Used for everything from entertainment and "how-to" videos to educational content.

Often preferred for direct, disappearing communication with close friends.

The "Big Three" platforms continue to dominate the teen landscape, though the specific order often shifts based on the latest viral trend. According to Youth Statistics from Act for Youth , the most popular platforms include:

The primary hub for short-form video, music discovery, and creative trends.

But "screen time" isn't a monolith. Today’s digital landscape is a complex mix of social connection, creative expression, and—yes—some significant risks. Where They Spend Their Time

If it feels like the teenagers in your life are constantly glued to a screen, you aren't imagining it. Recent data from the Child Mind Institute and other researchers indicates that teens spend an average of nine hours a day on entertainment media.

The Digital Playground: How Teens are Actually Using Media in 2026