Social media in Saudi Arabia is moving fast. Really fast. It’s no longer just about chatting with friends or posting family pictures. Today it shapes culture, shopping, and even how people trust brands.
Short videos grab attention in seconds. Influencers guide what people buy. And platforms are turning into real business engines.
For businesses, this shift means one thing: keeping up with the latest social media trends in Saudi Arabia is no longer optional. It’s the difference between staying relevant or being left behind.
The Platforms Behind The Trends in Saudi Arabia
A few apps stand out in the Kingdom. These are the spaces where Saudis spend hours every day. According to DataReportal 2025, more than 32 million Saudis are active social media users, with penetration at over 90% of the population.
TikTok
TikTok is everywhere in Saudi Arabia. If you open your phone and scroll, you’ll find dances, jokes, Ramadan greetings, and local trends.
According to DataReportal 2025, TikTok’s ad reach in Saudi Arabia covers than 138% of the adult population, placing the kingdom among the top countries worldwide. For brands, this isn’t optional anymore, if you want to stay visible, you want to be part of the latest social media trends in Saudi Arabia.
Instagram remains huge, especially among young Saudis. Food, fashion, and travel dominate feeds.
DataReportal’s 2025 update shows Instagram ads now reach 16.9 million users in KSA, with growing influence from micro-influencers who drive higher engagement than mega accounts.
WhatsApp is part of daily life. Families, friends, and businesses all use it.
With WhatsApp Business, companies in Saudi now handle customer service directly. In fact, in 2025 WhatsApp penetration reached 86.3% in Saudi Arabia (around 29.6 million users), showing that most Saudis rely on messaging apps over traditional phone calls for customer support (Arbaaa).
Snapchat
Globally Snapchat slowed, but not in Saudi. Here, Gen Z keeps it alive.
In 2025, Snapchat ads reach 24.7 million people in KSA (DataReportal), proving it’s still a key player, especially for younger users.
X (formerly Twitter)
X remains influential. Politics, football, and culture everything shows up here.
Saudi Arabia has one of the highest Twitter/X usage rates worldwide, with millions logging in for real-time conversations and even government announcements.
YouTube
YouTube continues to dominate long videos. Tutorials, vlogs, religious programs, and education are popular.
According to DataReportal’s 2025 report, YouTube reached 27.2 million users in Saudi Arabia, equivalent to 79.4% of the total population and 80.2% of the internet user base at the beginning of the year.
Latest Social Media Trends in Saudi Arabia
Social media habits are shifting. Here’s what’s really happening this year.
1. Short Videos Taking Over Feeds
People want quick, fun content. That’s why TikTok, Reels, and Shorts are taking over feeds.
In Saudi Arabia, time spent on social media has grown by more than 20% in the past three years, with users now spending over 3 years per day on average. This surge is largely driven by short-form video.
For brands, short video isn’t just a trend anymore, it’s the norm and one of the latest social media trends in Saudi Arabia shaping how audiences engage.
2. Influencers Driving Choices
In Saudi Arabia, influencers are trusted voices. People follow their advice on food, fashion, and shopping.
Globally, influencer marketing is projected to reach $23.55 billion by 2025, and the GCC is part of this momentum. Budgets in the region keep growing because real connections drive sales and engagement.
3. Shopping While Scrolling
Social commerce is exploding. Instagram and TikTok now let people shop without leaving the app.
The Saudi e-commerce market alone is projected to reach $27.96 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate 12.1% (Eventackle). Social platforms are playing a huge role in this growth, turning casual scrolling into sales.
4. AI Behind the Scenes
AI is changing content creation. From smarter recommendations to AI visuals, it helps brands create faster.
According to Outter (2025), AI is becoming a core driver for businesses in the Kingdom. From marketing automation to customer insights and predictive analytics, Saudi companies are increasingly adopting AI tools to stay competitive.
What’s Coming Next
The future of social media in Saudi is about smarter connections. Brands are blending e-commerce, influencers, and customer service into one experience. Integration is the key.
Gen Z is also pushing purpose-driven branding. They care about sustainability, community, and cultural authenticity. If your brand doesn’t share their values, they notice.
Formats? Short video will stay on top. But live streaming is growing in gaming, fashion, and education interactive and real-time.
Technology will open more doors. Think AR filters, AI tools, and Arabic-first content that feels authentic. And don’t underestimate local creators. Their understanding of Saudi culture makes them essential for global brands that want true connections.
Conclusion
The future of marketing in Saudi Arabia is clear. Brands that adapt will win. From AI-powered content and social shopping to authentic local creators, the opportunities are massive.
At Marketing House, we help businesses turn the latest social media trends in Saudi Arabia into strategies that deliver. Let’s create campaigns that put your brand at the heart of Saudi conversations.
FAQ
Q1: Which platforms are trending in Saudi Arabia right now?
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X leads the way, DataReportal (2025) reports 34.1 million users in Saudi Arabia, equal to 99.6% of the population.
Q2: Is TikTok really popular in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Statista ranks Saudi among the top 5 countries for TikTok penetration. Millions spend hours daily, especially Gen Z.
Q3: What’s the most used app in Saudi Arabia?
WhatsApp leads for daily messaging. Instagram and Snapchat dominate visuals. TikTok owns short video. X remains key for news and debates.
Q4: What’s the future of social media in Saudi Arabia?
Expect more live streams, more AI-powered content, and more Arabic-first creators. In short, content that feels interactive, local, and real.
