File photo: CGTN

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. social media giant Facebook Inc. reported on Thursday its financial results for the third quarter of 2020, with net income growing 29 percent to 7.85 U.S. billion dollars for the quarter ending on Sept. 30, compared with 6.09 billion dollars in the corresponding period last year.

Facebook's quarterly revenue grew to 21.47 billion dollars, up 22 percent year-over-year from 17.65 billion dollars, with advertising revenue rising 22 percent to 21.22 billion dollars, compared with 17.38 billion dollars in the same period last year.

Facebook said that its daily active users were 1.82 billion on average for September 2020, an increase of 12 percent year-over-year, while its monthly active users were 2.74 billion as of Sept. 30, 2020, also up 12 percent year-on-year.

Facebook is also the owner of two popular social media apps WhatsApp and Instagram. The company's headcount was 56,653 as of Sept. 30, 2020, an increase of 32 percent year-over-year.

Its cash and cash equivalents, as well as marketable securities were 55.62 billion dollars as of Sept. 30, 2020.

"We had a strong quarter as people and businesses continue to rely on our services to stay connected and create economic opportunity during these tough times," said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO, adding that the company will continue to make significant investments in its products and hiring.

The company expects its fourth quarter 2020 year-over-year advertising revenue growth rate to be higher than the reported third quarter 2020 rate, driven by continued strong advertiser demand during the holiday season.

2020 total expenses are estimated to be in the range of 53-54 billion dollars, narrowed from a prior range of 52-55 billion dollars, according to the company.