WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia: 94% of users choose the messenger
WhatsApp remains the absolute leader among messengers in Saudi Arabia, with a reach of 94.4% of men and 90.4% of women, confirming its dominance in the digital space of the kingdom.
Absolute dominance of WhatsApp in the messenger market
According to the report "Internet in Saudi Arabia 2025," released by the Communications and Space Technology Commission, WhatsApp significantly outpaces all competing platforms. The messenger is used by 94.4% of men and 90.4% of women, making it the most widespread application in the kingdom. Such a high level of reach reflects the versatility of the platform and its integration into the daily lives of Saudis. Snapchat ranks second with a usage rate of 88.2% among women and 80.2% among men. TikTok is in third place with 77.6% usage among women and 76.5% among men.
Gender differences in app preferences
The data from the report reveals interesting patterns in the choice of social platforms between men and women. YouTube ranks fourth with a reach of 81.1% of men and 68.8% of women, indicating a greater popularity of video content among the male audience. Instagram, while ranking fifth overall, is used by 42.4% of women and 39.5% of men. There is a clear trend: women are more active on Snapchat and TikTok, while men prefer YouTube. These differences reflect varying styles of digital interaction and content consumption preferences between genders.
Internet activity and usage modes
Saudis demonstrate a high level of digital activity: 61.3% of internet users spend seven hours or more online daily. Additionally, 34.1% of users are online three to six hours a day. Peak internet usage occurs between 21:00 and 23:00, and Friday is the most active day of the week. Mobile phones remain the primary means of internet access, with a usage rate of 99.6%, highlighting the mobility of Saudi society. Computers are used by 47.4% of users, tablets by 39.2%, and other devices, including smartwatches and gaming consoles, by 30.7%.
Context of internet use in daily life
The internet has firmly entered all aspects of Saudi life. Usage on the go ranks first with an 84% reach, indicating the mobile nature of internet consumption. This is followed by home usage at 77.5%, while 41.4% of users access the internet at workplaces. These data demonstrate that digital services have become an integral part of Saudis' lives, both during travel and daily activities, as well as in professional endeavors. Such pervasiveness of the internet creates new opportunities for communication and experience sharing among people, regardless of their location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which messenger is the most popular in Saudi Arabia?
WhatsApp is the undisputed leader, with 94.4% of men and 90.4% of women using it. Snapchat ranks second, and TikTok third. This dominance of WhatsApp is attributed to its reliability, ease of use, and versatility.
How much time do Saudis spend online daily?
The majority of Saudis (61.3%) spend seven hours or more online each day. A third of users (34.1%) are online three to six hours daily. Only 4.6% of users spend less than three hours online each day.
On which devices do Saudis most often use the internet?
Mobile phones are the primary tool for internet access, with a usage rate of 99.6%. Computers are used by 47.4% of users, tablets by 39.2%, and smart devices and gaming consoles by 30.7% of users.
