Most Popular Social Media Platforms in 2024

• TikTok is currently the most widely used social media app, with Gen Z spending the most time on it, averaging 58 minutes daily on the platform.  
  
  
• Instagram is the least popular social media site across all generations, with Gen Z spending an average of 25 minutes per day on the platform.
  
  
• YouTube and Snapchat ranked as the second and third most popular apps, respectively, among Gen Z members. 

Experts at QR Code Generator have analysed data from Ofcom and Uswitch regarding social media usage, streaming time, smartphone dependence, and general internet access in the UK.  

Usage of various social media platforms was examined to reveal the most popular sites across the generations.

The data revealed that older Millennials (aged 35 to 44) spend the most time on Facebook and Messenger, averaging around 48 minutes per day, whereas Gen Z (aged 16 to 24) engages with these platforms the least, spending 18 minutes on them daily. 

Compared to other social media platforms, Instagram emerged as the least used across all generations. On average, Gen Z spends 25 minutes per day on Instagram, and young Millennials (aged 25 to 34) follow closely with an average of 20 minutes.  

Snapchat is predominantly favoured by younger generations, with Gen Z spending nearly an hour daily (52 minutes) on the platform, in stark contrast to Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation (age 65+), who average just four minutes per day. 

TikTok is currently the most widely used social media app, with Gen Z leading the way by spending an average of 58 minutes daily on the platform.  

Although older generations show less interest, averaging under 10 minutes per day, young Millennials (aged 25 to 34) spend a notable 36 minutes daily on TikTok, highlighting the platform’s growing influence and appeal. 

Researchers found that YouTube ranks as the second most used site among older Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation.  

Gen Z leads with an average of 58 minutes spent watching videos daily, while Millennials follow with an average of 27 minutes on the platform. 

Examining the streaming data, the research found that no generation spends more than 5 minutes per day on Twitch. Notably, it is the only social media or streaming site that Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation do not use at all. 

The Apps Each Generation Spends the Most Time On  

Commenting on the results, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L. from QR Code Generator said: “Being chronically online can have its perks, such as the ability to stay up to date with the current trends and swiftly adjust to changes in the world.  

“However, it can also lead to challenges like a shorter attention span and burnout. It is crucial to be mindful of signs of social media addiction, such as constantly refreshing your phone or feeling anxious when you're offline.  

“Striking a balance between screen time with offline activities is key to maintaining a healthy and sustainable relationship with technology." 

Source : QR Code Generator

Image : shutterstock / Rawpixeldotcom / 1100446520

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.