Social Media Isn’t Just a Tool—It’s Your Brand’s Superpower in 2025!

In a world where digital connections drive business success, social media has become more than just a platform for sharing photos or updates—it’s your brand’s most powerful ally.

With so many platforms available, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to focus your efforts. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be everywhere to succeed. The key is selecting the right platforms that align with your brand and target audience.

Whether you're a business owner or a seasoned marketer, understanding the strengths of each social media platform is essential for creating an effective strategy. From familiar faces like Instagram and Facebook to emerging platforms like Clubhouse and Threads, every network offers unique opportunities to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

In this guide, we’ve curated the top 23 social media platforms for 2025 that every business should explore. Ready to make the most of social media for your brand? Let’s dive in!

23 must-explore social media platforms for brands in 2025

This list is based on the latest data of monthly active users (MAUs), but remember: the platform with the highest number of users isn’t necessarily the best fit for your brand. If your target audience isn’t engaging there, all the followers in the world won’t matter.

To get the most out of your social media marketing, start by identifying where your ideal customers are spending their time. By focusing your efforts on the platforms that truly align with your audience, you’ll get a better return on investment (ROI) and see more meaningful results.

1. Facebook

3.065 billion MAU

With over 3.065 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains the largest social media platform, representing 37% of the global population. It’s an ideal platform for businesses looking to engage with a wide audience, with 200 million businesses and 7 million advertisers already active.

Facebook’s diverse user demographics make it suitable for almost any brand—56.8% male and 43.2% female, with the largest age groups being 25-34 (30.6%) and 18-24 (23%).

Facebook’s advertising tools, including Facebook Ads Manager, allow precise targeting and make it an effective platform for both organic reach and paid campaigns. With the potential reach of Facebook ads at 2.24 billion people (27.7% of the global population), businesses can run targeted campaigns to increase sales, raise awareness, or drive engagement.

The platform’s Facebook Groups also present opportunities to build loyal communities. More than 1.8 billion people use Facebook Groups every month, providing a space for businesses to connect and nurture customer relationships.

Facebook supports a wide range of content formats like text, images, videos, Stories, and Reels. Its algorithm favors content that drives conversations and meaningful interactions, especially among friends and family.

💡Check out our blog on 70 Facebook Marketing Stats You Can't Afford to Miss in 2024

2. YouTube

2.5 billion MAU

YouTube is the second-largest social media platform and the second-largest search engine globally, right after Google. With 2.5 billion monthly active users in 2024 and 1 billion hours of video watched daily, it’s a powerhouse for video marketing.

The platform appeals to a wide audience, particularly 54.4% male and 45.6% female users, with the 25-34 age group (21.5%) being the largest demographic. YouTube reaches more 18-49-year-olds on mobile alone than any traditional TV network, solidifying its reach among key consumer groups.

Globally, YouTube is most popular in South Korea, the United States, and India and features a vast variety of video content with over 61 million creators actively producing content.

Businesses looking to leverage YouTube’s algorithm benefit from its ability to deliver highly engaging video formats, from traditional long-form content to YouTube Shorts, which rivals TikTok in short-form video content.

YouTube also supports strong ad revenue, generating $31 billion in 2023 through YouTube Ads alone, not counting subscriptions from YouTube TV and YouTube Premium. This platform continues to be a prime choice for brands aiming to boost reach, engagement, and conversions through strategic video marketing.

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3. Instagram

2 billion MAU

Instagram, launched in 2010, has become one of the largest social media platforms with 2 billion monthly active users as of 2024.

Known for its visually rich content, Instagram is especially popular among younger audiences, with 68% of its users under 35 and 31.7% in the 18-24 age group.

This platform is favored in countries like the United States, India, and Brazil and boasts high engagement rates—10 times that of Facebook.

Businesses can utilize Instagram’s diverse content formats, from photos and videos to Stories, Reels, and live videos, providing an array of ways to reach and engage their target audience.

Instagram also offers shoppable posts, making it easier than ever for brands to drive direct sales. With 500 million daily users, it’s a key platform for brands aiming to build visibility and foster connections with Gen Z and millennials.

For businesses looking to boost their presence, Instagram’s integration with Facebook’s ad tools and its engagement-focused algorithm provides robust targeting capabilities, helping reach specific demographics effectively and prioritize content that drives interaction.

