Debunking the Myth of Facebook’s Decline
TLDR
Despite rumors of Facebook’s decline, Meta’s platforms—Facebook and Instagram—remain essential for the live entertainment and cultural sectors, especially in Germany. With over 67% of the German population aged 13-85 active on these apps, no other platforms can match their reach or advanced targeting capabilities. For theaters, concert venues, and art institutions, Facebook and Instagram provide unparalleled tools for connecting with audiences in 2024. Our article explores the numbers and targeting options that make Meta’s platforms the best choice for reaching and engaging audiences today.
Why Meta’s Platforms Are Essential for Live Entertainment and Cultural Outreach
In the live entertainment and cultural sectors, the pressure to reach audiences effectively and efficiently is higher than ever. And while there’s a persistent myth that Facebook is on the decline, the truth is that Facebook—and Meta’s platforms in general—remains unrivaled as a way for these industries to connect with their potential audiences. In Germany, the numbers clearly demonstrate that Facebook and Instagram are not only far from “dying” but are actually the best options for audience reach and engagement.
Globally, Facebook continues to thrive, with an astonishing 2.1 billion daily active users (DAU) as of late 2023. Instagram, though not sharing daily numbers, boasts over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. These figures signal that Meta’s platforms remain not just relevant but essential for connecting with massive, diverse audiences.
In Germany, this trend is particularly strong. As of September 2024, Facebook reported about 46.6 million users in the country, while Instagram reached 33.8 million users. When considering only those aged 13 to 85 (excluding the youngest and oldest segments of the population who are less likely to use these platforms), the combined reach of Facebook and Instagram becomes even more significant. Out of an eligible population of 69 million, Facebook alone covers 67.5%, while Instagram engages roughly 49%.
The benefits of this extensive reach are clear for live entertainment and cultural organizations. No other social media platform can match the sheer volume of active users Meta brings to the table in Germany. More importantly, Meta’s advanced targeting capabilities allow cultural organizations, event promoters, and venues to pinpoint their audiences with unparalleled precision. From detailed demographics to interests and behavioral targeting, Meta’s advertising and engagement tools enable precise audience-building, helping cultural businesses connect with fans of specific music genres, theatergoers, art lovers, and more.
Facebook and Instagram’s dominance in market share further underscores this value. In October 2024, Facebook held 53.36% of the social media market in Germany, with Instagram capturing another 22.46%. Combined, these platforms offer an unparalleled ecosystem for marketing, outreach, and community-building in ways that other platforms simply cannot rival. Together they cover 75% of social media usage in Germany – making it the single best one stop shop for advertisers.
For live entertainment and cultural brands, this myth-busting reality about Facebook’s continued strength is a critical insight. By leveraging Meta’s unmatched audience reach and highly sophisticated targeting options, cultural businesses can engage and grow their audiences far more effectively. Whether it’s launching a new event, promoting a show, or building long-term audience engagement, Meta’s platforms provide the tools and reach that make a meaningful difference. Far from fading away, Facebook and Instagram are the most powerful channels available today for reaching those who fuel the vibrant world of arts and culture.