What social media do over 50s use in the UK?

Social media is no longer a tool just for the younger generation. In recent years, social media use among people aged 50 and over in the UK has increased significantly. Older adults are now engaging with social platforms to keep in touch with friends and family, follow news, pursue hobbies, and even connect with online communities. Here’s a closer look at which platforms are most popular among the over-50 demographic in the UK and what drives their usage.

1. Facebook: The Most Popular Platform for Older Adults

Facebook remains the most popular social media platform among people over 50 in the UK. This platform offers a familiar and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to people who may not have grown up with digital technology. For many, Facebook is the go-to place to keep up with family, especially for those whose children or grandchildren also use the platform.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Family Connections: Facebook makes it easy to connect with family members, view photos, and stay updated on family news.
Groups and Communities: Older adults can join interest-based groups, such as gardening, history, travel, and even local neighborhood groups, which help them stay socially engaged and connected.
Facebook Marketplace: Many over-50s are finding Facebook Marketplace useful for buying and selling goods locally.

Why It’s Popular: Facebook’s versatility and widespread adoption make it a great choice for over-50s to connect with both family and like-minded people, and its familiarity makes it more comfortable to use.

2. YouTube: Entertainment, Education, and Hobbies

YouTube is another favorite among the over-50 demographic. This platform provides access to video content on nearly any topic, from cooking tutorials and fitness routines to travel videos and historical documentaries. YouTube is also a top choice for those interested in continuing education or learning new skills.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Tutorials and How-To Videos: YouTube offers tutorials on everything from DIY home repairs to tech tips, helping users build new skills or solve practical issues.
Entertainment: With movies, music, and documentaries available, YouTube provides a wide array of free entertainment options.
Health and Fitness: Many older adults enjoy using YouTube for exercise videos designed for seniors, including yoga, walking, and stretching routines.

Why It’s Popular: YouTube’s educational and entertainment value, paired with its ease of access, makes it popular among older adults who enjoy learning new things and exploring their interests.

3. WhatsApp: Staying Connected with Friends and Family

WhatsApp has become the messaging app of choice for many over-50s in the UK. This app allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos, all without the cost of traditional texting or phone calls. WhatsApp is especially popular for staying connected with family members who may live far away or for organizing group chats with friends.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Video and Voice Calls: WhatsApp offers free and secure video and voice calls, making it ideal for staying in touch with family and friends.
Group Chats: Many older adults use WhatsApp for group chats, such as family groups or local community groups.
User-Friendly: WhatsApp’s simple interface makes it easy for even less tech-savvy users to navigate.

Why It’s Popular: WhatsApp’s ease of use and affordability make it a convenient tool for staying connected without the need for social media profiles or feeds.

4. Instagram: Sharing and Following Visual Content

While traditionally a younger platform, Instagram has gained traction among the over-50s as more people explore the world of visual storytelling. Instagram’s focus on photos and short videos is especially appealing to older adults interested in photography, travel, food, or lifestyle content. Many over-50s use Instagram to follow family members, public figures, and organizations they’re interested in.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Visual Content: Instagram’s photo and video format allows users to share visual stories, making it easy to keep up with family or friends’ lives.
Following Interests: Older users can follow accounts that align with their hobbies or interests, such as cooking, travel, or local history.
Reels and Stories: Short video content allows older users to see highlights without needing to scroll through long posts.

Why It’s Popular: Instagram’s focus on visual content appeals to those interested in photography, food, and travel, and it’s a fun way to see snapshots of family members’ lives.

5. Twitter: Staying Informed on News and Events

Although Twitter’s fast-paced format isn’t as popular among older adults, many over-50s in the UK still use it as a source of news and real-time updates. Twitter allows users to follow public figures, news organizations, and community leaders, making it a valuable tool for staying informed on local and global events.

Key Features for Older Adults:

News and Information: Many older adults follow news outlets, public services, and official organizations on Twitter to stay informed.
Interest-Based Following: Twitter allows users to follow specific accounts or hashtags, catering to a variety of interests.
Direct Interaction: Twitter users can engage with public figures and customer service accounts, making it a useful tool for queries and communication.

Why It’s Popular: Twitter provides a straightforward way to keep up with news and stay updated on public events without navigating complex social interactions.

6. Pinterest: A Hub for Inspiration and Ideas

Pinterest is particularly popular among older adults interested in crafts, DIY projects, recipes, gardening, and home decor. Users can “pin” images and ideas to boards, creating collections of inspiring content. Pinterest appeals to the creative side and is often used as a digital scrapbook for organizing ideas and discovering new hobbies.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Interest-Based Boards: Users can create boards for various interests like recipes, gardening, travel, and fashion.
Visual Search: The visual nature of Pinterest allows users to explore content that matches their interests and aesthetic preferences.
Easy Sharing: Users can easily save and share ideas with friends or family members.

Why It’s Popular: Pinterest’s structure as a visual library makes it easy to find inspiration, whether for home projects, new recipes, or travel ideas.

7. Nextdoor: Connecting with Local Community

Nextdoor is a neighborhood-focused social network where users connect with people in their local area. This platform is increasingly popular among older adults who use it to stay informed about neighborhood events, services, and recommendations.

Key Features for Older Adults:

Local Updates: Users can get updates on local news, events, and announcements specific to their neighborhood.
Recommendations: Nextdoor provides a platform for sharing and receiving recommendations for local services, tradespeople, and businesses.
Community Engagement: Older adults appreciate the sense of local community and the ability to connect with neighbors.

Why It’s Popular: Nextdoor’s focus on local connections and community makes it a useful tool for those who want to stay engaged and informed about their area.

Conclusion: Social Media Preferences of Over-50s in the UK

Over-50s in the UK have adapted to various social media platforms, with Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube leading the way for their ease of use and versatility. Each platform serves a unique purpose, whether it’s connecting with family (Facebook, WhatsApp), exploring hobbies (Pinterest, YouTube), staying informed (Twitter), or engaging locally (Nextdoor).

As digital technology continues to evolve, older adults are becoming increasingly comfortable with social media, embracing it as a tool for maintaining social connections, discovering new interests, and staying informed about the world around them.