Do you know why your age shapes the apps you like? Different generations use social media in very different ways, and Statista Consumer Insights has the data to prove it.
For instance, can you imagine your mum sending Snapchat streaks? No? Exactly! Also, if you’re Gen Z, there’s a good chance you don’t actively use Facebook, or if you do, it’s probably because it’s linked to your Instagram account or needed for work or school.
Statista Consumer Insights has data based on over 13,000 online respondents aged 14–98, collected between June and December 2025, and it shows how people connect, consume content, and choose platforms. 
Gen Z
Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2012) are the most active and wide-ranging social media users.
According to the study, their top platforms are
- YouTube – 91%
- Instagram – 86%
- TikTok – 79%
These platforms all focus heavily on video, especially short-form and visual content, which fits Gen Z’s fast-paced life.
Facebook is kind of relevant to them, as 77% of Gen Z respondents still used the app in the three months before the survey.
Snapchat also remains popular, with 72% usage, showing that Gen Z prefers platforms that feel more personal and visual.
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Millennials
Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) sit in the middle of the social media divide.
Their usage shows a balance between old and new:
- YouTube – 90%
- Facebook – 89%
- Instagram – 81%
- TikTok – 69%
- Snapchat – 62%
Facebook is still a daily habit for many millennials, but YouTube slightly edges it out. Instagram and TikTok also play a big role, especially for entertainment, lifestyle content, and trends.
Millennials are comfortable with both text-based platforms and video-heavy apps, which makes them the most adaptable generation online.
Generation X
For Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979), social media use becomes more focused.
Their top platforms include
- Facebook – 88%
- YouTube – 83%
- Instagram – 60%
However, usage drops sharply on newer platforms:
- TikTok – 46%
- Snapchat – 31%
Gen X users tend to prefer platforms that offer information, community groups, and familiar formats. Video is growing in importance for them, but not at the pace seen among younger users.
Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) show the clearest preferences.
Their most used platforms are
- Facebook – 88%
- YouTube – 69%
Instagram attracts some interest at 39%, but TikTok and Snapchat remain niche:
- TikTok – 20%
- Snapchat – 11%
For baby boomers, social media is less about trends and more about connection, news, and family updates. They prefer text-based platforms with longer videos.
Where the Generation Gaps Are Widest
The biggest differences appear on TikTok and Snapchat.
- Among Gen Z, usage ranges from 72% to 79%
- Among people aged 45 and above, it drops to 11%–46%
This gap shows how age influences not just platform choice but also how comfortable users feel with newer content formats.
Facebook, on the other hand, remains one of the few platforms that truly spans generations, even if each age group uses it differently.
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What Other Research Says About Age and Social Media
In addition to the Statista data, research from Target Internet shows that social media isn’t just about where people go online; it’s also about why they go there.
- Younger users (like Gen Z and Gen Alpha) are often drawn to fun, trends, and creativity. They spend more time on video-first platforms where they can watch and create short clips, be entertained, and connect with peers.
- Middle-aged adults (such as Millennials and Gen X) are more likely to use social media for news, information, and networking.
- Older adults tend to focus on community, conversation, and practical topics. Many over the age of 50 still use platforms like Facebook to keep in touch with family and follow health or local community content.
Twitch: Who Uses It?
Twitch is a live-streaming platform originally popular for gaming, but it’s increasingly used for all kinds of live interactive content.
While it isn’t always included in broad “social media” charts like Instagram or TikTok, age data shows it still follows a generation pattern similar to other visual-video platforms.
Recent statistics from Resourcera suggest that Twitch’s audience leans younger, especially compared to Facebook or Instagram:
- 16–24 years: 22–41% of users—a large share of Gen Z
- 25–34 years: 32–50%—the biggest group overall
- 35–44: 17%
- 45–54: 7%
- 55+: 1–3%
This means that around 70–75% of Twitch users are under 35, with the largest group being young adults and older teens.
This suggests that, like Instagram and TikTok, Twitch is especially popular with Gen Z and Millennials.
The platform’s interactive, video-centric format appeals more to younger users who enjoy live content, gaming, and real-time chat.
As platforms continue to evolve, this generation gap is likely to grow, not shrink. Understanding it is key for anyone trying to communicate, market, or build communities online.
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