Growing up in the ever-evolving world of social media, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram remain at the forefront, each offering unique features and experiences that attract millions of users worldwide. This article compares these three popular platforms, examining their user bases, engagement statistics, and distinct functionalities.
TikTok, launched in 2016 by ByteDance, has rapidly gained prominence, particularly among younger audiences. As of 2025, TikTok boasts over 1.5 billion active monthly users. 25% of weekly active users in the US, and 14.1% of the global audience as of February range between 18–24 years of age, 30% of weekly active users in the US, and 14.6% of the global audience in February are between 25–34 years. The app’s algorithm-driven content feed, known as the “For You” page or FYP, keeps users engaged for an average of 52 minutes per day and 34 hours per month on TikTok. With TikTok’s addicting setup, over 1.58 billion people have TikTok downloaded on their phones. TikTok’s short-form video format, often accompanied by music, trends, and challenges, has made it a viral sensation, fostering a highly interactive community.
“My favorite form of social media is TikTok because I get to see all people’s Creations and see how they can express themselves and how they like to live their life,” senior Ella Pironti stated.
“I like TikTok because the videos are long enough to keep my attention span going,” senior Erika Pickford claimed.
“TikTok because I can watch videos that interest me and keep me entertained,” senior Mikayla Potts voiced.
Snapchat, on the other hand, has been a staple in the social media landscape since its inception in 2011. With approximately 500 million active monthly users as of 2025, Snapchat continues to appeal to a younger demographic. 48% of Snapchat users in the US are between the ages of 15–25 and 30% of Snapchat users in the US are between the ages of 26–35. The younger generation has continuously proven to be the age range that makes up Snapchat’s user base. The app’s unique features, such as disappearing messages, Stories, and augmented reality (AR) filters, and now with an AI added in there, provide a distinct and ephemeral communication experience. Users spend an average of 30 minutes per day on Snapchat, leveraging its innovative tools to share moments and stay connected with friends.
“Snapchat because I can communicate with a lot of people there, and also like my saved [folder] holds a bunch of my favorite memories with all my favorite people from growing up,” senior Lauryn Moseley explained.
Instagram, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), remains a powerhouse in the social media realm, with over 2 billion active monthly users as of 2025. Nearly two-thirds of Instagram users are either 18–24 or 25–34 years old. Initially launched in 2010 as a photo-sharing app, Instagram has evolved to include Stories, Reels, and IGTV, catering to diverse content preferences. Users spend an average of 53 minutes per day on Instagram, engaging with a mix of photos, videos, and live streams. The platform’s emphasis on visual storytelling and influencer culture has solidified its position as a go-to app for both personal expression and brand marketing.
“My favorite social media is TikTok because the videos are better than Instagram Reels cause I hate Instagram Reels,” senior Alyssa Schleinkofer said.
“I hate the aspect and the point of Instagram because it enables endless scrolling that may cause one to feel insecure when comparing things of other people to themselves. Obviously all social media prompts comparison but I feel like out of all social media platforms, Instagram is the worst culprit,” senior Sarah Shipley expressed.
TikTok has firmly established itself as the most dominant social media platform of our time. Its unique blend of creativity, entertainment, and community has captivated a global audience across various age groups. Its algorithm tailors content to individual preferences and keeps users engaged and returning for more. The platform’s influence extends beyond just entertainment; it shapes trends, launches careers, and even impacts industries. As TikTok continues to innovate and expand, its dominance in the social media landscape seems unchallenged, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
In summary, while TikTok seems to dominate the social media world, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram each offer unique features and cater to different user preferences, they all share a common goal: to keep users engaged and connected. TikTok excels in viral, short-form video content, Snapchat offers ephemeral and AR-driven interactions, and Instagram provides a comprehensive visual storytelling platform. As these apps continue to innovate and expand their functionalities, their influence on social media culture shows no signs of waning.
