A new breakdown of U.S. online behavior reveals something surprising: the platforms Americans actually use the most aren’t always the ones making the loudest headlines.
Based on Pew Research Center data visualized by Boardroom, this ranking shows the top seven most used online platforms by American adults, sorted from the lowest usage to the highest.
The results paint a clear picture of how Americans connect, learn, and entertain themselves online in 2025.
Some platforms are fading quietly. Others are more powerful than ever.
Snapchat sits at the bottom of the top seven, with 21% of American adults saying they use the app.
While it’s no longer the cultural force it once was, Snapchat still matters — especially among younger users.
Its appeal lies in private, temporary communication rather than public posts or viral content.
Most Americans use Snapchat to:
-Message close friends
-Share real-time moments
-Keep conversations casual and off the public feed
Its smaller reach reflects a shift in how Americans communicate, not a complete decline.
6. Reddit (25%)
With 25% usage, Reddit continues to be one of the most influential platforms in America — even if it flies under the radar.
Reddit thrives on anonymous discussion and deep conversations.
Americans often turn to it for honest opinions, advice, and real-life experiences they can’t easily find elsewhere
Despite having fewer users than major social platforms, Reddit regularly shapes conversations that spill into mainstream media and pop culture.
5. WhatsApp (26%)
Only 26% of U.S. adults report using WhatsApp, a number that surprises many people given its global popularity.
In the United States, traditional texting and iMessage still dominate.
That limits WhatsApp’s reach, but it remains essential for Americans who communicate internationally or within tight-knit groups.
WhatsApp’s presence is smaller, but its user base is loyal.
4. TikTok (37%)
TikTok lands at number four, with 37% of American adults using the platform.
What makes TikTok unique isn’t just its videos — it’s how fast content spreads.
Trends, news, and product recommendations can reach millions overnight.
Americans increasingly use TikTok not just for entertainment, but for:
-News updates
-Learning new skills
-Discovering products
-Following cultural conversations
Its influence is far bigger than its user percentage suggests.
3. Instagram (50%)
At number three is Instagram, used by half of all American adults.
Instagram continues to succeed by blending entertainment, personal sharing, and shopping into one experience.
For many Americans, it’s still the go-to platform for visual inspiration and brand discovery.
Despite growing competition, Instagram remains deeply embedded in daily digital habits across the U.S.
2. Facebook (71%)
With 71% usage, Facebook proves once again that it’s far from obsolete.
Americans rely on Facebook for things other platforms don’t handle as well:
-Local community updates
-Events and announcements
-Neighborhood groups
-Buying and selling locally
It may not feel exciting, but its usefulness keeps Americans coming back.
1. YouTube (84%)
At the very top sits YouTube, used by an incredible 84% of U.S. adults.
YouTube isn’t just social media — it’s how Americans learn, relax, research, and stay informed.
From tutorials to podcasts to breaking news, YouTube has become a daily habit for nearly everyone.
Its dominance confirms one thing clearly: video is the most powerful format on the American internet.
