Do you want to know which social media platforms are the best for your business?
The world of social media is ever-evolving, with updates to existing apps and new platforms constantly emerging. In all this chaos, it can be hard to keep up with this crazy social media frenzy.
However, you can’t afford to lose attention if you are a business owner or a marketer.
Social media’s reach and influence are unparalleled, with an estimated 4.9 billion social media users in 2023. This vast and diverse audience pool is projected to grow even more, reaching approximately 5.85 billion by 2027.
This unprecedented growth indicates that social media isn’t just a digital interaction platform but a key marketing arena.
So, which social media platform is the best? Which is not relevant for your business?
In this blog, I will talk about the top social media platforms. I aim to provide insights into each major platform’s strengths, audience, and unique features.
This way, you can decide which social media channels are the most suitable for your business’s specific needs and objectives.
Let’s go!
*The social media platforms are ranked according to their monthly active users (MAUs) and relevance to brand and creators.
Top Social Media Platforms
1) Facebook
2) YouTube
3) WhatsApp
4) Instagram
5) TikTok
6) Snapchat
7) X (formerly Twitter)
8)Pinterest
7) LinkedIn
1. Facebook – 3.04 Billion MAUs
Even though Facebook might not have the novelty it once did and seems less popular among the younger crowd, it’s still the largest social networking site.
Today, it’s a part of the parent company Meta, Inc., that also runs social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp (instant messaging app), and Threads.
Facebook’s user base has changed a lot over the years. But it’s still super influential in social media. Many different types of businesses – from finance to retail, media, tech, and even newer areas like gaming and automotive – use Facebook to reach people and make their brands known.
If you aim to get more sales or conversions, paying for Facebook ads can be smart. This is especially true now that regular business posts appear less in people’s News Feeds.
But you don’t always need to spend money to get people’s attention on Facebook. There are free ways to engage with people, too. Think about starting or joining Facebook Groups that focus on specific topics, using Facebook Messenger chatbots to talk in a more personal way, or doing live videos to interact with your audience right there and then.
2. YouTube – 2.5 Billion MAUs
YouTube remains the king of video-based social media platforms, boasting 2.5 billion monthly active users. It’s more than just a platform; it’s the second most popular social media site.
The platform’s reach is incredible. In the U.S., 81% of adults use YouTube, making it an unmissable opportunity for marketers and brands. Its power in connecting with audiences is clear.
YouTube isn’t just about watching videos; it’s about telling stories. From lengthy, detailed videos to the snappy YouTube Shorts, which rivals TikTok, there’s room for visual storytelling. Brands can tap into this to reach new audiences and tell their stories creatively.
The impact on consumers is significant. People are twice as likely to buy something they’ve seen on YouTube as other platforms. And when it comes to researching brands, products, or services, users are four times more likely to turn to YouTube than other social media networks.
Whatever your interest – beauty, gaming, education, or DIY projects – YouTube likely has content for you. For brands focusing on video marketing, YouTube is the place to be.
3. WhatsApp – 2 Billion MAUs
WhatsApp has become more than just a messaging app; it’s now a global tool used in over 180 countries. It started as a simple way for people to text friends and family, but it has grown into a social media platform for business communication too.
For companies, WhatsApp offers a business platform. This lets businesses chat with customers, offer support, and keep them updated on their purchases. For smaller companies, there’s the handy WhatsApp Business app. Bigger businesses can make use of the WhatsApp Business API.
Given that WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app around, it’s a fantastic way for your business to handle customer service. There are many success stories from WhatsApp Business users that show just how effective it can be.
4. Instagram – 2 Billion MAUs
Instagram is like a playground for businesses that sell products, influencers, and life coaches. It started in 2010 and quickly became the top place for sharing awesome pictures and videos. Over the years, it’s become even more popular and is now a spot where people check out all kinds of things daily.
For folks who are into marketing, Instagram keeps rolling out cool features. There are Instagram Stories for sharing moments that disappear after a day, Reels for catchy vertical video content, Instagram Live for live streaming and other neat too. All these give marketers new ways to catch people’s attention.
One of the biggest deals for businesses selling stuff came in 2018 when Instagram introduced shoppable posts. This feature made it easier for companies to sell directly through Instagram, boosting the chances of making a profit. Now, someone can see a product on Instagram and buy it right there without leaving the app.
And here’s something interesting: If you’re trying to reach people under 35, Instagram is the place to be. A huge chunk of its users, over 68%, are in that age demographic. So, if that’s who you’re targeting, Instagram could be your golden ticket.
