Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A recent report from Data.AI reveals that Indonesians rank among the top mobile users globally, spending an average of more than five hours per day on their smartphones. This positions Indonesia as one of the highest-ranked countries for mobile screen time, reflecting the growing reliance on mobile devices for communication, entertainment, and shopping.
According to the 2024 State of Mobile report by Data.AI, Indonesians ranked as the world’s top mobile device users in 2023, spending an average of 6.05 hours per day on smartphones and tablets.
Indonesia was the only country where people spent more than six hours daily on mobile devices. In comparison, Thailand came in second with 5.64 hours, and Argentina ranked third at 5.33 hours per day.
Indonesia has consistently held the top spot for mobile usage since 2020, and the average daily time spent on devices has continued to rise each year. In 2020, Indonesians spent an average of 5.63 hours per day on their phones. This number increased to 5.99 hours in 2021 and 6.14 hours in 2022, highlighting the growing dependence on mobile technology.
Most Popular Apps Driving Usage
Several apps dominate the time Indonesians spend on their phones, with social media and entertainment apps leading the way. WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are among the most frequently used, with streaming services like YouTube and Netflix also accounting for a significant portion of screen time. E-commerce platforms such as Tokopedia and Shopee have also become major players in extending mobile use, particularly due to the surge in online shopping.
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The report revealed that YouTube was the most time-consuming platform for Indonesians in 2023. Users in the country spent a staggering 69.9 billion hours on the video-sharing platform, a 3% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to 2022.
TikTok followed closely, with Indonesians spending 64.8 billion hours on the app, a 33% YoY rise, reflecting the platform’s growing popularity. WhatsApp ranked third, with users dedicating 59.1 billion hours to the messaging app in 2023. Instagram came in fourth, with Indonesians spending 28.4 billion hours on the social media platform, and Google Chrome rounded out the top five, with 26.6 billion hours spent on the web browser.
Reasons Behind High Mobile Usage
Several factors contribute to Indonesia’s high mobile usage. The country’s growing internet penetration and the affordability of smartphones have made mobile phones the primary gateway to the digital world for most Indonesians. With many Indonesians skipping over traditional desktop or laptop usage, mobile devices serve as the main platform for accessing social media, entertainment, and e-commerce.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in boosting mobile usage, as lockdowns and social distancing measures prompted a shift toward online communication, shopping, and entertainment. Even post-pandemic, these habits have persisted, leading to sustained high levels of mobile engagement.
Additionally, Indonesia’s young population, with a high percentage of Gen Z and Millennials, is heavily engaged with digital content and social media platforms, contributing to the country’s position at the top of mobile usage rankings.
(Raidi/Agung)
