Social media has always journey of competition but in 2025 marks a turning point in Europe. According to Meta latest ubdate of Digital Services Act (DSA) report (January to June 2025) Instagram has successfully overtake Facebook in monthly active users (MAUs) in European.

See the deffence:

• Instagram users: 281.8 million
• Facebook users: 263.6 million

This change shows how Instagram is becoming the leading social platform in Europe. If Facebook’s power is slowly down.

Growth Rates Tell the Bigger Story

When we compare growth rates so the difference we see becomes even more surprising. From March 2024 to June 2025:

• Facebook grew only 0.65%
• Instagram surged by 6.17%

So almost ten times faster growth for Instagram. It’s not just about users changing platforms it’s also about how people now prefer visual fast and engaging content over to long text based posts.

Why Instagram Is Winning in Europe

See some reasons explain Instagram rise over Facebook:

1. Visual first platform Instagram give Reels Stories & creative posts which attract younger and more active audiences.
2. Facebook popularity down in markets like Germany, Greece & the Netherlands Facebook users dropping steadily.
3. Cultural favorite for many Europeans Facebook feels outdatedand the other side Instagram represents modern lifestyle and trends also creativity.

In shortway Instagram has become the platform where people feel more connected and entertain.

Meta Changing Strategy

The Meta no longer shares Facebook single user data in its earnings reports. In its place it combines numbers for all its apps including WhatsApp, Messenger (Threads) Instagram & Facebook. That’s why Instagram lead in the EU even more easily especially for marketers who are looking at clear audience visions.

Content Safety and Moderation

Meta giving report also highlighted balance efforts:

• 40,000 employees still work in trust and safety unmoved since 2023.
• Spam removals declined on both platforms.
• Bullying and harassment removals improved on Facebook.
• Hate speech removals dropped by 20%, fairly due to changes in definitions.

These updates show Meta is focusing more on creating safe online site but also adjusting its explanations of harmful content.

What It Means for Brands and Creators

It’s simple for businesses marketers & influencers the message is Instagram is the platform to focus on. With faster growth & higher engagement also a younger audience Instagram provides bigger opportunities for brand to visibility and attract audience easily.
Facebook still holds a good reputation but Instagram thrust makes it the clear future of social engagement in Europe. Brands must move their strategies to Instagram today will likely see stronger & real results tomorrow.

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