If we look at usage of apps over the last six months, it's very clear that the biggest growers are things like Snapchat, WhatsApp, WeChat, Kik Messenger," said Mander.
"There seems to be a shift from what we would call classic social networking behaviours to more instant communication in the form of messaging apps."
Snapchat is the fastest growing social media app among teens, with this demographic more than twice as likely as others to be using it. Snapchat usage increased 60 per cent between Q3 and Q4 2013, according to the report.
Mander said that messaging apps are popular among teens because they are more convenient and cheaper than text messaging. Snapchat has also done a good job of positioning itself as the 'trendy' player in mature markets like the US, UK and Australia.
However, Mander said that these apps are particularly attractive to teenagers because they are more private than traditional social networks, and this generation is increasingly concerned about its digital footprint.