑driven audiences? Instagram is basically tailor-made for you.
• Daily use + frequent log-ins = multiple chances to catch your audience when they’re actually scrolling.
• Strong web traffic and heavy usage make Instagram a win for discovery, store traffic, and brand building, on AND off the app.

Whether you’re launching a capsule collection, planning influencer collabs, or testing Reels ideas, the numbers tell you what’s working and what’s about to flop. So yeah, Instagram Reels stats matter.

India Has the Most Instagram Users

India is Instagram’s largest market worldwide (Statista, 2025). With millions of scroll-happy users, it’s the ultimate playground for brands, creators, and meme lords alike. If your visual marketing strategy isn’t built with this audience in mind, you’re missing out on major reach and results.

There Are Over 181 Million Instagram Users in the United States

Yep, you read that right. According to Statista, over 181 million people are scrolling, liking, and double-tapping every day in the U.S. alone. That’s basically half the country on Instagram, making it the perfect space for brands that want eyeballs, engagement, and some serious scroll-stopping content.

3 Billion Users Log On to Instagram Monthly

3 billion people are sliding into feeds, watching Reels, and double-tapping content every month. If your brand isn’t showing up here, you’re missing your audience where they’re most active. It’s time to make your mark where attention actually lives.

More Men Use Instagram

Surprise, surprise! Instagram isn’t just for the girls anymore. Men are scrolling, liking, and sharing too. Statista data shows the male audience is a significant part of the user base, so your campaigns should speak to the full spectrum of people on the app. Don’t overlook half your audience.

Users Prefer Comedic Content 

Who doesn’t love a good laugh while scrolling? Turns out, Instagram users are double-tapping the funniest posts the most (Statista, 2025). Comedy content isn’t just entertaining, it’s engaging. Brands that weave comedy into their content can stop the scroll, earn more likes and shares, and even spark the occasional viral moment.

Think Facebook’s old news? Not even close. While newer platforms grab headlines, Facebook still reaches billions of people every month and that scale is hard for marketers to ignore. With global reach, strong ad tools, and proven performance, it remains a smart channel for building awareness, driving traffic, and connecting with audiences worldwide. Below are the key Facebook stats to know for 2026.

Facebook Is the Most Popular Social Platform Worldwide

Believe it or not, Facebook is still the OG social heavyweight, reigning supreme with the largest number of users globally. Even in 2026, while TikTok trends and Instagram aesthetics steal the spotlight, Facebook’s massive audience makes it impossible to ignore for any brand serious about reach (Statista, 2025). Think of it as the ultimate networking megaphone; your content just can’t go unnoticed here.

Almost 140 Million Reels Are Played on Meta per Minute

Did you know? Almost 140 million Reels are played on Meta every single minute (Statista, 2024). Yup, per minute. That’s basically a whole Netflix season being watched in under 10 seconds.

If your brand isn’t showing up in Reels yet, you’re missing a huge audience hungry for snackable, scroll-stopping content.

Facebook’s Global Average Revenue per User Is 13.12 USD

Facebook’s global average revenue per user (ARPU) is $13.12 (Statista, 2023). Yep, that’s the average money Facebook makes from each user around the world. Not bad for scrolling memes, stalking exes, and catching up on groups, right? This stat proves there’s real earning power behind those daily likes and shares.

83% of Global Marketers Use Facebook

Even with new platforms popping up constantly, Facebook still delivers unmatched marketing reach. 83% of marketers are active users (Statista, 2025). From ads to Groups to feed discovery, it remains a go-to channel for brands. If Facebook marketing isn’t part of your 2025 strategy, you could be missing a major source of reach and conversions.

Meta’s Annual Income Is Over 62 Billion

Meta brings in over $62 billion in annual revenue (Statista, 2024). Yes, billion with a B. That’s not pocket change; it’s proof that Facebook is still a marketing powerhouse. Whether you’re running ads, building a Facebook community, or testing creative, knowing where the platform stands financially gives you serious confidence to invest smartly.

YouTube is way more than memes and music videos. In 2026, it’s one of the biggest ecosystems in the world, where billions of people watch, learn and discover every day. For marketers, understanding the social media statistics behind the platform isn’t just smart, it’s a must. These numbers reveal who’s watching, how they’re engaging, and what that means for your YouTube marketing strategy.

Whether you’re chasing global reach or niche communities, YouTube can scale your brand’s audience over time. The best part is that you don’t need a viral moment to see results. Consistently publishing strong content can drive steady growth, build trust, and keep your brand top of mind.

People use YouTube for everything, entertainment, education, tutorials, and even background noise. That gives brands a huge opportunity to show up in the moments that matter, with content that adds value and keeps viewers coming back.

Bottom line: YouTube’s audience size and engagement are massive, and the marketing potential is just as big. Here are the latest YouTube statistics to know, plus what they mean for your next move.

There Are Over 2 Billion YouTube Users Worldwide

YouTube has 2 billion monthly users scrolling, streaming, and binge-watching worldwide (Statista, 2025). That’s basically a quarter of the planet! From how-to content to entertainment it’s where people spend serious time. YouTube provides brands a global stage to build reach and trust at scale.

MrBeast Is the Highest Paid YouTuber

According to Statista, Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson is the highest-paid YouTuber, proving just how lucrative the creator economy can be (Statista, 2025). With viral challenges, big-budget stunts, and nonstop creativity, he’s turned views into a full-blown business. That’s monetization goals for 2026.

Over 3 Million YouTube Videos Watched Every Minute

Every 60 seconds, more than 3 million YouTube videos are viewed (Statista, 2024). That’s a massive amount of content competing for attention. If your brand isn’t showing up with strong, high-quality video, it’s easy to get overlooked. Time to earn your spot in the feed.

