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Generation Alpha is made up of people born between 2010 and 2025.
They’re the first entirely 21st century generation. Their parents are Millennials, they siblings are Gen Zs and they’re the first completely digitally-native generation.
What are some Gen Alpha’s social media usage patterns? Which social platform they prefer the most? And which one do they despise?
How much time do Gen Alpha spend on various social media platforms and apps? Is it more or less than the time spent by members of other generations?
Find out in my updated Gen Alpha social media usage statistics and facts guide for 2025.
Use this link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.
All the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
Jump here:Â Key Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year| Detailed Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year
Note: here’s an awesome quiz about Gen Alpha social media usage based on this post. Take it after you’ve read the article. It’ll help you permanently remember everything you need to know about this topic.
Table of Contents
Key Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year
Key Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025
- Over 50% of Gen Alpha children use social media apps before age 12. (Source)
- YouTube is the most popular platform among Gen Alpha, with approximately 85% using it regularly. (Source)
- TikTok is the second most popular platform, used by around 60% of Gen Alpha who have social media access. (Source)
- Gen Alpha children spend on average 4.5 hours per day on various screens. (Source)
- Gen Alpha spends an average of 2.5 hours daily on social media. (Source)
- About 40% of Gen Alpha children own their first smartphone by age 10. (Source)
- 73% of Gen Alpha parents report being concerned about their children’s social media usage. (Source)
- 75% of Gen Alpha social media users use gaming-based social platforms like Roblox and others. (Source)
- 65% of Gen Alpha prefer video content over text-based content. (Source)
- 45% of Gen Alpha children have watched online tutorials to learn new skills. (Source)
- 30% of older Gen Alpha children (age >12 years old) use Instagram on a daily basis. (Source)
- 80% of Gen Alpha’s online time is spent on mobile devices rather than computers. (Source)
- 55% of Gen Alpha users prefer creating content over consuming it. (Source)
- The average Gen Alpha child is exposed to social media by age 8. (Source)
- 90% of Gen Alpha’s social media usage includes some form of interactive elements. (Source)
- Educational content makes up about 40% of Gen Alpha’s social media consumption. (Source)
- 70% of Gen Alpha users regularly use social media filters and effects. (Source)
- 85% of Gen Alpha’s social media usage involves watching short-form videos. (Source)
- Parents report 60% of Gen Alpha children use social media for creative expression. (Source)
- 35% of Gen Alpha users have participated in social media challenges, especially TikTok challenges. (Source)
- 25% of older Gen Alpha members use virtual reality social platforms. (Source)
- 50% of Gen Alpha social media users regularly communicate through emojis and GIFs. (Source)
- Gaming livestreams account for 30% of Gen Alpha’s social media viewing time. (Source)
- 65% of Gen Alpha users prefer voice messages over text messages. (Source)
- 55% of Gen Alpha use social learning platforms for homework help. (Source)
- 40% of Gen Alpha users have created their own video content. (Source)
- 75% of Gen Alpha’s social media usage is monitored by parental controls. (Source)
- Music-based social content engagement is at 45% among Gen Alpha users. (Source)
- 80% of Gen Alpha social media users prefer visual communication over text. (Source)
- Multi-platform usage is common, with the average Gen Alpha user active on 3-4 platforms. (Source)
Detailed Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year
What Percentage of Gen Alpha Children Start Using Social Media Before Their Teenage Years?
Over 50% of Gen Alpha children start using social media before hitting their teenage years (before age 12). However, the average Gen Alpha child is exposed to social media by age 8. (Source)
73% of Gen Alpha parents report concern about their children’s social media usage and 75% (of the 73% of parents who’ve explicitly expressed concern) of Gen Alpha parents actively monitor their GA child’s social media usage. (Source)
~40% of Gen Alpha children own their first smartphone by age 10. (Source)
What is the Most Popular Social Media Apps Among Gen Alpha?
YouTube is the most popular platform among Gen Alpha, with approximately 85% using it regularly.
TikTok is the second most popular platform, used by around 60% of Gen Alpha who have social media access. 30% of older Gen Alpha’s (age >12 years old) use Instagram on a daily basis. (Source)
Gen Alpha children are highly adept at using multiple social media platforms (often at once) for fun and learning. A recent study (I link to it in the footer of the page) showed the average Gen Alpha user is active on 3-4 platforms, often simultaneously. (Source)
Note: on average, Gen Alpha children spend 4.5 hours per day on screens with 2.5 hours daily being spent on social media specifically. (Source)
Which Types of Content Format do Gen Alpha Users Prefer?
65% of Gen Alpha prefer video content over text-based material. A recent survey showed 45% of Gen Alpha children regularly watch online video tutorials to learn new skills (upskill) or refresh their memory on old ones they’re currently rusty at. (Source)
The same survey showed that Gen Alpha children enjoy shorter videos (up to 3m long) much more that longer one (12m+). (Source)
Also worth noting is that 55% of Gen Alpha users prefer creating content over consuming it. For example, 40% of Gen Alpha users have created their own video content, mostly for fun. (Source)
How Many Gen Alpha Children Use Social Media as a Creative Outlet?
