Around 7 out of 10 Americans use Social Media. They use the Social platforms to get their news, share information, connect with friends and family, and for entertainment.
Pew Research Center began tracking Social Media usage in 2005. At that time, 13 years ago, only 5% of American adults used Social Media.
Social Media usage by American adults is now at 69%. This is a marketing and advertising medium businesses can no longer ignore.
Social Media usage by adults in the USA:
- 73% use YouTube.
- 68% use Facebook.
- 35% use Instagram.
- 29% use Pinterest.
- 25% use LinkedIn.
- 24% use Twitter.
Break down of the top three platforms and usage as follows.
Facebook Usage:
- 62% of adult men use Facebook.
- 74% of adult women use Facebook.
- 81% are 18-29 years old.
- 78% are 20-49 years old.
- 65% are 50-64 years old.
- 41% are 65 or older.
- 75% of users live in an urban area.
- 67% of users live in a suburban area.
- 58% of users live in a rural area.
- 74% of Facebook users use the site daily.
YouTube Usage:
- 75% of adult men use YouTube.
- 72% of adult women use YouTube.
- 91% are 18-29 years old.
- 85% are 20-49 years old.
- 68% are 50-64 years old.
- 40% are 65 or older.
- 80% of users live in an urban area.
- 74% of users live in a suburban area.
- 59% of users live in a rural area.
- 45% of YouTube users use the site daily.
Instagram Usage:
- 30% of adult men use Instagram.
- 39% of adult women use Instagram.
- 64% are 18-29 years old.
- 40% are 20-49 years old.
- 21% are 50-64 years old.
- 10% are 65 or older.
- 42% of users live in an urban area.
- 34% of users live in a suburban area.
- 25% of users live in a rural area.
- 60% of Instagram users use the site daily.
The Takeaway
Facebook is still your best bet to reach the most people in most demographics. However, if you really want to enhance your marketing strategy your business will need videos and a YouTube account and consistent activity on the site.