A staggering 47% of US teenagers claim to be "almost constantly" online, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. The study, which polled 1,391 teenagers, sheds light on the online habits of this digitally native generation, revealing significant differences in platform preferences and usage patterns.

YouTube emerges as the clear winner in terms of popularity, with a whopping 90% of teens using the platform, a slight decrease from 95% in 2022. Moreover, 73% of teens visit YouTube daily, making it the most frequently used platform among this age group. TikTok follows closely, with 63% of teens using the app, highlighting the significant role of video-centric platforms in the online lives of American teenagers.

However, a notable gender divide exists in the frequency of platform usage. While 19% of girls claim to use TikTok "almost constantly," the same percentage of boys are glued to YouTube. This disparity underscores the varying online behaviors and preferences within the teenage demographic.

Interestingly, the survey reveals that even among this extremely online cohort, not all platforms are created equal. Threads, Meta's microblogging app, is used by a mere 6% of teenagers, while Facebook's popularity has plummeted to 32%, down from 71% a decade ago. The only Meta product to enjoy majority usage among teens is Instagram, whose popularity has increased since 2014.

The data suggests a clear preference for image- and video-based platforms among teenagers, with X and Reddit being much less popular, at 17% and 14% respectively. Moreover, the usage of some image-based apps, such as Snapchat, is on the decline. The only app to experience a rise in popularity is WhatsApp, now used by 23% of teenagers.

This survey provides valuable insights into the online habits of American teenagers, highlighting the significance of video-centric platforms and the shifting landscape of social media usage among this demographic. As technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how these online behaviors adapt and change over time.

The implications of these findings are far-reaching, with significant consequences for social media companies, marketers, and policymakers seeking to understand and engage with this influential age group. As the online lives of American teenagers continue to shape the digital landscape, it is essential to monitor and analyze these trends to ensure a safe, inclusive, and responsible online environment for all.