Parents report that 60% of Gen Alpha children use social media for creative expression. Gen Alpha also use social media for collaborative online learning and competitive gaming, and heavily too. (Source)
75% of Gen Alpha social media users use gaming-based social platforms like Roblox and gaming livestreams account for 30% of Gen Alpha’s social media viewing time.
Finally, 90% of typical Gen Alpha’s social media usage includes some form of interactive elements. (Source)
Do Gen Alpha Children Prefers Voice Messages Over Text? What about Visuals?
65% of Gen Alpha users prefer voice messages over text messages. Hearing is easer than reading, at least for Gen Alpha children who’re so used to technology and instant gratification via the internet. (Source)
Gen Alpha love visual communication even more with 80% of Gen Alpha social media users preferring visual communication over text (Gen Alpha children don’t like to read all that much).
Those who prefer text also love gifs and emojis with 50% of Gen Alpha social media users regularly communicating through emojis and GIFs, sometimes exclusively through them. (Source)
What Percentage of Gen Alpha’s Online Activity Occurs on Mobile Devices Versus Computers?
80% of Gen Alpha’s online time is spent on mobile devices rather than computers. (Source)
In other words, saying that Gen Alpha is a “mobile” generation doesn’t mean what you’d expect it to mean.
As the first truly digitally-native generation they’re spending most of their time glued to screens of their devices, with the majority of these devices being their mobile phones. (Source)
Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 FAQ
Does Gen Alpha use TikTok?
~60% of Gen Alpha children who have access to social media actively use TikTok, making it the second most popular social media platform for this generation after YouTube. (Source)
The platform sees particularly high engagement among 8-13 year olds, with users spending an average of 45-50 minutes per day on the app. (Source)
As this generation ages a bit more the number of TikTok users from Gen Alpha is bound to increase massively as TikTok is popular with teenagers and young adults. (Source)
Does Gen Alpha use Twitter?
Yes, Gen Alpha use Twitter (X).
However, X has a relatively low adoption rate among Gen Alpha, with only ~10-15% reporting any interaction with the platform. (Source) This makes X one of the least popular major social media platforms among Gen Alpha. The low usage rate can be attributed to several factors:
- The text-heavy nature of the platform conflicts with Gen Alpha’s preference for visual and video content. Although each tweet is maximum 280 character long, it’s still mostly text with an image here and there. Gen Alpha don’t find it stimulating enough to keep their attention and focus.
- The platform’s 13+ age requirement (though age restriction is easily circumvented with enough creativity).
- The platform’s themes (complex social and news-focused nature) aren’t suitable for children who prefer more entertainment-oriented platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- Lot’s of adult content which spoils the experience, especially for very young Gen Alpha users (13% of all X posts feature adult content). (Source)
Basically, Twitter (X) hasn’t made significant inroads with Gen Alpha compared to more visual and interactive social media options.
Does Gen Alpha use Instagram?
Yes, Gen Alpha uses Instagram.
~30-35% of older Gen Alpha members (primarily ages 9-13) use Instagram, though the platform officially requires users to be 13 or older. (Source)
Instagram is the third most popular traditional social media platform among Gen Alpha. It’s behind YouTube and TikTok in popularity, but ahead of Facebook and Twitter.
However, Instagram’s usage is significantly higher among the older segment of Gen Alpha, with very limited adoption among those under 9 years old. Gen Alphas are attracted to Instagram due to its abundance of visual content and influencer culture​.
Gen Alpha children are so impressionable that a recent survey showed that 55% of Gen Alphas are likely to buy a product based on the recommendation of their favorite Instagram influencer. (Source)
Does Gen Alpha use Noteit?
Yes, Gen Alpha use Noteit and in fact, Gen Alpha children are going crazy over this popular “Snapchat replacement”. Noteit has already reached 50 million users (nearly 100% of them Gen Alpha’s) through its focus on intimate social connections rather than broad public networks. (Source)
The app’s main feature is a home screen widget that allows users to instantly share photos, videos, and drawings with close friends and family, creating a real-time window into their loved ones’ lives.
Does Gen Alpha use Pinterest?
Yes, Gen Alpha uses Pinterest, though on a smaller scale compared to the most popular social platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
~20-25% of Gen Alpha interacts with Pinterest, primarily for educational content, DIY projects, and creative inspiration. The platform sees particular usage among 8-13 year old’s, often initially through shared family accounts or supervised access. (Source)
Interest in Pinterest is notably higher among Gen Alpha users involved in crafting, cooking, or project-based learning activities. Many Gen Alpha users first encountered Pinterest through their parents when looking for school project ideas, birthday party themes, or hobby-related content. (Source)
Does Gen Alpha use Snapchat?
Yes, Gen Alpha use Snapchat given they’re a video-centric generation.
Approximately 25-30% of older Gen Alpha members (primarily those aged 10-13) use Snapchat, despite the platform’s official age requirement of 13. (Source)
This makes Snapchat a more popular platform than Facebook among Gen Alpha, but still significantly behind TikTok and YouTube.
