No Result
View All Result
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Smart Investment Today
  • News
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • News
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Investing
  • Stock
No Result
View All Result
Smart Investment Today
No Result
View All Result
Home Investing

Digital 2026: internet users pass 6 Billion as AI and social media reach new milestones

by
October 15, 2025
in Investing
0
Digital 2026: internet users pass 6 Billion as AI and social media reach new milestones
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

More than 6 billion people are now online, and social media has officially become a “supermajority” medium, according to the new Digital 2026 report from Meltwater and We Are Social.

The annual global study — now spanning more than 700 pages — shows how deeply the internet and social media are embedded in modern life, from how people discover brands to how they spend leisure time.

Globally, 5.66 billion social media user identities are now active — the equivalent of 68.7% of the world’s population, or two social media users for every non-user. In the past year alone, platforms have added 259 million new users, a 4.8% annual increase.

“We’re seeing a profound shift in how people discover brands,” said Alexandra Bjertnæs, Chief Strategy Officer at Meltwater. “More people are turning to social media and AI platforms than ever before. Among younger audiences, social media ads now carry more weight than traditional search in shaping awareness and perception.”

As growth plateaus in mature markets, the fight for user attention is getting fiercer. The average internet user now spends 2.5 hours per day on social and video platforms — with “filling spare time” ranking as the second-biggest reason for logging on, after keeping in touch with friends and family.

YouTube remains the world’s largest platform by active users, boasting nearly 50% more app users than fifth-placed TikTok, according to Similarweb data. Yet when it comes to engagement, TikTok dominates: the typical user spends 1 hour 37 minutes per day on its Android app — more than any other platform.

Women aged 16–24 spend the most time online overall, averaging 3 hours 40 minutes daily on social and video platforms.

The average user now engages with 6.75 different platforms each month, underlining how fragmented attention and media habits have become.

Social media overtakes search for brand discovery

The report highlights a generational shift in how consumers find new products and services.

Among 16–34-year-olds, social media ads are now the number one source of brand discovery:
• 34.2% of those aged 16–24
• 32.1% of those aged 25–34

For 35–44-year-olds, social ads rank a strong second, just behind search engines — signalling a growing divide between digital-native and older audiences.

Toby Southgate, Global Group CEO of We Are Social, said: “We’ve moved from a race for reach to a battle for relevance. With nearly seven in ten people on social media, this is where brands win or lose. Success will depend on deep cultural understanding and ideas that earn attention.”

Generative AI crosses the billion-user threshold

For the first time, over one billion people now use generative AI tools each month. OpenAI’s CEO reported that ChatGPT alone had 800 million weekly users as of October 2025, illustrating the technology’s rapid mainstream adoption.

This surge is reshaping search behaviour, with only 80% of online adults now using conventional search engines each month — down several points year on year. Meanwhile, half of global internet users say they are excited about the potential of AI, according to Digital 2026.

Digital ad spend hits record highs

Marketers are set to spend a record US$1.16 trillion on advertising in 2025, with digital channels accounting for 74.4% of total spend.

Social media advertising continues to outperform, projected to rise 13.6% year-on-year to US$277 billion. Meanwhile, online retail media has emerged as a powerhouse, with brands expected to pour US$204 billion into retail ad networks this year alone.

Streaming services also now account for more than half (50.4%) of all global TV viewing time, reflecting how entertainment, advertising, and e-commerce are converging in the digital ecosystem.

With 5.78 billion mobile users (70.1% of the global population) and social platforms reaching near-saturation, Digital 2026 paints a picture of a world where online behaviour is universal — but fragmented, fast-changing, and increasingly powered by AI.

For marketers, the takeaway is clear: winning attention in 2026 will require intelligence, creativity, and cultural fluency across platforms that never stop evolving.

“The game keeps changing,” said Southgate. “A ‘supermajority’ of the world is now active online — and every brand must learn to play by new rules.”

Read more:
Digital 2026: internet users pass 6 Billion as AI and social media reach new milestones

Previous Post

“Revolutionizing Cleaning: Introducing the First Real-time Responsive Robotic Floor Cleaner”

Next Post

Of Little Consequence – A Memoir Celebrating Family, Resilience, and the Quiet Power of Everyday Life

Next Post

Of Little Consequence – A Memoir Celebrating Family, Resilience, and the Quiet Power of Everyday Life

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    • Trending
    • Comments
    • Latest

    Gold Prices Rise as the Dollar Slowly Dies

    May 25, 2024

    Richard Murphy, The Bank of England, And MMT Confusion

    March 15, 2025

    We Can’t Fix International Organizations like the WTO. Abolish Them.

    March 15, 2025

    Free Markets Promote Peaceful Cooperation and Racial Harmony

    March 15, 2025
    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    0

    Ana-Maria Coaching Marks Milestone with New Book Release

    0

    The Consequences of California’s New Minimum Wage Law

    0

    Memorial Day

    0
    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    October 15, 2025

    Submissions Now Open for $1 Million Global Food System Challenge for a Sustainable Future

    October 15, 2025
    Deadline day looms for PPE Medpro as £122m Covid repayment unlikely to be made

    Deadline day looms for PPE Medpro as £122m Covid repayment unlikely to be made

    October 15, 2025

    London’s Yuki Clinic Launches Medical-Grade K-Beauty ‘Glass Skin Pathway’

    October 15, 2025

    Recent News

    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    Reeves confirms tax rises and spending cuts on the table as budget black hole deepens

    October 15, 2025

    Submissions Now Open for $1 Million Global Food System Challenge for a Sustainable Future

    October 15, 2025
    Deadline day looms for PPE Medpro as £122m Covid repayment unlikely to be made

    Deadline day looms for PPE Medpro as £122m Covid repayment unlikely to be made

    October 15, 2025

    London’s Yuki Clinic Launches Medical-Grade K-Beauty ‘Glass Skin Pathway’

    October 15, 2025
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 smartinvestmenttoday.com | All Rights Reserved

    No Result
    View All Result
    • News
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick
    • Investing
    • Stock

    Copyright © 2025 smartinvestmenttoday.com | All Rights Reserved