Social media platforms play a role in our lives in the digital world. Whether for specific connections or business growth. These platforms feed various desires, making them essential tools for particular and professional lives.
Each platform has its special features, benefits for colorful purposes, and disadvantages. So, we’ve to choose the social media platform precisely. Let’s explore some of the most popular social media platforms in 2025, exploring their preface, features, and business uses.
Top 12 Social Media Platforms
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- Discord
- Telegram
- Messenger
- Threads
Top Social Media Platforms Comparison Table
| Ranking | Name | Company | Founder(s) | Monthly Active Users (MAUs) | Notable Feature | Per day Use |
| 1 | Meta Platforms | Mark Zuckerberg | 3.06 billion | Extensive global reach | 33 minutes | |
| 2 | Meta Platforms | Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger | 2 billion | Visual content sharing | 29 minutes | |
| 3 | YouTube | Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim | 2.53 billion | Video content platform | 19 minutes | |
| 4 | TikTok | ByteDance | Zhang Yiming | 1.69 billion | Short-form video content | 52 minutes |
| 5 | Snapchat | Snap Inc. | Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy | 750 million | Ephemeral messaging | 30 minutes |
| 6 | Microsoft | Reid Hoffman | 900 million | Professional networking | 17 minutes | |
| 7 | X Corp. | Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, Evan Williams | 619 million | Real-time microblogging | 31 minutes | |
| 8 | Meta Platforms | Jan Koum, Brian Acton | 2 billion | Instant messaging | 28 minutes | |
| 9 | Discord | Discord Inc. | Jason Citron, Stan Vishnevskiy | 227 million | Community-based voice and text chat | 20 minutes |
| 10 | Telegram | Telegram FZ LLC | Pavel Durov | 950 million | Secure messaging | 25 minutes |
| 11 | Messenger | Meta Platforms | Meta Platforms | 931 million | Integrated with Facebook | 20 minutes |
| 12 | Threads | Meta Platforms | Meta Platforms | 300 million | Text-based conversation platform | 10 minutes |
Facebook is a popular social media platform created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. It’s one of the most extensively used platforms in the world. Over 2.9 billion people using it every month and 2.11 billion using it daily.
A survey shows that people spend about 33 minutes a day on Facebook. It has become a global center for communication, networking, and content sharing. Whether for particular connections or professional networking, Facebook is a central platform for online connectivity.
Features
- Specific accounts, and groups to make communities.
- News Feed for updates from creators, family, and followed members.
- Marketplace for buying and dealing products.
- Facebook Live for real-time video streaming.
- Event and timetable integration to organize and attend events.
- Messenger for private messaging.
Use
- Used for entertainment purposes like reels, videos, and posts
- Facebook Advertisements allow businesses to target specific audiences.
- To show products or services and connect with customers.
- Insights and analytics to track engagement and performance.
- Marketplace for dealing products in original and global requests.
- Facebook Shops to integrate e-commerce directly within the platform.
Advantages
It is best for connecting with a wide followership, creating communities, and promoting small to medium-sized businesses. It’s especially strong for brands looking to reach a broad demographic.
Disadvantages
Facebook has some disadvantages, similar to creativities about restoration and data security. Particular information can occasionally be used or misused. It can also lead to screen time, which affect internal health, and real-life connections.
The platform may spread misinformation and dangerous content, which can negatively impact users and society.
Instagram is a well-known social media platform. It was launched in 2010 and bought by Facebook (now Meta), a visual-first social media platform focused on participating designs and videos. Not it is popular for its reels and short videos.
It’s especially popular among youngish generations and creative professionals who use it to show their work and connect with such- inclined individualities. Instagram is used for businesses to sell products and give information about the business through videos and posts.
Features
- P0st and video sharing with advanced features and editing tools.
- Stories for 24-hour disappearing content.
- Rolls for short, engaging videos designed to entertain and inform.
- IGTV for longer, in-depth video content.
- In-app shopping for users to buy products.
Use
- Instagram Advertisements for targeted marketing.
- Instagram shopping lets businesses label product stories.
- Entertainment purpose to spend your spare time.
- Analytics to measure engagement and followership.
- Collaboration tools for working with influencers.
