35 Most Popular Social Media Platforms Right Now [2025 Update]
See the most popular social media platforms in 2025! We rank the top 35 by users, features, and trends. Find out which platforms dominate today!
Keeping up with social media feels impossible, right? New platforms rise, old ones fade, and with 5.42 billion users online in 2025, everyone’s fighting for attention.
Brands are pouring in money—$276.7 billion in ad spend—because they know where users go, money follows. But with 6.83 platforms used per month, which ones actually matter?
This guide ranks the most popular social media platforms right now. Whether you're a creator, marketer, or just trying to stay ahead, here’s where people are spending their time.
Key takeaways
- YouTube dominates social media in 2025 with 3.9 billion active users, reaching 47.5% of the world’s population.
- The average person uses 6.83 social media platforms per month, showing that users spread their attention across multiple apps.
- Global social media ad spend is projected to hit $276.7 billion, proving that brands are investing heavily in digital marketing.
- U.A.E. has the highest social media penetration at 100.3%, meaning more accounts exist than people due to duplicates and business profiles.
- Gen Z prefers video-based platforms, with 93% using YouTube, 76% on Instagram, and 59% on TikTok.
Which social media platform has the most users in 2025?
You’ll be shocked at who’s on top—it’s not Facebook. YouTube now dominates with 3.9 billion users, meaning 47.5% of the world watches videos every month. Video isn’t the future—it’s the now.
Facebook has officially been dethroned. Once the king, it’s now #2 with 2.1 billion users—proof that people are ditching traditional feeds for video-first platforms.
TikTok and Instagram are riding the short-form wave. Fast, engaging content is winning, keeping users hooked like never before.
Messaging apps are shaking things up. WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram are climbing fast, proving that private chats are the new social feeds.
Now, we know who’s leading—but that’s not the full picture. Let’s dive into the top-ranking social media platforms of 2025 and see where the biggest opportunities for growth are.
Top 35 most popular social media platforms ranked by users in 2025
Not every platform is worth your time. A massive user base means nothing if your audience isn’t there.
The key is to be where your customers are. Focus on the right platforms to maximize engagement and ROI.
Here are the top 35 most popular social media platforms ranked by monthly active users (MAUs) in 2025.
The biggest social media platforms in 2025
| Rank | Platform | Parent Company | Monthly Active Users (MAUs) | Estimated Monthly Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YouTube | Alphabet (Google) | 3.9 billion | 70.4 billion |
| 2 | Meta | 2.1 billion | 13.1 billion | |
| 3 | Meta | 1.6 billion | 7.2 billion | |
| 4 | Tencent | 1.38 billion | N/A | |
| 5 | Reddit Inc. | 1.1 billion | 6.2 billion | |
| 6 | Messenger | Meta | 1.01 billion | 299 million |
| 7 | TikTok | ByteDance | 954 million | 2.6 billion |
| 8 | X (formerly Twitter) | X Corp. | 909 million | 4.6 billion |
| 9 | Telegram | Telegram LLC | 900 million | 721 million |
| 10 | Viber | Rakuten | 820 million | N/A |
These platforms dominate in specific regions or cater to niche communities.
| Rank | Platform | Parent Company | Monthly Active Users (MAUs) | Estimated Monthly Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snapchat | Snap Inc. | 800 million | 233 million |
| 2 | Douyin (China’s TikTok) | ByteDance | 748 million | N/A |
| 3 | Kuaishou | Kuaishou Technology | 714 million | N/A |
| 4 | Baidu Tieba | Baidu | 676 million | 1 billion |
| 5 | Sina Weibo | Sina Corporation | 583 million | N/A |
| 6 | Meta | 571 million | 3.8 billion | |
| 7 | Qzone | Tencent | 562 million | N/A |
| 8 | Tencent | 554 million | N/A | |
| 9 | Quora | Quora Inc. | 437 million | 997 million |
| 10 | Pinterest Inc. | 417 million | 1.3 billion |
Platforms that focus on professional networking, entertainment, or niche content are carving out strong user bases.
