Canadian Internet Statistics 2024: Insights with a Global Perspective

In 2024, over 5.52 billion people are online. This means 67.5% of the world’s population is connected through the internet. And this number continues to grow globally, including in Canada, where the country boasts a 94% internet penetration rate nationwide.

This blog delves into the key Canadian internet statistics for 2024, comparing them with global trends to offer actionable insights for businesses and policymakers. Through these metrics, we can gather a better understanding of where Canada stands within the digital evolution as we plan for the future.

Global Internet Statistics at a Glance

Since the launch of the first website on August 6, 1991, the internet has grown into an integral part of our modern lives. It connects billions of people worldwide and has enabled countless online activities undreamt of only decades ago.

In 2024, its rapid growth shows no signs of stopping. The past year saw remarkable advancements in internet use and its growing presence in economies, industries, and daily life. Some key global internet usage data and statistics in 2024 include:

• Global Internet Users: 5.52 billion people are now online, representing approximately 67.5% of the global population. North Europe has the highest internet penetration rate, with North America close behind.
• Annual Growth: The number of global internet users increased by 151 million between October 2023 and October 2024, growing at a steady rate of 2.8%.
• Time Spent Online: On average, internet users worldwide spend 6 hours and 36 minutes online daily.
• Mobile Dominance: Over 96% of global internet users access the web through mobile devices, with mobile traffic accounting for a majority of web usage.

Key Canadian Internet Usage Statistics

Canada is a leading nation when it comes to internet availability, with more than 36 million active online users at the start of 2024. Not only has it become a daily utility within Canadian households, but it has also driven societal progression. It provides access to near-limitless information and entertainment, facilitating education, remote work, and economic participation.

Here are some key insights into how the average internet user spends the vast majority of their time online:

• Daily Usage Habits: Canadians spend an average of 6 hours and 18 minutes online daily, just below the global average of 6 hours and 36 minutes.
• Yearly Growth: From October 2023 to October 2024, global internet usage grew by 151 million users. Canada continues to see steady growth, contributing significantly to these figures.
• Device Ownership: 89% of Canadian households own a laptop or desktop computer, with 91% owning smartphones.
• Internet Adoption Rate: Canada’s adoption of the internet mirrors global trends, contributing to the global number of Internet users, which is 5.52 billion.

Search Engine Statistics

68% of online experiences begin with a search engine.

The average Canadian spends six hours and 18 minutes a day online using the internet. That’s almost a full workday! And this number continues to trend upward.

With so many people spending large chunks of their time online, capturing internet traffic has become one of the best ways for companies to generate leads for their business.

SEO is becoming a growing necessity in operating a successful business, and you need an effective SEO agency in Canada to capture those rankings.

Search Engine Market Share in Canada – 2024

• Google: 90.66%
• Bing: 6.02%
• Yahoo!: 1.75%
• DuckDuckGo: 1.19%
• Yandex: 0.19%

Mobile Internet Statistics in Canada

Mobile devices have been almost as revolutionary as the internet itself. Canadians increasingly rely on smartphones for browsing, shopping, and staying connected. Mobile phones account for 58.21% of total internet activity across all devices globally.

This widespread usage has led large volumes of the internet to take a mobile-first approach, with some search engines, such as Google, prioritizing Mobile optimization over all other formats. Here are some key statistics that reflect the growing presence of mobile internet users:

• Canadian Mobile Usage: Over 85% of Canadian households own a smartphone, with mobile devices responsible for more than 60% of web traffic.
• Global Comparison: Worldwide, 96.2% of users access the internet via mobile phones, with over 4.32 billion unique mobile users.
• Rural-Urban Disparity: Urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver have seamless mobile connectivity. But, rural areas still face challenges. Canadian initiatives to close this gap are crucial.
• Mobile Internet Traffic: Mobile devices now account for a majority of Canadian web traffic, similar to the global mobile internet traffic trends.
• Mobile Connection Speeds: Canada ranks among the top 20 globally for mobile internet speeds, averaging 97 Mbps in 2024.

Canadian E-commerce Insights

Like much of the world, eCommerce is transforming retail in Canada, with online shopping becoming a cornerstone of consumer behaviour. The sector’s impressive growth reflects the demand for convenience and access to a wide array of products and services. Businesses that adapt to these trends by optimizing their digital storefronts and embracing mobile eCommerce are poised to thrive.

The Canadian eCommerce market is projected to reach CAD$147.84bn by 2029. Key highlights leading this revolution include:

• Consumer Behavior: Over 75% of Canadians shop online regularly, aligning with global habits where 55.2% of users aged 16+ make weekly online purchases.
• Mobile Shopping: More Canadians are shopping via mobile devices, mirroring a global shift where mobile e-commerce outpaces desktop usage.
• Global Comparison: Globally, e-commerce sales reached $6.33 trillion in 2024 and are expected to exceed $8.1 trillion by 2028.
• Abandoned Carts: 61% to 72% of Canadian online shoppers cite high shipping costs as a reason for abandoning carts.

