In today's digital world, establishing a strong presence across social media platforms has become essential for brand growth and success. With over 5.1 billion social media users worldwide, these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to connect with your target audience, build meaningful relationships, and drive business growth through strategic engagement.
The number of social media platforms continues to evolve rapidly, with new platforms emerging and existing ones adapting to user preferences and technological advancements like AI. Understanding which social media sites align with your brand's goals and target demographic is crucial for developing an effective marketing strategy that delivers measurable results.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 20 social media websites and apps that can help your brand grow according to your target. We'll dive deep into each platform's unique features, user demographics, and potential benefits for your business, enabling you to make informed decisions about where to focus your social media marketing efforts.
The top 20 social media apps and platforms for 2025
The list below is ordered by the size of each social platform using their latest Monthly Active Users (MAU) numbers so you can understand how big each one of them is:
1) Facebook - 3.1 billion
2) Whatsapp - 2.8 billion
3) YouTube - 2.7 billion
4) Instagram - 2.4 billion
5) TikTok - 1.6 billion
6) WeChat - 1.3 billion
7) Telegram - 950 million
8) Snapchat - 800 million
9) X (formerly Twitter) - 600 million
10) Reddit - 500 million
11) Pinterest - 500 million
12) Quora - 400 million
13) LinkedIn - 310 million
14) Threads - 275 million
15) Twitch - 240 million
16) Discord - 200 million
17) Tumbrl - 135 million
18) Medium - 100 million
19) Bluesky - 25 million
20) Mastodon - 975,000
1. Facebook
Monthly Active Users: 3.1 billion
Despite new generations coming in, Facebook remains the largest social media platform with over 3 billion people using it every month, globally. It offers the highest potential reach and sophisticated targeting features for brands worldwide. The platform's suite of business tools, including Facebook Business Manager, Facebook Groups, and Facebook Marketplace, provides multiple channels for audience engagement and community building.
Facebook's advanced advertising platform allows for precise audience targeting based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, making it particularly effective for lead generation and direct response campaigns. According to Meta (Facebook's parent company), more than 200 million businesses are using their tools with more than 7 million advertisers actively promoting their business on Facebook,
For local businesses, Facebook's location-based features and review system make it an essential platform for building credibility and attracting customers in specific geographic areas. The platform's integration with Instagram and WhatsApp also enables seamless cross-platform marketing strategies.
2. WhatsApp
Monthly Active Users: 2.8 billion
While mostly seen as a messaging app, WhatsApp is used in over 180 countries and WhatsApp for business is an increasingly important platform for customer service and direct consumer engagement. The platform's end-to-end encryption and personal nature create opportunities for brands to build trust through one-on-one communication.
WhatsApp Business has managed to attract more than 200 million monthly active users in June 2023 with features like automated messages, product catalogs, and payment integration, enabling brands to streamline customer communication and commerce. The platform's global reach makes it particularly valuable for brands operating in markets where WhatsApp is the primary communication channel.
For businesses focusing on personal customer relationships and direct sales, WhatsApp's intimate nature and business tools make it an essential platform for customer engagement and support. The platform's emphasis on privacy and security creates opportunities for brands to build trust through transparent
3. YouTube
Monthly Active Users: 2.7 billion
As the second-largest search engine globally with over 1 billion hours watched daily, YouTube offers unprecedented opportunities for brands to reach audiences through video content. The platform's diverse content formats, from Shorts to long-form documentaries, provide flexibility in content strategy and audience engagement.
YouTube's sophisticated advertising options and revenue-sharing model create opportunities for brands to both create and promote content effectively. The platform's emphasis on educational and entertaining content allows brands to build authority and engage audiences through valuable, informative videos.
For brands investing in video content, YouTube's search-oriented nature and long content lifecycle make it an essential platform for building lasting brand presence and authority. The platform's integration with Google's advertising ecosystem enables sophisticated targeting and measurement capabilities.
4. Instagram
Monthly Active Users: 2.4 billion
Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into one of the most influential social media platforms for brand building and engagement. With its visually-driven interface and diverse content formats including Stories, Reels, and IGTV, Instagram provides multiple touchpoints for connecting with your audience through compelling visual storytelling.
