This guide covers 20+ social media platforms, each with at least 100 million active users, to help you expand your brand’s reach and connect effectively with your audience.
- With 5.17 billion people now using social media worldwide—more than double the number in 2015—these platforms have become essential for growing brands and connecting with customers.
- On average, social media users interact with 6.7 platforms and spend around 2 hours and 20 minutes daily online.
- This huge reach includes 63.7% of the global population, with 86.1% of people aged 18 and older actively using social media.
- Major platforms like Facebook (3.07 billion monthly users), YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok play a central role in helping brands capture attention and build connections.
Social Media Platforms
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Facebook Messenger
- Telegram
- Snapchat
- Douyin
- Kuaishou
- Quora
- Microsoft Teams
- Tieba
Facebook – The Dominant Social Giant
- Company: Meta Platforms
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2004
- Monthly Active Users (MAUs): 3.07 billion
- Daily Active Users: 2.11 billion
Facebook remains the world’s most popular social media platform with over 3 billion monthly active users. Despite being one of the oldest players in the field, it continues to innovate by integrating new features like Marketplace and Groups, which attract a wide range of audiences. Facebook’s extensive reach and powerful advertising capabilities make it a primary choice for businesses aiming to connect with a global audience.
YouTube – The Video Content Leader
- Company: Alphabet Inc.
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2005
- Monthly Active Users: 2.504 billion
YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, is the world’s largest video-sharing platform. With over 2.5 billion users, it serves as the primary hub for video content, from music videos to educational tutorials. YouTube’s monetization options, such as ads, Super Chats, and memberships, provide creators with multiple revenue streams, enhancing its appeal as a content platform.
WhatsApp – The Ubiquitous Messaging Service
- Company: Meta Platforms
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2009
- Monthly Active Users: 2 billion
WhatsApp dominates the messaging space, particularly in regions like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe. Its simplicity, end-to-end encryption, and free calling features make it a preferred choice for both personal and business communication. WhatsApp’s broad user base and versatility in communication, including groups and business accounts, have positioned it as an essential app for staying connected.
Instagram – The Visual Platform for the Modern Era
- Company: Meta Platforms
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2010
- Monthly Active Users: 2 billion
- Daily Stories Users: 500 million
Instagram, initially a photo-sharing app, has expanded into videos, stories, and shopping. With a visually appealing interface and strong focus on lifestyle and aesthetics, it appeals especially to younger audiences. Features like Reels and Instagram Stories have kept the platform relevant in the age of short-form video content, competing directly with TikTok for user engagement.
TikTok – The Viral Video Sensation
- Company: ByteDance
- Country: China
- Launch Year: 2016
- Monthly Active Users: 1.582 billion
TikTok revolutionized social media with its addictive, short-form video content powered by a highly personalized recommendation algorithm. Known for its viral trends and challenges, TikTok’s appeal spans across various age groups, though it is particularly popular among Gen Z. The platform has spurred new opportunities for influencer marketing and brand promotion through creative video content. You can also read our previous blog post Marketing Tips: Simple Ways to Grow Your Business.
WeChat – China’s Super App
- Company: Tencent
- Country: China
- Launch Year: 2011
- Monthly Active Users: 1.343 billion
WeChat is much more than a messaging app. It is a comprehensive platform offering services from payments to shopping, mini-programs, and social networking. This all-in-one approach has made it indispensable in China, where users can manage almost every aspect of their daily lives without leaving the app. WeChat’s influence extends beyond social networking, embedding itself deeply in the digital ecosystem of China.
Messenger – A Complementary Chat Platform to Facebook
- Company: Meta Platforms
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2011
- Monthly Active Users: 1.01 billion
Facebook Messenger, while closely linked to Facebook, functions as a standalone messaging app. It offers features like video calls, games, and a payment function, making it versatile for both personal and business communication. Messenger is also integrated into various business websites, facilitating direct customer interactions.
Telegram – The Privacy-Centric Messenger
- Company: Telegram
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- Launch Year: 2013
- Monthly Active Users: 950 million
Telegram’s emphasis on privacy, large group chats, and secure messaging has attracted millions of users. Known for its minimal data collection policies and advanced security features, Telegram is favored by those who prioritize privacy in their online communication. Additionally, its channel feature allows creators and brands to broadcast messages to large audiences.
LinkedIn – The Professional Networking Powerhouse
- Company: Microsoft
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2003
- Monthly Active Users: 930 million
LinkedIn remains the leading social network for professionals and businesses. It enables users to network, job search, and share industry insights. LinkedIn’s growth reflects a rising interest in professional branding and remote networking. Companies and recruiters rely heavily on the platform for hiring, making it a crucial tool in the professional ecosystem.
Snapchat – The Pioneer of Disappearing Content
- Company: Snap Inc.
