Primary reasons for using social media in China 2024

Published by
Lai Lin Thomala,
Mar 26, 2025

As of the third quarter of 2024, the number of social media users in China amounted to around 1.08 billion, accounting for 76.5 percent of the country's total population. Keeping in touch with acquaintances was the primary reason for using social media platforms, with 45.4 percent of surveyed internet users in China saying so.

Leading reasons for using social media services in China as of 3rd quarter 2024

CharacteristicShare of internet users
Keeping in touch with friends and family 45.4%
Filling spare time 36.5%
Seeing what's being talked about 30.3%
Finding products to purchase 28.8%
Finding content 27.4%
Reading news stories 26.4%
Watching live streams 26.3%
Seeinng content from your favorite brands 24.1%
Sharing and discussing opinions 23.6%
Finding inspiration for things to do and buy 23.1%
Work-related networking or research 22.7%
Watching or following sports 21.6%
Making new contacts 21.5%
Showing entries 1 to 13 (15 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of internet users45.4%45.4%36.5%36.5%30.3%30.3%28.8%28.8%27.4%27.4%26.4%26.4%26.3%26.3%24.1%24.1%23.6%23.6%23.1%23.1%22.7%22.7%21.6%21.6%21.5%21.5%18.7%18.7%18%18%Keeping in touch with friends and familyFilling spare timeSeeing what's being talked aboutFinding products to purchaseFinding contentReading news storiesWatching live streamsSeeinng content from your favorite brandsSharing and discussing opinionsFinding inspiration for things to do and buyWork-related networking or researchWatching or following sportsMaking new contactsPosting about your lifeFollowing celebraties and influencers
0%2.5%5%7.5%10%12.5%15%17.5%20%22.5%25%27.5%30%32.5%35%37.5%40%42.5%45%47.5%50%

© Statista 2025
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Release date

February 2025

Region

China

Survey time period

Q3 2024

Age group

16 years and older

Method of interview

Online survey

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Statistics on " Social media in China "

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Topics

Social media in ChinaSocial media in TaiwanSocial media in Hong KongTencent HoldingsWeChat
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