AUCKLAND, Tuesday: Over the past half-decade, a staggering 1.8 billion individuals embraced social media, propelling platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to unprecedented user numbers. While the growth momentum in social media has notably decelerated since 2020 and 2021, user numbers persist in their ascent.
Data from OnlyAccounts.io reveals that in the last year alone, over 215 million people joined the social media realm, driving the total user count to an impressive 4.95 billion, equivalent to 61% of the global population.
Anticipating a 20% growth, the projection indicates a surpassing six billion users by 2028. This marks a decade-long trajectory of continuous growth, averaging 350 million new users annually. The transformative impact of COVID-19, a driving force behind the surge, continues to attract millions annually for entertainment and connection.
As per the Data Reportal Digital 2023 Global Statshot Report in October 2023, global social media users numbered 4.95 billion, or 61.4% of the world population. A notable 4.5% year-over-year increase is evident, with 215 million new entrants in the past year.
“Over the past half-decade, a staggering 1.8 billion individuals embraced social media.”
Statistics from Statista predict a parallel trend in the coming years. By 2025, over half a billion new users are expected, pushing the total to an astonishing 5.41 billion. Subsequent years are forecasted to welcome an additional 600 million users, breaching the six billion mark by 2028. User penetration rates will see a significant rise, escalating from 63.7% in 2023 to over 75% by 2028.
An intriguing regional breakdown reveals that over 60% of social media users in 2028—3.6 billion—will hail from Asia. Europe and North America, comparatively, will contribute smaller shares, with 700 million and 500 million users projected in 2028, respectively.
In the realm of major platforms, Instagram stands out for its anticipated growth. The photo-sharing app, boasting 1.32 billion users in 2023, is expected to surge by 22%, reaching 1.6 billion by 2028. Facebook and TikTok follow, projecting 18% and 19% growth rates, with users numbering almost 3.2 billion and 2.3 billion, respectively. LinkedIn and Snapchat show growth rates of 13% and 17%, with user counts of 845 million and 691 million by 2028.
X, formerly Twitter, is poised for the smallest growth among major platforms, anticipating a 12% increase to 465 million users.
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