The Complete Guide to Using Google Maps in 2024

How Many People Use Google Maps in 2024? The Numbers will Blow Your Mind

It‘s no secret Google Maps is popular, but the actual number of users is mind-boggling.

Over 1.3 billion people tap into Google Maps every month as of late 2022 based on data from SimilarWeb. That means over 15% of the global population relies on Google Maps!

To put this into perspective, if Google Maps was a country, it would be the 4th largest country in the world by population. Only China, India and the United States have more citizens than Google Maps has monthly active users.

Google Maps Usage and Growth Statistics

The impressive user figures for Google Maps become even clearer when you analyze the growth trends over the past decade:

Google Maps users by year

  • In 2012 – Google Maps had over 1 billion users, accounting for around 15% of the global online population
  • By 2018 – User numbers crossed 1.2 billion, hitting 18% global reach
  • In 2021 – Google Maps usage surpassed 1.3 billion monthly active users, totaling over 20% of the online population
  • Projections show Google Maps on track to hit 1.5 billion monthly users by 2025!

Diving deeper into the demographics:

  • Highest usage comes from developed countries like the USA, parts of Europe, Australia and East Asia
  • But fast adoption across developing markets like Southeast Asia, South America and parts of Africa
  • Male vs female user split remains close to 50/50
  • Peak usage in the 25-34 age group globally

This data highlights the global ubiquity and indispensability of Google Maps today. Over 1 in every 5 internet users taps into Google Maps‘ powerful features regularly!

As an entrepreneurship consultant focused on small business growth, I often advise clients on technology adoption. Google Maps offers immense value for finding places, getting directions and connecting with target users. The massive and growing usage figures are a testament to these enterprise benefits.

Why is Google Maps Usage So High?

Several key factors drive Google Maps‘ sky-high adoption:

1. Universally available: Google Maps spans 220+ countries and territories, accessible via web and mobile apps on iOS and Android. This omnipresence drives enormous usage.

2. Intuitive UX: The user experience and interface make Google Maps incredibly easy to pick up and master. Even less tech-savvy users can navigate the platform with minimal learning curve.

3. Real-time data: With over 200,000 crowdsourced user contributions per second, Google Maps offers unmatched real-time intel on routes, traffic hotspots and local attractions. This data advantage keeps users hooked.

4. Advanced capabilities: Google Maps goes well beyond just directions and navigation. Features like Street View, indoor mapping, AR navigation, timelapse view and business tools add tremendous value.

5. Brand equity: As part of Google and Alphabet Inc., Google Maps enjoys superior brand cachet and trust in the consumer and enterprise space compared to mapping rivals.

Drawing from my experience in the small business domain, owners particularly value the discovery, search and advertising components Google Maps provides. Used judiciously, these features drive tangible foot traffic and revenues for local stores.

With continuous innovation and global penetration, expect the Google Maps juggernaut to steamroll over any prospective competition. Buckle up for the long ride!