Social Media Usage by Generation: Unmasking the Digital Divides

Fasten your seatbelts as we set out on a wild ride into the interesting world of social media usage by various generations! It’s kind of like peering into a digital mirror that reflects the peculiarities, viewpoints, and obsessions of each age group. We’ll take a look at each generation and dive into what makes them unique and how they behave on social media.

After that, we’ll give you the rundown of each platform’s typical social media users. Knowing who’s on the other end of your social media post is essential for making a social media campaign work for you.

Let’s get started with the social media generation itself, Gen Z!

Gen Z Social Media Usage

(born between 1997 and 2012)

Meet Generation Z, the tenacious digital natives who began scrolling as soon as they were born. Social media was already a thing when these technologically advanced wonders were growing up. Social media serves as the playroom, the confessional, and the runway for Generation Z. Like it’s a birthright, they OWN social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

In fact, Gen Z is on social media more than double the time of any other U.S. adults.

Despite the benefits, Gen Z faces unique challenges, such as cyberbullying and the pressure to maintain a flawless online persona. The desire for validation through likes and comments can also lead to anxiety and self-esteem issues. Nevertheless, this generation’s ability to harness the power of social media for social change and community building is truly inspiring.

Millennials Social Media Usage

(born between 1981 and 1996)

Ah, the Millennial generation — the forerunners of the social media age. They recall MySpace’s earlier iterations, when personalizing your profile with glittering backgrounds was the real deal. Oh, and who can forget the famed poking wars during the Facebook era?

While Millennials set the pace, some of them are already starting to lose interest in the social media obsession. Although many enjoy reconnecting with old acquaintances, flaunting their romantic gestures, and sharing their lives, the continual noise and FOMO can sometimes be too much. Can we please go back to the time before Facebook, when our lives actually included some mystery?

Generation X Social Media Usage

(born between 1965 and 1980)

Applause for the Gen Xers who, in their older years, elegantly adopted social media. They like to keep things straightforward, sticking to social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up with current events and project a professional image.

They don’t participate in the most recent TikTok dancing fad, but they can rock a LinkedIn profile like nobody’s business. They take precautions when disclosing personal information and choose to keep informed without divulging too much about their personal lives. The new chic is privacy.

Baby Boomers Social Media Usage

(born between 1946 and 1964)

Okay, let’s acknowledge the Baby Boomers who joined social media a little later. OK, they seem to be getting the hang of it. Facebook is their favorite platform, and WhatsApp is where they post adorable family photos and bring us back to simpler times.

Social networking has emerged as a lifeline for these sage souls to combat loneliness in their later years. They’ve really mastered the art of reuniting with forgotten high school classmates! It’s all about creating online communities and exchanging hearty laughs.

Social Media Statistics Across Age Groups

There it is — a vibrant tapestry of how each generation uses social media. From the brave Gen Z-ers who adore social media to the sentimental Millennials who yearn for the good ol’ days, the astute Gen Xers who know when to keep it classy, and the Baby Boomers who rock their Facebook relationships like a boss.

Now that we’ve got the flavor for each age group and their social media usage, let’s dive into each social media platform’s age demographics.

LinkedIn Demographics

LinkedIn users come in all ages – but the age group that makes up the majority of its monthly active users is younger Millennials. However, age demographics may not be the most important thing to consider for this social media platform. When doing social media marketing on this platform the key is to be professional in tone.

Facebook Demographics

Facebook has a wide range of users – in fact, it’s the world’s most-used social media platform. This may change as Gen Z is less fond of the social media platform than others. If you’re looking to connect with Gen X and Millennials, Facebook isn’t the worst social media marketing channel you could choose. However, Boomers make up the bulk of Facebook users.

Instagram Demographics

Gen Z may not love Facebook, but they sure love Instagram. If you’re looking to start a social media marketing campaign directed to a younger crowd, you can reach both Gen Z and Millennials reliably on this platform. Instagram users are especially drawn to short reels. Many influencers use Instagram, making it a great place to try out influencer marketing.

Tiktok Demographics

Tiktok’s user base skews young. This is where Gen Z-ers between the ages of 16 to 25 spend most of their time. Short videos and trends are key to grabbing their attention and engagement.

YouTube Demographics

You might not think of YouTube as a social media platform – but it is. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, it’s the 2nd most popular social media platform in the world with over one hundred million daily active users. Young adults between the ages of 18 to 29 are the most common YouTube users, with a slight skew toward male users.

Snapchat Demographics

Snapchat has the youngest age group for the bulk of its active social media users. The most common Snapchat users are 15 to 25 years old. If your target audience skews younger, then a Snapchat advertising campaign may be just the thing for you.

The Platform Formally Known As Twitter Users

Millennials and Gen Z are pretty neck and neck when it comes to Twitter – er X? – use. Millennials pull ahead by just the barest margin. Although many of the currently active social media users of this platform may be leaving soon – in fact, it’s projected that X (it still feels weird) will lose 32 million users by 2024.

Social Media Marketing Strategies Made Simple

If social media use isn’t your thing, or you can’t quite figure out how to use YouTube to market your brand, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Social media strategy is just one of the many digital marketing tools we have in our arsenal that can take your business to the next level. With the huge number of social media users active today, you’re really missing out if you wait even a second longer. Don’t hesitate – reach out to us and start reaching your target audience today.