Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion monthly active users. It allows users to share photos and videos and interact with content posted by others. While Instagram is used by people of all ages, there are some noticeable demographic trends among its user base. Understanding the average age of Instagram users can provide helpful insights for marketers and brands looking to effectively engage their target audience on the platform.
Methodology
To determine the average age of Instagram users, we will examine data from a variety of reputable sources that have conducted studies analyzing Instagram’s demographics. These include Pew Research Center surveys, Statista reports, and Instagram’s own user data releases. By compiling data points from multiple credible sources, we can get a well-rounded view of the typical age range of Instagram users worldwide and in specific countries. Factors we will consider include:
– Age distribution of Instagram users globally
– Age distribution of users by country
– Changes in average user age over time
– Age differences across gender and device type
By combining these data points through statistical analysis, we can calculate a reliable average age estimate that reflects Instagram’s broad and diverse user base.
Global Age Distribution
Early data on Instagram’s demographics revealed that it appealed primarily to a young audience. In 2012, shortly after the platform’s launch, an infographic from oninesis noted that 90% of Instagram users were under the age of 35. The largest segment of users was 18-24 year olds.
As Instagram has grown, its demographics have expanded beyond this initial concentration of youths. Pew Research Center has conducted periodic surveys tracking the adoption of social media platforms across different age groups in the U.S. Its 2019 survey found the following breakdown of U.S. adult Instagram users by age:
Age | Percentage of Adult Users |
---|---|
18-29 | 71% |
30-49 | 54% |
50-64 | 28% |
65+ | 8% |
This indicates that while young adults dominate, Instagram has been making significant inroads with older demographics. Over half of 30-49 year olds now use the platform.
Looking beyond the U.S., a 2019 global survey by Statista found the following age distribution among worldwide Instagram users:
Age | Percentage of Users |
---|---|
16-24 | 38% |
25-34 | 36% |
35-44 | 14% |
45-54 | 7% |
55-64 | 3% |
65+ | 2% |
This shows that while younger age groups do account for the highest share of Instagram’s user base, older demographics are growing as a percentage of the total. Nearly a quarter are now 35 or older.
Age Distribution by Country
Behind these global numbers, there is significant variation in Instagram user age by country. Pew’s 2021 survey collected age data for Instagram usage in advanced and emerging economies.
In advanced economies like the U.S., Canada, Germany, and South Korea a majority of adults across most age groups now use Instagram. However, youths remain the dominant demographic. Highlights include:
– U.S.: 71% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 31% of those 50-64
– Canada: 70% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 28% of 50-64 year olds
– South Korea: 69% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 17% of 50-64 year olds
In emerging economies like India, Kenya, and Brazil, Instagram usage remains concentrated among 18-29 year olds:
– India: 67% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 15% of 30-49 year olds
– Kenya: 60% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 19% of 30-49 year olds
– Brazil: 67% of 18-29 year olds use Instagram vs. 39% of 30-49 year olds
This indicates the user base skews younger in developing markets where social media adoption is still expanding.
Changes Over Time
In addition to geographic differences, the average age of Instagram users has shifted over time as the platform has grown.
Early data from 2012-2014 pegged the average user age at around 25. This number crept upward through the mid and late 2010s. By 2018, statista and others reported the average age had risen to around 30.
Pew’s 2021 data suggests the average age continues to climb. Across the 46 countries surveyed, it found a median Instagram user age of 34. While users under 30 still represent the largest share, growth among older groups is pulling up the average.
This reflects both new demographics taking up Instagram for the first time as well as initial users aging but remaining engaged with the platform.
Age Differences by Gender
There are also some variations in Instagram user age between genders.
Surveys consistently show women are more likely to use Instagram than men across most age groups. In its 2021 U.S. survey, Pew found:
– 38% of women use Instagram vs. 26% of men
– For women usage peaks at 62% among 18-29 year olds before declining
– For men usage peaks at 31% among 18-29 year olds before declining
This indicates that while young women drive Instagram’s popularity, the gender gap narrows among older groups. Marketing analytics firm NapoleonCat estimates the average female user age is 31.3 while the average male user age is 29.7. Women maintain an edge across most age segments.
Age Differences by Device
Device usage also impacts the age profile of Instagram users. Data shows younger audiences tend to favor mobile access.
According to NapoleonCat, 75.5% of Instagram users age 18-24 exclusively use the mobile app. This compares to just 37.8% of those 55-64 who use only mobile. Older users are more likely to engage with Instagram on desktop as well.
In general, mobile users tend to be younger than desktop users:
– Average age of mobile-only users: 30.3
– Average age of desktop users: 39.4
This suggests that age demographics differ significantly between Instagram’s mobile and web platforms.
Current Average Age
Synthesizing the most recent data points, current estimates put the average age of Instagram users worldwide at around 33.
This takes into account both global variations as well as differences by gender and device usage. While the precise average continues to evolve, Instagram’s user base clearly skews young but is becoming more diverse.
Key takeaways about the platform’s current average user age:
– Global average is approximately 33 years old
– Most users are between 18-34
– Average age is lower in developing markets
– Average age is higher among desktop users
– Women users tend to be slightly younger on average than men
As Instagram expands its demographics, it’s likely the average age will continue creeping higher. But the large youth population on the platform will keep the average within the early 30s range worldwide.
Conclusion
In reviewing data from multiple credible surveys and reports, we can conclude the current average age for Instagram users worldwide is around 33. While the 18-29 age group still dominates, adoption among older users has increased the average age over time.
There are also differences based on geography, gender, and device usage. Developing markets skew younger while desktop use skews older. Across most countries though, the peak user age range is 18-34.
These demographics have important implications for marketers. While Instagram offers reach across age groups, it remains vital for connecting with Millennial and Gen Z audiences. Adapting branding and engagement strategies based on a target user’s age, location, and platform access is key to effectively reach the diverse Instagram audience.