💡Looking to land on the Instagram Explore Page? We’ve got you covered! Check out our 10 Proven Tips on How to Get on the Instagram Explore Page in 2024 and start boosting your reach today!

4. WhatsApp

2 billion MAU

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users as of 2024, and it's available in more than 180 countries.

Initially designed for personal use, WhatsApp has evolved into a vital tool for businesses, especially since the launch of WhatsApp Business in 2018. As of June 2023, WhatsApp Business boasts over 200 million monthly active users.

The platform’s user base is diverse, with 52% of users identifying as male and 48% as female. The majority of active users are aged 18-34, making up 45.3% of the total.

WhatsApp is especially popular in countries like Brazil, India, and Mexico. People use WhatsApp for a range of purposes, including communicating with friends, colleagues, and businesses, making purchases, and even sending money through WhatsApp Payments.

WhatsApp can offer significant benefits to your business. With its global reach, your business can access a massive audience in over 180 countries and deliver localized content tailored to different regions.

5. TikTok

1.5 billion MAU

TikTok, known as Douyin in China, is a short-form video-sharing app that has rapidly become one of the most influential platforms in the world since its launch in 2016.

As of 2024, TikTok has over 1.5 billion monthly active users, with a diverse demographic—52% female and 48% male—predominantly between the ages of 18-24. The platform is hugely popular in countries like the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia.

TikTok is known for its engaging, creative content where users can upload videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long. The app offers a variety of creative tools, such as filters, music clips, sound effects, and augmented reality features, making it easy for users to create content that resonates with audiences.

TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes engagement and watch time, which has made it a hotspot for viral content, such as dance challenges, lip-syncing, and user-generated trends.

In addition to its entertainment value, TikTok has also become a key player in social commerce. The hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, which showcases products popularized by TikTok trends, has garnered over 28 billion views.

This highlights the platform’s significant role in influencing purchasing decisions. With such high engagement levels, TikTok can be a powerful marketing tool for your business..

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6. WeChat

1.3 billion MAU

WeChat, launched in 2011 by Tencent, has evolved from a simple messaging app into a multifunctional platform with over 1.3 billion monthly active users, covering about 80% of China’s population.

WeChat’s diverse features allow users not only to message and call but also to shop, pay bills, book taxis, transfer money, and more—making it essential for daily life in China and other parts of Asia.

It’s particularly valuable for brands looking to reach Chinese consumers, as platforms like Facebook and X are restricted in China.

WeChat offers a unique opportunity for businesses through various features that allow customer engagement, support, and e-commerce.

7. Facebook Messenger

1 billion MAU

Facebook Messenger, launched in 2008 and now boasting 1 billion monthly active users, serves as a primary communication tool for connecting people worldwide.

With a demographic leaning towards users aged 25-34, it’s most popular in countries like the Philippines, the United States, and Vietnam.

Messenger is commonly used for messaging, voice, and video calls, interacting with brands, and even watching content together.

For businesses, Messenger provides unique ways to improve customer engagement and support through features like chatbots, automated messaging, and real-time customer service.

Facebook Messenger’s wide reach and diverse capabilities make it a valuable platform for building relationships and delivering efficient, responsive customer service.

💡 Looking to outsmart the Facebook algorithm? Here are 31 Proven Strategies to Cheat the Facebook Algorithm in 2024 and boost your reach like never before!

8. Telegram

900 million MAU

Telegram, launched in 2013, has become a popular messaging app with around 900 million monthly active users.

Known for its end-to-end encryption and high security, Telegram attracts a privacy-conscious user base, especially since changes to WhatsApp’s privacy policy sparked interest in alternatives. It’s widely used in countries like Russia, India, and Brazil, primarily among people aged 25-34.

Brands can take advantage of Telegram’s unique features for marketing, customer engagement, and support through broadcast channels, chatbots, and communities.

Telegram’s emphasis on security and community makes it a powerful platform for building trusted customer relationships. Its channels and chatbot features can help brands scale communications while offering users an interactive, secure experience.

9. Snapchat

800 million MAU

Snapchat, launched in 2011, remains popular for sharing quick photos and videos, known as "snaps."

It popularized the vertical video format, now widely adopted by other platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Despite the competition, Snapchat retains a strong Gen Z audience, especially among U.S. teens, with 800 million monthly active users globally.

Snapchat’s fun, ephemeral content format, and highly visual focus make it a valuable tool for brands targeting younger audiences who enjoy visual engagement and interactive experiences.

