Facebook and YouTube Are Still the Most Popular Social Apps in the US
Facebook and YouTube are still the most popular social apps in the US, leading usage trends and dominating digital engagement across all age groups.
Pew Research Center’s latest survey into social media usage of 5,022 U.S. adults reveals that YouTube and Facebook continue to dominate as the most widely used social media platforms in America.
Pew Research Center’s Report
According to the report, 84% of respondents say they have ever used YouTube, while 71% have used Facebook. Instagram follows with half of Americans reporting usage, making it the only other platform with at least 50% reach among adults.
This data highlights consistent leadership by these platforms in overall reach across the country.
Rising Popularity of TikTok, WhatsApp, and Reddit
Although YouTube and Facebook remain at the forefront, platforms like TikTok (37%), WhatsApp (32%), and Reddit (26%) have seen notable growth in recent years. For example, TikTok’s user base has increased steadily from 21% in 2021 to 37% in 2025.
WhatsApp and Reddit also show upward trends, reflecting evolving preferences among U.S. social media users. These shifts show the dynamic landscape of social networking services and user engagement patterns.
Understanding Usage Frequency Versus Overall Reach
It is important to note that Pew’s survey measures whether respondents “ever use” these apps, which is different from measuring daily or time-based engagement.
On this front, Facebook and YouTube lead with about half of adults reporting daily visits; 37% visit Facebook multiple times a day, and 33% do so for YouTube.
TikTok clocks in at 24% daily users. While Facebook remains a habitual platform for many to catch up with friends and family, other apps like Instagram and TikTok may command longer time spent, indicating different usage behaviors across platforms.
Emerging Platforms: Threads and Bluesky
This year’s report also includes new data on Meta’s Threads and the Bluesky platform.
Approximately 8% of respondents use Threads, while Bluesky is at 4%. Despite being newcomers, Threads’ monthly active user base is growing steadily, currently reported at around 400 million globally.
Comparatively, X (formerly Twitter) maintains a significant presence with 21% user reach in the survey. However, engagement varies by demographic and platform maturity, with Bluesky carving out a niche community based on trust and values.
Youth Trends and Demographic Insights
Younger users continue to gravitate towards Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, aligning with generational preferences for visually rich and short-form content.
The full Pew report also shows social media usage differences by gender, ethnicity, political affiliation, and age groups, providing comprehensive demographic insights.
For instance, Hispanic, Asian, and Black adults show higher Instagram usage compared to White adults, reflecting cultural engagement variations across platforms.
Social Media Metrics
While this report offers valuable insights into which platforms Americans access, it does not measure time spent, which would more accurately reflect true popularity and engagement.
Monitoring “ever use” helps identify awareness and breadth of user base but leaves out depth of interaction. Understanding both metrics will be key for brands and analysts looking to gauge social media influence fully.
Bottom Line
Still, Pew’s findings provide a reliable snapshot of broad social app landscape trends in the U.S. as of 2025. You can find detail Pew Research report here.
