Social media keeps on developing, influencing the way that billions of individuals connect, share, buy, learn, and entertain. As we navigate 2025, the attention wars are stronger than ever — but a few platforms continue to dominate cyberspace.
Whether you’re a casual user, a content creator, or a digital marketer, understanding the top platforms is
essential. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 social media platforms in 2025, based on global impact, user engagement, monthly active users, cultural impact, growth trends and continued innovation in a hyper-connected digital world.
An analysis of the top 10 social media platforms
| Platforms | Monthly Active Users |
Launched | Headquarters |
| 3.07 billion | 2004 | Menlo Park, CA | |
| YouTube | 2.5 billion | 2.5 billion | San Bruno, California |
| 2 billion | 2010 | Menlo Park, CA | |
| TikTok | 1.6 billion | 2016 | Culver City, CA |
| Snapchat | 850 million | 2011 | Los Angeles, CA |
| X (Twitter) | 586 million | 2003 | Mountain View, CA |
| 537 million | 2005 | San Francisco, CA | |
| <350 million | 2006 | San Francisco, CA | |
| Threads | 275 million | 2023 | Menlo Park, CA |
| 185–226 million | 2010 | San Francisco, CA |
The Top 10 Social Media Platforms
1. Facebook
Facebook, established in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, is a social networking site that brings people together worldwide. The users can share statuses, images, videos, belong to groups, subscribe to pages, and engage through likes and comments. With more than 3 billion users, it remains a necessity for personal relations as well as company promotion. Facebook Marketplace, Reels, and Messenger features are the ones that increase user interaction. It’s also a core element of Meta’s ecosystem, connecting with Instagram and WhatsApp. As competition increases, Facebook continues to be an influential tool for communication, community, and digital marketing across various audiences globally.
2.YouTube
The largest video-sharing website in the world is YouTube, which was founded in 2005 and is owned by Google. Users can upload, view, share, and leave comments on videos in a wide range of categories, including gaming, music, entertainment, and education. With more than 2.7 billion monthly users, it serves as a global centre for both audiences and creators. Long-form videos, live streaming, and short-form content via Shorts are all supported by YouTube. Millions of creators are empowered by its monetisation options, that involve memberships and advertisements. YouTube is an essential component of contemporary digital culture and online education as a search engine and social media platform.
3.Instagram
Launched in 2010, Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos. It is owned at present by Meta. With features like Stories, Reels, and posts, it places a strong emphasis on visual storytelling. It has more than 2.3 billion users and is particularly favoured by younger creators and viewers. Instagram is used by businesses for shopping integrations, branding, and marketing. Reels competes with TikTok by supporting short-form video. In addition to exploring trends and following others, users may engage by leaving likes and comments. Instagram is a top platform for inspiration, community development, and the distribution of digital content because of its user-friendly interface, influencer culture, and discovery tools.
4.TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video platform known for its fast-paced, algorithm-driven content. Launched globally in 2018 by ByteDance, it lets users create and share videos up to 10 minutes long, often featuring music, trends, or challenges. With over 1.8billion users, TikTok has become a major force in pop culture,
entertainment, and marketing. Its “For You” page personalizes content based on user behavior, driving high engagement. TikTok supports creators through monetization tools, live streams, and brand partnerships. Popular among Gen Z, it’s reshaping how content is discovered, consumed, and shared worldwide.
5.SNAPCHAT
Launched in 2011, Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app that is well-known for its chat, video, and photo disappearance features. It is well-liked by Generation Z and lets users share Stories, send Snaps, and use augmented reality (AR) lenses and creative filters. Snapchat, which has more than 800 million users, places an intense focus on private, real-time communication. News, entertainment, and user-generated content are available through features like Spotlight, Discover, and Snap Map. Snapchat highlights informal sharing and visual expression more than traditional social networks. It stands out in the current social media landscape thanks to its inventive AR and intimate friend interactions.
