New data from the Pew Research Center reaffirms YouTube’s position as the top platform for U.S. teenagers. Among social media users aged 13 to 17, 90% reported using YouTube regularly. While this represents a slight dip from last year’s 93%, YouTube remains far ahead of its competitors in reach and influence.
TikTok Trails Behind
Despite TikTok’s growing cultural presence, only 63% of teens surveyed said they use the app, showcasing YouTube’s continued dominance. While TikTok occasionally outshines rivals in specific niches, such as its influence on trends like #BookTok, YouTube maintains its edge in broader categories, including entertainment and educational content.
Other Platforms Show Mixed Trends
Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook usage among teens remained relatively stable compared to the previous year. However, WhatsApp gained traction, seeing a year-over-year increase, while X (formerly Twitter) continued its steady decline. Meta’s Threads, measured for the first time, showed minimal adoption, with only 6% of teens reporting usage.
Long-Term Declines for Facebook and X
Pew’s data highlights decade-long declines in popularity for platforms like Facebook and X, as these older networks lose their appeal to younger audiences. In contrast, YouTube has enjoyed a decade of near-total saturation among teens, though its slight drop over the last two years raises questions about whether the platform could face similar long-term challenges.
Looking Ahead
Is YouTube’s recent dip a momentary fluctuation or an early sign of a broader decline? That remains to be seen. The 2025 Pew report will offer deeper insights into whether YouTube can maintain its dominance in an ever-changing social media landscape.