| Rank | Platform | Parent Company | Monthly Active Users (MAUs) | Estimated Monthly Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft | 386 million | 1.6 billion | |
| 2 | Spotify (Social Features) | Tencent | 345 million | 911 million |
| 3 | Bilibili | Bilibili Inc. | 336 million | 809 million |
| 4 | Microsoft Teams | Microsoft | 320 million | 1.8 billion |
| 5 | Vimeo | Vimeo Inc. | 300 million | 67 million |
| 6 | Threads | Meta | 275 million | 192 million |
| 7 | VK (VKontakte) | Gazprombank | 250 million | 1.4 billion |
| 8 | ShareChat | Mohalla Tech | 250 million | N/A |
| 9 | Discord | Discord Inc. | 209 million | 1 billion |
| 10 | Xiaohongshu (RedNote) | Xiaohongshu | 200 million | 73 million |
These platforms serve specific communities, content creators, or alternative audiences looking for non-mainstream social networks.
| Rank | Platform | Parent Company | Monthly Active Users (MAUs) | Estimated Monthly Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LINE | Naver Corporation | 178 million | 261 million |
| 2 | Twitch | Amazon | 175 million | 1.8 billion |
| 3 | Tumblr | Automattic | 70 million | 234 million |
| 4 | Medium | A Medium Corporation | 81 million | 146 million |
| 5 | Rumble | Rumble Inc. | 20 million | 82 million |
Fastest-growing social media platforms in 2025
Not all social media platforms are growing at the same pace.
While giants like YouTube and Facebook hold the most users, others are rapidly gaining traction, shifting how people engage online.
Below are seven high-growth social networks that are seeing surging user numbers, search demand, and engagement in 2025.
1. Telegram – The go-to platform for private messaging
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +367%
- Search Demand: 30.4M monthly searches
Telegram is thriving as users demand more privacy. The app offers end-to-end encryption, large file sharing, and groups of up to 200,000 members.
With Telegram Premium attracting over 1M paid users in under six months, it’s clear that people are willing to pay for a secure, ad-free experience.
2. TikTok – Still the king of short-form video
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +733%
- Search Demand: 83.1M monthly searches
Despite regulatory battles, TikTok continues to dominate short-form video.
Its powerful For You Page algorithm gives anyone the chance to go viral, making it the most engaging platform for creators and brands.
3. RedNote (Xiaohongshu) – Social media meets e-commerce
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +9900% (99x growth)
- Search Demand: 450K monthly searches
RedNote blends social media and shopping, offering a mix of Instagram, Pinterest, and Amazon.
With Western creators jumping on the platform due to TikTok’s uncertain future, RedNote is quickly becoming a global player in influencer-driven commerce.
4. Discord – Where communities go to connect
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +188%
- Search Demand: 30.4M monthly searches
Originally built for gamers, Discord has expanded into business, education, and private creator communities.
Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, Discord gives full control to users, making it the go-to for exclusive communities and brand engagement.
5. WhatsApp – Messaging, but make it business-friendly
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +112%
- Search Demand: 151M monthly searches
WhatsApp is no longer just for personal chats. Its business tools, AI chatbots, and in-app shopping are turning it into a customer service and marketing powerhouse.
With over 571M active users, WhatsApp is now a critical platform for global business communication.
6. Reddit – The future of community-driven content
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +140%
- Search Demand: 30.4M monthly searches
As users grow frustrated with algorithm-heavy feeds, Reddit’s community-first model is winning.
With 1.1B active users, brands and creators are flocking to Reddit for authentic engagement and long-form discussions.
7. Douyin – TikTok’s powerful twin in China
- User Growth Rate (5 Years): +733%
- Search Demand: 1M monthly searches
Douyin, TikTok’s China-exclusive version, is booming in e-commerce and live shopping.
With 748M users, its deep integration with online shopping makes it one of the most profitable social platforms globally.
What’s fueling this rapid growth?
Short-form video and community-driven platforms are winning. TikTok, Douyin, and RedNote are leading the shift toward engaging, AI-driven content.
Messaging apps are evolving beyond chats. WhatsApp and Telegram are growing as business and marketing channels.