Advantages
It is best for Visual liar, influencer marketing, and brand identity structure. Diligence like fashion, trip, and food thrive on Instagram due to its focus on aesthetics and trends.
Disadvantages
Instagram has some disadvantages, like promoting unrealistic beauty products, which can harm tone, regard and internal health. Spending too much time on the app may reduce productivity and lead to social media dependence.
It also raises sequestration enterprises, as particular information and prints might be misused.
YouTube
YouTube is a video-based social media platform. On which we can see every kind of informational, musical, and entertaining video. It was launched in 2005 and controlled by Google and is a powerful platform for video content.
It’s a target for generators, mentors, and entertainers to share in their work with a global followership. With over 2 billion active users, YouTube is essential for both entertainment and literacy.
Features
- Video uploads in various formats, from tutorials to vlogs.
- YouTube Films for quick, engaging videos similar to TikTok.
- Playlists to organize and classify content.
- Live streaming for real-time commerce.
- Subscription and announcement features to keep users engaged.
Use
- YouTube Advertisements for businesses to reach a wide followership.
- Channels for showcasing products, services, and moxie.
- Tutorials and how-to videos to make trust and educate guests.
- YouTube Partner Program to monetize videos through announcement profit.
Advantages
It is best for Content generators, mentors, and businesses looking to engage cult through high-quality video content. It’s also ideal for studying leadership and entertainment.
Disadvantages
YouTube has some disadvantages, like dangerous content that may not be suitable. Spending too much time on YouTube can lead to reduced productivity. It also shows us advertisements during the videos, which can interrupt the experience.
TikTok
TikTok is a well-known social media platform. It is a short video-based platform. This platform was created by Byte Dance. TikTok has global popularity with its short-form video content. It’s especially popular among young generation.
But it also has a big community of its users. TikTok has 1.58 billion monthly active users globally, with the average user spending around 95 minutes per day. It has a live streaming feature, which provides revenue to users.
Features
- Short videos with music, goods, and creative features.
- Help users discover content on their “For You Page”.
- Duets and cutting for interactive videos.
- Live streaming for real-time engagement with followers.
Use
- To go viral and get followership.
- Tikor Advertisements for creating creative and targeted groups.
- Brand hookups and hashtag challenges to boost visibility.
- Collaborations with influencers to reach niche cults.
- TikTok Shop to buy directly from TikTok app.
Advantages
It is best for Engaging youthful cults, creating viral juggernauts, and showcasing creative content. Tikor is ideal for brands looking to trial with fun and authentic marketing strategies.
Disadvantages
TikTok has some disadvantages, similar to promoting addicting scrolling. Which can waste a lot of time and affect productivity. It may show content not suitable for all periods. Also, there are restoration enterprises, as the app collects a lot of private data.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a growing messaging app that helps users to send pics, messages, and videos. Content will be removed automatically after being viewed. It was launched in 2011 and transformed social media with its disappearing content model.
It has 750 million monthly users, and per user spends 30 to 40 minutes on this social media platform. Known for its fun, casual approach, Snapchat is popular among young users and is honored for its focus on creative features.
Features
- Snap (disappearing pics and videos) for quick communication.
- Stories for temporary updates that are visible to all users.
- Various filters for fun and enjoyment
- Snap Chart to explore more content.
Use
- Many people use it for its various filter
- Snap Advertisements for winning, and full-screen advertisements.
- Lenses for fixed events.
- Discover a section for showcasing curated content.
- Influencer hookups to engage youngish cult effectively.
Advantages
It is best for real time casual communication and connecting with Gen Z. Snapchat is strong in diligence like fashion, beauty, and entertainment where creativity and closeness are important. These advantages make it one of the top social media platforms.
Disadvantages
Snapchat has some disadvantages, like messages and snaps disappearing sharply, which can encourage abuse or make it harder to keep important exchanges. Spending too much time on the app may lead to dependence and distraction from real-life liabilities.
It also raises repossession enterprises, as screenshots or saved content can be participated without authorization.
LinkedIn is a platform which is created for business professionals to promote their services. It was launched in 2003 and created by Reid Hoffman. It is the commanding platform for professional networking.
LinkedIn has over 900 million monthly active users worldwide. It’s designed for career development, job searching, and structured care connections, making it essential for professionals worldwide.
