Boomers: “ We prefer Facebook and You Tube”

Boomers and the Scroll: Which Social Platforms Top Their Feeds? Baby boomers-those born between 1946 and 1964, now aged 61 to 79-are often painted as tech holdouts, but recent data shows they’re logging in more than ever. With over 36.9 million active users in the U.S. alone, boomers represent a growing slice of social media pie, favoring platforms that feel familiar and functional. Drawing from nine fresh sources like Pew Research, Statista, and Sprout Social, here’s the rundown on where they’re spending their screen time in 2024-2025. Facebook reigns supreme, no surprise there. A Statista survey pegs usage at a whopping 76% among boomers, while a Business Dasher study bumps it to 78%. It’s the go-to for connecting with family, sharing grandkid photos, and joining community groups-think less chaos, more comfort. Pew’s November 2024 fact sheet backs this, noting Facebook as one of the two most-widely used platforms across all U.S. adults, with boomers driving steady engagement. Close behind? YouTube, clocking in at high adoption rates too. Influencer Intelligence highlights it as a top pick for boomers and Gen X alike, perfect for how-to videos, news clips, and nostalgic tunes. Sprout Social’s 2025 demographics report shows YouTube leading across age groups, but boomers love its passive vibe-no endless scrolling, just targeted watches. Instagram sneaks in third, with 47% usage per Statista. It’s not all filters and reels for them; boomers use it for visual inspiration, like travel pics or recipe shares. Target Internet’s age-group breakdown confirms this, while Ooma’s July 2025 analysis lists it in the top four platforms overall. Other mentions? Pinterest at 40% (Statista again), ideal for DIY ideas and home decor hunts. GWI’s 2025 stats nod to it as a steady player outside China, and Khoros notes boomers’ lower overall usage but targeted loyalty here. TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) barely register-Digital Silk’s trends show boomers skipping the fast-paced stuff, with just snippets of engagement on news-focused X. Bottom line: Boomers aren’t chasing viral dances; they’re building digital scrapbooks. Marketers, take note-Facebook and YouTube ads could net you 70%+ reach in this demographic. As one Pew insight puts it, half of all adults hit Instagram, but for boomers, it’s the classics that click. With usage ticking up, expect more silver-haired logins in 2025.