Social networks: discover the surprising figures on usage in France in 2025, revealed by Digital Report France. Are you addicted too?
Social networking, a simple distraction or a real addiction? In 2025, the French seem more captivated than ever by these platforms that punctuate their daily lives. While We Are Social and Meltwater have just unveiled their highly anticipated Digital Report France 2025, the statistics highlighted reveal a striking reality. Hold on tight, because these figures on the use of social networks may surprise you!
Social networks at the heart of everyday life in France
All social networks are now essential in the daily lives of the French. According to the report, 50.4 million people, a very large majority of the population, actively use social networks. Every day, these platforms capture an average of 1h48 of users' attention. Further proof that social networks now profoundly shape our social behaviors and habits.
TikTok, the undisputed king of social media in terms of usage time
Among the platforms studied, TikTok continues to reign supreme in terms of monthly usage time per user. French people spend an average of 32 hours and 48 minutes each month on TikTok, well ahead of YouTube and Snapchat. This overwhelming dominance once again demonstrates the power of the short, ultra-dynamic formats that characterize this social network.
However, when looking at the number of monthly sessions, Snapchat takes first place, indicating that users are opening the app more frequently. This interesting contrast highlights the different ways these platforms are used.
Facebook loses ground, WhatsApp ambushes
In terms of overall popularity, Facebook maintains its top spot, with 70.4 billion French internet users using it regularly. However, its dominance has been eroding over the years, giving way to its runner-up: WhatsApp. With 66.6 billion internet users using this social messaging network, WhatsApp is closing in on the historic leader. The trend is clear: apps focused on quick, personal exchanges are gaining ground.
Instagram rounds out the podium with a solid third place at 60.7 %, confirming that visual platforms continue to appeal to the French. Messenger and Snapchat round out the top five, demonstrating the continued importance of instant messaging in the French digital ecosystem.
Why do the French use social networks?
Reasons to use social networks vary, but three motives largely dominate: staying in touch with family (54 %), killing time (46.6 %) and following the news (30.4 %). The need for social connection and entertainment therefore clearly appears to be the main driver behind this craze.
The report also reveals a marked preference for following the accounts of relatives and acquaintances (56.2 %), far ahead of celebrities and brands. This indicates that despite the power of the influencer marketing, personal relationships remain central to the experience of social networks.
Some key figures to better understand the importance of social networks
Here are the main figures to remember:
| Indicator | 2025 figure |
|---|---|
| Number of social media users | 50.4 million |
| Daily time spent on social media | 1h48 |
| Average monthly time on TikTok | 32h48 |
| Proportion of active users on Facebook | 70,4 % |
| Proportion of active users on WhatsApp | 66,6 % |
| Primary reason for using social media | Contact family 54 % |
The future of social networks: towards greater interactivity?
The upward trend in the use of social networks suggests an ever more connected future. But in what direction will these platforms evolve? With emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, the user experience is expected to become considerably richer in the coming years, further reinforcing the importance of social networks in our lives.
Our opinion
The meteoric rise of social networks in France in 2025 reflects a hyper-connected society where digital technology is becoming indispensable. While this omnipresence raises legitimate questions about the impact on our well-being and privacy, it also opens up unprecedented opportunities in terms of communication, business, and influence.
Your personal experience on the social networks Does it match these numbers? Share your opinion in the comments and discover how ValueYourNetwork, influencer marketing specialists since 2016, can help you better master the art of influencing on these essential platforms.