The average daily screen time has seen some interesting trends in 2024. Globally, people aged 16 to 64 now average 6 hours and 35 minutes on their devices daily. Although this is a minor decrease from 2023, it still indicates a significant amount of time spent on screens, suggesting a lingering effect from pandemic-era habits that increased screen usage worldwide.

Increased App Usage and Trends

In the U.S., users are spending a notable amount of time on specific apps, with social media and streaming platforms dominating screen time. TikTok leads with an average daily usage of 67 minutes per person, followed by YouTube at 55 minutes, and Instagram at 31 minutes. These numbers are consistent with the broader trend where social media and video streaming continue to capture the largest share of user attention. Globally, social media users are spending an average of 143 minutes per day on these platforms, marking a slight increase from previous years.

Comparison with 2023

While global average screen time decreased slightly in 2024, usage patterns indicate that mobile time remains high. For instance, mobile apps continue to account for over 90% of total mobile time, reflecting the platform’s influence on communication and entertainment. The U.S. also experienced a slight increase in overall screen time per person, driven by high engagement with mobile devices and increased consumption of video content, especially among younger generations.

Overall, the 2024 data showcases both subtle decreases in global averages and regional variations, with specific apps and content types remaining as popular as ever for daily use. This balance reflects a new era of digital dependence tempered by slight efforts toward reduced screen time.