The 10 Most Popular Social Media Platforms

Social media marketing is a powerful tool for expanding your brand’s visibility, building meaningful audience relationships, and increasing sales.

It delivers the highest return on investment among all marketing channels. A recent Marketing & Trends report found that over 43% of marketers actively rely on it to drive results.

With countless social media platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose where to focus your time, budget, and creative resources.

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ve rounded up 20 of the most popular social media platforms, complete with key insights like monthly active users and audience demographics, to help you make informed decisions that align with your goals.

Let’s dive in.

1. Facebook:

Visit: www.facebook.com

Year founded: 2004

Monthly active users (2024): 3.05 billion

Demographics: 56.8% male, 43.2% female, with the largest age groups being 25-34 (30.6%) and 18-24 (23%). Most popular in the United States, India, and Brazil, according to Semrush’s Traffic Analytics report.

Users visit Facebook to connect with friends and family, engage in topic-based communities, explore leisure content, and discover new brands, products, and services.

Owned by Meta, Facebook remains the world’s most popular social media platform, attracting over 14 billion monthly website visits, excluding its mobile app.

The platform offers a range of tools to help businesses grow, including Facebook Marketplace, targeted advertising, and robust community engagement features.

On Facebook, you can also publish posts, stories, and short-form video content. Plus, engage with your followers via comments and Messenger to establish your presence organically.

Boost Your Business on Facebook By:

Running Ads: Make the most of that enormous reach by creating ad campaigns for specific objectives. Like increasing sales, building awareness, driving engagement, and more. Facebook also lets you narrow down your target audience, so your ads reach the right people. This helps make your campaigns more effective. And ensure you spend your ad budget strategically.

Hosting Live Events: Engage your audience on Facebook by using the platform to invite them to in-person events. Or even to virtual events hosted right on Facebook Live. Events can boost brand awareness and spread the word about your products or services.

Creating a Facebook Group: Over 1.8 billion people engage with Facebook Groups every month, highlighting the platform’s immense potential for community-building.

Establishing a group can foster a strong sense of belonging and brand loyalty—both of which can lead to increased customer retention and sales.

Take Wix, for example. The website development company has built a thriving Facebook community of over 30,000 members. Users regularly visit the group to ask questions, exchange tips, and connect with like-minded individuals.

2. YouTube

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/

Founded: 2005

Monthly Active Users (2024): 2.49 billion

Demographics:

• 54.4% male, 45.6% female.
• Largest age group: 25–34 (21.5%).
• Most popular in South Korea, the United States, and India (source: Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why users visit:
People turn to YouTube for educational content, skill-building tutorials, creator-driven entertainment, and to research brands, products, and services. According to 80% of users, it offers the widest variety of video content available online.

Originally launched as a simple video-sharing site, YouTube has grown into the world’s second-largest search engine, right behind Google, with over 61 million content creators worldwide.

Creating compelling, value-driven videos can help you tap into a massive audience, showcase your brand’s personality, and build stronger customer relationships. Video content continues to dominate, making YouTube a powerful platform for brand growth and engagement.

Boost Your Business on YouTube By:

1. Publishing High-Quality Content

Focus on creating engaging, high-quality videos that speak directly to your target audience.

The most widely consumed format on YouTube remains its classic: mid-length, pre-recorded, feature-free videos that are free to watch. However, the platform supports a variety of formats to suit different content strategies, including:

• YouTube Shorts – Bite-sized videos (60 seconds or less) ideal for quick, viral content.
• Shoppable Videos – Enable product tags so viewers can shop directly while watching.
• Live Streaming – Host real-time events, Q&As, or product demos to boost engagement.
• Courses – Share your expertise with structured free or paid educational content.

2. Collaborating with Creators

Partnering with influencers or niche content creators can significantly expand your reach and credibility.

Example: Hershey’s collaborated with “The Icing Artist” on a sponsored video that racked up over 1 million views, 19,000 likes, and 1,000 comments. The campaign led to a 551% increase in brand search interest and a 22% boost in purchase intent—demonstrating the power of creator partnerships.

3. Running YouTube Ads

Beyond organic content, YouTube offers extensive advertising opportunities with the potential to reach over 2.5 billion users.

Here are the main ad formats:

• In-stream Ads – Play before, during, or after videos. Some are skippable after a few seconds.
• In-feed Ads – Appear in search results, next to related videos, or on the homepage.
• Bumper Ads – Non-skippable, 6-second ads that deliver quick, impactful messages.
• Overlay Ads – Semi-transparent ads displayed on the lower 20% of the video (desktop-only).

YouTube’s blend of creative flexibility, vast reach, and diverse ad options makes it a highly effective platform for building brand awareness and driving sales.

3. Instagram

Visit: https://www.instagram.com/

Founded: 2010

Monthly Active Users (2024): 2 billion

Demographics:

• 50.6% male, 49.4% female.
• Largest user group: 18–24 (31.7%).
• Most popular in the United States, India, and Brazil (Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why users visit:

People use Instagram to connect with friends, follow content creators and celebrities, share their own content, and increasingly, to discover and shop from brands. With built-in storefronts and shoppable posts, Instagram has become a powerful e-commerce and brand-building platform.

With more than 1.1 billion users between the ages of 18 and 34, Instagram is especially effective for reaching Gen Z and millennial audiences.

Boost Your Business on Instagram By:

1. Partnering with Influencers

Influencer collaborations are a proven way to amplify your brand’s reach and potentially spark viral engagement.

Brands often work with influencers to create informative, entertaining content that promotes their products in a natural, engaging way.

Example: Cookware brand Stahl frequently partners with food creators to post recipe reels that feature their products in action—blending value and promotion seamlessly to connect with their audience.

2. Tapping into Different Content Formats

Instagram supports a wide variety of content formats, allowing brands to tell their stories in multiple creative ways:

• Feed Posts: Single images or carousels.
• Reels: Short-form vertical videos are ideal for discoverability.
• Stories: Temporary content with interactive features.
• IGTV/Long-form videos: For in-depth storytelling or product demos.
• Guides: Curated content collections for education or promotion.

3. Maximizing Engagement Through Stories

Instagram Stories offer several interactive elements that make content more engaging and conversational:

Here are a few features you can add to Stories:

• Polls
• Quizzes
• Question boxes
• Emoji sliders
• Countdown timers

These tools help you boost engagement, gather feedback, and build a stronger connection with your audience in real time.

Instagram is no longer just a visual platform—it’s a dynamic space for storytelling, community building, and direct brand interaction.

Creating a Broadcast Channel on Instagram

Instagram’s Broadcast Channels offer a powerful way to deliver real-time updates directly to your audience. Think of it as a one-to-many messaging tool where you can send:

• Text updates
• Video clip
• Audio notes
• Polls
• Collaborative messages with other creators

This feature helps you build a stronger sense of community and exclusivity. For example, you can use your broadcast channel to:

• Share behind-the-scenes content.
• Provide early access to product launches or promotions.
• Offer exclusive discounts only for channel subscribers.

Broadcast Channels are ideal for keeping your most loyal followers engaged and informed.

4. WhatsApp

Visit: https://web.whatsapp.com/

Founded: 2009

Monthly Active Users (2024): 2 billion

Demographics:

• 52% male, 48% female.
• Most active age group: 18–34 (45.3%).
• Top regions: Brazil, India, and Mexico (Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why users visit:

WhatsApp is a messaging-first platform used to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues, and increasingly, with businesses. Users also rely on it for community participation, customer support, and even financial transactions through WhatsApp Payments.

With nearly 3 billion monthly visits, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is one of the most widely used communication platforms in the world.

Boost Your Business on WhatsApp By:

1. Setting Up a WhatsApp Store

For e-commerce brands, WhatsApp offers a Business Platform where you can build and manage a virtual storefront.

You can:

• Create a detailed product catalog.
• Allow customers to browse and place orders within the app.
• Integrate popular payment gateways for seamless checkout.

It simplifies the buying process and enables personalized, one-on-one customer conversations.

2. Running Integrated Ads

Leverage Meta’s advertising ecosystem by running “Click-to-WhatsApp” ads on Facebook and Instagram.

These ads direct users straight into a WhatsApp conversation, where you can:

• Offer support.
• Recommend products.
• Close sales faster.

This strategy boosts engagement and conversions with minimal friction.

3. Starting a Community

WhatsApp Communities allow you to group multiple related chats under a single umbrella with strong admin tools for moderation.

As a business, you can use Communities to:

• Launch new products.
• Share exclusive tips or how-tos.
• Announce sales, offers, or updates.

It’s a great way to nurture brand loyalty while keeping your audience connected and informed.

5. TikTok

Visit: https://www.tiktok.com/

Founded: 2016

Monthly Active Users (2024): 1 billion

Demographics:

• 52% female, 48% male.
• Largest age group: 18–24 (36.6%).
• Most popular in the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia (Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why users visit:

TikTok is where creativity meets culture. Users flock to the platform to create and consume bite-sized video content, engage in viral challenges, duet with others, and explore trending products. It’s also a go-to destination for sharing opinions, stories, and unfiltered authenticity.

TikTok isn’t just a trend machine—it’s a hub for social commerce. The viral hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt (with over 28 billion views) highlights the platform’s power in driving purchasing behavior.

Boost Your Business on TikTok By:

1. Jumping on Trends

TikTok is the origin of countless internet trends—from catchy dance routines to quirky memes and ASMR videos. The secret to going viral is identifying trends early and creating your unique version.

Example:
Poppi, a functional soda brand, leveraged the “This or That” trend to create one of its most-viewed videos. The content was simple, fun, and highly shareable—perfect for TikTok’s algorithm.

2. Creating Viral Contests

TikTok users love participating in challenges. Launch your own contest using a branded hashtag, and consider partnering with influencers to give it a viral push.

Example:
Chipotle’s #GuacDance challenge—celebrating National Avocado Day—invited users to showcase their moves. Featuring influencer Brent Rivera, the campaign exploded, earning over 850,000 likes on his video alone.

3. Posting Relatable Content

Success on TikTok isn’t just about flashy videos—it’s about authenticity and storytelling. Whether you’re aiming to entertain or educate, focus on creating content that resonates emotionally with your audience.

Pro tip: Use a casual tone, show behind-the-scenes moments, or highlight real customer experiences to connect more deeply.

6. WeChat

Visit: https://www.wechat.com/

Founded: 2011

Monthly Active Users (2024): 1.3 billion

Demographics:

• 52% male, 48% female.
• Most popular in China, Malaysia, and India.

Why users visit:

WeChat is a one-stop app for chatting, sharing updates, reading news, making payments, and interacting with brands. Its unique combination of social, payment, and service features makes it a powerful platform for both communication and commerce.

With WeChat, businesses can go far beyond messaging, offering full-service experiences including e-commerce, customer support, and branded content through its multifunctional ecosystem.

Boost Your Business on WeChat By:

1. Creating an Official Service Account

A service account gives your brand a verified presence and enables direct communication with users.

Benefits:

• Ideal for sharing order updates, promotions, and support.
• Allows creation of a self-service menu.
• Supports posting up to four times per month (up to 8 articles each time).

Perfect for customer service, announcements, and transactional updates.

2. Creating an Official Subscription Account

Want to publish more frequently? Set up a subscription account to actively share branded content.

Benefits:

• Posts appear in the “Subscriptions” folder.
• Users can discover your content via search.
• Allows posting daily content (up to 8 articles/videos per day).

Best for content-driven campaigns and brand awareness.

3. Designing Mini-Programs

WeChat’s mini-programs let brands create in-app experiences such as e-commerce stores or interactive tools.

Why it works:

• Users can browse product catalogs, place orders, and pay—all within WeChat.
• Stores are searchable and can be shared directly in chats or feeds.

Ideal for e-commerce brands looking to drive seamless in-app purchases.

7. Facebook Messenger

Visit: https://www.messenger.com/

Founded: 2008

Monthly Active Users (2024): 1 billion

Demographics:

• Most used by people aged 25–34 (32.5%).
• Most popular in the Philippines, the United States, and Vietnam (Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why users visit:

Facebook Messenger, the standalone messaging platform integrated with Facebook, is widely used for text, voice, and video communication. It’s also a valuable channel for businesses to offer personalized support, share updates, and engage users through chatbots and automation.

Interestingly, about 96% of Messenger traffic comes from desktop, making it unique among messaging apps.

Boost Your Business on Facebook Messenger By:

1. Creating a Chat Plugin

Embed Messenger directly into your website to instantly connect with visitors.

Use Case:
When someone clicks the chat icon, a Messenger window opens for real-time support or queries—creating a seamless omnichannel experience.

Example:
BlendJet uses Facebook Messenger as a chatbot on its website to assist customers instantly.

2. Sending Automated Messages

Set up pre-written responses to address FAQs, send greetings, or acknowledge messages when you’re offline.

Features:

• Custom greetings.
• Away messages.
• Auto-replies for common inquiries.

Ideal for improving response times and delivering a consistent experience.

Setting Up Click-to-Messenger Ads
Run targeted ads on Facebook or Instagram that lead users straight into a Messenger conversation.

Why it’s effective:
This strategy helps start personalized sales conversations, resolve customer doubts, and provide timely support, moving users down the funnel faster.

8. Telegram

Visit: telegram.org

Launched: 2013

Monthly Active Users (2024): 900 million

User Demographics: 57% male, 43% female. Most popular among users aged 25–34 (29%). Key markets include Russia, India, and Brazil (Source: Semrush Traffic Analytics).

Why Users Love Telegram:
People use Telegram to join niche interest groups, message securely, and participate in rich discussions. With the introduction of Telegram Business, users can now connect directly with their favorite brands.

At its core, Telegram is a community-first messaging platform.

It’s ideal for creating broadcast groups and branded communities. Businesses can share messages, voice notes, images, and videos with ease.

Ways to Grow Your Business on Telegram:
Automated Replies
With Telegram Business, you can set up instant replies to greet users or handle FAQs. Automated responders can help gather user info from the very first message.

Example: A bakery uses a welcome message to start conversations automatically.

Broadcast Channels
Use broadcast channels to send updates, showcase products, or announce news to your followers—without needing to manage replies.

AI Chatbot Integration
Build a chatbot to provide 24/7 support. These bots can be configured to handle selected chats and integrate with your systems.

9. Snapchat

Visit: snapchat.com

Launched: 2011

Monthly Active Users (2024): 800 million

User Demographics: Dominantly used by 18–24-year-olds (37.8%). Key markets include the U.S., India, and Saudi Arabia (Source: Semrush Traffic Analytics).

What Users Do Here:
Snap and send photos/videos, play with AR filters, and discover new content. Snapchat reaches 90% of Gen Z (ages 13–24) in over 25 countries.

Snapchat is all about visual, playful, and time-sensitive content.
With 75+ million unique monthly visitors, it’s a valuable platform for creative and interactive brand campaigns.

Ways to Grow Your Business on Snapchat:
Ad Campaigns: Snapchat supports various ad types:

• Story Ads to boost brand awareness.
• Collection Ads to drive product sales.
• You can also add a retargeting ad to re-engage users who interacted with the first.

Collaborate with Creators
Use Snapchat’s Creator Hub to find influencers for branded partnerships. Sponsored content gets labeled, and creators can tag your brand in their regular stories for more visibility.
Example: A creator collaborates with Levi’s using the “Paid Partnership” tag.

Share Branded Stories
Post engaging stories in the Discover section. These are clickable and visually rich—perfect for promoting products, events, or user-generated content.

10. QQ

Visit: im.qq.com

Launched: 1999

Monthly Active Users (2024): 554 million

User Demographics: Extremely popular in China, especially among Gen Z.

What Users Do Here:
Chat via text or voice, join interest-based groups, play online games, and shop digitally. QQ combines messaging, entertainment, and e-commerce in one platform.

QQ is a multifunctional app central to digital life in China.
It’s a great choice for brands targeting younger Chinese audiences through personalized messaging and community interactions.

Ways to Grow Your Business on QQ:

• Verified Business Account

Share promotional content, news, and cross-platform updates (e.g., from Facebook or Instagram). Verified accounts are easier to discover and are trusted by users.

• E-commerce with Wallet Integration

Add a business wallet to create a store and accept payments directly through QQ.

• Group Chats

Build communities via QQ Groups. Use them to share updates, answer questions, and allow peer-to-peer interaction among users.

How to Choose the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Brand
With over 4.95 billion people using social media today, it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience. But with so many platforms available, selecting the right ones for your business can be overwhelming.

Here are key factors to guide your decision:

1. Know Your Audience

Start by clearly defining who you want to reach. Consider details like:

• Age.
• Gender.
• Interests.
• Content preferences.

Then, research which platforms your target audience uses most. The goal is to meet them where they already spend their time online.

2. Reflect Your Brand Personality

Your brand’s voice and style should influence your platform choices.

Is your brand fun, creative, and visual? Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat may be the right fit.

If it’s more professional or B2B-focused, LinkedIn could be your go-to.

Choose platforms that align with how you want to present your brand to the world.

3. Consider Platform Purpose

Each platform serves a different intent:

• LinkedIn: Career growth, networking, and industry insights.
• TikTok: Entertainment, trends, and short-form video.
• Twitter/X: Real-time news and conversations.
• Pinterest: Inspiration and planning.
• Reddit: Community and discussion.

Ask yourself: Does this platform support my marketing goals? If the answer is yes, it’s worth considering.

4. Match Your Engagement Style

Some platforms thrive on:

• Community engagement (Facebook Groups, Reddit).
• Visual content (Instagram, Pinterest).
• Short-form video (TikTok, YouTube Shorts).
• Direct communication (WhatsApp, Telegram).

Think about how you prefer to engage with your audience and what type of content you can consistently produce.

5. Assess Your Resources

Look at your team size, time availability, and budget.

Can you manage daily content creation, community management, and paid ads on multiple platforms?

If not, start small and focus on platforms that offer the best ROI for your efforts.

Another helpful way to choose the right social media platforms for you? Review what’s working well for your competitors. A quick competitor analysis can also help in making an informed decision.

Struggling to grow online? Engage Coders helps US businesses boost visibility and engagement through expert social media marketing strategies and content. Contact us today!