10 Social Media Stats You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025
Let’s face it: as a small business owner or someone making brand decisions, social media probably isn’t your full-time job, but it’s still crucial for your bottom line. You might not live and breathe likes, shares, and algorithms every day, but understanding the latest trends in social media can directly impact your success.
Here are the top 10 stats you need to know right now, explained clearly and with a healthy dose of reality. (Sidenote: these were selected from Hootsuite's article, "60 social media statistics marketers need to know in 2025", found here)
5.17 Billion People Use Social Media Worldwide
This number is mind-blowing. Over five billion users mean your customers, whoever and wherever they are, are definitely on social. No matter your industry, if your brand isn’t visible on these platforms, you’re leaving money on the table. It’s time to get your brand online in a meaningful way.
43.8% of TikTok Users Buy Products Directly from the Platform
TikTok isn’t just for teenagers and viral dances anymore—it’s becoming a massive retail space. Nearly half of TikTok’s users make direct purchases after seeing products on the app. If you sell products online, especially anything visually appealing or consumer-oriented, ignoring TikTok is like ignoring Amazon in the early 2000s.
Influencer Marketing Now Outspends Digital Ads
Influencers have become the new, trusted voices of brands, surpassing traditional digital advertising in terms of dollars spent. This shift tells you one thing clearly: consumers trust recommendations from relatable personalities far more than digital banners. Partnering with even small-scale influencers can give your brand an authentic credibility that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
77% of Social Media Users Prefer Brands that Respond to Messages
Customer service matters, especially online. Three-quarters of social media users prefer buying from businesses that promptly respond to their messages. Your customers expect you to be reachable on Facebook, Instagram, or wherever your brand lives digitally. Ignoring customer messages is like ignoring someone walking into your physical store. Not a good look.
People Spend an Average of 2 Hours and 21 Minutes on Social Daily
Social media has essentially replaced TV and radio as the place consumers spend their downtime. If people spend nearly 2.5 hours scrolling, you need your brand to show up in their feed regularly. Consistency matters. Post frequently, stay present, and you’ll naturally become part of their everyday experience.
LinkedIn Engagement (Especially Comments) Grew by 37%
LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate suits anymore, it’s become a powerful tool for smaller businesses too. A 37% jump in comment activity shows that your business content on LinkedIn can spark genuine conversations. If you’re selling B2B services or trying to establish credibility, start using LinkedIn to share ideas, insights, or even just behind-the-scenes peeks.
Instagram and WhatsApp Each Boast Over 2 Billion Active Users
With two billion active users each, Instagram and WhatsApp are two platforms where your customers likely already hang out. Instagram is fantastic for visual storytelling, while WhatsApp can dramatically improve customer support and relationship building, especially if you serve international customers or local communities directly. Don’t underestimate the personal connection WhatsApp offers.
YouTube Ads Reach More 18- to 34-Year-Olds Than Cable TV
If your target audience is younger (or even young-ish), advertising on YouTube now makes way more sense than TV ads. YouTube’s reach among younger demographics is unmatched, and with short, engaging videos, you can connect directly with your ideal customers without breaking the bank on traditional TV spots.
Social Media Influences 75% of B2B Buying Decisions
If you’re in a B2B market and think social media isn’t relevant to you, think again. A full three-quarters of business purchase decisions are influenced by social media. Your business customers are checking your online presence, reviews, and content before they even talk to you. Make sure your social presence is professional, active, and valuable to decision-makers.
Instagram Stories and Reels Outperform Traditional Posts in Engagement
Short-form videos, like Instagram Reels and Stories, are capturing significantly more attention than traditional static posts. These formats are easy, authentic, and engaging, making them ideal for busy small businesses. You don’t need fancy equipment or professional production, just a smartphone and a willingness to share your brand authentically. Give your customers a look behind the scenes; they’ll reward you with loyalty.
Social media isn’t just an option anymore for businesses and brands; it’s more often than not essential for growth. These stats prove your customers (and competitors) are actively using these platforms to research, engage, and ultimately buy.
If you’re still avoiding social media because it’s overwhelming, it’s time to reconsider. Start small, stay consistent, and use these insights to guide your efforts. Trust me: your future customers are waiting for you online.
