Which Social Media Platform Young People Use the Most:

Zoe M.

Written by: Zoe M.

Social Media Correspondent

I follow the stories that blow up online before they hit the evening news—platform changes, algorithm drama, creator trends, and the updates that quietly reshape what people see every day. The goal is simple: cut through the panic, explain what’s actually happening, and show what it means for users in real life. I’m especially interested in how “harmless” content can snowball once an app starts pushing it nonstop. If it’s trending and confusing, I’m on it.

If you want the short answer: young people don’t “pick one app” anymore. They stack them—one for entertainment, one for chatting, one for aesthetics, one for chaos.

But if you’re asking which platform comes out on top most often, one name keeps showing up in the data: YouTube. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s basically become the default background app for everything.

So which social media platform do young people use the most?

Different surveys slice the numbers differently, but across most recent reports, YouTube tends to rank as the most-used platform among teens, often followed closely by apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

If you want a reliable source that tracks this kind of thing regularly, Pew Research Center’s internet & technology research is one of the cleanest places to start.

Key insight

The “most used” platform isn’t always the one teens are obsessed with. It’s usually the one that fits into everyday life the easiest—music, videos, school tutorials, background noise, and endless scrolling when nobody’s watching.

Why YouTube keeps winning (even when TikTok feels louder)?

TikTok is the app that gets all the headlines, but YouTube quietly dominates because it’s flexible. You can use it for:

Entertainment (short clips, long videos, livestreams)
Music (official videos, mixes, background playlists)
School help (tutorials, explainers, “how do I pass this?” content)
Hobbies (gaming, beauty, sports, cooking, literally anything)

Also, YouTube isn’t just “social media” in the classic sense. It’s part search engine, part streaming service, part algorithm machine.

teen-sitting-on-a-bed-scrolling-on-a-smartphone

Young people don’t stick to one platform—they rotate depending on the mood, the trend, and who they’re talking to.

What about TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat?

Here’s the practical way to think about it: teens don’t treat these apps like direct competitors. Each one has a role.

Platform	What young people use it for	Why it sticks
YouTube	Long videos, shorts, music, tutorials	It fits every mood and lasts longer
TikTok	Trends, viral clips, fast entertainment	The algorithm hits instantly
Instagram	Stories, reels, social image, DMs	Still feels like the “public profile” app
Snapchat	Private chats, streaks, close-friends posting	It’s built for day-to-day social habits

What most adults get wrong about teen social media use?

Let’s clear up one big myth: teens aren’t just “addicted to one app.” They’re moving between apps constantly, and each platform triggers a different mindset.

For a lot of young people:

YouTube = comfort + background + “I can disappear into this for an hour.”

TikTok = energy + trends + instant dopamine.

Instagram = image + social pressure + “how am I perceived?”

Snapchat = day-to-day friendships + inside jokes.

My takeaway

“Most used” doesn’t mean “most loved.” It usually means “most useful.” YouTube wins because it’s the easiest app to keep open while you’re doing literally anything else.

Why this matters? (for parents, educators, and creators)

If you’re a parent or teacher, this matters because the platform young people use most is also the one shaping their attention habits the most.

If you’re a creator or brand, it matters because “where the culture happens” and “where the time goes” aren’t always the same place.

And if you care about teen mental health, it matters because usage isn’t just about trends—it’s about repetition and exposure. For a trustworthy overview on youth mental health, CDC’s youth mental health resources are a strong starting point.

FAQ

What social media platform do young people use the most?

Across many surveys, YouTube is often reported as the most-used platform among teens, with TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat also ranking highly.

Is TikTok more popular than YouTube for teens?

TikTok can feel more “dominant” culturally, but YouTube often wins on total usage because it works for long videos, music, and tutorials.

Why do teens use so many different apps?

Because each app has a different function: entertainment, chatting, identity/image, trends, and private friendships all live in different places.

Is Instagram still popular with young people?

Yes. Instagram still plays a big role, especially for Stories, Reels, and social identity—even if TikTok gets more hype.

What’s the best platform for creators targeting Gen Z?

It depends on your content. Short-form trend content performs well on TikTok, while deeper content and evergreen searches can perform better on YouTube.