6.X (Twitter)
X Previously known as Twitter, is a social media site thatpoints out news and real-time conversation. X, which was first introduced in 2006 and changed its name under Elon Musk in 2023, allows for long-form content, text posts, photos, videos, and Spaces (audio). With about 700 million users, it continues to have a significant impact on culture, media, and politics. Its ecosystem has grown thanks to verified subscriptions, monetisation tools, and creator support. X is used to interact with public figures, share opinions, and break news. It continues to be a potent forum for public debate and quick, global exchange in spite of changes.
7.Pinterest
In 2010, the visual discovery and bookmarking platform Pinterest was introduced. Through “Pins,” which connect to DIY projects, recipes, fashion, home décor, and more, users can browse and save ideas. Pinterest serves as a search engine and inspiration board, and it has more than 500 million monthly users. To arrange content, users make themed “boards.” With its shopping tools and product tagging, it facilitates e-commerce and is well-liked by planners, shoppers, and creators. Pinterest is a special platform in the social media environment because it’s excellent for future inspiration, lifestyle content, and graphic planning.
8.LinkedIn
Founded in 2003 and owned by Microsoft, LinkedIn is the biggest professional networking site in the world. It links professionals, businesses, and job seekers from various industries and has more than 1 billion users. Users make profiles to highlight their successes, abilities, and experience. LinkedIn facilitates industry news, thought leadership, company pages, and job postings. It is extensively utilised for networking, B2B marketing, hiring, and career development. Content sharing and education are enhanced by features like LinkedIn Learning and creator tools. LinkedIn, which is popular for its career-focused atmosphere, is essential to contemporary business engagement and professional development.
9.Threads
In 2023, Meta implemented Threads, a text-based social media app, as a substitute for X (formerly Twitter). With its close integration with Instagram, users can follow the same accounts and share real-time updates, thoughts, and conversations. Threads has a simple interface that highlights public discussion and supports brief posts, photos, and videos. It became well-known very fast, particularly among Instagram users looking for a new perspective on microblogging. Though it is still developing, Threads prioritises a positive social environment, community, and simplicity. It is a component of Meta’s larger initiative to broaden social connection on various platforms.
10.Reddit
Users of the community-driven social media site Reddit vote on posts, exchange content, and have discussions about various subjects. It began functioning in 2005 and is divided into “subreddits,” which are independent discussion boards devoted to topics ranging from science and news to memes and pastimes. Reddit, which has more than 500 million users, combines deep engagement with anonymity. While some users upvote or downvote content, others post questions, stories, links, and media. In-depth discussions and specialised communities are promoted by Reddit’s open discussion model. Often referred to as “the front page of the internet,” it continues to be a potent platform for grassroots content, trends, and gathered knowledge.
Which Social Media Platform(s) Should You Use?
If You’re a Business or Brand:
Facebook: Excellent for advertising, customer interaction, and community building.
Instagram: Perfect for e-commerce, influencer marketing, and visual branding.
YouTube: Greatest for long-form narrative, product, or instructional content.
LinkedIn: Crucial for professional thought leadership, hiring, and business-to-business interactions
If You’re a Creator or Influencer:
TikTok: High engagement and quick growth for short, creative videos.
Instagram: Still the best platform for fashion, lifestyle, and aesthetic content.
YouTube: Long-form, deep content can be monetized.
Pinterest: Great for aspirational, food, home, and do-it-yourself content
If You Want Community & Conversation:
Reddit: Ideal for targeted groups and deeper discussions.
X (formerly Twitter): News, trends, and opinions in real time.
Threads: A more approachable, recently created substitute for microblogging.
If You Prioritize Messaging:
WhatsApp: Business messaging and direct, secure communication.
Telegram: Channels, group chats, and interactions that prioritise privacy.
Snapchat is the best platform for Gen Z engagement because it’s swift, informative and casual.
CONCLUSION
The top 10 social media platforms is still influencing the way we connect, communicate, and create. The digital landscape is more varied than ever before, with Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok at the forefront and booming apps like Threads gaining traction