Elon Musk’s social media platform X is seeing declining usage among US adults in 2026. Despite multiple changes under Musk’s leadership, fewer Americans are using X compared to previous years. Meanwhile, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram continue to dominate the US social media landscape.
X’s Shrinking Popularity in the US
Elon Musk purchased Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, introducing significant changes to its features and policies. However, recent reports show a steady decline in the percentage of US adults using X. In 2023, 22% of US adults were active users, which slightly decreased to 21% in both 2024 and 2025. This downward trend accelerated in 2026 when usage dropped to 18%.
This decrease comes despite Musk’s efforts to revamp the platform. Analysts suggest that even though X attempts to reinvent itself, its appeal among American users is waning, signaling challenges in retaining its user base.
Leading Platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
YouTube remains the most popular social media platform in the US, used by 84% of adults. Its appeal largely comes from varied video content including entertainment, education, news, and sports. Facebook follows, with 70% of US adults engaged on the platform, serving as a key channel for connecting with friends and family and sharing multimedia.
Instagram and TikTok have also established strong footholds, especially among younger users. About 51% of US adults use Instagram, while TikTok has a 37% user rate. These platforms are preferred for visual content and short videos, reflecting trends toward more dynamic and interactive social media experiences.
WhatsApp stands out differently. In India, WhatsApp’s simple interface and direct communication features make it a top choice for personal and business use. However, in the US, only 33% of adults use WhatsApp, highlighting regional differences in platform preference.
Social Media Usage by Education Level
The report reveals interesting variations in social media usage based on education. Among those who completed high school, YouTube is used by 77%, Facebook 67%, and TikTok 43%. Usage patterns shift with higher education levels: YouTube jumps to 90%, Instagram users increase from 42% to 59%, and WhatsApp rises from 26% to 43% among college graduates.
Professional and career-oriented platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit show the most pronounced growth — LinkedIn usage rises from 13% among high school graduates to 51% for college graduates, and Reddit increases from 12% to 36%. Conversely, TikTok use declines from 43% among less-educated adults to 28% among college graduates, showing a preference change toward professional content as education rises.
Overall, the data indicates that while entertainment apps attract less-educated users, more-educated Americans favor platforms for career networking and information sharing.