5. TikTok – 1.05 Billion MAUs
TikTok has really made a name for itself as the go-to place for short-form videos on phones. It’s all about sparking creativity and spreading happiness, and it’s hitting the mark.
The growth of TikTok has been nothing short of amazing. By 2017, just a year after its launch, it had become the fastest-growing app worldwide. Its unique style of short-form videos, full of music and incredible visuals, has caught on so much that other platforms are trying to copy its style.
Despite challenges like a ban in India and potential restrictions in the U.S., TikTok’s popularity has remained strong.
TikTok isn’t just for one demographic; it’s got something for everyone. But it’s super popular with Generation Z. In the U.S., for example, the 12 to 17 age group makes up about 17.7% of its users. And these users are really into it, spending an average of 54 minutes daily on the app, more than any other app, even beating YouTube.
TikTok should be on the radar for businesses looking to connect with a younger audience. It’s a place where brands can dive into the latest trends and reach a highly engaged group of users.
6. Snapchat – 557 Million MAUs
If reaching a younger crowd is your goal, Snapchat is a platform you should think about. This app is a hit with millennials and Gen Z.
Here’s something to consider: Snapchat is used by 70% of people aged 13 to 24, which shows just how much the younger folks love it. A Snapchat user spends about 19 minutes daily on the app. That’s lower than TikTok or YouTube, but it’s still a good chunk of time for brands to make an impression.
Snapchat feels real and spontaneous. It’s all about sharing what’s happening right now without any filters or edits. This makes it perfect user-generated content showing off-the-cuff moments, special offers, and for influencer marketing.
One of the big things about Snapchat is how it sticks to content that’s here one minute and gone the next. It gives users a sense of privacy that’s harder to find on other social media platforms. That’s a big plus for brands aiming to connect genuinely with younger audiences who might not be into the more general approach of other networks.
And don’t let its quieter presence fool you. Snapchat is doing just fine. They even launched Snapchat+, their own premium subscription service. They’ve already got 5 million people who’ve signed up, ready to pay for cool, exclusive features. So, Snapchat is keeping up in the social media game.
7. X (former Twitter) – 556 Million MAUs
Since Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk bought Twitter for a huge $44 billion in October 2022 and renamed it “X,” there have been some big shifts.
One of the changes is the new “X Premium” (previously Twitter Blue), a paid service where users pay monthly for features like a verification badge. Also, Musk has been getting rid of many bot accounts and started a way for creators to earn money from their followers.
These changes might be why the numbers for X’s users and online traffic are all over the place. Even though some reports say X’s traffic has decreased compared to last year, Musk tweeted in July that the monthly user count in 2023 was at an all-time high.
One thing’s for sure: X, which used to be Twitter, is still a key player in the social media world. Despite some ups and downs in the past year, it’s obvious there are big plans for the platform, and it’s still a front-runner.
For entertainment, sports, politics, tech, or marketing businesses, X can be a great place to engage with people – if you can find your audience. It’s where brands can shape their image by being funny, friendly, and informative.
The key to X is to get involved in the conversation. Add value, share your stuff and other people’s, and be part of the chat. Just keep an eye on the platform and how your audience responds to make sure it’s worth your time and effort.
8. Pinterest – 445 Million MAUs
Depending on your company, Pinterest is one of the top social media platforms for small businesses. Founded in 2009 (and live in 2010), it’s gone from a mere 10,000 users to 291 million active users today.
While most of these users are millennials, over half are women between the ages of 25 and 54. Plus, nearly 40% of new users are men (and that trend is continuing to rise).
Oh, and people on Pinterest are spending money.
On average, Pinterest gives a $4.3 return for every $1 spent on ads which makes it a less expensive and more profitable advertising platform than Facebook or Twitter.
All it takes is a consistent schedule, creative pictures, and a strategy for growing followers on Pinterest. With the right momentum, you’ll start to see more traffic and conversions in no time!
9. LinkedIn – 424 Million MAUs
LinkedIn was one of the first modern social media sites to really take hold and stick around. It’s become a networking tool exclusively for professionals and has revolutionized the way we seek, find, and get hired for jobs.
LinkedIn holds immense value for B2B marketing and networking as the premier professional network, offering a platform for thought leadership and industry connections.
It’s a prime platform for sharing industry insights, company news, and professional content, enhancing brand credibility and authority.
Beyond marketing, LinkedIn is pivotal for recruitment and building your employer brand, showcasing company culture and values.