10. Kuaishou

700 million MAU

Kuaishou, launched in 2011, is a leading short-video app in China and a major competitor to Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok).

Known for its unique focus on authentic, community-driven content, Kuaishou attracts an older audience and has a strong user base in China’s rural areas.

The platform, which reaches around 700 million monthly active users, emphasizes social interaction and e-commerce integration, distinguishing it from more entertainment-centric rivals like Douyin and TikTok.

Unlike TikTok’s algorithm-driven content, Kuaishou values social connections and interaction, showing users more content from their followers rather than viral, trending posts.

This approach creates a sense of community and loyalty, appealing to audiences who prefer familiarity and social bonding. Users can also enjoy live-streaming content, participate in group chats, or join interest-based communities.

11. X/Twitter

600 million MAU

X (formerly Twitter) remains one of the most popular platforms for real-time conversations and breaking news, catering to a diverse global audience interested in topics like news, sports, politics, and entertainment.

As of 2024, X has over 600 million monthly active users, with its largest demographic being users aged 25-34. The platform’s strength lies in its immediacy—enabling users to follow and participate in live discussions through concise posts.

Many brands leverage X as a customer service channel due to its responsiveness and public visibility. With more than 80% of social customer service requests happening on X, the platform is frequently used to address customer questions and issues quickly.

In addition, X’s algorithm prioritizes timely content, favoring posts that tap into trending topics and breaking news. The concise, 280-character format makes it ideal for brands that want to deliver quick updates and engage with audiences on trending issues, often resulting in higher visibility for active, responsive accounts.

💡 Looking to boost your Twitter engagement in 2024? The secret lies in timing! Check out The Absolute Best Time to Post on Twitter in 2024 for More Views.

12. Weibo

600 million MAU

Weibo, meaning "micro-blog" in Chinese, is one of China’s largest social media platforms, developed by Sina Corporation in 2009.

Often compared to a blend of Twitter and Instagram, Weibo has approximately 600 million monthly active users. The platform offers users a space for sharing multimedia content like images, videos, and stories while staying connected with trending topics and hot-button issues through hashtags.

Weibo distinguishes itself by focusing on real-time information, making it the platform of choice in China for discussions about news, pop culture, and trending events.

This open nature has attracted a young, active user base and makes it particularly popular for viral content.

Unlike WeChat, which focuses more on private messaging, Weibo is a public forum where users actively share opinions, making it an ideal space for brands looking to reach a wide, engaged audience.

13. QQ

554 million MAU

QQ, launched by Tencent in 1999, was China’s original go-to messaging platform before WeChat rose to dominance. While WeChat now leads the market, QQ remains highly popular, particularly with younger users and in professional settings. It has about 554 million daily active users.

Besides its core messaging features, QQ provides a range of interactive experiences such as customizable avatars, gaming, online shopping, and multimedia streaming.

QQ provides brands with multiple ways to reach consumers through direct messaging, branded games, and promotions within interest-based communities.

It’s ideal for companies targeting China’s Gen Z audience, offering interactive campaigns, promotions, and real-time customer support. Brands can utilize QQ’s chat functions to engage with users on a 1:1 level, providing a personal touch to customer service and increasing customer loyalty.

14. Pinterest

498 million MAU

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where users save ("pin") and organize images that link to websites, products, and resources.

Known for driving high referral traffic, Pinterest connects users with creative ideas, product inspiration, and DIY projects across categories like fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel.

This makes it an essential platform for brands in these niches, offering an opportunity to convert inspiration into purchases.

With 498 million monthly active users, Pinterest’s predominantly female user base is highly engaged, and pinners are seven times more likely to buy products they’ve saved. Brands can use it to share content, grow awareness, and drive website traffic effectively.

15. Reddit

1.2 billion MAU

Reddit often called the "front page of the internet," is a massive community-based platform with 1.2 billion monthly active users as of 2024.

It features a vast array of topic-specific forums, known as subreddits, where users share advice, ask questions, and engage in discussions. These subreddits cover almost every imaginable subject, making it an excellent place for brands to connect with like-minded audiences.

While self-promotion is often frowned upon, businesses can participate in conversations, offer insights, and create a brand-specific subreddit to build an engaged community. Popular in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, Reddit’s audience skews male, with most users aged 18-25.

16. LinkedIn

424 million MAU

LinkedIn, with around 424 million monthly active users in 2024, has transformed from a job search engine to a professional networking platform.

