Reddit leads social media platforms in revenue growth per user

Bank of America analysis reveals Reddit as the top social media platform in terms of revenue growth per user in the second quarter of 2026. The platform's US average revenue per user (ARPU) surged 50% year-over-year to $11.30. Meta Platforms follows with an ARPU of $125, up 31% compared to the previous year. Snapchat (Snap) achieved $10.30 ARPU, growing 23% year-over-year. Pinterest reported $25.20 ARPU, increasing 14% year-over-year. YouTube's ARPU was $45.60, with a 12% year-over-year growth.

Internationally, Reddit continued its strong performance, leading ARPU growth at a 46% year-over-year rate, reaching $2.10. Meta's international ARPU rose 17% to $15.10, Snap's grew 16% to $1.60, YouTube increased 12% to an estimated $2.40, and Pinterest gained 5% to $1.70.

The bank's analysis suggests that Reddit's lower advertising loads compared to competitors may contribute to its strong performance. Meta's ARPU growth is attributed to its large scale and AI-driven monetization improvements.

When considering revenue per hour, Reddit achieved the highest second quarter US growth at 95% year-over-year to $0.45. Snap's US revenue per hour (RPH) increased 28% year-over-year to $0.63, Meta's RPH rose 27% to $1.33, YouTube grew 4% to $0.35, and Pinterest declined 13% to $1.55.

In July, Pinterest recorded the highest US daily average time spent per active user growth at 21% year-over-year. Instagram experienced a 12% year-over-year increase, while Reddit saw a 11% year-over-year decline. In both US and international markets, Pinterest led daily active user growth with a 17% year-over-year increase, while Reddit's US DAUs fell 7% year-over-year but grew 13% internationally.