How Many Teens Use Social Media?

Have you ever wondered just how many teens use social media today? If it seems like almost every teenager you know is scrolling through TikTok, sharing stories on Snapchat, or binge-watching YouTube, you’re not wrong. Social media has become deeply woven into the everyday life of today’s youth—and it’s no longer just a pastime. It’s now a primary form of communication, entertainment, and even education.

The question what percentage of teens use social media? is very common. We are living in a world where social media isn’t just something teens use—it’s something they live. From waking up to their favorite influencer’s story, to sharing their own daily updates, to watching late-night YouTube videos—teens are always connected.

But what do the numbers say? How widespread is teen social media usage in 2025? And how much time are they really spending online?

Let’s dive deep into this topic and explore the data, trends, platforms, and patterns that define teen social media use today.

How Many Teens Use Social Media in 2025?

The short answer: nearly all of them.

Studies from the U.S. and around the world show that over 90% of teenagers have used social media, and a significant portion are on it every single day. Social media use among teens isn’t just common—it’s practically universal.

Here’s what the statistics reveal:

• In the U.S., about 96% of teens aged 13 to 17 report going online every day.
• About 90% have used social media, and 75% actively maintain at least one social media account.
• Globally, over 5 billion people use social media in 2025, and teens make up a major share of that figure.

These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re telling. They show how deep-rooted social platforms have become in teen culture and communication.

The Most Popular Social Media Platforms for Teens

Not all platforms are created equal—especially when it comes to teens.

Some apps dominate the digital lives of teenagers more than others. In 2025, here’s how the major platforms stack up in popularity among U.S. teens aged 13–17:

• YouTube: ~93–95% of teens use it
• TikTok: ~63%
• Snapchat: ~60%
• Instagram: ~59%
• Facebook: ~33%
• X/Twitter: ~20%
• BeReal: ~13%

YouTube reigns supreme. Nearly every teen uses it, and most visit it daily. TikTok has also exploded in popularity, especially with short-form videos that cater to quick attention spans.

Meanwhile, platforms like Facebook and Twitter—which once dominated the social media landscape—are now significantly less popular among this age group.

“Facebook is where my parents hang out. I use TikTok and YouTube.”
— A real sentiment shared by many teens today.

Read our blog on top 50 social medial sites for teens

How Often Are Teens Using Social Media?

Knowing how many teens use social media is just part of the story. The bigger question might be: how often are they using it?

It’s one thing to check an app once or twice a day. But the reality is far more intense. Most teens are not just casual users—they’re heavy users.

Here’s what the data says:

• 51% of teens use social media every single day
• 45–50% say they are online “almost constantly”
• The average daily time spent on social media is about 4.8 hours
• Girls spend slightly more time (5.3 hours/day) than boys (4.4 hours/day)
• Older teens (15–17) average around 5.8 hours/day compared to 13-year-olds at 4.1 hours/day

This usage is not just high—it’s habitual. It’s built into their routines: during meals, while doing homework, even right before bed. And with smartphones always within reach, access is effortless.

Daily Use by Platform

Let’s break it down by platform to see how many teens use social media daily:

• YouTube – 70% use it daily (16% “almost constantly”)
• TikTok – 58% daily users (17% “almost constantly”)
• Snapchat – 50% daily (14% “almost constantly”)
• Instagram – 50% daily (8% “almost constantly”)
• Facebook – Only 19% daily (3% “almost constantly”)

Clearly, video and visual content rule the digital world for teens. Text-heavy platforms are falling out of favor, replaced by image- and video-driven media that cater to shorter attention spans and constant engagement.

Age and Gender Differences in Social Media Use

Social media habits vary by age and gender. Here are a few key differences:

By Age:

• Older teens (15–17) are more active on social media than younger teens (13–14).
• For instance, 72% of older teens use Instagram, compared to only 43% of younger teens.
• Older teens are also more likely to say they are online “almost constantly.”

By Gender:

• Girls use TikTok and Instagram more than boys.
• Boys are slightly more likely to use YouTube “constantly.”
• Girls also spend more total time on social media each day.

These patterns reflect how teen interests, social behaviors, and peer connections evolve with age and identity.

Why Teens Are Drawn to Social Media

So, why do so many teens use social media in the first place?

Here are the biggest reasons teens themselves give:

• To stay connected with friends
• For entertainment and fun
• To express themselves creatively
• To follow trends and influencers
• Because everyone else is on it

Social media has become more than just a tool—it’s now a social lifeline. For many teens, it’s the main way to communicate, connect, and create.

It’s where friendships are maintained, memories are made, and identity is shaped. That’s powerful.

Are There Downsides?

While many teens say social media helps them stay connected, it’s not all positive.

Some studies reveal serious concerns, including:

• Lack of sleep from late-night scrolling
• Declines in attention span
• Anxiety about likes, comments, and online presence
• Increased pressure to perform or look a certain way online

As someone who has worked with teens, I’ve seen both sides: social media can boost confidence—but it can also break it. The key is helping teens find balance and awareness in their online lives.

Social Media Is Teen Life

When asking how many teens use social media, the most accurate answer is—almost all of them. From the U.S. to the UK to global platforms, teens are not just users of social media. They are immersed in it. They shape it. They live in it.

More than 90% of teens are active on social platforms. Over half spend 4–6 hours per day scrolling, sharing, liking, and watching. And the most-used apps—YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat—continue to dominate.

But the story doesn’t end with usage. The way teens use social media—and how much it affects their lives—is equally important. For educators, parents, and teens themselves, understanding these trends isn’t just about numbers. It’s about recognizing the central role social media now plays in shaping teen identity, connection, and culture.

If you’re a teen reading this, ask yourself: how much of your day do you spend on social media? And if you’re a parent or teacher, ask: how can we help teens navigate their digital world in a healthy, balanced way?

One thing is clear: the digital age is here, and teens are leading the charge.

Sources:

1. Pew Research Center, 2022–2024 Teen Internet & Social Media Use Surveys
2. Common Sense Media Census on Teen Media Use
3. Gallup Survey on Teens and Social Media Habits
4. DataReportal 2024 Global Digital Report
5. AACAP Fact Sheet: Teen Mental Health and Media
6. UK Ofcom 2023 Children and Media Report
7. Pew 2015–2023 Social Media Trends in Teens Reports