Key internet and social media statistics you need to know

Why does this matter? Because these numbers are far more than raw data. They highlight user behaviors, channels to prioritize, and emerging trends that businesses must anticipate to build an effective communication strategy. This article gives you a clear and practical overview of the most important statistics to help you adapt your digital presence.

1. Internet and mobile: A truly global connection

In 2025, 5.65 billion people use the Internet, representing 68.7% of the global population—a 2.7% increase in just one year. Social media platforms attract 5.41 billion users, or 65.7% of the world’s population. That means “241 million new users joined in a single year” (Blog du Modérateur).

Another striking fact: mobile dominates digital access. “93.7% of internet users connect via smartphone,” compared to 60.7% on computers and only 32.1% on smart TVs (Blog du Modérateur). On average, people spend 33.7 hours online each week, practically the equivalent of a full-time job.

👉 For businesses, this means that mobile-first design is no longer optional. From websites to content and ads, every experience must be smooth, fast, and optimized for smartphones.

2. Social media: The essential playing field

Today, it’s impossible to imagine a successful communication strategy without social media. “93.4% of internet users accessed a social platform last month,” surpassing even search engines (80.6%) (Blog du Modérateur).

The platforms themselves boast staggering numbers:

• Facebook remains the leader with 3.07 billion users.

• YouTube follows closely at 2.53 billion.

• Instagram has surpassed 2 billion users.

• TikTok continues its rise with 1.59 billion.

These numbers show that while each platform gathers massive audiences, they don’t attract the same demographics or behaviors. That’s why it’s critical to adapt content to each platform: quick, catchy videos for TikTok, immersive visuals for Instagram, educational formats for YouTube, or professional networking on LinkedIn.

👉 The smart move: focus on one or two platforms where you can be truly relevant, rather than spreading yourself too thin across all.

3. New digital habits: AI, search, and global access

Digital habits are also shifting in two major areas: geography and tools.

From a geographical perspective, Northern Europe leads with “97.7% of the population online,” followed by Western Europe (95.1%) and North America (93.4%) (Blog du Modérateur). Rural areas, however, lag far behind: only “47.9% of residents are connected,” compared to 83.6% in urban zones. This highlights the persistent digital divide across territories.

Another key trend: the way people search for information is changing. Classic search engine usage has slightly declined (from 84.1% to 80.6% over four years), while generative AI is rapidly taking over. The report states that “ChatGPT records over one billion visits per week” on its official site alone (Blog du Modérateur). This proves that users increasingly want faster, more personalized answers, not just links.

👉 For businesses, this means two things:

1. Prioritize content optimization for AI tools, not just for traditional search engines.

2. Embrace AI as a tool for monitoring, content creation, and analysis within your communication strategy.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2025 internet and social media figures confirm that digital is everywhere and evolving constantly: over 5.6 billion internet users, near-universal mobile usage, the dominance of social platforms, and the rising role of generative AI in everyday habits.

These aren’t just numbers—they are guidelines for businesses. Think mobile-first, target social platforms wisely, and anticipate AI-driven usage. These are the keys to maintaining an impactful communication strategy that stays aligned with today’s digital practices.