Vaping became popular primarily in the early 2010s. Although electronic cigarettes were invented earlier—most notably the modern e-cigarette by Hon Lik in 2003, and introduced to markets like the UK in 2007—widespread popularity and mainstream adoption grew significantly in the early 2010s. This rise was fueled by improved vaping technology, increased awareness of the health risks of smoking, support from health organizations, and the emergence of a vaping culture with vape shops and online communities. By around 2016, vaping had become mainstream with millions of users switching from smoking to vaping as a less harmful alternative.
Key points in vaping’s rise to popularity include:
- Early introduction of basic e-cigarettes (cigalikes) around 2007.
- Growth in the early 2010s with better devices like vape pens and vape pods.
- Public health endorsements starting around 2015, such as Public Health England's report stating vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking.
- Expanding vape culture and accessibility driving adoption among smokers and youth.
In the U.S., vaping also began entering the market around 2006 and saw rapid growth in use, especially among youth, in the 2010s.
Thus, the early to mid-2010s is the era when vaping shifted from a niche product to a popular and mainstream activity.
