How is social media used around the world?

By Language Insight

25 Nov 2020

Did you know that nearly half of the world’s population are active social media users? As of 2020, 3.8 billion people use social media, which is a 9.2% increase compared to 2019. However, not all countries use social media to the same extent.

Which countries have the highest social media usage?

As of January 2020, Hootsuite & We are Social reported that the top 5 countries that have the highest social media penetration are the UAE at 99%, Taiwan at 88%, South Korea at 87%, Singapore at 79% and Hong Kong at 78%. This may be surprising to some as the US and the UK rank towards the middle of the list at position 16 and 23.

Countries that have the lowest social media penetration are Nigeria at 13%, Kenya at 17%, Ghana at 20%, India at 29%, South Africa at 37% and Egypt at 41%. However, even those countries’ social media usage is increasing year on year by at least 1%, with India in particular increasing the highest by 6% since 2019. These statistics are based on the amount of active social media users for the top social networks in each country compared to the total population.

Why do some countries use social media more than others?

The main reason why some countries may use social media more than others is most likely related to the economy of that country. The 5 countries with the lowest social media penetration are predominately developing countries compared to the top 5 countries with the highest usage, such as the UAE and Singapore, which have strong economies. Countries with stronger economies will have better access to the internet and the latest technology which will allow them to use social media platforms.

Another reason could be due to the culture of that country, as some cultures are a lot more social than others and this could mean that they value social media a lot more. Some cultures are also more cautious when adopting new technology where as some cultures embrace new technology and are known as ‘early adopters’.

Which social media platforms are the most popular in the world?

The Global Digital Report also highlights which social media platforms are the most popular worldwide. Facebook was found to be the most popular social media platform, based on the number of monthly active users and monthly visits worldwide. YouTube is the second most popular platform which is unsurprising considering it was predicted that video content will make up around 80% of online content in 2020. A platform that has grown significantly in popularity during 2020 is the video content platform TikTok, which is now more popular than Reddit, Snapchat and Twitter.

 

What is social media used for in different countries?

Social media can be used for many different reasons; to socialise with friends, to connect with celebrities and brands, and for work purposes. However, some countries are more likely to use social media for work purposes than others. Over 60% of internet users in countries such as Indonesia, Columbia and South Africa use social media for work compared to just 27% in the UK & US.

Whether you use social media or not, the value it has on being able to connect with people all around the world cannot be denied. At Language Insight we can help your business or brand by translating your social media content into any language, allowing you to connect with your global audience. For more information about our translation services please click here.

Latest news

1

BAKO named 'Supplier of the Year' at awards BAKO Supplier of the Year

BAKO named 'Supplier of the Year' at awards

27 Oct 2025

2

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years St Annes Square footfall

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years

26 Oct 2025

3

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

4

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

5

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin