10 Top Social Media Platforms in 2025

Social media channels are online spaces—either websites or mobile apps—where users can post content (such as photos, videos, or written updates) and connect with others.

For marketers, these platforms serve as powerful tools to build brand visibility, connect with the right audience, and analyze competitor strategies.

Top 10 Social Media Platforms by MAUs

This table lists the top 10 social media platforms in the world by monthly active users (MAUs), according to Statista data collected in February 2025:

Rank	Social Media Platform	MAUs (in millions)
1	Facebook	3,070
2	YouTube	2,530
3	Instagram	2,000
4	WhatsApp	2,000
5	WeChat	1,390
6	Telegram	950
7	Messenger	947
8	Snapchat	850
9	Douyin	766
10	Kuaishou	714

Keep reading to learn more about these social platforms and whether they’re right for your social media marketing strategy.

1. Facebook

Leading markets: United States, India, and Vietnam

Platform type: Social networking

Top demographic: Female, 25-34

Best for: Engaging with local communities

Used by: Coca-Cola, Samsung, McDonald’s

Facebook allows you to create a page for your business. Where you can post text, images, videos, events, and more.

It’s an ideal platform for visually showcasing your products or services. And it’s especially effective for connecting with younger audiences and influencers.

To get started, create or switch to a business account via Instagram Settings. Then:

• Craft a recognizable username: Choose a handle that clearly reflects your business name and is easy to remember. Avoid using unnecessary numbers or symbols.
• Fill out your bio completely: Add a short description of your business, a link to your website or Linktree, contact details, and relevant hashtags or emojis to show your brand’s personality.
• Use a high-quality profile picture: Upload a logo or brand mark sized at 320 x 320 pixels so it appears clearly across the app.
• Enable action buttons: Add action buttons (like “Call,” “Email,” or “Book Now”) to make it easy for visitors to interact with your business directly from your profile.

For planning and improving your Instagram presence, use tools like Semrush Social or Meta Business Suite. These tools help you schedule posts, track engagement, and monitor your competitors.

2. YouTube

Leading markets*: United States, South Korea, and India

Platform type: Long-form and short-form video sharing

Top demographic*: Male, 25-34

Best for: Distributing educational, entertaining, or promotional long-form video content

Used by: Red Bull, Apple, Salesforce

YouTube is a powerful video-sharing platform where users can discover content, follow channels, and engage with creators.

Set up your YouTube business channel to begin. Then:

• Create an engaging channel trailer that encourages visitors to subscribe.
• Research keywords on YouTube to understand what your target audience is searching for.
• Apply YouTube SEO best practices to improve video visibility in both YouTube and Google search.
• Engage with your audience by replying to comments and liking viewer feedback.
• Group your videos into themed playlists for better organization and user experience.
• Promote your YouTube videos across your website, emails, and other social platforms.
• Explore YouTube advertising to reach a broader audience.
• Track performance metrics like views, watch time, and subscribers using Social Tracker (part of Semrush Social), and use those insights to refine your strategy.

3. Instagram

Leading markets*: United States, India, and Brazil

Platform type: Photo and short-form video sharing

Top demographic*: Female, 25-34

Best for: Lifestyle, fashion, and visually driven brands targeting younger audiences

Used by: Nike, National Geographic, Fenty Beauty

Instagram is a social media platform where users share photos, carousels (multi-image stories), and reels (short videos).

The platform works well for sectors that rely heavily on visual appeal—like fashion, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle. And Instagram is particularly good for reaching younger audiences.

Here are some tips for success:

• Create a business profile: This unlocks analytics, ads, and shopping features to help you understand your audience and sell products directly.
• Keep a consistent look: A cohesive visual style makes your brand recognizable and attractive to followers.
• Be active: Respond to comments, engage with other users’ content, and participate in relevant trends to increase your visibility.
• Monitor performance metrics: Instagram’s analytics help you track performance, understand what works, and refine your strategy.

With Semrush Social, you can schedule your Instagram posts, track important metrics, monitor your competitors, and more.

4. WhatsApp

Leading markets*: India, Brazil, and Mexico

Platform Type: Messaging

Top demographic*: Male, 18-24

Best for: Communicating with customers in Latin America, Europe, India, Africa, and/or the Middle East

Used by: Netflix, Emirates, TechRadar

WhatsApp is a messaging platform that offers a direct, personal way to connect with both existing customers and potential leads.

You can use the WhatsApp Business app or integrate the API to manage one-on-one conversations efficiently. Alternatively, set up a WhatsApp Channel to send broadcasts and keep your subscribers updated.

Here are some effective ways to market using WhatsApp:

• Deliver responsive customer support: Quickly respond to inquiries, offer personalized assistance, and build strong relationships.
• Share timely updates and offers: Notify your audience about product launches, exclusive deals, or seasonal promotions using broadcast features.
• Automate routine messages: Streamline communication by setting up automated greetings, FAQ responses, and away messages.

5. TikTok

Leading markets*: United States, Brazil, and Indonesia

Platform type: Short-form video sharing

Top demographic*: Female, 25-34

Best for: Brands aiming for viral marketing through creative and engaging short-form videos

Used by: Chipotle, Washington Post, Duolingo

TikTok is a fast-growing social media app where users share mostly short-form videos, often centered around trends, creativity, and entertainment.

