U.S. Social Media Shift Sees Users Flee X for TikTok and Reddit
Americans are experiencing a clear social media shift. Many users are moving away from X and spending more time on TikTok and Reddit. This change is reshaping how people connect online. Moreover, it is making digital trends harder to predict.
According to a new Pew Research study, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram still lead in daily use. However, younger audiences now prefer short videos and active discussion based platforms.
Changing User Habits
YouTube continues to dominate. It attracts 84% of U.S. adults, and its reach is even stronger among younger groups. In addition, Facebook keeps a large audience because it has been around for many years. Instagram also remains popular, especially among people under 40.
However, X is losing ground. Its user base dropped slightly compared to 2021. As a result, many people now explore other platforms that feel more engaging.
Reddit is one major winner. About 26% of U.S. adults use it today, up from 18% in 2021. Nearly half of users aged 18–29 visit Reddit often. The platform’s open conversations and strong communities attract younger audiences who want fresh discussions.
Platforms on the Rise
TikTok also continues to grow quickly. Around 63% of Americans under 30 use it, and many check it daily. Snapchat stays popular with this age group too. Meanwhile, Threads, Bluesky and Truth Social remain far smaller, especially among younger users.
WhatsApp is gaining attention as well. Its U.S. usage rose from 23% to 32%, making it a steady favorite for many communities.
Researchers note that social content now shapes AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. For example, YouTube’s large library influences Google’s AI results, while Reddit stays a key source for AI systems across the web.
