Introduction: Exploring Myanmar’s Social Media Landscape (Trends, Stats, and Insights)
Myanmar’s social media scene has transformed dramatically from 2020 to 2024. With platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube shaping digital habits, understanding these trends is key for businesses, marketers, and anyone curious about Myanmar’s online culture. Political shifts, like the 2021 military coup, and growing internet access have influenced which platforms dominate. In this post, we’ll dive into the most popular social media platforms in Myanmar, backed by real stats and insights from 2020 to 2024. Let’s explore what’s driving Myanmar’s social media boom!
Key Takeaways
- Facebook leads with around 21 million users in 2024, making it Myanmar’s top social platform.
- TikTok’s rise is unstoppable, hitting 16.65 million users by early 2024, especially among the youth.
- YouTube holds steady with 12 million users, a go-to for video content.
- Messenger follows closely with 19 million users, tied to Facebook’s popularity.
- Instagram and X have smaller but growing niches, with 1.4 million and 1 million users, respectively.
- The 2021 coup shook things up, boosting platforms like X while slowing overall growth.
The Top Social Media Platforms in Myanmar: A Closer Look
1. Facebook: Myanmar’s Social Media Giant
Facebook reigns supreme in Myanmar’s social media world. With 21 million users in 2024 (NapoleonCat), it’s the platform most Burmese turn to for news, connection, and business. Here’s how its user base evolved:
- 2020: Around 20 million users, per DataReportal estimates.
- 2021: Peaked at 28 million users during political unrest (NapoleonCat)
- 2022: Dropped to 20 million as internet restrictions hit (Statista).
- 2023: Recovered to 18.9 million (NapoleonCat).
- 2024: Stabilized at 21 million, or 35.7% of the population.
Why it matters: Despite the 2021 coup and temporary bans, Facebook remains a lifeline for communication and marketing in Myanmar.
2. YouTube: Video Powerhouse in Myanmar
YouTube’s 12 million users in Myanmar have stayed consistent from 2020 to 2024. It’s a hub for entertainment, tutorials, and news, especially in urban areas.
- 2020-2024: Steady at 12 million users yearly.
Why it’s popular: Reliable video content keeps YouTube a staple, even during internet disruptions.
3. Messenger: The Chat Champion
Messenger, linked to Facebook, boasts around 19 million users in 2024 (NapoleonCat). It’s a must-have for personal chats and small businesses.
- 2020–2024: Tracks closely with Facebook, peaking at 28 million in 2021, then settling at 19 million.
Why it thrives: Affordable and widely used, it’s perfect for Myanmar’s mobile-first audience
4. TikTok: Myanmar’s Youth Sensation
TikTok has exploded in Myanmar, reaching 16.65 million users by early 2024 (Nanoo Marketing). Its short, fun videos have won over the younger crowd.
- 2020: Started at 8 million users.
- 2021–2023: Grew steadily, hitting double digits.
- 2024: Jumped to 16.65 million.
Why it’s booming: Creative freedom and mobile accessibility make TikTok a hit, even amid challenges.
5. Instagram: A Niche Favorite
Instagram’s 1.4 million users in Myanmar (NapoleonCat) show steady growth, appealing to urban youth and influencers.
- 2020: Around 1 million users.
- 2021: Climbed to 1.4 million.
- 2022–2024: Held at 1.4 million.
Why it works: Visual storytelling suits Myanmar’s creative users, though it’s less widespread than Facebook.
6. X (twitter): The Coup-Era Surge
X (formerly Twitter) spiked in Myanmar during the 2021 coup, jumping from 190,000 users in 2020 to 1.2 million in 2021 (DW). It’s since leveled off at about 1 million.
- 2020: 190,000 users.
- 2021: Surged to 1.2 million.
- 2022–2024: Around 1 million.
Why it grew: Real-time updates during unrest made X a go-to platform.
7. LinkedIn: The Professional Edge
LinkedIn’s 600,000 users in 2024 (Medium) cater to Myanmar’s growing professional class.
- 2024: 600,000 users, with earlier data unavailable.
Why it’s niche: Focused on jobs and networking, it’s small but steady.
Myanmar Social Media Trends: What’s Shaping the Scene?
Political Shake-Ups
The 2021 military coup changed everything. Internet shutdowns dropped social media use from 53.1% in 2021 to 37.7% in 2022 (Statista). X surged, while Facebook took a hit.
Youth Takeover
TikTok and Instagram are winning over Myanmar’s youth with videos and visuals. TikTok’s 16.65 million users in 2024 prove its dominance among Gen Z.
Economic Hurdles
Rising internet costs and rural conflicts (World Bank) slow growth outside cities. Still, mobile usage keeps platforms alive.
User Stats Table: Myanmar Social Media (2020–2024)
| Platform | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 20M | 28M | 20M | 18.9M | 21M | |
| YouTube | 12M | 12M | 12M | 12M | 12M |
| Messenger | ~20M | ~28M | ~20M | ~18.9M | 19M |
| TikTok | 8M | ~10M | ~13M | ~15M | 16.65M |
| 1M | 1.4M | 1.4M | 1.4M | 1.4M | |
| X | 0.19M | 1.2M | ~1M | ~1M | ~1M |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.6M |
(Estimated numbers based on trends)
Why This Matters for Myanmar and Beyond
For businesses targeting Myanmar, Facebook and Messenger are essential for reach. TikTok’s growth offers a fresh marketing avenue, especially for younger audiences. Understanding these trends helps marketers, bloggers, and researchers tap into Myanmar’s digital pulse.
Conclusion: Myanmar’s Social Media Future
From 2020 to 2024, Myanmar’s social media landscape has balanced growth and challenges. Facebook and YouTube dominate, TikTok is rising fast, and X shines during crises. As internet access improves, these platforms will keep shaping how Myanmar connects and communicates. Stay tuned—Myanmar’s digital story is just getting started!