BTS “Butter” Becomes the Fastest Video to Reach 100 Million Views

BTS broke the internet again! Their Butter music video zoomed to 100 million views faster than you can say “army bomb.” This stat isn’t just flex-worthy, it’s proof that viral content, fandom culture, and perfect timing can make YouTube explode overnight. If your brand wants to ride trends, speed and relevance are everything.

YouTube Makes Up Over 13% of Google’s Total Revenue

Did you know YouTube rakes in over 13% of Google’s total revenue (Statista, 2024)? That’s right, this video giant isn’t just for cute cat videos and viral dances. Brands, creators, and marketers are investing heavily because YouTube continues to deliver serious reach and ad impact.

LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting anymore, it’s a serious channel for marketing. In 2026, it’s where professionals show up to learn, connect, and make decisions. Whether you’re building brand authority, running B2B influencer campaigns, or growing thought leadership, LinkedIn marketing gives you access to an engaged, high-intent audience. Here are the key LinkedIn stats that prove why it belongs in your strategy.

The Most LinkedIn Users Reside in the U.S.

Did you know that most of LinkedIn’s members are in the United States, making it the hotspot for networking, B2B marketing, and showing off those career wins (Statista, 2025). If your brand is looking to reach a professional, engaged audience, this is your playground.

16% of All Social Media Users Are on LinkedIn

LinkedIn might feel like the “serious adult” of social media, but don’t sleep on it. Statista reports that 16% of all social media users are active on this platform. That’s millions and millions of professionals scrolling, networking, and potentially stalking your brand. Whether you’re in the B2B industry or just want to share your thought-leadership content, LinkedIn is where connections turn into opportunities.

LinkedIn Is the Most Used Social Platform To Research Companies

According to Statista, LinkedIn is the number one platform professionals use to research companies before applying or doing business. If your brand presence isn’t strong here, you could be missing out on both customers and top talent. Time to level up your Company Page and show up with intention.

69% of Global Marketers Use LinkedIn

69% of global marketers are on LinkedIn (Statista, 2025). TikTok gets the hype, but LinkedIn is where the networking and B2B momentum happens. If you’re not investing in LinkedIn marketing in 2026, you’re missing out.

53% of Marketers Say LinkedIn Is the Most Important B2B Platform

53% of marketers are straight-up saying that LinkedIn is the top B2B platform, and honestly, who can blame them (Statista, 2025). Between thought leadership, networking, and industry visibility, it’s where brands can build credibility and get in front of the right people.

Pinterest isn’t just mood boards and recipe inspo anymore. In 2026, Pinterest marketing is a real growth play for brands that want to turn discovery into clicks, traffic, and conversions. With steady user growth and strong engagement, Pinterest has become a quiet powerhouse. Especially for brands that know how to show up with the right visuals at the right moment.

Here’s why it matters for marketers:

• A growing user base means more people discovering your Pins and more chances to drive traffic back to your site.
  
• Pinterest’s audience and interests skew toward style, home, wellness, and creativity, making it a strong fit for lifestyle, fashion, beauty, DIY, and design-forward brands.
  
• Engagement lasts longer on Pinterest. Users don’t just scroll, they save, revisit, and act, giving your content a longer shelf life and stronger ROI.
  
• Discovery often leads to purchase intent. Many users come to Pinterest looking for ideas they’re ready to buy, making it a powerful channel for social commerce and shoppable content.

Pinterest blends visual inspiration with search-driven discovery, helping brands reach people who are ready to save, shop, and take action. Let’s break down the stats that show why Pinterest still delivers real value.

Pinterest Has 600 Million Monthly Active Users 

Pinterest reaches 600 million monthly active users who come to discover, save, and shop (Statista, 2025). For brands, it’s a major opportunity to show up earlier in the customer journey. Especially in categories like fashion, home, beauty, and DIY.

United States Home to Most Pinterest Users 

Did you know the U.S. is basically the Pinterest HQ (Statista, 2025)? Most of the platform’s users are stateside, which makes it a goldmine for brands targeting American audiences. From home inspo to fashion boards, Pinterest is where ideas turn into action.

70% of Global Pinterest Users Are Female

A whopping 70% of Pinterest’s global users are female (Statista, 2025). That means if your brand targets women, this is a smart place to show up early in the buying journey.

Brands Share Just Over 6 Posts per Week

Brands are pinning their way to relevance, but did you know most are sharing, on average, 6 posts per week (Statista, 2025)? That’s not even one a day. Pinterest is all about combining consistency with eye-catching visuals. Nail that balance and you’re basically giving your audience a mood board they can’t resist.

Pinterest Audience Has Grown 10.6% Since 2024

Pinterest has been quietly leveling up, with the platform’s audience growing nearly 10.6% since 2024 (Statista, 2025). That’s right, more people than ever are pinning, scrolling, and planning their next obsession. For brands, it’s a strong channel for reaching engaged, high-intent users who are actively searching for ideas, products, and solutions.

How do you get social media statistics?

Statistics on social media use don’t have to be a scavenger hunt. You can pull insights straight from platform analytics, trend reports, and engagement dashboards. But if you want the ultimate cheat sheet, check out Dash Social’s Social Media Benchmarks. They give you the full breakdown on engagement, growth rates, and performance by industry so you can see how you really stack up.

Why do social media statistics matter? 

Social media statistics matter because they help you market smarter, not harder. They show where your audience is spending time, what content formats are performing, and how platforms are changing. They enable you to make decisions based on real data instead of guesswork.