The Best Social Media Platforms For Video Content in 2025

Video is everywhere these days. As a typical Millennial, my video consumption mainly revolves around YouTube and Instagram, but no matter which social media platform you check, you’re bound to come across short-form videos while scrolling through your feed.

With TikTok’s future up in the air, many social media platforms are racing to capture its audience by launching new features that support vertical videos. YouTube, Instagram, and even LinkedIn are regularly rolling out updates to boost their video content.

“Everyone wants to be like TikTok, and they’re willing to take a gamble,” says Brian Alves, founder of Marketing Nerds.

Before diving into the wide array of video options available to marketers, let’s first explore why social media videos matter, where audiences are watching them, and some key insights.

Where Are Consumers Watching Social Media Videos?

According to our 2025 State of Marketing Report, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok rank among the social media platforms delivering the highest ROI—making them the top spots where most consumers watch social media videos.

Short-form videos are taking center stage, with 29% of marketers saying it’s their most-used format, and 21% reporting it delivers the highest ROI.

More than ever, people are turning to video for all kinds of information. Whether it’s news, recipes, DIY tips, or product reviews, social media videos are the go-to source—and I’m no exception. A Wyzowl survey reveals that 78% of consumers prefer learning about products and services through videos over other media, and 89% say watching a video has persuaded them to make a purchase.

With stats like these, the impact of social media videos is undeniable. So, without further delay, here are the top video platforms and a summary of their latest video features and updates.

14 Best Social Media Video Platforms

1. YouTube

YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform and the second-largest social media site, with global users expected to exceed 2.85 billion in 2025. It’s also unique in having captured a significant share of the TV streaming market.

In February 2025, CEO Neal Mohan revealed that more viewers now watch YouTube on their TVs than on mobile devices. That same month, YouTube surpassed major broadcasters like Disney and FOX in terms of TV viewing time, according to Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge.

So, if you’re considering adding YouTube to your video marketing or social media strategy, the data clearly supports making that move.

What I appreciate most about YouTube is its flexibility in hosting a wide range of video formats—from live streams and short clips to long-form content—and the variety of tools it offers to help you bring your creative vision to life.

Plus, YouTube’s Community tab lets you engage with your audience between uploads, fostering ongoing interaction.

Other key features and benefits include:

• AI-generated transcriptions and captions
• Easy-to-manage privacy settings
• Paid promotion options on both YouTube and Google
• The ability to organize videos into playlists
• Detailed analytics and management through YouTube Studio
• Monetization opportunities via the YouTube Partner Program
• A vast, royalty-free audio library

2. TikTok

TikTok is a powerful platform for reaching Gen Z audiences.

Our 2024 Consumer Trends Report shows that 48% of Gen Z consumers prefer discovering new products through short-form videos on TikTok, and 72% have used the app in the past three months.

Plus, TikTok Shop fueled a 26% growth in social commerce in 2024, according to EMARKETER.

Some of my favorite TikTok marketing features include:

• Live stream shopping capabilities
• Multiple monetization options, including viewer gifts
• Hashtags that boost engagement and build communities
• Advertising options for business accounts
• A constantly expanding library of trending songs and sounds

3. Instagram

Instagram remains popular with Gen Z, with 72% reporting usage in the last three months. It’s an excellent platform for promoting and selling products directly within the app.

Instagram has heavily invested in Reels, releasing numerous updates and new features recently.

One of the most exciting changes for me is the ability to upload videos up to three minutes long, up from 90 seconds—no more rushing to trim TikTok videos just to repost.

Top Instagram features include:

• E-commerce capabilities through Instagram storefronts
• Live streaming
• Shoppable Stories

4. Facebook

Facebook tends to resonate more with Millennials and Gen X, but our Consumer Trends Report shows it remains strong across all age groups, with 82% of consumers still using it.

Facebook is particularly effective for local businesses like landscaping or home improvement. According to Brian Alves, you can post about your services or participate in local recommendations—just be sure to check the neighborhood page rules and moderators first.

Key Facebook features include:

• Facebook Live
• Facebook Stories
• Paid Video Ads
• Community pages to engage with your audience

5. Snapchat

If your goal is to connect with younger audiences, Snapchat is a great choice—nearly 40% of its global users are Gen Z.

Marketing on Snapchat can be a bit challenging since the app’s core appeal is sharing photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, making it more suited for personal interactions.

That said, marketers can take advantage of features like Snap Ads, Story Ads, Collection Ads, and my personal favorite—customizable AR filters—to boost brand awareness and engagement.

6. Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform primarily known for gaming, but you don’t have to be in the gaming world to take advantage of it.

For example, in 2024, Gillette tapped into Twitch’s gamer audience with their “Hit Reset with Gillette” campaign. They partnered with popular streamers and sponsored Twitch Rivals, the platform’s e-sports tournament.

Twitch is also rolling out new features to help brands and streamers build partnerships. They’re testing sponsored subscriptions, allowing brands to gift or subsidize subscriptions during live streams. Sponsors can create custom channel skins—overlay graphics on streams similar to TV ad banners.

In 2025, Twitch made it easier for creators to connect with sponsors by launching Creator Profiles, a sort of digital portfolio with stats and channel info that creators can share outside the platform. They also partnered with StreamElements, integrating tools directly into Twitch dashboards for streamlined sponsor management.

Some of my favorite Twitch features are:

• Monetization through affiliate and partner programs
• Stream scheduling
• Live comments and chat interaction
• Channel analytics

7. X (formerly Twitter)

X is jumping on the video bandwagon too. In January 2025, it introduced a dedicated video tab, similar to TikTok’s format.

For newcomers, users without an X subscription can upload videos up to 140 seconds long. Subscribers on iOS and desktop can upload videos up to four hours, while Android subscribers can upload videos up to 10 minutes.

8. Bluesky

Bluesky, a competitor to X, has been gradually adding video features since launching in 2024. As of 2025, users can upload videos up to three minutes long and pin a customized video feed within the app.

Though still fairly new and proudly ad-free, Bluesky has been generating lively conversations and engagement. Early adopters include news outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe, alongside brands such as Netflix, Steam, and Calm, which regularly post there.

9. LinkedIn

LinkedIn has made major moves into video content. In 2024, it introduced in-feed video carousels and launched a dedicated video tab within the app. The platform also debuted its Wire Program, allowing select brands to run pre-roll ads before video streams from top publishers like Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. By 2025, the Wire Program expanded to include more businesses.

And the investment seems to be paying off—Microsoft reported that in Q4, video became the fastest-growing content format on LinkedIn.

Marketing expert Brian Alves pointed out in his newsletter that LinkedIn’s algorithm is increasingly favoring video, saying, “Be like TikTok or die.” However, he also emphasizes the importance of tailoring content to the platform.

“If you’re discussing business topics, entrepreneurial challenges, or leadership insights—LinkedIn is where your message will resonate,” Alves explains.

10. Pinterest

Pinterest is a haven for inspiration—whether you’re planning a wardrobe refresh or reimagining your living room. Because it’s essentially a digital mood board, video content performs exceptionally well.

Take Etsy, for example. With 11 million followers and 10 million monthly views, their Pinterest presence is filled with curated boards on DIY, weddings, home decor, and more. Mixed among the pins are engaging videos showcasing tutorials and unique handmade products.

Pinterest also offers strong marketing tools to elevate your brand’s reach:

• Shoppable Video Ads: Short clips featuring products that match a user’s interests.
• Personalized Collection Ads: A visually engaging format that combines one large “hero” asset with three smaller ones—either photos or videos—for a dynamic, tailored experience.

11. Tumblr

Tumblr TV is back—and with a fresh look. Originally launched in 2015 as a limited GIF finder, Tumblr TV made a comeback in 2025 with its own tab on users’ dashboards.

What sets it apart is its blend of content. The feed features curated channels, a recommendation section, and media carousels that mix GIFs, images, and videos—offering a distinct viewing experience compared to other platforms.

Despite mixed reactions from longtime users, Tumblr’s timing makes sense. Gen Z now accounts for 50% of active users and 60% of new sign-ups, according to Business Insider. Interest also spiked when TikTok faced temporary bans in the U.S. and X was restricted in Brazil.

12. Discord

Discord is a powerhouse for community marketing. Brands often create dedicated servers as hubs where followers can engage through interest-based channels.

Video plays a key role in activating these communities. Brands can:

• Host product launch events with live video demonstrations.
• Hold watch parties to foster real-time engagement.
• Use Stage Channels for presentations and speaker-led sessions, supported by interactive text chats.

This combination of real-time video and chat helps brands offer exclusive, immersive experiences to their audience.

13. Nextdoor

Nextdoor focuses on neighborhood-level connections, making it ideal for hyperlocal marketing. From local business recommendations to garden discoveries, the app thrives on community trust.

Alves recommends Nextdoor for service-based businesses, and for good reason—79% of users say they’ve visited a business they saw on the app.

Key video features include:

• Video ads up to three minutes long.
• Dynamic local substitution which customizes ad copy with location-specific terms to boost relevance.

This local-first approach makes Nextdoor a great platform for building trust and visibility within your immediate community.

14. Substack

Substack is shaking things up with video. In January 2025, CEO Chris Best offered a $25,000 TikTok Liberation Prize to encourage creators to move their talents off TikTok and onto Substack.

By March 2025, Substack introduced a scrollable video feed within the app—further expanding its content formats.

As Annie-Mai Hodge of Girl Power Marketing notes, this move supports a broader shift: brands are using Substack not just to publish, but to express values and build intentional communities.

Video now adds a personal, engaging layer—perfect for behind-the-scenes content, brand storytelling, or thought leadership in an owned space.

Navigating Social Media Content

Social media and content marketing are evolving faster than ever—and one trend is clear: short-form vertical videos aren’t going anywhere.

Keeping up with each platform’s updates can feel overwhelming. But once you find your rhythm on one or two platforms, staying on top of algorithm changes is worth the effort. It ensures your content stays visible, engaging, and ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re experimenting with new video features or doubling down on community-based strategies, the key is staying adaptable and informed.

At Engage Coders, we help brands stay ahead by creating tailored social media strategies that evolve with the platforms. From short-form video content to paid ad campaigns, we ensure your message reaches the right audience at the right time.

Ready to elevate your social media presence? Let Engage Coders be your partner in digital growth. Contact us today!