As we know, teenagers spend a considerable amount of time on their phones. However, there is one type of app that has most teenagers hooked – social media. According to Paw Research, the following are the top five teen social media apps in the United States: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
- YouTube – 90% of teens used
YouTube is an app where you can upload videos, share, and comment. You can find all types of videos for exactly what you are looking for. From what I have seen, I would definitely say this deserves #1. My generation grew up watching YouTube videos. They kind of “stuck” with us, and will occasionally be put on as a good background noise to tune in and out of.
- TikTok – 63% of teens used
TikTok consists of short videos that can be entertaining and informative. A “For you” page is built for each user, which is an algorithm feed designed to have a constant flow of videos that the app believes you would like. I have had this app since I was in the sixth grade, and I really enjoy it. Being able to post videos for my different accounts is a lot of fun. You’re able to express yourself however you would like.
- Instagram – 61% of teens used
Instagram allows you to share videos and photos publicly or privately. You can follow friends, family, and influencers. Like TikTok, an algorithm is formed to present content you like. I find this app really helpful when I want to see what is going on with bigger creators because Instagram is more notorious for those people posting compared to TikTok.
- Snapchat – 55% of teens used
Snapchat is a popular social media app for messaging. You are able to text and send pictures to your friends. Along with those features, you are also able to upload photos and videos to your story for your friends to see. This is my main form of communication with my friends. I don’t love that it is that way, and how Snapchat has taken over that aspect of communication on the phone. But on a more positive note, I like being able to share pictures with my friends right away.
- Facebook – 32% of teens used
Facebook is a social networking app where you can upload photos and videos. A big attraction is the groups you can join to stay connected with certain topics. I have never used Facebook, but I do know of teens who use it. Even if it is not as popular now, in the early 2000’s teens were more active there. I would say it is a good way to see family and friends’ posts that don’t use the other platforms.
From a teenager’s point of view, I would agree with this ranking. Myself and all of my friends use most of the apps above.
Personally, I would say TikTok is my favorite. I can watch all types of videos and keep myself entertained when I have downtime. Being able to share videos with my friends, post videos of my own, and see what everyone else is doing is something I really like.
