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Did you know that 1 in 5 teenagers is online “almost constantly” on YouTube or TikTok? Yes, you read that right. These addictive platforms were the most popular social media apps for teenagers in 2023 – but that’s not all. The researchers also found some rather alarming statistics about teens and social media.
The Pew Research Center surveyed over 1,400 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 to find out more about their social media and internet usage. The report, titled “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2023” not only sheds light on what are the most popular apps for teenagers in the U.S. but also answers age-old questions like “How much time do teens spend on social media?”
There’s no denying that staying in the loop about a teen’s digital habits in the ever-evolving world of social media can be a challenge for any parent or guardian. So, let’s take a closer look at the research study and find out what’s keeping these teens glued to their screens.
What Are the Most Popular Social Media Apps for Teens?
Here are the most popular social media platforms for young adults along with details about how much time they spend on it, according to the 2023 study.
| Platform | Almost constantly | Several times a day | About once a day | NET daily |
| YouTube | 16% | 38% | 17% | 71% |
| TikTok | 17% | 32% | 9% | 58% |
| Snapchat | 14% | 29% | 8% | 51% |
| 8% | 27% | 12% | 47% | |
| 3% | 8% | 8% | 19% |
Let’s break down these trends even further.
1. YouTube Remains the Most Popular App for Teens
If you thought TikTok and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu had a negative effect on the popularity of YouTube, you couldn’t be more wrong.
As it turns out, YouTube is not only one of the most popular social media apps for teens – it is the one they visit most often. The report stated that about 9 in 10 teenagers used the video streaming site, making it the most widely used social media platform. Moreover, nearly 70% of teens visited the platform daily, with 16% claiming to be on the site almost constantly.
2. TikTok Takes the Second Position
TikTok has become the go-to platform for quick, entertaining content, shaping the pulse of teen digital culture. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the short-form video content platform has secured the second position on the list of most popular apps for teenagers.
According to the survey results, about 58% of TikTok users visited the app daily, while 17% described their TikTok use as almost constant. So, if you are a parent to the tee who is almost always scrolling through their feed, acknowledging the addictive nature of short-form content could be the first step to understanding the effects of social media.
3. Snapchat and Instagram Are in for a Tie
Instagram and Snapchat shared the spotlight with each engaging nearly 50% of teens each in 2023.
Snapchat, which keeps it real with its blink-and-you-miss-it messages, makes every day an unpredictable adventure. With a whopping 51% of Snapchat users dropping by daily and 14% using it almost constantly, it’s not just an app – it’s a daily diary with disappearing ink.
Meanwhile, Instagram turns life into a visual storybook, where even the mundane becomes Insta-worthy magic. It’s the place where photos do all the talking, turning every hangout, meal, and sunset into a masterpiece. With 47% of Instagram enthusiasts hitting that heart button daily and 8% using the app constantly, it’s the ultimate photo album that everyone can’t help but flip through.
4. Facebook Is Losing Its Popularity
Once the digital hub that everyone flocked to, Facebook now finds itself in a bit of a popularity downturn among teens, with a mere 19% of teens bothering to check in regularly and only 3% using it constantly.
This shift in popularity signals a broader transformation in the social media landscape, with younger generations seeking fresher, more dynamic platforms to express themselves. As teens opt for the quick thrills of short-form videos on TikTok or the visual stories of Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook appears to be grappling with the challenge of remaining in tune with the ever-evolving teenage digital culture.
5. X, Formerly Known as Twitter, Comes in Last
X, which went through a complete rebranding after being purchased as Twitter by Elon Musk, finds itself trailing behind the most popular apps for teenagers. It managed to capture the attention of only 20% of teens. For context, Facebook was used by 33% of teens throughout the year.
While X is still part of the teen conversation, it’s no longer stealing the spotlight. With only a fifth of teens engaging with X, the platform is undergoing a metamorphosis, trying to redefine its role in the fast-paced dialogue of digital youth.
Read More: Navigating Snapchat Parental Controls – A Comprehensive Guide for Concerned Parents
Teens and Social Media: Exploring the Trends Beyond the Top Five
Pew’s study uncovered a multitude of trends, from the rise of video-game streaming service Twitch to the popularity of Reddit and the no-editing-allowed photo app BeReal. As teenagers navigate this digital landscape, parents must stay informed about the platforms shaping their social interactions.
