X Losing Popularity in US as YouTube and Facebook Dominate

Social media preferences in the United States are changing, with Elon Musk-owned platform X witnessing a decline in its adult user base. While X continues to face competition from established platforms, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram remain among the most widely used social media services in the country.

According to the latest survey figures provided, the percentage of American adults using X has fallen to 18% in 2026, compared with 21% in 2025. The decline comes after several changes to the platform’s ownership, policies and features following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022.

Meanwhile, YouTube continues to lead the US social media market, followed by Facebook and Instagram. TikTok also maintains a significant user base, particularly among younger audiences.

X User Base Declines in the United States

Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and subsequently renamed the platform X. Since the acquisition, the company has introduced several changes to its branding, content policies, verification system and platform features.

However, the latest figures indicate a decline in its reach among American adults.

The reported data shows that 22% of US adults used X in 2023. The figure declined to 21% in 2024 and remained at the same level in 2025. In 2026, it dropped further to 18%.

This represents a three-percentage-point decline over the past year. The figures indicate changing social media preferences, although they do not establish that the platform’s policy changes alone caused the decline.

YouTube and Facebook Maintain Their Strong Position

YouTube remains the most widely used social media platform among American adults. According to the reported survey figures, 84% of US adults use the video-sharing platform.

Facebook ranks second, with 70% of American adults using the service.

YouTube’s popularity is supported by its wide range of video content. Users visit the platform for entertainment, educational videos, news, sports coverage and information.

Facebook also maintains a strong position because of its social networking features. People use the platform to connect with friends and family, share photographs and videos, and participate in online communities.

Instagram and TikTok Continue to Attract Users

Instagram has established a significant presence in the American social media market, with 51% of adults reportedly using the platform.

TikTok follows with 37% of adult users. Its short-video format continues to attract audiences interested in entertainment, trends, lifestyle content and digital creators.

These figures show that visual content and video-based platforms remain important parts of everyday social media consumption in the United States.

WhatsApp Is More Popular in India Than in the US

WhatsApp has a different position in India compared with the United States. It is one of the country’s most widely used communication platforms, connecting individuals, families, businesses and organisations.

Small businesses and large companies use WhatsApp to communicate with customers, share product information, manage orders and provide updates. It is also widely used for everyday conversations among friends and relatives.

In comparison, the reported figures suggest that approximately 33% of American adults use WhatsApp.

The difference reflects variations in communication habits and digital preferences across countries. In India, WhatsApp has become an important platform for both personal communication and business activities.

Education Level Influences Social Media Preferences

The survey figures also highlight differences in platform usage based on educational qualifications.

YouTube remains popular across educational groups. Its reported usage ranges from 77% among adults with a high school education or less to 90% among college graduates.

Facebook also records substantial usage across groups. However, its reported popularity is highest among people with some college education, reaching 74%.

LinkedIn and Reddit More Popular Among College Graduates

The largest differences appear on professional and discussion-based platforms.

LinkedIn usage reportedly rises from 13% among adults with a high school education or less to 51% among college graduates. Reddit also records a substantial increase, moving from 12% to 36% across these groups.

WhatsApp usage reportedly increases from 26% to 43% as educational attainment rises. Instagram also shows higher usage among college graduates, reaching 59%.

These differences suggest that professional networking, online discussions and information-sharing platforms have varying levels of appeal across educational groups.

TikTok and Snapchat Show Different Trends

TikTok shows the opposite pattern in the reported education figures. Around 43% of adults with a high school education or less use the platform, compared with 28% of college graduates.

Snapchat usage also reportedly falls to around 20% among college graduates.

Meanwhile, Facebook remains widely used across educational categories. Truth Social has a much smaller reach, with reported usage of approximately 3% to 4%.

These figures describe differences in platform adoption. However, they do not establish that education alone determines an individual’s social media preferences.

Changing Digital Habits Reshape the US Social Media Market

The latest figures highlight the changing competitive landscape of the American social media industry. YouTube and Facebook continue to reach large audiences, while Instagram and TikTok remain important platforms for visual and short-form content.

At the same time, X has recorded a decline in reported adult usage, raising questions about its position in an increasingly competitive market.

Differences in platform usage across educational groups also underline how audiences engage with social media for different purposes, including entertainment, professional networking, communication and information.

The coming years will show whether X can regain its position or whether competing platforms will continue to strengthen their presence among American users.

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