Statistics on Social Media Usage in Canada

Social media platforms have become integral to how Canadians interact, share, and consume content. With a 91.3% penetration rate, social media is a powerful tool for personal connections, networking, and business outreach. Its popularity has made it one of the best channels for connecting with audiences with effective content marketing campaigns.

Here are some of the latest data on the most impressive social media metrics of 2024:

• Canadian Social Media Stats: 33.1 million Canadians are active on social media, spending an average of 2 hours daily.
• Global Engagement: Globally, there are 5.22 billion active social media users who spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes daily.
• Popular Platforms: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok dominate the Canadian social media landscape.
• Business Use: 87% of businesses use social media as a marketing tool.
• Internet World Stats on Social Media: Social media users now represent nearly 94% of total internet users worldwide.

Social Media Platforms by Number of Monthly Users in Canada

• Facebook: 26.59 million
• Instagram: 20.65 million
• TikTok: 14.89 million
• X: 14.31 million
• Pinterest: 12.14 million

Challenges and Opportunities in Canada

While Canada leads in internet adoption, certain challenges persist, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. As internet access in Canada continues to grow, addressing these disparities is critical to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all Canadians benefit from digital advancements.

At the same time, rising e-commerce and social media use offer big chances for businesses to grow and innovate. Here is a quick look at some of the internet connectivity challenges Canada faces and how they can better improve their internet access:

• Digital Divide: Rural and Indigenous communities face lower connectivity rates, paralleling global challenges where 2.66 billion people remain offline.
• Cybersecurity Risks: With the rise in internet use, Canadian businesses face growing cyber threats. Globally, cybercrime cost U.S. businesses an estimated $452 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from the previous year and a trend that affects Canada as well.
• E-commerce Growth: There are significant opportunities for Canadian businesses to leverage online shopping trends and close cart abandonment gaps.
• E-commerce Adoption: Only 12% of Canadian small businesses sell online, revealing a significant gap in digital transformation and an untapped opportunity to expand into e-commerce.

Regional Highlights in Canada

Connectivity in Canada varies significantly by region, highlighting both successes and areas needing improvement. Urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver benefit from near-universal internet access, while rural areas lag behind. Bridging this gap remains a key focus for policymakers and infrastructure developers.

• Urban Leaders: Cities like Toronto and Vancouver enjoy nearly universal internet access.
• Rural Challenges: Regions in Northern Canada lag in connectivity, though government programs aim to bridge this divide.
• Global Context: Canada compares favourably to global leaders like Denmark, where internet penetration exceeds 98%.
• Government Initiatives: Canada’s Broadband Fund aims to achieve 100% connectivity by 2030.

Streaming Service Statistics in Canada

Online streaming services have taken over how Canadians consume content, with 90% of households subscribing to video-on-demand services. Once more, Canadians subscribe to 3.5 different streaming services on average.

Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime remain the most popular streaming services in Canada and are leading the charge in changing the country’s entertainment mediums. Here are some quick 2024 streaming service statistics for Canada:

• Leading Platforms: Netflix dominates, alongside Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
• Revenue Growth: Subscription revenues in Canada are expected to hit CAD $4.24 billion in 2024 and continue growing through 2026, reflecting global trends toward digital entertainment and the ongoing shift in consumer preferences.
• Viewer Preferences: Approximately 90% of Canadian adults use streaming services, with 65% subscribing to more than one platform, highlighting the significant shift away from traditional cable subscriptions.

Streaming Services by Monthly Subscribers (% of Canadian Population 18+)

• Netflix: 76%
• Prime Video: 54%
• Disney+: 29%
• Crave: 22%
• AppleTV+: 13%
• YouTube Premium: 6%

The Future of Internet Usage in Canada

When it comes to internet usage, there is no present. We can talk about the past year’s statistics all we want. But the truth is, the internet is only growing more and more rapidly. New technologies are constantly reshaping the way Canadians connect and interact online.

From AI to 5G, these advancements promise to redefine digital experiences and create new opportunities for businesses, online service, and individuals alike. Here are some key technologies and statistics to look for in the coming years:

• Technology Integration: The adoption of AI, IoT, and 5G will redefine how Canadians interact online.
• Growth Projections: Internet adoption in Canada mirrors global trends, with a sustained annual growth rate of 2.8%.
• Opportunities: Businesses that embrace digital transformation will thrive in Canada’s evolving digital economy.
• Internet Live Stats: The total number of internet users worldwide continues to climb, with Canada contributing to this significant growth.

The internet is constantly growing and evolving, with each year bringing revolutionary advancements for the passage of information, economics, and progress. Taking your foot off the peddle for even a moment can leave you behind in the competition. Throughout 2025, we will be sure to closely monitor changes in the field and keep you updated on industry trends.

Don’t let your business fall behind. Contact us for a free SEO consultation and ensure your business stands out within a growing online market.