Young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, or Instagram? You'll be surprised by the results of this study, which reveals who will truly spend the most time on these platforms in 2025.
As soon as we talk about young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, or Instagram, preconceived notions abound. We easily imagine teenagers glued to their smartphones, endlessly scrolling through TikTok or binge-watching the latest Netflix series. But beware, seniors are not left out! The recent Arcom study, published in 2025, has just shaken up our certainties. And you'll see that the reality is much more nuanced than expected. Who, among young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, or Instagram, takes the prize for screen time? That's what we're going to discover together.
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, Instagram: very contrasting uses
To understand who consumes the most on TikTok, Netflix, or Instagram, young people or seniors, we must first look at the numbers. The Arcom study reveals that 15- to 24-year-olds spend an average of 5 hours and 21 minutes per day watching videos. Seniors, on the other hand, spend almost 5 hours a day. You might think the difference is minimal, but a closer look at the types of content reveals the disparities.
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram clearly don't have the same preferences. Traditional television remains the preserve of seniors, with 4 hours and 27 minutes a day spent in front of the small screen. Young people, on the other hand, limit themselves to 1 hour and 27 minutes of daily television, much preferring online videos and social networks. Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram therefore see their consumption depend heavily on their generational habits.
Why young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram behave differently
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are influenced by their relationship with screens and technology. Young people are digital natives: they grew up with smartphones, online platforms, and streaming and social media. For them, consuming content on Netflix or spending time on Instagram is an integral part of their daily lives. According to the study, they spend 1 hour 49 minutes a day watching online videos and nearly 2 hours on social media.
Seniors, for their part, remain more loyal to traditional television and are gradually discovering the joys of streaming and social media. Young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram therefore don't have the same level of engagement, but the trend is toward convergence. Seniors now spend 24 minutes per day on online video platforms, and 13 minutes on social media. These figures are increasing year after year, demonstrating a real shift in usage.
Young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, Instagram: the reign of the smartphone among young people
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram use different devices to access their favorite content. For the first time in 2025, smartphones overtook televisions as the most common device in French homes. This true revolution largely explains the advancement of young people in online content consumption.
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are therefore adopting differentiated behaviors: young people largely favor smartphones to browse Instagram or watch TikTok videos, while seniors remain attached to the comfort of the big screen television. That said, the latter category is starting to equip itself with tablets and laptops to explore the world of streaming and social networks.
Young or old on TikTok, Netflix, Instagram: what impact on consumer habits?
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are contributing to a profound transformation of the platforms' strategies. Netflix is adapting its offering with short formats and interactive series to capture the attention of young people, who are very fond of dynamic content. Instagram is increasing its presence in real life and stories to maintain engagement, while TikTok continues to dominate with its ultra-short videos, perfectly calibrated for young users.
However, seniors aren't forgotten. More and more content is being designed for them: documentaries, classic films readapted for streaming, and even specific communities on Instagram. Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are therefore seeing their expectations taken into account, offering platforms the opportunity to expand their audiences while strengthening their user retention.
Young people or seniors on TikTok, Netflix, Instagram: towards a convergence of uses?
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram could soon find themselves on common ground. With rampant digitalization and the widespread adoption of subscriptions, the gaps are narrowing. 73,% of French people now have at least one paid video service, with a median budget of €20 per month. Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are therefore increasingly likely to subscribe to these services to enjoy varied content tailored to their tastes.
A notable fact is the growth of YouTube, used by 47% of French people each week, with videos lasting over 30 minutes highly appreciated by all age groups. Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram are therefore tending to converge towards similar habits, driven by increasingly hybrid content.
Our opinion
Young people and seniors on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram still have plenty of surprises in store for us in the years to come. While young people still largely dominate in terms of time spent on these platforms, seniors are increasingly close behind them. The shift in usage is underway, and there's no doubt that platforms will continue to adapt their offerings to satisfy all generations.
For brands and strategists influencer marketingThese numbers are a gold mine. Adapting your campaigns to reach both young and old audiences on TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram is becoming essential. And if you want to maximize your impact on these diverse audiences, don't forget that ValueYourNetwork, an expert in influencer marketing since 2016, is here to support you. With dozens of successful social media campaigns, we help you create impactful and authentic strategies. Let's discuss it!