The global adoption of social media is growing at an impressive pace, as illustrated by this chart tracking usage from 2017 to 2028. In 2017, 2.73 billion people were connected through social platforms, but the figure has seen consistent annual growth, reaching 4.9 billion users by 2023. Projections show this number climbing to 6.05 billion by 2028.
2017: 2.73 billion users
2019: 3.51 billion users (+28% from 2017)
2022: 4.59 billion users (+68% from 2017)
2023: 4.9 billion users
Looking forward, the projections for 2028 show 6.05 billion users, marking a 23.5% increase from 2023. This growth is powered by expanding internet access and mobile adoption, with emerging markets playing a crucial role in future increases.
As social media becomes essential for marketing, businesses must harness this trend to connect with larger audiences, creating personalized experiences that align with shifting consumer behavior. The steady rise offers immense potential for engagement across sectors—from e-commerce to entertainment and beyond.