The platform's robust business features, including shopping integration, detailed analytics, and advertising options, make it an invaluable tool for brands seeking to drive awareness and sales. Instagram's algorithm favors authentic content, rewarding brands that create meaningful connections through consistent, high-quality content and active community management.
For businesses targeting younger demographics, Instagram's dominance among millennials and Gen Z makes it an essential platform for brand building. The platform's emphasis on visual aesthetics and trending content creates opportunities for brands to showcase their personality and connect with audiences through creative, authentic content.
5. TikTok
Monthly Active Users: 1.6 billion
TikTok's explosive growth has transformed it into a cultural powerhouse, particularly among younger audiences. The platform's algorithm-driven content discovery system offers unprecedented opportunities for organic reach and viral content creation, making it attractive for brands seeking to connect with Gen Z and younger millennials.
The platform's emphasis on creative, authentic content challenges brands to think outside traditional marketing approaches and embrace more genuine, entertainment-focused content strategies. TikTok's robust creator marketplace and advertising options provide multiple avenues for brands to reach their target audience through both organic and paid content.
For brands willing to embrace creative storytelling and authentic engagement, TikTok offers unique opportunities to build brand awareness and connect with younger audiences. The platform's emphasis on trends and challenges creates opportunities for brands to participate in cultural moments and showcase their personality.
6. WeChat
Monthly Active Users: 1.3 billion
WeChat's comprehensive ecosystem of features makes it an essential platform for brands targeting Chinese markets and global Chinese communities. The platform's integration of social media, messaging, and payment features creates opportunities for comprehensive brand engagement and commerce.
The platform's sophisticated business features, including mini-programs and official accounts, enable brands to create immersive digital experiences. WeChat's emphasis on integrated services makes it particularly valuable for brands seeking to build a comprehensive digital presence in Chinese markets.
For brands targeting Chinese markets, WeChat's dominant position and comprehensive features make it an indispensable platform for market entry and engagement. The platform's continuous innovation in social commerce and digital services creates new opportunities for brand growth.
7. Telegram
Monthly Active Users: 950 million
Telegram's focus on privacy and feature-rich group communications makes it an increasingly popular platform for brand communities and content distribution. The platform's channels and group features enable brands to build engaged communities and share content directly with followers.
The platform's sophisticated bot capabilities and API access enable brands to automate customer service and create custom engagement solutions. Telegram's emphasis on speed and reliability makes it particularly valuable for brands requiring consistent communication channels with their audience.
For brands focusing on community building and content distribution, Telegram's robust features and growing user base make it an attractive platform for direct audience engagement. The platform's commitment to privacy and security creates opportunities for brands to build trust through transparent communication.
8. Snapchat
Monthly Active Users: 800 million
Snapchat's strong presence among younger demographics and innovative AR features create unique opportunities for brand engagement and experiential marketing. The platform's emphasis on ephemeral content and authentic moments resonates particularly well with Gen Z audiences.
The platform's AR capabilities, including custom filters and lenses, provide innovative ways for brands to create interactive experiences and drive engagement. Snapchat's location-based features and discover section offer opportunities for targeted local marketing and content distribution.
For brands targeting younger audiences, Snapchat's emphasis on fun, authentic content creates opportunities for creative brand expression and engagement. The platform's continuous innovation in AR and social commerce features provides new opportunities for brands to experiment with emerging technologies.
9. X (formerly Twitter)
Monthly Active Users: 600 million
X (or Twitter) remains a powerful platform for real-time engagement, news, and brand conversation, offering unique opportunities for direct customer interaction and trend participation. The platform's fast-paced nature makes it ideal for sharing timely updates, participating in industry discussions, and managing customer service inquiries.
The platform's emphasis on brevity and immediacy creates opportunities for brands to showcase personality and engage in authentic conversations with their audience. X's hashtag system and trending topics allow brands to participate in relevant conversations and increase visibility among targeted audiences.
For brands focusing on news, entertainment, or customer service, X's real-time nature makes it an essential platform for maintaining audience engagement and managing brand reputation. The platform's recent innovations in content formats and monetization options provide new opportunities for creative brand expression.
