With an estimated one billion users, Instagram has sky-rocketed in popularity and is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media outlets. As a result, businesses have started to invest heavily in the platform to reach potential customers. To ensure the success of any Instagram marketing campaign, it’s essential to understand the demographics of the platform.
This article is a part of our series: A Comprehensive Glossary of Instagram Terms
Previous article: Understanding the Instagram Growth Rate: Tracking Followers Gained Over Time
What Is the Average Age of Instagram Users?
Instagram users vary in age from 18 to 65+. However, research shows that the average user is between 25 and 34. According to Pew Research, 28% of adults between 18 and 24 use Instagram, compared to 37% of adults between 25 and 29, and 19% of adults aged 65+. Gen Xers are the most likely to use Instagram compared to other generations.
The majority of Instagram users are female, with 64% of users being female and 36% being male. Additionally, Instagram is most popular among urban and suburban residents, with 44% of users living in urban areas and 35% living in suburban areas. Instagram is also popular among college graduates, with 41% of users having a college degree.
How Gender Impacts Instagram Usage
Data from Pew Research also shows that female Instagram users outnumber male users by a slight margin. 32% of women aged 18-29 use Instagram compared to 27% of men in that age group. Furthermore, a survey by Statista showed that 28% of all female internet users report being active on Instagram, while only 26% of men reported the same.
The gender gap in Instagram usage is even more pronounced when looking at the 30-49 age group. In this age group, 33% of women report being active on Instagram compared to only 22% of men. This suggests that Instagram is more popular among women than men, particularly in the younger age groups.
Breaking Down Instagram Usage by Age Group
Younger Generation’s Use of Instagram
Millennials (adults between 18 and 34) are more likely to be on Instagram than any other age group. 52% of this demographic is active on the platform, compared to 44% of Xennials (aged 35-44), 38% of Gen X (aged 45-54), and 21% of Baby Boomers (aged 55-64). Millennials are slightly more likely to be female users than male, with a 51/49 split.
Millennials and Gen X on Instagram
Millennials (ages 18-34) and Gen Xers (ages 35-44) are the most active age groups on Instagram. Millennials show the greatest usage percentages, with 52% being active on the platform compared to 44% of Gen Xers. mobile devices are most commonly used for both groups. 75% of Millennials and 73% of Gen X use mobile devices when accessing the app, versus 57% of Baby Boomers using mobile devices.
Baby Boomers and Instagram Usage
Baby Boomers (ages 55-64) are less likely to use Instagram than any other age group. Only 21% of Baby Boomers report being active on the platform. In comparison, their grandchildren (Generation Z), report 78% usage. Moreover, Baby Boomers are more likely than any other age group to access Instagram exclusively via a desktop computer.
Gen Z and Their Use of Instagram
Generation Z (ages 15-18) is the most active age group on Instagram. This generation reports an incredible 78% usage rate, compared to 52% of Millennials. 65% of Gen Z access the app through their mobile device while 16% use a laptop or tablet. This demographic is also more likely to be female than male, with 65% being female users.
Overall, Instagram usage is highest among younger generations, with Generation Z and Millennials being the most active. This is likely due to the fact that these generations are more tech-savvy and have grown up with the platform. As such, they are more likely to use Instagram for both personal and professional purposes.
Strategies for Reaching Different Age Groups on Instagram
When creating content for various age groups, it is important to tailor it for each one’s preferences. For example, Millennials respond well to stories, whereas Baby Boomers are more likely to interact with more traditional posts. It is important to recognize the differences in what each generation wants from its content. Additionally, it is also important to recognize that each age group uses different platforms as well as different devices.
When targeting different age groups, it is important to consider the language used in the content. Different generations have different slang and jargon, so it is important to use language that is appropriate for the age group. Additionally, it is important to consider the visuals used in the content. Different age groups have different preferences when it comes to visuals, so it is important to use visuals that are appropriate for the age group.
Tips for Creating Content That Appeals to Different Ages on Instagram
Adapting content for different age groups is not easy but it is possible. Start with understanding the demographics of each age group and their interests, and create content that speaks to them specifically. Choose visuals, language, and topics that match each individual demographic’s preferences. Tailor content in a way that it can be visible on all devices. Finally, experiment with different strategies and track results.
It is also important to consider the different platforms that each age group uses. For example, younger generations may be more active on Instagram, while older generations may prefer Facebook. Knowing which platforms to target can help you create content that is more likely to be seen by the right audience. Additionally, consider the different types of content that each age group may prefer. Younger generations may be more likely to engage with videos, while older generations may prefer written content. By understanding the preferences of each age group, you can create content that is more likely to be successful.
When You Are Ready, There Are 3 Ways I Can Help:
1 – If you’re looking to further improve & grow your social media using analytics, I’d recommend starting with a course:
➡️ Analytics for Content Creators: In development, but register your interest using the form below
2 – If you’re more hands off and would like us to audit your Instagram account:
➡️ 1:1 Instagram Account Audit: In development, but register your interest using the form below
3 – Promote yourself to over 140k+ followers/subscribers by collaborating with me on a project!
