KakaoTalk Leads SNS Users, TikTok Lite Tops Usage Time

Leading Social Media Apps in South Korea

South Korea's social media landscape is dominated by several key applications, each with its own unique strengths. A recent market research report highlighted the most popular apps based on user engagement and time spent on the platforms.

KakaoTalk: The Most Used Social Media App

KakaoTalk has emerged as the leading social media app in terms of user base. According to a survey conducted by WiseApp·Retail, the app recorded a monthly active user (MAU) count of 48,190,000 as of last month. This figure underscores KakaoTalk’s widespread adoption among Korean smartphone users.

Following KakaoTalk in the rankings are:

• Instagram: With 27,410,000 users, Instagram continues to be a major player in the social media space.
• Band: This platform secured third place with 17,080,000 users.
• Naver Cafe: Holding fourth position, Naver Cafe attracted 9,300,000 users.
• TikTok: Ranking fifth, TikTok had 8,320,000 users.

These numbers reflect the diverse preferences of South Korean users, who rely on different platforms for communication, content sharing, and entertainment.

TikTok Lite: Longest Average Usage Time

While KakaoTalk leads in user numbers, TikTok Lite stands out for the amount of time users spend on the app. The research found that TikTok Lite users spent an average of 18 hours and 57 minutes per person on the app. This impressive usage time highlights the app's ability to keep users engaged for extended periods.

Other top apps in terms of average usage time include:

• Instagram: Users spent an average of 18 hours and 1 minute on the platform.
• TikTok: The main version of TikTok ranked third, with users spending 17 hours and 41 minutes.
• X (formerly Twitter): Users spent an average of 14 hours and 58 minutes on this platform.
• KakaoTalk: Despite being the most used app, KakaoTalk placed fifth in terms of average usage time, with users spending 11 hours and 25 minutes on it.

This data suggests that while KakaoTalk remains a staple for daily communication, TikTok Lite has taken the lead in capturing user attention through engaging video content.

Key Takeaways from the Research

The findings from the survey provide valuable insights into how South Koreans interact with social media. Here are some key takeaways:

• User Base vs. Engagement: KakaoTalk leads in user numbers, but TikTok Lite excels in user engagement.
• Diverse Preferences: Different platforms cater to various needs, from messaging and social networking to content creation and consumption.
• Evolution of Platforms: The rise of TikTok Lite indicates a shift in how users spend their time online, favoring short-form video content over traditional social media formats.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these trends may influence future developments in social media apps across South Korea.