10. Reddit
Monthly Active Users: 500 million
Reddit's unique community-driven structure offers opportunities for brands to engage in authentic conversations and build credibility within specific interest groups. The platform's emphasis on genuine discussion and community participation requires brands to prioritize value-adding contributions over promotional content.
The platform's diverse subreddits provide opportunities for targeted engagement with highly specific audience segments. For example, if you're a cycling business, you should keep an eye on r/cycling. Also, Reddit's advertising options, including promoted posts and community targeting, enable brands to reach relevant audiences while respecting the platform's community-first nature.
For brands willing to invest in authentic community engagement, Reddit offers unique opportunities to build authority and trust within specific niches. The platform's emphasis on transparency and genuine discussion creates opportunities for brands to demonstrate expertise and build credibility.
11. Pinterest
Monthly Active Users: 500 million
Pinterest's unique position as a visual discovery platform makes it particularly valuable for brands in lifestyle, design, and retail sectors. The platform's focus on inspiration and planning creates opportunities for brands to connect with users during key decision-making moments.
The platform's high commercial intent among users makes it especially effective for driving sales and website traffic. Pinterest's rich pins and shopping features enable seamless integration of product catalogs, making it easier for brands to convert inspiration into purchases.
For brands with strong visual content, Pinterest's long content lifecycle and search-oriented nature make it an effective platform for driving long-term traffic and engagement. The platform's emphasis on seasonal and trending content creates opportunities for brands to align with user interests throughout the year.
12. Quora
Monthly Active Users: 400 million
Quora's question-and-answer format provides opportunities for brands to demonstrate expertise and build authority through thoughtful content contributions. The platform's focus on knowledge sharing enables brands to establish credibility within specific topic areas.
The platform's sophisticated targeting options and content distribution system enable brands to reach relevant audiences effectively. Quora's emphasis on quality answers and expert knowledge creates opportunities for brands to showcase industry expertise and thought leadership.
For brands focusing on building authority and generating leads, Quora's engaged audience and content format make it an effective platform for establishing expertise. The platform's long content lifecycle and search visibility create opportunities for sustained brand visibility.
13. LinkedIn
Monthly Active Users: 310 million
As the go-to professional social media platform, LinkedIn offers unique opportunities for B2B marketing, thought leadership, and professional networking. The platform's business-focused environment makes it particularly effective for brands targeting decision-makers and professional audiences.
LinkedIn's content algorithm (see best times to post here) favors in-depth, industry-specific content, making it an ideal platform for sharing thought leadership articles, company updates, and professional insights. The platform's advertising options, including sponsored content and InMail, enable precise targeting of professional audiences based on job titles, industries, and company size.
For B2B brands, LinkedIn's ability to generate high-quality leads and build professional relationships makes it an indispensable tool in their social media marketing arsenal. The platform's emphasis on professional development and industry knowledge creates opportunities for brands to establish authority in their respective fields.
14. Threads
Monthly Active Users: 275 million
As Meta's text-based social platform, Threads offers opportunities for brands to engage in conversations and build community through text-focused content. The platform's integration with Instagram creates opportunities for cross-platform engagement and audience growth.
The platform's emphasis on authentic conversation and community engagement allows brands to participate in discussions naturally. Threads' growing user base and potential for organic reach make it an attractive platform for brands seeking to establish presence in emerging social spaces.
For brands already active on Instagram, Threads provides additional opportunities to extend reach and engagement through text-based content. The platform's evolution and integration with Meta's ecosystem create the potential for expanded brand engagement opportunities.
15. Twitch
Monthly Active Users: 240 million
Twitch's dominance in live streaming creates unique opportunities for brands to engage with audiences through real-time content and interaction. The platform's focus on gaming and entertainment content makes it particularly valuable for brands targeting younger, tech-savvy audiences.
The platform's sophisticated monetization features and community tools enable brands to create engaging live content experiences. Twitch's emphasis on authentic engagement and community building creates opportunities for brands to connect with audiences through interactive content.
For brands in gaming, technology, or entertainment sectors, Twitch's engaged audience and real-time interaction capabilities make it an attractive platform for building brand presence. The platform's expansion beyond gaming content creates new opportunities for diverse brand engagement.
