UK Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of daily life for people of all ages in the UK. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are not just tools for staying connected with friends and family but also serve as sources of news, entertainment, and shopping. The UK’s social media landscape is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of content to suit various interests and preferences. There are 56.20 million social media users in the UK representing approximately 82.8% of the population.
For businesses and marketers, having a strong presence on social media is crucial for reaching and engaging with the UK audience. Understanding the unique trends and dynamics of the UK social media scene is essential for creating effective marketing strategies that resonate with the local population. From leveraging popular hashtags to collaborating with influencers, businesses need to stay informed about the ever-evolving social media landscape in the UK.
In the UK, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior and influencing purchasing decisions. With a tech-savvy population that is constantly connected online, businesses have a prime opportunity to connect with potential customers through targeted social media campaigns. By tapping into the latest trends and understanding the preferences of UK users, businesses can tailor their content to drive engagement and boost brand awareness.
In 2024, WhatsApp is the most used social media platform in the UK. With a whopping 79.00% of social network users and 52.40 million active users, WhatsApp dominates the market in 2024, indicating its widespread popularity for messaging and communication
Moreover, social media platforms offer valuable insights into consumer preferences and behaviors, allowing businesses to gather data that can inform their marketing strategies. By analyzing metrics such as likes, shares, and comments, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of what resonates with their target audience and adjust their approach accordingly. This data-driven approach is particularly valuable in the competitive UK market, where staying ahead of the curve is essential for success.
UK Social Media Statistics 2024
The widespread adoption of digital technologies underscores the UK’s position as a digitally advanced nation, with implications for various aspects of society, including business innovation, education, healthcare, and governance. As technology continues to evolve, maintaining and expanding digital infrastructure will remain crucial for ensuring continued connectivity and digital inclusion across the UK.
| Internet Users in the UK | 66.33 million |
| Internet Penetration in the UK | 97.8% (64.86 million) |
| Social Media Users in the UK | 56.20 million |
| Percentage of Population on Social Media | 82.8% |
| Cellular Mobile Connections in the UK | 88.86 million |
| Percentage of Population with Cellular Mobile Connections | 131.0% |
The United Kingdom demonstrates a robust digital landscape, with a significant portion of its population actively engaged in online activities. In 2024, with 66.33 million internet users, the UK boasts widespread internet access, accounting for approximately 97.8% of its population. This high level of internet penetration underscores the nation’s reliance on digital connectivity for various aspects of daily life, including communication, information dissemination, and commerce. The internet serves as a vital platform for accessing services, education, entertainment, and staying informed about global affairs.
Moreover, social media platforms have become integral to the UK’s digital ecosystem, with 56.20 million social media users representing approximately 82.8% of the population. This widespread adoption of social media highlights its pervasive influence on communication, social interactions, and content consumption. Social media platforms serve as avenues for personal expression, community building, and networking, shaping cultural trends and facilitating connections on a local and global scale.
The proliferation of cellular mobile connections further emphasizes the UK’s digital connectivity. With 88.86 million cellular mobile connections, exceeding the country’s total population, mobile devices have become ubiquitous tools for communication, accessing online services, and consuming digital content. The 131.0% penetration rate indicates that many individuals possess multiple mobile connections, reflecting the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices in daily life.
UK Internet Statistics 2024
| Total Internet Users in the UK | 66.33 million |
| Internet Penetration Rate in the UK | 97.8% |
| Increase in Internet Users (January 2023 to January 2024) | 221,000 (+0.3%) |
| Number of People Offline in the UK | 1.52 million |
| Percentage of Population Offline in the UK | 2.2% |
By the start of 2024, the United Kingdom boasted 66.33 million internet users, reflecting a highly connected society. With a penetration rate of 97.8%, the vast majority of the population had access to online resources. However, a notable 1.52 million individuals remained offline, indicating lingering challenges in achieving universal digital inclusion.
The increase of 221,000 internet users from January 2023 to January 2024 suggests a steady but gradual growth in digital adoption. This incremental rise (+0.3%) underscores the need for ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy and expand broadband access, especially in rural areas.
Despite the UK’s overall high connectivity, the 2.2% of the population still offline highlights the importance of addressing the digital divide. Bridging this gap requires targeted initiatives to ensure that all citizens can benefit from the opportunities and resources available in the digital age.
| Connection Type | Speed Increase (Mbps) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Internet | 2.41 | 5.2% |
| Fixed Internet | 18.87 | 25.8% |
For mobile internet, the median connection speed increased by 2.41 Mbps, representing a percentage increase of 5.2%. This indicates a moderate but notable improvement in the speed of mobile internet connections across the UK during the specified timeframe.
On the other hand, fixed internet connections experienced a more substantial increase in speed. The median fixed internet connection speed rose by 18.87 Mbps, reflecting a percentage increase of 25.8%. This significant jump suggests considerable advancements in the infrastructure and technology supporting fixed broadband services in the UK.