It’s the go-to space for individuals and businesses to build brands, establish thought leadership, and connect with peers, industry experts, and potential clients.

The platform is highly favored for career-related activities like job searching and professional networking, but it’s also where B2B brands engage with the right audience through industry-centric content.

Most users are between 25-34 years old, and LinkedIn has a global presence, with the largest user bases in the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.

💡 Want to maximize your business reach on LinkedIn? Check out Best Time to Post on LinkedIn for Your Business in 2024

17. Quora

300 million MAU

Quora, with over 300 million monthly active users in 2024, is a community-based Q&A platform where users share knowledge on a wide range of topics.

For businesses, it offers opportunities to engage directly with potential customers by answering questions related to their industry or products, thus establishing themselves as thought leaders.

Quora’s user-generated content is ranked based on votes and views, helping valuable insights gain visibility. Additionally, businesses can use Quora’s ad platform to target users actively researching products.

With 63% of users researching major online purchases, it’s an ideal space for reaching customers at the decision-making stage.

18. Threads

275 million MAU

Threads, launched by Instagram in 2023, quickly made waves with an impressive 100 million sign-ups in just a few days.

As of 2024, the app boasts 275 million monthly active users. Though its initial hype calmed, the app has continued to grow steadily with new features that keep users engaged

Designed to facilitate real-time conversations, Threads offers a space for users to share updates and connect around discussions.

With a focus on simplicity and conversation, it’s ideal for businesses to engage in direct, authentic interactions with their audience.

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19. Discord

200 million MAU

Discord, founded in 2015, has grown to 200 million monthly active users in 2024, making it a powerful communication tool. Initially designed for gamers, it now serves a broad range of communities, including businesses, educational groups, and creators.

The platform allows users to create customizable servers for text and voice chats, fostering real-time interaction. With a demographic primarily aged 25-34, Discord’s user base is highly engaged.

For businesses, it’s a great space to build dedicated communities, host live events like AMA sessions, provide customer support, and share updates. Its interactive nature makes it ideal for cultivating personal, ongoing relationships with followers.

20. Twitch

140 million MAU

Twitch, a live-streaming platform primarily known for video game content, boasts over 140 million monthly active users. It’s a hub for gamers, esports tournaments, and creators, offering opportunities to build communities and earn through subscriptions and donations.

For businesses, Twitch provides real-time engagement with audiences via live streams for product launches, industry discussions, or Q&A sessions. With a younger demographic, it’s an excellent platform for targeting niche markets.

Brands can integrate their offerings into gaming streams or creative sessions to promote products organically. By staying attuned to trends on Twitch, businesses can better understand their audience and refine their strategies for success.

21. Tumblr

135 million MAU

Tumblr, a microblogging platform, has a monthly active user base of 135 million. Known for its creative and niche communities, it allows users to post text, images, videos, and GIFs, often sharing personal interests, fan content, and artistic expressions.

Although it has evolved over time, Tumblr still remains a favorite for younger demographics, especially those aged 18-29.

For businesses, Tumblr offers an opportunity to connect with a unique, engaged audience by creating visually appealing content that resonates with niche interests. Brands can build communities, interact with followers, and promote products in a more casual, creative environment.

22. Bluesky

6 million MAU

Bluesky, launched in 2022, is a decentralized social media platform that focuses on user control and privacy.

With 6 million monthly active users as of 2024, Bluesky allows users to share content and interact without the centralized control seen on other platforms.

It emphasizes open-source technology and a more transparent social experience. The product is also available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

23. Mastodon

1.7 million MAU

Mastodon, a rapidly growing social media platform, saw its user base soar from 300,000 to over 1.7 million monthly active users in 2023 after gaining significant traction in late 2022.

As a decentralized, open-source platform, Mastodon enables users to create their own servers for communication. It allows posts of up to 5,000 characters, along with the option to include images, audio, and video.

Leverage Your Brand Growth with these Social Media Platforms

Now that you're familiar with 23 social media platforms, it's time to start exploring these platforms yourself. Begin by evaluating where your target audience spends the most time and what type of content resonates with them.

Focus your efforts on those platforms to maximize engagement and growth. Take the time to experiment with different content types, whether it’s visual, text-based, or video content, and track which platforms yield the best results for your brand.

And if you need help creating and managing content for your social media channels, sign up and log in to vidyo.ai to see how we can help kick off your social media success.

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