: Nearly half (46%) of Gen Z now use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok as their primary search engines.

As of 2026, 18-year-olds spend an average of 1 hour and 18 minutes daily on TikTok. It is no longer just for dance trends; it is a primary news source (25% of Gen Z use it for this) and a discovery engine for music and retail through TikTok Shop.