Snapchat is now the preferred social network amongst teenagers. Snapchat is comfortably ahead of former most popular kid on the block, Instagram, while Facebook and Twitter are both languishing a long way behind their younger, hipper sibling. Oh, and if you're over 35, Snapchat isn't for you.
In 2015, we published an article called 7 Reasons Snapchat is a Teenager’s Favourite Social Network. It discussed the popularity of "the secretive photo-sharing service Snapchat". We knew then that Snapchat was popular with teenagers, but we now have the statistics to back that up...
Taking Stock With Snapchat-Loving Teens
Piper Jaffray has conducted its latest Taking Stock With Teens survey. Since starting in 2001, the survey has captured a snapshot of trends and preferences amongst U.S. teenagers. For the latest survey, Piper Jaffray polled 6,100 teens across 44 U.S. states with an average age of just 16.
The results (via Recode) show that Snapchat is beloved by more teens than Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Almost half (47 percent) of those questioned prefer Snapchat; a 12 percent increase year-on-year. 24 percent prefer Instagram, 9 percent prefer Facebook, and 7 percent prefer Twitter.
What's interesting about this is that Instagram has many more users than Snapchat. But, just like its parent company Facebook, Instagram's users clearly cover a wider age range. However, the younger generation is all about Snapchat, with the majority of its users being under 35 years old.
The Final Nail in Twitter's Rotting Coffin
To be honest, it shouldn't come as any great surprise to learn that Snapchat is the preferred social network amongst teenagers. Even us oldies over 35 suspected that was the case. However, it's good to see this borne out in statistical form, rather than just being an educated guess.
As good as this is for Snapchat, the lack of love amongst teenagers for Facebook and Twitter is startling. With 1.6 billion users Facebook probably doesn't care. But Twitter is struggling to keep hold of its current users, so the fact that teenagers aren't keen might be the final nail in its coffin.
Do you regularly use Snapchat? Is it your favorite social networking site? Or do you prefer Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter? How old are you? Do you think age play a big part in which social network you prefer? If so, why? Please let us know in the comments below!