Social Media Statistics of UK 2024
The findings provide an insightful glimpse into the landscape of social media usage within the United Kingdom. With 56.20 million active social media user in 2024, the nation reflects a significant presence on digital platforms. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when interpreting these figures due to potential variations caused by changes in calculation methodologies and data sources.
| Social Media Statistics of UK | Data |
|---|---|
| Active Social Media Users | 56.20 million |
| Change in Social Media Users (Early 2023 to Jan 2024) | -900,000 (-1.6%) |
| Social Media Users as % of Total Population | 82.8% |
| Social Media Users (18 and above) | 48.90 million |
| Social Media Users (18 and above) as % of Population | 90.9% |
| Social Media Users as % of Total Internet User Base | 84.7% |
| Female Social Media Users | 49.9% (27.99 million) |
| Male Social Media Users | 50.1% (28.21 million) |
The analysis highlights a notable trend: a decrease of 900 thousand social media users, marking a 1.6% decline from early 2023 to the beginning of 2024. This insight suggests a nuanced narrative within the broader context of social media usage in the UK. Furthermore, the reported penetration rate of social media users, representing 82.8% of the total population, underscores the pervasive influence of digital platforms in contemporary society.
Delving deeper, the breakdown of social media users by age group sheds light on usage patterns among adults. With 48.90 million users aged 18 and above, accounting for 90.9% of the adult population, social media emerges as a prevalent communication and engagement tool among this demographic segment. Additionally, insights from ad planning tools of top social media platforms highlight the robust engagement among adults, with 84.7% of the total internet user base utilizing at least one social media platform in January 2024.
Gender demographics further reveal a balanced participation in social media, with 49.9% (27.99 million) of users being female and 50.1% male (28.21 million). This near parity underscores the inclusive nature of social media platforms, catering to a diverse audience across genders. Together, these insights paint a nuanced picture of social media usage in the UK, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of various factors when analyzing and interpreting such data to gain a comprehensive understanding of digital trends and behaviors.
Most Used Social Media Platforms in UK 2024
| Popular Social Network Platform in UK | Percentage | Active Users (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 79.00% | 52.40 | |
| 73.00% | 48.42 | |
| FB Messenger | 60.10% | 39.86 |
| 59.70% | 39.60 | |
| X (Twitter) | 44.20% | 29.32 |
| TikTok | 40.00% | 26.53 |
| iMessage | 38.30% | 25.40 |
| Snapchat | 31.30% | 20.76 |
| 30.20% | 20.03 | |
| 26.80% | 17.78 |
- WhatsApp: With an impressive 79.00% share of social network users and 52.40 million active users, WhatsApp stands out as the most used Social Media platform in the UK. Its widespread adoption can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure and convenient communication for individuals and businesses alike.
- Facebook: Despite facing challenges and changes in user demographics, Facebook maintains a strong presence with a 73.00% user percentage and 48.42 million active users in 2024. Its multifaceted features, including news feed, groups, events, and marketplace, continue to attract a diverse user base, facilitating social connections, content sharing, and commerce.
- FB Messenger: As a standalone messaging app, FB Messenger boasts a 60.10% share of social network users and 39.86 million active users. Its integration with the Facebook ecosystem, coupled with features like voice and video calls, group chats, and business interactions, solidifies its position as a primary communication channel for many users.
- Instagram: With a user percentage of 59.70% and 39.60 million active users, Instagram’s visual-centric platform remains a favorite among younger demographics and businesses seeking to showcase products and engage with audiences through photos, videos, stories, and reels.
- X (Twitter): X’s real-time nature and emphasis on concise messaging resonate with a diverse user base, reflected in its 44.20% share of social network users and 29.32 million active users. Its role in facilitating public discourse, sharing news, and fostering communities make it a valuable platform for information dissemination and social interaction.
- TikTok: TikTok’s explosive growth is evident with a 40.00% user percentage and 26.53 million active users, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial demographics. Its algorithm-driven content discovery and short-form video format have disrupted traditional social media platforms, offering a platform for creativity, entertainment, and cultural expression.
- iMessage: Exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem, iMessage captures a 38.30% share of social network users and 25.40 million active users in 2024. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices enhances user experience, making it a preferred messaging platform for iOS users seeking reliability and convenience.
- Snapchat: Despite facing competition from Instagram and TikTok, Snapchat maintains relevance with a 31.30% user percentage and 20.76 million active users, particularly among younger audiences. Its focus on ephemeral messaging, AR filters, and multimedia sharing fosters authentic and engaging interactions.
- LinkedIn: Positioned as a professional networking platform, LinkedIn’s 30.20% share of social network users and 20.03 million active users cater to job seekers, recruiters, and professionals seeking career opportunities, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
- Pinterest: With a 26.80% user percentage and 17.78 million active users, Pinterest serves as a digital pinboard for users seeking inspiration and ideas across various interests. Its visual discovery and curation features make it a valuable platform for lifestyle, fashion, home decor, and DIY enthusiasts.
Source – Data Reportal
Disclaimer: The data research report provided here is sourced from various channels, aiming for accuracy but unable to guarantee every detail’s absolute precision. It is intended for informational purposes only, and users are urged to verify critical information independently before making decisions. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages arising from the use of this information. While our team strives for accuracy, the dynamic nature of data means we cannot verify every fact. Your understanding and discretion are valued.
