The Most Popular Media Among Children and Young People

This article was written by TaikaTilaus intern Elvira Kononen.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the most popular media among children and young people. Which apps are trending, and which ones have faded into obscurity? Adults often believe they are well-informed about young people’s media habits, but the reality can be quite different. Even if you think you know today’s media trends, it’s worth reading this article to make sure you’re truly up to date.

The Most Popular Media Among Young People

The most popular platforms among young people are TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and streaming services like Spotify and Netflix — names that are likely familiar to most. However, there are many apps that young people use daily which might not be as well-known. Have you heard of Yubo, a live messaging app aimed at teens, or anonymous chat platforms like Jodel and Reddit?

Of course, gaming is also a big part of young people’s media use. Popular games include Fortnite, Roblox, Brawl Stars, and FIFA. Boys generally play more than girls, which is quite noticeable. Personally, I don’t play games, so my experience with them is limited.

Less Popular Media

Previously popular apps like Facebook and Twitter (now known as X) have seen a significant decline in popularity among young users. These platforms are now mostly used by adults and older age groups. YouTube was once highly favoured by young people as well. While some still use it, many find watching longer videos a chore. Today, even one-minute TikTok clips can feel too long, which is why many young people, myself included, speed up videos to get through them.

Media for Younger Children

Primary school and preschool-aged children still enjoy traditional kids’ shows, but YouTube is also incredibly popular among this age group, offering a wide variety of videos and shows. Children often play Roblox and a variety of mobile games. Most school-aged children already use social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat, and they typically have access to the same streaming services as older youths.

Screen Time and Tips

People often assume that young people spend the most time in front of screens, but in reality, adults and older generations can spend just as much time online, if not more. Taking an interest in the media habits of children and young people can be valuable for adults — not only as a way to learn something new but also to potentially discover an app they might also enjoy.

Conclusion

Media habits among children and young people are changing rapidly, and keeping up can feel challenging. However, staying open-minded and curious about the platforms young people use can help adults better understand their daily lives. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or another adult in a young person’s life, it’s worth staying curious and talking to them about their media choices — you might even find a new favourite app for yourself.