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2011
- Monthly Active Users: 800 million
- Daily Active Users: 414 million
Snapchat’s unique approach to ephemeral content and augmented reality filters has kept it popular, especially among teenagers and young adults. The platform’s innovation in interactive filters and short-lived stories set a trend that other platforms have since adopted. With over 400 million daily active users, Snapchat continues to attract audiences with its playful, interactive approach.
Douyin – TikTok’s Chinese Counterpart
- Company: ByteDance
- Country: China
- Launch Year: 2016
- Monthly Active Users: 755 million
Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, operates independently within China. It includes unique features tailored for its audience, such as in-app shopping and restaurant bookings. Douyin’s seamless integration with e-commerce makes it a powerful tool for brands and content creators within China.
Kuaishou – A Short-Form Video Platform with a Local Focus
- Company: Kuaishou
- Country: China
- Launch Year: 2011
- Monthly Active Users: 700 million
Kuaishou is another major short-form video platform in China, with a distinct focus on more localized content and a strong sense of community. It often features content from rural areas, which resonates with users across different regions in China. This localized approach distinguishes it from the more globalized content of Douyin and TikTok.
Twitter (Now X) – A Platform for Real-Time Information
- Company: X Corp.
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2006
- Monthly Active Users: 550 million
Twitter, rebranded as X, is a platform centered around real-time information sharing. Known for its quick, 280-character updates, it remains popular for news, political discussions, and brand engagement. Twitter is also a vital platform for public discourse, despite changes in recent years under new management.
Reddit – The Front Page of the Internet
- Company: Reddit
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2005
- Monthly Active Users: 500 million
- Daily Active Users: 97 million
Reddit is a unique platform with topic-specific communities known as “subreddits,” where users can discuss anything from technology to hobbies. Its democratic, user-generated content model gives it a distinctive voice, often setting it apart as the go-to place for authentic, community-driven discussions.
Pinterest – The Visual Discovery Engine
- Company: Pinterest
- Country: United States
- Launch Year: 2009
- Monthly Active Users: 498 million
Pinterest serves as a digital inspiration board for everything from fashion and home decor to recipes. Its visual-centric design has made it a popular choice among creative individuals. Additionally, the platform has evolved to support shopping features, making it a valuable marketing channel for brands and businesses.
Weibo – China’s Popular Microblogging Platform
- Company: Weibo Corporation
- Country: China
- Launched: 2009
- Monthly Active Users: 586 million
- Daily Active Users: 241 million
Weibo, often called the “Twitter of China,” is a platform where users can post updates, images, videos, and links. Like Twitter, it’s widely used for sharing news, discussing trending topics, and following celebrities. With nearly 600 million users, Weibo is a go-to source for real-time information and entertainment in China.
For businesses, Weibo offers a great opportunity to reach the Chinese market. Many brands use it to promote products, share updates, and interact with followers. Weibo is especially effective for brands that want to reach younger, urban Chinese consumers. It also has a large influencer community, which brands can partner with to increase their reach and build trust with audiences.
QQ – Tencent’s Long-Standing Messaging and Social Platform
- Company: Tencent
- Country: China
- Launched: 1999
- Monthly Active Users: 554 million
- Daily Active Users: 267 million
QQ was one of the first social media platforms in China, starting as a messaging app and later expanding to include gaming, music, blogging, and other social features. Today, QQ still has over half a billion users, especially popular among younger people who use it for entertainment, gaming, and chatting.
For businesses, QQ can be a valuable platform to reach China’s younger population. Tencent, the company behind QQ, integrates the platform with its other services, creating a rich experience for users. Brands in entertainment, gaming, or youth-focused industries might find QQ to be a good place to connect with their audience in a casual, fun way.
Quora – A Global Q&A Platform for Knowledge Sharing
- Company: Quora
- Country: United States
- Launched: 2009
- Monthly Active Users: 400 million
Quora is a question-and-answer website where users can ask questions and get answers from the community. Unlike other social media platforms, Quora is mainly text-based and focuses on knowledge sharing across a huge range of topics. With 400 million monthly users, it’s a go-to platform for anyone looking for reliable information or expert opinions.
For businesses, Quora offers a unique chance to establish authority and reach interested audiences. By answering questions related to their industry, brands can build credibility and drive traffic back to their websites. Many companies in technology, education, and lifestyle fields use Quora to connect with users and share valuable insights without direct advertising.
Microsoft Teams – Essential for Business Collaboration
- Company: Microsoft
- Country: United States
- Launched: 2017
- Monthly Active Users: 300 million
- Daily Active Users: 145 million
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration tool used by businesses and schools worldwide. It brings together chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management in one platform. Teams is particularly popular with companies using other Microsoft products, and its role became even more important with the rise of remote work.
For businesses, Teams is essential for efficient remote communication. Its features allow for smooth workflows, video meetings, and real-time collaboration on documents. Many companies also use Teams for hosting webinars and virtual events. Teams is especially valuable for companies focused on productivity and looking for an all-in-one tool for workplace communication.
