Facebook Has Seen Surge in Usage during the COVID-19 Lockdown

During the COVID-19 quarantine and lockdown, more users have been utilizing Facebook’s services for keeping in touch with friends and family and posting content.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg held a conference call where he described record numbers across the company’s many platforms. According to TechCrunch, Zuckerberg noted that throughout the past month, 3 billion users have logged onto a Facebook app which included Facebook proper, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This number equates to roughly two-thirds of the world’s internet users.

In a more in-depth look at usage, Zuckerberg stated that usage of voice and video tools had doubled. Usage of Facebook Live and Instagram Live has doubled as well. Interestingly enough, with many users seeking out reliable group video call services, Facebook’s has risen 1,000% over the last few weeks.

These are record numbers for the company. Facebook’s Q1 reports showed that the average monthly active user numbers were roughly 2.60 billion. The company also released its high revenue numbers, totalling $17.74 billion in Q1. However, like many online businesses, Zuckerberg did note that ad demand has seen “significant reduction” and that it has been flat year-over-year growth in the first weeks of April.

Many other popular app services are reporting the same substantial user growth. As many users are now isolated at home, staying in touch through social media has been the most practical.