As of 2024, the estimated number of internet users worldwide was 5.5 billion, up from 5.3 billion in the previous year. This share represents 68 percent of the global population.
Internet access around the world
Easier access to computers, the modernization of countries worldwide, and increased utilization of smartphones have allowed people to use the internet more frequently and conveniently. However, internet penetration often pertains to the current state of development regarding communications networks. As of January 2023, there were approximately 1.05 billion total internet users in China and 692 million total internet users in the United States.
Online activities
Social networking is one of the most popular online activities worldwide, and Facebook is the most popular online network based on active usage. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were over 3.07 billion monthly active Facebook users, accounting for well more than half of the internet users worldwide. Connecting with family and friends, expressing opinions, entertainment, and online shopping are amongst the most popular reasons for internet usage.
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024
(in millions)
Characteristic
Number of users in millions
2024
5,500
2023
5,400
2022
5,300
2021
4,901
2020
4,585
2019
4,119
2018
3,729
2017
3,444
2016
3,217
2015
2,954
2014
2,750
2013
2,562
2012
2,387
2011
2,174
2010
1,981
2009
1,727
2008
1,545
2007
1,367
2006
1,147
2005
1,023
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ITU. (May 1, 2024). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 06, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions)." Chart. May 1, 2024. Statista. Accessed June 06, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. (2024). Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 06, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU. "Number of Internet Users Worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 May 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
ITU, Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/ (last visited June 06, 2025)
Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph], ITU, May 1, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