The Gender Gap
When it comes to using the top social media apps, the survey results showed some differences in preferences among girls and boys.
For starters, teenage girls were more likely than teenage boys to use Instagram, boasting a usage rate of 66% compared to 53%. In addition, teen girls commonly used other popular apps, such as BeReal, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook.
On the other hand, Discord appeared to be all the rage with teenage boys. They took the lead with 34% Discord usage, leaving the girls at 22%. Similarly, 22% of teenage boys said they used Twitch 22% compared to 11% of girls. Moreover, a higher percentage of teen boys used Reddit and YouTube as well.
Usage Time
Wondering “What percentage of teens use social media?” Well, the study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly half of teens claimed to be online “almost constantly.” In addition, more than 9 out of 10 teenagers said they used the internet daily.
This indicates a significant shift in internet habits. It isn’t just about scrolling through feeds anymore – it’s a testament to how social media is woven into the very fabric of their daily lives. It’s like the digital heartbeat of a generation, where being online is as natural as breathing.
Age Insights
Older teens, those aged 15 to 17, spent most of their time scrolling on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. However, the number takes a dip when you lower the age range. For instance, 68% of the 15 to 17 crew regularly used Instagram, but that number dropped to 45% for the younger teens, aged 13 and 14.
By Household Income
Despite the overall decline in Facebook usage, it appeared to be one of the most popular apps for teenagers in lower-income households. For example, 45% of teens in households making less than $30,000 a year used Facebook regularly, while it dipped to 27% for those in households making $75,000 or more.
Contrastingly, TikTok emerged as a socio-economic equalizer, with higher usage observed among teens from lower-income households – 71% vs. 61% in higher-income brackets. This suggests that, in the realm of short-form video content, income distinctions exert less influence.
Moreover, BeReal demonstrated an interesting correlation with affluence. Approximately 16% of teens from households earning $75,000 or more were most likely to use BeReal. In contrast, roughly one in ten teens in households with a lower annual income used the app. This phenomenon hints at a certain exclusivity or appeal among a more financially affluent demographic.
Device usage
You can’t analyze the most popular social media platforms for young adults and answer questions like “How much time do teens spend on social media?” without studying their device usage.
The researchers found that about 95% of teenagers had access to a smartphone, while 90% used a laptop or a desktop computer. In addition, nearly 83% of teens had access to a gaming console while only 65% used a tablet.
Parental Guidance in the Digital Age
In the digital age, parental guidance is essential. It’s not just about setting rules, it’s about being a co-pilot on your child’s online journey.
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate the online world responsibly, ensuring a positive and safe digital experience. In a world filled with screens, being present for your kids is the key to making the digital ride smooth and secure.
Here’s how you can go about it:
1. Open communication: Foster a culture of open communication. Encourage your kids to share their online experiences and concerns without fear of judgment.
2. Set clear boundaries: Establish clear guidelines on screen time, appropriate content, and online behavior. Remember, consistency is key.
3. Educate on privacy: Teach your teens about the importance of privacy online. Instill the habit of safeguarding personal information and being cautious about sharing details.
4. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the most popular apps for teenagers. Understanding their digital world can help you guide them effectively.
5. Introduce VPN for security: Consider using a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) such as PureVPN to enhance online security. It helps protect your family’s data and maintain privacy on the internet.
On a Final Note
As we conclude our blog on the most popular social media apps for teens, it is important to mention that while YouTube and TikTok may take center stage in a teen’s digital life, it comes down to parents and guardians to help them understand the nuances and effects of these sites.
There is no need for a rulebook – it’s about diving into their world, understanding these apps, and keeping those tech chats wide open. You may also want to stay informed about the dynamics of their preferred platforms, engage in ongoing discussions about their digital experiences, and consider fortifying their online presence with a VPN for added security.
So, are you ready to navigate this digital frontier together with your teenager?
To learn more about the most popular apps for teenagers and further discuss social media and teens, stay connected to PureVPN Blog.
Read more: Mastering Social Media Privacy: Effective Strategies to Block Tracking
