What Social Media Do Millennials Use?

Millennials account for a quarter of the entire U.S. population.

That comes out to 320 million people. In other words, a vast consumer audience.

Once a millennial is loyal to a brand, they’re likely to stay faithful. They’re careful with their money, but in a way that’s smart and calculated.

What much of it comes down to is social media. Businesses with a dynamic, engaging social media presence attract millennial dollars. Companies that customize the shopping experience have even higher odds that these young adults will return the favor—with their money.

But what social media do millennials use?

Here, we explain what exactly millennials are (because let’s be honest, do you?) and how you can advertise to them through their favorite social media platforms.

You may have a preconceived notion of who millennials are or what their lifestyle entails.

But it helps to have some factual information. After all, how can you cater to an audience you only know a little bit about?

Millennials are those born between the years 1981 to 1996. That makes them, respectively, those ages 24-39. Likely, you didn’t imagine a millennial to be almost 40 years old!

So, you’re not marketing to teenagers so much as you’re selling to job-holding, graduate, young adults.

Millennials grew up in the digital era. They utilize technology for everything—grocery shopping, GPS, remote controls, communicating, working. That’s why it’s so important to know what social media they use (because they are indeed using it).

Another reason it matters is that traditional marketing efforts don’t have the same effect on millennials as they do on other generations.

Before millennials purchase something, they do the work. They conduct research, ask their peers, test the products in stores, or through free trials. They want assurance that what they’re spending their hard-earned money on is worth it.

One way to show that your product is worth it is by communicating with them through curated social media marketing efforts. Personalize their shopping experience, treat them like people; and, interact with them online by solving problems or addressing concerns.

Now that you have a better understanding of who millennials are (and why you need them!) let’s continue.

79% of millennials use social media more than once a day.

They also divide their time between several different platforms rather than sticking to just one.

This is good news for you because you’ve got options when it comes to where to spend your marketing dollars. It makes sense that advertising on multiple platforms increases your exposure, too. But even dabbling in the top few is a worthwhile endeavor.

So, here are some platforms that should be high on your consideration list.

87% of millennials use Facebook at least once a week. This number is much higher than other generations—for example, only about 36% of Gen Z use Facebook once a week.

So, Facebook is still running for the leader of social media when it comes to the millennial generation. Its main strength is a wide range of content, which can be anything from texted-based to visual and everything between.

Right now, this variety appeals to millennials.

86% of millennials use YouTube at least once a week. This number is enormous, especially when considering that video marketing was the most effective marketing technique in the last few years.

In fact, if your website features video content, it’s 53 times more likely to show up on Google’s first page of search engine results.

Keep in mind, if advertising with video, that the average attention span is pretty low: about 30 seconds. So, keep your videos under two minutes—30 seconds to gather attention, and 90 seconds to pitch your product or service.

71% of millennials use Instagram at least once a week.

Many younger generations love platforms like Instagram for its lack of content and text. They get all the good visuals with none of the annoying rants or long-winded arguments.

80% of users follow at least one business account on Instagram, but usually more. Two hundred million users actively visit business profiles at least once a day. And over half of their users use the app to discover new products or services.

52% of millennials use Snapchat at least once a week. 42% of millennials use both Twitter and Pinterest at least once a week.

People love these apps for the same reason they enjoy Instagram—all of the visuals with none of the ‘boring’ stuff. Also, it’s relatively short-lived, appealing to their instant gratification.

75% of saved pins on Pinterest are from business sites. Two million people pin products every single day!

Twitter is great for spreading your business around the globe. 78% of users live outside the States—so be sure to capitalize on that fact when looking to expand your business internationally.

Snapchat is similar to TikTok, so read on for more regarding these video platforms.

Say hello to the new kid on the block!

TikTok was the most downloaded app in the U.S. in October 2018. It’s nothing to scoff at.

Video advertising on this platform is in its beginning stages, which means your company has the potential to spearhead the efforts in your industry.

Why should you begin to advertise on this platform you may not have even heard about?

Well, TikTok hosts up to 500 million active users globally, the average of which spend up to one hour on the app per day.

When it comes to advertising on this platform, consider similar efforts as those you’d use on Instagram.

To get their business, you need to speak your client’s love language.

What social media do millennials use? By now, you not only know the answer to this question but should have an idea of how to start marketing within those platforms.

But social media marketing takes time—time that you may not have if you’re wearing many hats within your company.

We can help with that!

Our team uses a results-driven, proven digital marketing system that knows no bounds. We work with all types of businesses all over the nation.

Please contact us today for answers to any questions, or email info@digitalmedianinja.com to schedule a talk.

We look forward to working with you!