Users want more control over their online experience. Platforms like Discord and Reddit are thriving because they prioritize user-driven engagement.
Want to know where your audience is most active? Next, we’ll explore regional trends and how social media use varies worldwide.
Social media usage by country
Social media adoption varies across the globe. Some countries have nearly 100% of their population online, while others still have room for massive growth.
Here’s a breakdown of where social media is most dominant and what it means for marketers in 2025.
The most active country: U.A.E. (100.3% penetration)
Yes, you read that right—U.A.E. has more social media accounts than people. With 100.3% penetration, duplicate accounts and business profiles push the numbers past 100%.
For comparison, the global average social media penetration is 63.9%, meaning about 2 in 3 people worldwide use social platforms regularly.
Social media penetration by country (2025 data)
| Country | % of Total Population on Social Media | % of Adults (18+) on Social Media |
|---|---|---|
| Global Average | 63.9% | 86.6% |
| United States | 73% | 81.5% |
| United Kingdom | 79% | 87% |
| Canada | 79.4% | 87.8% |
| Australia | 77.9% | 87.8% |
| India | 33.7% | 43.1% |
| U.A.E. | 100.3% | N/A |
Western countries are already saturated. The U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia all have around 80% adoption, meaning most people who will use social media already do.
India’s social media adoption is still low. With just 33.7% penetration, less than half the global average, India is a massive opportunity for future growth.
Social media in the U.S.: 253 million users and counting
The U.S. has 253 million active social media users in 2025, making up 73% of the total population.
Who’s using social media in the U.S.?
By Gender:
- Women use social media more than men. 78% of females are active, compared to 66% of males.
- Platforms matter. Women dominate Pinterest and Snapchat, while men lean toward YouTube and X (Twitter).
By Ethnicity:
- Hispanic Americans are the most engaged with 80% using social media.
- Black Americans follow closely at 77% adoption.
- White Americans have the lowest usage at 69%.
By Age Group:
- Young adults (18-29): 84% are on social media
- Millennials (30-49): 81% stay active
- Gen X (50-64): 73% still use social platforms
- Boomers (65+): Only 45% are on social media, showing a major drop in adoption
Why this matters for marketers
- Gen Z and Millennials are driving engagement. If your audience is under 50 years old, social media is a must-have marketing channel.
- Hispanic and Black Americans have higher engagement rates. Brands targeting these demographics should focus on mobile-first, video-heavy platforms where engagement is highest.
- Older audiences need different marketing strategies. While only 45% of seniors use social media, they are highly active on Facebook and YouTube.
Who uses social media? Key audience insights by age and income
If you’re marketing on social media, understanding your audience is non-negotiable. Let’s break down who’s using which platforms in 2025.
Social media usage by age: Gen Z dominates, older users stick to familiar platforms
| Platform | 18-29 | 30-49 | 50-64 | 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68% | 78% | 70% | 59% | |
| 76% | 66% | 36% | 19% | |
| 40% | 41% | 30% | 15% | |
| X (Twitter) | 38% | 25% | 15% | 8% |
| 43% | 43% | 33% | 22% | |
| Snapchat | 65% | 32% | 14% | 4% |
| YouTube | 93% | 94% | 86% | 65% |
| 30% | 40% | 28% | 18% | |
| 46% | 35% | 11% | 4% | |
| TikTok | 59% | 40% | 26% | 10% |
| BeReal | 10% | 2% | 1% | <1% |
Gen Z (18-29) is all-in on video and visuals. 76% use Instagram, 65% are on Snapchat, and 59% scroll TikTok. If you’re marketing to younger audiences, static content won’t cut it.
Millennials (30-49) split their attention. They’re active on Instagram (66%) and TikTok (40%) but still rely on Facebook (78%). They’re also big on YouTube (94%).
Older generations stick to traditional platforms. Facebook is the go-to for 70% of 50-64-year-olds and 59% of seniors.
If your audience skews older, video on YouTube (65%) and Facebook is your best bet.
