Before launching your social media marketing strategy for your ecommerce business, you need to first get an overview of the distribution of social media usage. Given the growing penetration and usage of social media these days, you should start your marketing efforts by focusing on the platforms where you can find most of your target audience. To do that, you need to find out which social media platform has the largest user base.
Top social media platforms in 2024
1. Facebook (3.07 billion users)
The latest statistics show that Facebook continues to reign strong as the king of social media, with 3.07 billion users worldwide. That means that approximately three out of every five of the estimated 5.17 billion social media users across the world are active users of Facebook.
2. YouTube (2.53 billion users)
YouTube remains a powerhouse in video content, with 2.53 billion users. It’s not just a place for watching videos but also a significant platform for discovering new products. With one billion hours of video watched daily, it offers immense potential for content creators and brands alike. It’s also the most popular video marketing platform, used by 90% of businesses.
3. Instagram (2 billion users)
Third on this list of the top social media platforms is Instagram. The photo-sharing app’s visual focus attracts 2 billion users who engage with photos, stories, and videos. With more than 60% of its users aged between 18 and 34, it’s a critical platform for influencers and brands looking to visually showcase their products and connect with a younger audience.
4. WhatsApp (2 billion users)
WhatsApp, with 2 billion users, is a leading messaging app worldwide and is the fourth-most-popular social media platform in 2024. It’s particularly popular for personal communication and has been increasingly used for business purposes through WhatsApp Business. The average WhatsApp user opens the app 930 times a month.
5. TikTok (1.69 billion users)
Launched in 2017, TikTok completes the five most popular social media platforms. Its short-form video content has captured the attention of 1.69 billion users, especially younger demographics. Its algorithm promotes viral content, making it a hotbed for trends and creative expression. TikTok is also the social media platform on which users spend the most amount of time—the average TikToker spends 34 hours and 15 minutes on the app every month.
Source: Shopify