16. Discord
Monthly Active Users: 200 million
Discord's community-focused structure and real-time communication features make it particularly valuable for brands building engaged communities. The platform's server system enables brands to create dedicated spaces for different aspects of their community engagement.
The platform's integration capabilities and bot features allow brands to create custom engagement solutions and automate community management tasks. Discord's emphasis on real-time interaction and community building makes it especially effective for brands with active, engaged audiences.
For brands focusing on community engagement and real-time interaction, Discord's features and flexibility make it an essential platform for building and maintaining active communities. The platform's growing mainstream adoption creates opportunities for brands to establish a presence in emerging digital spaces.
17. Tumblr
Monthly Active Users: 135 million
Tumblr's unique blend of blogging and social networking features creates distinct opportunities for brands to showcase creativity and build deeply engaged communities.
The platform's microblogging format supports various content types - from text and images to GIFs and audio - enabling brands to create rich, multimedia narratives that resonate with its predominantly creative, young adult audience. It also offers strong support for artistic expression and subculture communities making it especially effective for brands targeting alternative or niche markets.
For brands looking to connect with Gen Z and younger millennials through creative storytelling, Tumblr's engaged community and format flexibility offer unique advantages. The platform's emphasis on authentic expression and community interaction requires brands to move beyond traditional marketing approaches and embrace more genuine, community-driven content strategies.
18. Medium
Monthly Active Users: 100 million
Medium's focus on long-form content creates opportunities for brands to share detailed insights and thought leadership content. The platform's emphasis on quality writing and authentic voices enables brands to build authority through comprehensive content.
The platform's publication system and content distribution features enable brands to reach engaged readers interested in specific topics. Medium's partner program and monetization options create opportunities for brands to build sustainable content strategies.
For brands investing in content marketing and thought leadership, Medium's engaged audience and content format make it an effective platform for building authority. The platform's emphasis on quality content creates opportunities for brands to demonstrate expertise through detailed analysis and insights.
19. Bluesky
Monthly Active Users: 25 million
Bluesky, emerging from Twitter's decentralization initiative, has quickly managed to move a lot of Twitter users and established itself as a significant player in the social media landscape. The platform's unique AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol) offers a decentralized approach to social networking while maintaining a user experience familiar to Twitter users.
The platform's focus on user choice and content portability creates opportunities for brands to build sustainable, platform-independent social media presence. Bluesky's custom feed algorithms allow users to choose how they want to consume content, requiring brands to focus on creating genuinely engaging content rather than optimizing for a single algorithm.
For brands targeting thought leaders, journalists, and tech-savvy professionals, Bluesky offers a unique environment for authentic engagement and community building. The platform's growing user base of influential voices in technology, media, and creative industries provides opportunities for brands to participate in meaningful discussions and establish authority in their fields.
20. Mastodon
Monthly Active Users: 975,000
Mastodonthe 's decentralized structure and emphasis on user privacy create unique opportunities for brands to engage with privacy-conscious audiences. The platform's federation system enables brands to participate in specific communities while maintaining control over their digital presence.
The platform's commitment to transparency and user control resonates with audiences seeking alternatives to traditional social media. Mastodon's growing adoption among tech-savvy and privacy-focused users creates opportunities for brands to demonstrate commitment to user privacy and digital ethics.
For brands targeting privacy-conscious audiences, Mastodon's unique structure and principles create opportunities for authentic engagement and community building. The platform's emphasis on user control and transparency aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethical digital practices.
Conclusion
The diverse landscape of social media platforms offers unprecedented opportunities for brands to connect with their target audiences and achieve their marketing objectives. Success in social media marketing requires understanding each platform's unique characteristics and aligning them with your brand's goals and target audience preferences.
Strategic presence across multiple social media sites enables brands to create comprehensive digital marketing strategies that leverage each platform's strengths. By carefully selecting and optimizing your presence on the most relevant social media platforms, you can build a strong digital presence that drives meaningful engagement and business results.
To make sure you are present on the multiple social media platforms that interest your brand, consider using crossposting social tools such as Typefully.
As social media continues to evolve, staying informed about new features, trends, and emerging platforms will be crucial for maintaining effective social media marketing strategies. Regular evaluation of platform performance and adaptation to changing user preferences will help ensure sustained success in your social media marketing efforts.