Its algorithm is highly effective at showing content to the right people, making it possible to reach broad audiences—even without a large follower base.

Here are some key tips for marketing on TikTok:

• Set up a business account: Gain access to analytics and ad tools that help you better understand your audience and promote your brand.
• Engage with trends: Join trending challenges, sounds, or hashtags to boost visibility and stay relevant.
• Produce engaging content: Focus on fun, authentic, and visually striking videos that connect with TikTok’s user base.
• Leverage influencer partnerships: Collaborate with creators to expand your reach and tap into their loyal communities.
• Track your analytics: Use TikTok’s insights to see which content performs well and refine your strategy over time.
• Enhance discoverability: Apply TikTok SEO techniques to make your videos and profile easier to find.

6. WeChat

Leading markets: China, Malaysia, and India (World Population Review)

Platform type: Messaging, social media, payments, and mini-programs

Top demographic*: Male, 18-24

Best for: Brands in China looking to integrate messaging, commerce, and customer engagement within one platform

Used by: Burberry, Starbucks, Dior

WeChat is a versatile social media platform that blends messaging, social networking, and mobile payment features.

Here are some effective strategies for marketing on WeChat:

• Set up an official account: This allows your business to share content, engage with followers, and access premium features such as customer service tools and advertising options.
• Utilize WeChat Moments: Post visually appealing and engaging content to boost brand visibility and foster engagement.
• Develop WeChat Mini Programs: Create mini-apps within WeChat to offer services or interactive experiences directly on the platform.
• Integrate WeChat Pay: Enable WeChat Pay to streamline payments, making transactions seamless and convenient for customers.
• Engage in WeChat Groups: Join or create groups relevant to your industry to connect with potential customers and share valuable content.

7. Telegram

Leading markets*: Russia, India, and Ukraine

Platform type: Instant messaging

Top demographic*: Male, 18-24

Best for: Customer service and message broadcasting

Used by: Binance, New York Times, Trust Wallet

Telegram is a messaging app renowned for its end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication through secret chats.

It also offers the option for messages to self-destruct after a set time, providing added privacy for certain conversations.

For marketers, creating channels and sharing content within them can be a powerful way to engage with a broad audience.

Additionally, Telegram can be utilized for customer support, gathering feedback, and more.

8. Messenger

Leading markets*: Philippines, United States, and Vietnam

Platform type: Instant messaging

Top demographic*: Male, 25-34

Best for: Brands that use Facebook and want to provide customer support to their followers

Used by: Sephora, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lego

Messenger (commonly known as Facebook Messenger) is a widely used messaging app that lets users send messages, share media, and make voice or video calls.

Here are some effective Messenger marketing strategies:

• Utilize Messenger bots: Set up chatbots to manage inquiries, suggest products, and process orders, streamlining your operations.
• Run Messenger ads: Use Meta’s ad platform to create ads that initiate conversations in Messenger, allowing direct engagement with potential customers.
• Provide personalized support: Offer one-on-one customer support through Messenger to build stronger connections with your audience.
• Monitor engagement metrics: Regularly review Messenger’s analytics to track user interactions and optimize your messaging strategy for better performance.

9. Snapchat

Leading markets*: United States, India, and Saudi Arabia

Platform type: Multimedia messaging

Top demographic*: Male, 25-34

Best for: Brands targeting younger demographics with ephemeral content, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and interactive storytelling

Used by: Taco Bell, Gatorade, Jo Malone

Snapchat is an instant messaging app that lets users share images and messages that vanish after a short time. It’s especially popular with Gen Z and millennials.

The platform provides a variety of advertising formats, including:

• Single image or video ads
• Story ads (a sequence of images or videos)
• Collection ads (enabling users to browse featured products)
• Commercials (non-skippable video ads)
• AR lenses (interactive elements that transform the user’s face or surroundings)
• AR filters (static overlays for photos or videos)

10. Douyin

Leading markets*: China, Taiwan, and United States

Platform type: Short-form video sharing

Top demographic*: Female, 45-54

Best for: Brands targeting the Chinese market with short-form video content

Used by: Louis Vuitton, Huawei, Apple

Douyin is the Chinese counterpart of TikTok, focusing on short-form video content.

For marketers, Douyin offers several valuable features:

• In-feed ads: Short video ads that appear in users’ feeds, enabling targeted and engaging advertising.
• Douyin stores: Built-in eCommerce features that allow seamless shopping experiences directly within the app.
• Live streaming: Engage with followers in real-time, promote products, and drive immediate sales through live broadcasts.
• Analytics tools: Gain access to detailed performance data, including engagement, audience demographics, and campaign effectiveness.
• Influencer partnerships: Team up with top Douyin influencers to extend your reach and boost your brand’s credibility.

For businesses looking to stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape, it’s essential to choose the right platform(s) and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly. With a clear understanding of the platforms’ demographics, capabilities, and tools, you can optimize your approach and maximize results.

At Engage Coders, we specialize in helping businesses develop digital marketing strategies that leverage the power of social media platforms. Whether you’re enhancing brand visibility, improving audience engagement, or increasing sales, we can provide expert guidance and solutions to take your digital marketing to the next level. By integrating the right mix of social media and cutting-edge strategies, your business can thrive in 2025 and beyond.