How Many People Use YouTube in 2026? Global Users & Trends
As of June 2026, approximately 2.7 billion people use YouTube each month, making it the second most-used social media platform globally after Facebook. That's roughly 33% of the world's population and 55% of all internet users.
YouTube by the numbers (2026)
YouTube's monthly active users (MAU) have grown steadily from 2.0 billion in 2019 to an estimated 2.7 billion in 2026. The platform reaches more people aged 15–35 than any TV network, and over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute. YouTube is available in over 100 countries and 80 languages.
Year-by-year trend: YouTube monthly active users (2019–2026)
| Year | Monthly Active Users (billions) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2.0 | — |
| 2020 | 2.3 | +15% |
| 2021 | 2.4 | +4% |
| 2022 | 2.5 | +4% |
| 2023 | 2.6 | +4% |
| 2024 | 2.65 | +2% |
| 2025 | 2.68 | +1% |
| 2026 (est.) | 2.7 | +1% |
Note: Figures for 2019–2025 are based on official Alphabet/Google earnings reports and industry estimates. 2026 is an estimate based on recent growth rates. Last updated: June 2026.
YouTube users by country (2026 estimate)
| Country/Region | Estimated MAU (millions) | Penetration of internet users |
|---|---|---|
| India | 500 | ~80% |
| United States | 240 | ~85% |
| Brazil | 140 | ~90% |
| Indonesia | 135 | ~75% |
| Japan | 80 | ~70% |
| Russia | 70 | ~65% |
| Mexico | 65 | ~80% |
| Germany | 60 | ~75% |
| United Kingdom | 50 | ~85% |
| South Korea | 40 | ~80% |
Source: Industry estimates based on Google/YouTube disclosures, DataReportal, and eMarketer. Penetration rates are approximate. Last updated: June 2026.
Historical growth
YouTube's user base expanded rapidly from 2019 to 2020, driven by pandemic lockdowns and increased online video consumption. Growth has since slowed to 1–4% annually as the platform nears saturation in many developed markets. India remains the largest market by users, while the US leads in ad revenue.
What is driving the change
Key drivers include: (1) expanding internet access in emerging markets, especially India and Southeast Asia; (2) the rise of Shorts competing with TikTok; (3) growing popularity of live streaming and gaming content; (4) YouTube's integration with TV and smart devices. Slowing growth in mature markets is offset by deeper engagement and new ad formats.
Methodology
YouTube's MAU figures are based on official Alphabet earnings reports (2019–2025) and analyst estimates for 2026. Country-level figures are estimates derived from company disclosures, third-party research (DataReportal, eMarketer), and internet penetration data. All figures should be considered approximate and may change. Last updated: June 2026. Statistics change and should be re-verified before citing.
Key takeaways
- YouTube has ~2.7 billion monthly active users as of June 2026, up from 2.0 billion in 2019.
- India leads with ~500 million users, followed by the US (~240 million) and Brazil (~140 million).
- Growth has slowed to 1–2% annually as the platform nears saturation in developed markets.
- YouTube Shorts and live streaming are key growth drivers in 2026.
- 55% of internet users worldwide use YouTube monthly.
Frequently asked questions
How many people use YouTube in 2026?
As of June 2026, YouTube has approximately 2.7 billion monthly active users globally.
Which country has the most YouTube users?
India has the most YouTube users, with an estimated 500 million monthly active users in 2026.
Is YouTube growing or shrinking?
YouTube continues to grow, but at a slower pace. Growth was rapid during 2020 (15%), then slowed to 1-4% annually as of 2026.
How many hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute?
Approximately 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute as of 2026.
What percentage of internet users use YouTube?
Roughly 55% of all internet users use YouTube monthly, making it one of the most widely used online platforms.
