Social networks: discover the surprising figures on usage in France in 2025, revealed by Digital Report France. Are you addicted too?
Social networkinga simple distraction or a genuine addiction ? In 2025, the French seem more captivated than ever by the platforms that punctuate their daily lives. We Are Social and Meltwater have just unveiled their eagerly-awaited Digital Report France 2025, and the statistics reveal a startling reality. Hold on to your hats, as these figures on the use of social networks may surprise you!
Social networks at the heart of French daily life
All social networks are now an essential part of French people's daily lives. According to the report, 50.4 million people, i.e. a very large majority of the population, actively use the social networks. Every day, these platforms capture an average of 1h48 of users' attention. Further proof that social networks are now profoundly shaping our social behaviors and habits.
TikTok, the undisputed king of social networks in terms of usage time
Among the platforms studied, TikTok continues to reign supreme in terms of monthly usage time per user. The French spend an average of 32 hours and 48 minutes each month on TikTok, well ahead of YouTube and Snapchat. This overwhelming domination once again demonstrates the power of the short, ultra-dynamic formats that characterize this social network.
However, when we look at the number of monthly sessions, Snapchat takes first place, indicating that users open this application more frequently. This interesting contrast shows different ways of using these platforms.
Facebook loses ground, WhatsApp ambushes
In terms of overall popularity, Facebook maintains its top spot, with 70.4 % of French Internet users using it regularly. However, its dominance has been eroded over the years, giving way to its runner-up: WhatsApp. With 66.6 % of Internet users using this social messaging network, WhatsApp is getting dangerously close to the historic leader. The trend is clear: applications focused on fast, personal exchanges are gaining ground.
Instagram completes the podium with a solid third place at 60.7 %, confirming that visual platforms continue to appeal to the French. Messenger and Snapchat close the top 5, demonstrating the continuing 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 keeping up with the news (30.4 %). The need for social connection and entertainment is clearly the main driver behind this craze.
The report also reveals a marked preference for following the accounts of friends and acquaintances (56.2 %), far ahead of celebrities and the media. brands. This indicates that despite the power of the influencer marketingpersonal relationships remain central to the experience of social networks.
A few key figures to better understand the importance of social networks
Here are the key figures to remember:
| Indicator | 2025 figure |
|---|---|
| Number of social network users | 50.4 million |
| Daily time spent on social networks | 1h48 |
| Average monthly time on TikTok | 32h48 |
| Proportion of active users on Facebook | 70,4 % |
| Proportion of active users on WhatsApp | 66,6 % |
| Number one reason for using social networks | Contact family 54 % |
The future of social networking: towards greater interactivity?
The upward trend in the use of social networks suggests an increasingly connected future. But where are these platforms heading? With emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, the user experience is set to be considerably enriched 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 in which digital technology has become 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 of social networks How do these figures compare? Share your thoughts in the comments and find out how ValueYourNetwork, influencer marketing specialists since 2016, can help you better master the art of influencing on these must-have platforms.