The appeal of Snapchat to Gen Alpha’s comes largely from the platform’s AR filters, short-form content, and ephemeral messaging features.
Many Gen Alpha’s are drawn to Snapchat’s playful features like filters and lenses, with usage typically starting through supervised access on parents’ devices (e.g., using the best parental control app for Android) before transitioning to their own accounts. (Source)
Does Gen Alpha use Facebook (Meta)?
Yes, Gen Alpha use Facebook (Meta).
15-20% Gen Alpha children have some form of interaction with Facebook, primarily through their parents’ accounts or family sharing features, though direct usage is significantly lower. (Source)
Moreover, Gen Alpha spans from 2010-2025 which means many of these children are just that, children who can’t even open their own Facebook accounts because they’re too young.
Facebook’s official minimum age requirement is 13 years old and they verify your age before you can open an account with them. (Source)
Still, Gen Alpha tends to view Facebook as “their folks’ platform” and something out of fashion compared to Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. (Source)
How Does Social Media Affect Gen Alphas?
Social media significantly impacts Gen Alpha’s development, with studies showing that children in this generation spend an average of 4.5 hours daily on screens, primarily engaging with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and gaming-based social networks. (Source)
On the positive side, this early exposure to technology has made Gen Alpha more intelligent, highly digitally literate, with enhanced abilities to learn through online tutorials, express their creativity through content creation, and build global connections. (Source)
However, concerning trends have emerged, including increased anxiety levels among 40% of young users, reduced face-to-face social skills, and shorter attention spans due to rapid content consumption. (Source)
Gen Alpha Social Media Usage Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2025 (Conclusion)
My updated guide for 2025 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about Gen Alpha social media usage statistics, facts and trends.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
References:
- Generation Alpha: Online Habits and Media Preferences by the Numbers- https://basis.com/blog/generation-alpha-online-habits-and-media-preferences-by-the-numbers
- Will Gen Alpha kill the social media star?- https://new-narrative.com/2024/07/31/will-gen-alpha-kill-the-social-media-star
- Gen Alpha Social Media: What Publishers Need to Know- https://www.stateofdigitalpublishing.com/audience-development/generation-alpha-and-social-media/
- Guide to Gen Alpha, the generation marketers need to start attracting- https://www.emarketer.com/insights/guide-generation-alpha/
- Generation Alpha Redefines Media Consumption: Social Video, UGC and Ad-Supported Platforms Surge Ahead of Traditional Streaming- https://whipmedia.com/generation-alpha-redefines-media-consumption-social-video-ugc-and-ad-supported-platforms-surge-ahead-of-traditional-streaming/
- Gen Alpha Prefers Social Video Over Paid Streaming: 2025 Kids Survey- https://variety.com/vip/gen-alpha-social-video-vs-streaming-1236059436/
- Get down with the kids: 4 trends in decline for Gen Alpha- https://blog.gwi.com/trends/4-insights-on-gen-alpha/
- Gen Z vs Gen Alpha vs Millennials: Social Media Habits- https://www.wearethereach.com/insights/gen-z-vs-gen-alpha-vs-millennials-social-media-habits
- No Selfies: The Generational Backlash Against Monetizing Social Media- https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecarter/2023/07/01/no-selfies-the-generational-backlash-against-monetizing-social-media/
- Generation Alpha navigates increased screen time, social media use- https://www.whro.org/2024-04-25/generation-alpha-navigates-increased-screen-time-social-media-use
- Two-thirds of 8-10-year-olds spend up to four hours a day on social media- https://dailyup.etxstudio.com/articles/rn/en/news_80zVKeY0/consumer-trends/two-thirds-of-8-10-year-olds-spend-up-to-four-hours-a-day-on-social-media
- The Top 15 Social Media Platforms Gen Alpha Uses- https://www.ypulse.com/article/2023/02/15/the-top-15-social-media-platforms-gen-alpha-uses/
- Generation Alpha: Age Range and Social Media Interests of “Gen Alpha”- https://ecommercedb.com/insights/gen-alpha-age-range-meaning-what-marketers-need-to-know-about-the-new-consumer/4747
- What Fashion Needs to Know About Gen Alpha’s Social Media Restrictions- https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/marketing-pr/what-fashion-needs-to-know-about-gen-alphas-social-media-restrictions/
- Gen Alpha Is Getting Hooked on X- https://www.newsweek.com/gen-alpha-hooked-x-1942005
- A surprising number of ‘iPad Kids’ are on X, study finds- https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/19/a-surprising-number-of-ipad-kids-are-on-x-study-finds/
- Noteit, The Gen Alpha “Snapchat Replacement,” Surpassed 50M Users- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noteit-the-gen-alpha-snapchat-replacement-surpassed-50m-users-302052010.html
- Gen Alpha takes over skin care social media scene, but are they too young?- https://abcnews.go.com/US/gen-alpha-takes-skin-care-social-media-scene/story?id=107225927
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.