Features
- Professional biographies that act as online resumes.
- Job lists and easy operation processes.
- LinkedIn Learning for skill development and career advancement.
- Groups for industry-specific conversations and networking.
- Papers and posts to show and allow leadership.
Use
- LinkedIn Advertisements for targeting decision-makers
- Company runners to show businesses and share updates.
- Gift results for reclamation and headhunting.
- Content marketing to establish authority and leadership.
Advantages
It is best for Professional networking, gift accession, and B2B marketing. LinkedIn is unmatched for erecting credibility and assiduity connections.
Disadvantages
LinkedIn has some disadvantages, similar to the threat of entering spam messages or fake connection requests from scammers. It can feel inviting to constantly modernize your profile and stay active to maintain visibility.
Also, competition on the platform can occasionally make it hard for users to stand out or find openings.
Twitter(X)
Twitter is a well-known social media platform, popular from the news feed. It is used to spread authentic news and statements from famous personalities. Elon Musk bought it for 44 billion and changed its name to” X”
X has 335.7 million monthly users. On this platform, you can write informational microblogs. Known for real-time updates and public exchanges, it has become a center for news, trends, and public converse.
Features
- Short posts (tweets) with multimedia support.
- Trending hashtags to discover and join popular motifs.
- Vestments for extended exchanges and liars.
- Spaces for live audio conversations with followers.
Use
- Promoted Tweets and advertisements to increase visibility and engagement.
- Real-time client service and commerce with users.
- Structure brand voice and personality through timely content.
- Networking with influencers, intelligencers, and allowed leaders.
Advantages
It is best for participating in quick updates, sharing in public exchanges, and real-time client commerce. Twitter is great for businesses that want to follow and join popular exchanges.
Disadvantages
Twitter has some problems, like fake news that can trick people. The platform can also come inviting with constant updates, making it hard to keep up. Also, it can lead to online bullying or importunity, as some users may misuse the platform to attack others.
WhatsApp is a notorious social media platform, which is used to send dispatches like snaps, vids, and voices. You can add status to convey your messages. It was created by Jan Khoum and Brian Acton.
WhatsApp started in 2009. It’s a veritably popular messaging app. People like it because it’s simple and easy to use. Which makes it perfect for business communication.
Features
- Text, voice, and video calls with high-quality connectivity.
- Group exchanges and broadcast lists for larger exchanges.
- End-to-end encryption for secure communication.
- WhatsApp Web for desktop access.
- Creating communities and WhatsApp channels
Use
- Share important messages
- Use for advertisements to sell products
- WhatsApp Business for client support and promotional messaging.
- Automated replies and quick responses for effectiveness.
- Product registers to show particulars directly within the app.
Advantages
It is best for business and Private communication, client support, and small business creation. WhatsApp is particularly effective for direct, particular engagement with guests.
Disadvantages
WhatsApp has some disadvantages, like the threat of entering spam dispatches or unwanted contact from nonnatives. It can also lead to constant announcements, which can be abstracting and intrude diurnal tasks.
It is also, repossession creativities arise because particular data participates with Facebook, which may make some users uncomfortable.
Discord
Discord is a good social media platform. It has 150 million monthly users and 19 million weekly active hosts. It was founded by Jason Citron. This platform was created for gamers in 2015.
He has grown into a variable platform used by various communities. It focuses on real-time communication with voice, video, and textbook opposite, and has become a center for generators, tech educators, and professionals working in teams.
Features
- Voice and video communication
- High-quality voice channels and video calls.
- Text channels for systematized group conversations.
- Customizable servers for different communities
- Bots and robotization tools to enhance server functionality.
- Like custom emoji’s and advanced-quality streaming.
Use
- Platoon collaboration through private servers
- Technical channels for brainstorming and design operation.
- Real-time engagement with niche communities
- Web3 and gaming startups use Discord to host AMA( Ask Me Anything) sessions
- Streamline client engagement through direct communication
Advantages
Community- structure, real-time collaboration, and engagement among specific interest groups. – Especially useful for niche communities, startups, gaming, and Web3 companies.
Disadvantages
Discord has some disadvantages, like the result of importunity in certain communities. It can also be inviting with too numerous channels and announcements, making it hard to keep track of important messages.
Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app. It’s popular for its speed, security, and inflexibility. It focuses on sequestration including features like secret exchanges with end-to-end encryption and tone-destructing messages.
It was launched in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Duron, Telegram is a messaging app concentrated on speed, insulation, and security. Telegram has grown popular for its capability to support large group exchanges, channels, and content sharing.
Features
- Encrypted messaging with secret exchanges for secure communication.
- Channels and groups for broadcasting messages to large cult
- Store for easy access to messages and media from any device.
- Bots and APIs to produce custom tools and automate tasks.
- Support for train participating up to 2 GB.
Use
- Content distribution via Telegram channels
- Good for updates, news, and multimedia content.
- Community operation through large groups and interactive bots.
- Businesses can use Telegram for client support and communication.
- Marketing campaigns through Telegram’s unique features.
Advantages
This is best for concentrated communication and content distribution. -Large group exchanges, secure dispatches, and managing big communities. -Great for businesses that need to reach users with secure messaging or conduct mass communication. These Advantages makes it one of the top social media platforms.
Disadvantages
Telegram has some disadvantages, similar as the threat of encountering fake news or unmoderated content in some groups. It can also lead to sequestration enterprises, as it stores some data on its waiters. Also, it might be inviting for new users due to its numerous features and settings.
Threads
Threads is a text-based social media platform. It focuses on real-time conversation and sharing posts like Twitter. It has 100 million users in its first launching week. This platform is integrated with Instagram.
It was launched in 2023 by Meta (Facebook), is a microblogging platform designed to give a conversational space concentrated on textbook-grounded posts, analogous to Twitter. It allows users to post studies, updates, and engage in real-time discourses.
Features
- Text-grounded posts with easy-to-use formatting options.
- Algorithmic feed for discovering content.
- Integration with Instagram, allowing for flawless cross-platform linking.
- Real-time exchanges via replies, likes, and reposts.
- Simple, distraction-free interface for quick commerce.
Use
- Content marketing by posting quick updates and engaging in exchanges.
- Figure community by sharing in real-time conversations.
- Brands can use vestments to tease content or direct followers to other platforms.
- Influencers and generators can foster casual, informal engagement with followers.
Advantages
It is best for Real- time, casual engagement in a conversational, microblogging format. – Ideal for generators, brands, and businesses seeking to partake quick updates and interact informally with their followership.
Disadvantages
Telegram has some disadvantages, like limited features compared to other social media platforms, which might make it less charming to some users. It can also be addicting, leading people to spend too much time scrolling through posts.
It is also, as a new app, it may face issues with sequestration and security that haven’t yet been completely addressed.
Messenger
Messenger, developed by Meta, was first a part of Facebook but later came a standalone app. It’s one of the most extensively used messaging apps. It allows users to shoot textbook dispatches, voice notes, and make videotape calls.
Features
- Text, voice, and videotape messaging for flawless communication.
- Group exchanges and media participating for organizing exchanges.
- Integration with Facebook biographies for a connected experience.
- Payment functionality for transferring and entering plutocrat.
- Business tools like automated replies, catboats,
- Appointment booking for client engagement.
Use
- Direct client support through catboats and automated replies.
- Engage with guests through real-time exchanges.
- Messenger Advertisements allow businesses to announce directly to users,
- Appointment scheduling and booking features
- easy for businesses to coordinate with clients
Advantages
It is best for particular communication and direct client engagement. -Small businesses seeking to give quick responses and maintain a Facebook-centric presence.
It is on of the Top social media platforms. Let me know if you’d like any adaptations or further details on these platforms!
Disadvantages
Messenger has some disadvantages, like the constant announcements, which can be abstracting and impose day conditioning. It also requires a Facebook account to use, which can be a sequestration concern for some users. Also, some users may face issues with unwanted dispatches or spam.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What are the Top 10 Social Media platforms?
Ans:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Snapchat
2. What are the top 5 social media platforms?
Ans:
| Ranking | Social Media Network | Monthly Active Users |
| 1 | 3.06 billion | |
| 2 | YouTube | 2.70 billion |
| 3 | 2.40 billion | |
| 4 | 2.35 billion | |
| 5 | TikTok | 1.04 billion |
3. What social media is Gen Z using?
Ans: The big 4 glossary are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.