Are people still turning to Tumblr? Is Telegram really the next big thing? And is TikTok still just for Gen Z? In the United Kingdom, and all over the world, social media has weaselled its way into our daily internet habits like a persistent squirrel stealing our snacks. These platforms have not only turned us into virtual social butterflies, but they’ve also become the secret sauce for businesses trying to stay hip with the digital crowd. And as a commercial marketer, it’s a space you really want to play in.
The UK is rocking the social media scene like nobody’s business. We’re talking sky-high rates of social media users that put us on the world map. Social media is like a magical unicorn, giving a platform to the voiceless and brewing a bubbling cauldron of wild ideas…a glorious haven for free expression and a sanctuary for those with unique interests to shout it from the virtual rooftops.
And guess what? Our vibrant online landscape is teeming with businesses, brands, and content creators who can’t get enough of social media goodness. They’re busy engaging with their audience, sharing the latest info, making sales, and creating all sorts of digital magic. With such a buzzing online presence, it’s no wonder that social media in the UK is going bonkers.
In this week’s data-heavy edition, and before delivering next week’s article about selecting the ideal platform for your business, I’ll explore the most popular platforms, unveil facts about users, and unravel some of the secrets of this digital kingdom. But here’s the kicker, it’s all in your hands (or your esteemed Marketing leads) to take the reins and deliver even more mind-blowing insights.
Unlocking Key Statistics: Who’s Winning the Platform Race
Social media is like the hottest party in town, drawing in millions of active members from every corner of the globe. The UK is firmly in the charge in this digital extravaganza. It’s like a high-tech love affair, with people in the UK swiping, scrolling, and double tapping their way to social media stardom. This year alone, we’re talking about a jaw-dropping 57.6 million social media users in the UK. That’s a year-on-year growth spurt of 4.6 million users (+8.7%)! It’s like a virtual population explosion, and the world can’t get enough of our social media shenanigans.
Courtesy of Ofcom, Kepios, The Global Statistics, Data Reportal, Meltwater, and Statista, here are some fascinating facts about the United Kingdom’s population, and their social media habits…
- The United Kingdom’s total population was 67.62 million in January 2023; a year-on-year growth of 229,000 (+0.3%)
- Internet users skyrocketed to an impressive 66.3 million, capturing 98% of the country’s total population.
- 50.6% of the United Kingdom’s population is female, while 49.4% of the population is male (I have yet to find data supporting the split between those who identify in other ways).
- At the start of 2023, 84.5% of the United Kingdom’s population lived in urban centres, while 15.5% lived in rural areas.
And, here’s the juicy part, dear marketer – a whopping 84.3% of Brits are hooked on social media. They spend an average of 2.36 hours a day scrolling, liking, and commenting on everything from cleaning hacks to epic dance challenges. And guess what? Smartphones are the cool kids’ weapon of choice, with people preferring to tap away on their mobiles rather than being chained to their old-school desktops.
Social Media Stats
- The United Kingdom boasts a staggering 57.6 million social media users.
- A significant 25.2% of social media users in the UK fall within the age range of 25 to 34.
- 51.6% of the UK’s social media users are female, while 48.4% are male.
- Approximately 56% of British individuals express their fondness for liking posts and engaging in private messaging on social media.
- 17% of UK users say they rarely like or post content on social media.
- Keeping in touch with friends and family stands as the primary reason for 53.6% of Brits to utilise social media.
- An astounding 79% of individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK rely on social media as their primary source of news.
- The average British user invests a noteworthy 27.3 hours each month in indulging on TikTok’s captivating content.
- Social media platforms dominate the list of the top 20 most visited websites in the UK, with five of them claiming a spot.
- With a whopping 57.6 million active users, YouTube reigns supreme as the social media giant in the UK. A staggering 96% of the UK population readily recognises the iconic YouTube logo, solidifying its position as a household name in the realm of social media.