Social media usage by gender: Women lead in engagement
| Platform | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 61% | 78% | |
| 44% | 55% | |
| 35% | 30% | |
| X (Twitter) | 25% | 17% |
| 19% | 51% | |
| Snapchat | 23% | 31% |
| YouTube | 87% | 83% |
| 28% | 32% | |
| 28% | 20% | |
| TikTok | 26% | 39% |
| BeReal | 2% | 3% |
Women dominate Facebook (78%), Pinterest (51%), and TikTok (39%). These platforms thrive on community-driven, visually engaging content.
Men are more active on YouTube (87%), X (25%), and Reddit (28%). Long-form and discussion-based content work better for male-heavy audiences.
Social media usage by ethnicity: Hispanic and Black users lead on mobile-first platforms
| Platform | White | Black | Hispanic | Asian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | 73% | 69% | 65% | |
| 45% | 52% | 59% | 62% | |
| 33% | 34% | 24% | 50% | |
| X (Twitter) | 19% | 24% | 22% | 26% |
| 37% | 36% | 35% | 25% | |
| Snapchat | 25% | 28% | 33% | 26% |
| YouTube | 82% | 88% | 89% | 93% |
| 22% | 36% | 56% | 39% | |
| 24% | 18% | 22% | 42% | |
| TikTok | 26% | 50% | 48% | 31% |
| BeReal | 3% | 2% | 2% | 5% |
Hispanic (56%) and Black users (36%) drive WhatsApp’s growth. Brands targeting these demographics should leverage WhatsApp for direct communication.
TikTok is massive for Black (50%) and Hispanic (48%) users. If you're marketing to these audiences, short-form video should be a priority.
LinkedIn has the strongest adoption among Asian users (50%). If your brand targets professionals, LinkedIn is a must.
Where to invest in social media marketing (and what to avoid)
Not every platform is worth your time. Chasing the biggest user base is a waste if your audience isn’t engaged there.
- Video-first platforms are dominating.
- Gen Z and Millennials are shifting to social commerce.
- Facebook is losing younger users but still holds value.
- LinkedIn is where high-value leads are.
- Messaging apps are evolving into marketing powerhouses.
- Community-driven platforms like Reddit and Discord are goldmines.
The verdict? Adapt or fall behind. Brands that invest in video, community, and direct messaging will dominate in 2025. Those that don’t? They’ll be forgotten.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Got questions? We’ve got the answers.
What are the top 5 social media platforms?
The top 5 social media platforms in 2025 are YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, and Reddit, ranked by monthly active users.
What is the #1 most used social media?
The #1 most used social media in 2025 is YouTube, with 3.9 billion monthly active users, covering 47.5% of the world’s population.
What social media does Gen Z use the most?
The social media Gen Z uses the most is YouTube (93%), Instagram (76%), and TikTok (59%), favoring video-first platforms.
What are the top 5 popular apps in social media?
The top 5 popular apps in social media by downloads and engagement are TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
Final thoughts
The most popular social media platforms that drive real engagement are shifting, and your strategy needs to keep up.
- Video-first content wins. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels dominate user attention—traditional static posts won’t cut it.
- Audience behavior is evolving. Gen Z is on TikTok and Instagram, while Facebook remains strong with older users.
- Messaging and communities are key. WhatsApp, Reddit, and Discord offer deeper engagement beyond public feeds.
Want to make sure your social media strategy is built for 2025? Cropink helps brands navigate the latest trends, optimize engagement, and drive real results. Get started today!
Sources
- Sproutsocial. 80+ Must-know social media marketing statistics for 2025
- Exploding Topics. Top 35 Social Media Platforms (2025)
- BACKLINKO. Social Media Usage & Growth Statistics
- Pew Research Center. Social Media Fact Sheet
Ansherina helps brands create powerful digital marketing and performance marketing strategies. With a passion for ad design and audience engagement, she is dedicated to making brands more visible and impactful.
Leszek is the Digital Growth Manager at Feedink & Cropink, specializing in organic growth for eCommerce and SaaS companies. His background includes roles at Poland's largest accommodation portal and FT1000 companies, with his work featured in Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, and TechRepublic.
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