Tieba – Baidu’s Community Forum Platform
- Company: Baidu
- Country: China
- Launched: 2003
- Monthly Active Users: 300 million
- Registered Users: 1.5 billion
Tieba, also known as Baidu Tieba, is a forum-based platform where users can join communities, called “bars,” centered on specific interests or topics. With a user base of 300 million active users and a huge number of registered accounts, Tieba is a unique online community space in China.
Unlike many social media platforms that focus on image or video sharing, Tieba emphasizes text-based discussions. It’s a popular platform for people interested in specific hobbies, like gaming, TV shows, or academic subjects. Businesses can use Tieba to engage with niche audiences by participating in relevant communities. However, brands need to approach Tieba carefully, as users value authenticity and are quick to spot promotional content.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Brand
Each platform has unique user demographics and engagement styles. Brands should consider:
- Target Audience: For professional networking, LinkedIn with 930 million MAUs (Microsoft, United States) is ideal, while Snapchat (800 million MAUs, Snap Inc., United States) caters to younger users with 414 million daily active users.
- Content Type: For visually driven content, platforms like Pinterest (498 million MAUs) and Instagram are optimal.
- Engagement Goals: Douyin (755 million MAUs, ByteDance, China) and Kuaishou (700 million MAUs, China) are growing video platforms in China that may suit brands targeting that region.
Social Media Platforms FAQ
What are the most popular social media platforms as of 2024, and how many users do they have?
The top social media platforms in 2024, measured by monthly active users (MAUs), are:
- Facebook: 3.07 billion users
- YouTube: 2.5 billion users
- Instagram: 2 billion users
- TikTok: 1.6 billion users
- Snapchat: 850 million users
These platforms continue to dominate due to their large user bases and diverse content offerings, from video streaming on YouTube to image sharing on Instagram and short-form video trends on TikTok.
Why is social media important for businesses and marketers?
Social media offers businesses an expansive reach to a global audience of over 5 billion users. With nearly 60% of the world’s population on these platforms, marketers can increase brand awareness, engage with their target audiences, and build loyal communities.
Social media also allows brands to establish a direct line to customers, providing real-time responses and insights into consumer preferences. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer robust advertising and targeting tools, while Pinterest and LinkedIn serve as valuable spaces for specific niches like retail and professional networking.
How can businesses determine which social media platforms to use?
The key to selecting the right platform is understanding where your target audience is most active.
For example, if targeting Gen Z, TikTok and Snapchat are ideal due to their younger demographics.
For B2B outreach, LinkedIn provides a professional environment and access to decision-makers.
Instagram and Pinterest work well for visual-heavy brands, while Facebook’s large, diverse user base makes it effective for most industries.
Brands should also consider the content format they excel at (video, image, text) and the platform features that align with their goals, such as shoppable posts or ad options.
What are some effective social media marketing strategies for 2024?
Successful social media strategies in 2024 include:
- Video Content: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (with Reels) prioritize short-form and long-form video content, which is highly engaging.
- User-Generated Content (UGC): Encouraging users to create content related to your brand builds trust and boosts engagement, especially on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
- Community Engagement: Building niche communities on Facebook Groups or engaging authentically on Reddit subforums allows brands to connect with dedicated audiences.
- Influencer Partnerships: Working with influencers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube can expand reach and credibility.
- Interactive Content: Using live streams, polls, and Q&A sessions fosters two-way communication, essential for platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
How can businesses measure success on social media?
Social media success can be measured through a variety of metrics, depending on business goals:
- Engagement Metrics: Likes, shares, comments, and direct messages indicate how well content resonates.
- Reach and Impressions: These show how many people see the content, helping brands understand their visibility.
- Conversion Rates: Track clicks on call-to-action (CTA) buttons and sales from social links to measure direct sales impact.
- Follower Growth: An increase in followers on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn suggests brand popularity.
- Ad Performance: On platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, brands can analyze click-through rates (CTR), cost per acquisition (CPA), and return on ad spend (ROAS) for paid campaigns.
Each metric provides insights into different aspects of social media performance, helping businesses refine their approach and ensure their strategy aligns with their goals.
Key Takeaways
- Video is King – Platforms focused on video content, especially short-form video, continue to see exponential growth and engagement.
- Regional Platforms are Growing – Platforms like WeChat and Kuaishou cater specifically to local markets, indicating that regional platforms have the potential to dominate in specific countries.
- Privacy and Security are Essential – Apps like Telegram emphasize privacy, reflecting growing user concern over data security.
- Professional Networking is Evolving – LinkedIn has solidified its place as the leading professional network, adapting to changing job market dynamics and remote work trends.
The future of social media in 2024 is set to be as exciting as ever, with platforms continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs and interests of users worldwide. Whether through video, messaging, or professional networking, social media remains an essential part of the marketing strategies.