11 best social media platforms of 2024

Monthly Active Users: 3 billion

Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA

Year Launched: 2004

Revenue: $116.8 billion

One of the top social media sites, Facebook is a global social media behemoth that transcends geographical boundaries — connecting 3 billion monthly active users. The platform provides users with a multifaceted space to share personal updates, connect with friends and family, and engage with diverse content.

Beyond personal connections, Facebook has become a vital space for businesses to establish an online presence. With dedicated business pages, companies can highlight their products and services, send comments and direct messages to customers, and leverage targeted advertising to reach specific demographics. Facebook's advertising platform offers detailed targeting options, enabling businesses to connect with their ideal audience based on location, age, interests, and online behavior.

The platform’s many Groups provide a communal space for like-minded individuals to gather, fostering niche communities businesses can leverage for targeted marketing and engagement. Through its extensive user base and diverse features, Facebook remains a powerhouse for companies seeking to enhance their online visibility, connect with customers, and drive brand growth in the dynamic landscape of social media.

Monthly Active Users: 2.5 billion

Headquarters: San Bruno, CA

Year Launched: 2005

Revenue: $7.95 billion

Established in 2005, YouTube is the go-to platform for video content. Best known for its diverse video library, YouTube has become synonymous with video sharing and consumption, providing a platform for creators to showcase their talents, share knowledge, and entertain audiences globally. The site's popularity lies in its inclusivity, hosting content ranging from amateur vlogs to professionally produced shows, music videos, tutorials, and much more.

One of YouTube's standout features is its ability to allow creators to upload and share videos easily. Viewers, in turn, can engage with content through likes, comments, and subscriptions, fostering a sense of community around creators and their audiences.

For businesses, YouTube presents opportunities for brand exposure and engagement. Companies can create branded channels to share product demos, behind-the-scenes content, and educational videos, cultivating a direct connection with their target audience. Additionally, YouTube's advertising platform enables businesses to reach specific demographics through targeted ads, capitalizing on the platform's extensive user data to tailor campaigns effectively. Whether it's leveraging influencer partnerships, running ads, or creating compelling content, businesses can harness YouTube's expansive reach to enhance their online presence and connect with a global audience.

Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA

Year Launched: 2009

Revenue: $5.5 billion (as of 2020)

Acquired by Facebook in 2014, WhatsApp is a globally popular messaging application known for its simplicity and secure end-to-end encryption. The social app has become a ubiquitous tool for real-time communication, allowing users to send text messages, voice notes, images, and videos, as well as make calls over the internet. Its user-friendly interface and commitment to privacy have contributed to its widespread adoption across diverse demographics.

One of WhatsApp's standout features is its emphasis on security and privacy. The platform employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain confidential between intended recipients. For businesses, WhatsApp provides unique opportunities for direct customer engagement, including customer service. The platform offers a Business API that allows companies to create verified business profiles, send automated messages, and provide customer support.

WhatsApp Business, a standalone app, enables smaller enterprises to establish a professional presence, share business information, and communicate with customers seamlessly and personally. With the ability to create broadcast lists, businesses can also send targeted updates and promotions to specific customer segments, enhancing their outreach and building a direct line of communication with their audience.

Monthly Active Users: 2 billion

Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA

Year Launched: 2010

Revenue: $51.4 billion in 2022

Bought by Facebook in 2012, Instagram has become a visual powerhouse in the social media landscape, boasting 2 billion monthly active users. Renowned for its focus on visual storytelling, Instagram is synonymous with captivating images and short-form videos. The platform's appeal lies in allowing users to share moments through aesthetically pleasing content, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Instagram's features include a diverse range of photo and video editing tools, filters, and a Stories feature that enables users to share content with a 24-hour lifespan. The introduction of IGTV provides a platform for long-form videos, catering to the evolving preferences of content creators and viewers.

The platform's visual nature makes it an ideal space for brand promotion, with companies able to create a curated aesthetic through their profiles. Instagram's advertising options, including sponsored posts and Stories ads, allow businesses to reach specific target audiences with engaging content. The platform's shopping features further enhance its appeal for businesses, enabling users to discover and purchase products directly through the app.

Monthly Active Users: 1.3 billion

Headquarters: Singapore

Year Launched: 2011

Revenue: $50.3 million

Initially called “Weixin,” WeChat was launched in 2011 by Tencent and has grown to become a multifaceted social media platform that’s particularly popular in China. Boasting over a billion monthly active users, WeChat is known for seamlessly integrating various communication and lifestyle features into one app. It goes beyond traditional messaging, offering services such as social networking, mobile payments, and even gaming, making it an all-encompassing super-app.

WeChat's features include instant messaging, voice and video calls, and a "Moments" feed for sharing updates with friends. What sets WeChat apart is its robust ecosystem that extends to mobile payments through WeChat Pay, allowing users to manage transactions, such as paying bills and shopping, within the app.

For businesses, WeChat provides a comprehensive platform for customer engagement and marketing. Official accounts allow businesses to share updates, news, and promotional content. The WeChat Mini Program feature enables the development of lightweight apps within the platform, facilitating services such as e-commerce, reservations, and more. With its diverse set of features and widespread user base, WeChat offers businesses in China and beyond a unique opportunity to establish a digital presence, connect with consumers, and streamline various aspects of customer interactions through a single, versatile platform.

Monthly Active Users: 1 billion

Headquarters: Culver City, CA

Year Launched: 2016

Revenue: $9.4 billion

Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has rapidly risen to prominence as a global sensation in the social media realm, particularly among younger demographics. Known as “Douyin” in the Chinese market where it first launched, TikTok is home to short-form videos set to music. TikTok provides a creative and engaging platform for users to share their talents, update users on live events, and take part in comedic trends. With around 3 billion downloads worldwide, TikTok's appeal lies in its simplicity and the democratization of content creation.

TikTok's core feature is the ability to create 15 to 60-second videos with a vast library of soundtracks, filters, and effects. The platform's algorithm, driven by machine learning, enhances content discoverability, presenting users with a personalized feed based on their preferences and engagement patterns.

TikTok enables companies to connect with younger, digitally savvy audiences through authentic and creative content. Brands can engage with users through challenges, influencer collaborations, and sponsored content. TikTok's advertising platform allows businesses to run campaigns to reach specific demographics and promote products or services. With its virality and trend-driven nature, TikTok provides businesses with a dynamic space to enhance brand visibility, generate engagement, and tap into the cultural zeitgeist.

Monthly Active Users: 528.3 million

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA.

Year Launched: 2006

Revenue: $3 billion

X, which was “Twitter” before rebranding in April 2023, is a platform for real-time communication, information sharing, and public discourse. The platform has emerged as a key player in breaking news, global conversations, and fostering direct engagement between individuals, influencers, and brands. With over 660 million monthly active users, X allows both free and paid users to participate in its services, with a 280-character limit for free users and a 4,000-character limit for X Premium subscribers. X Premium accounts can receive a verified account checkmark, fewer ads, ad revenue sharing, and more.

X's basic features include the ability to post tweets, follow other users, and engage through likes, retweets, and replies. Hashtags and trending topics allow users to participate in or follow broader conversations, as does X’s “Trending Topics” page.

For businesses, X offers a valuable space for brand promotion, customer engagement, and real-time marketing. Companies can utilize X to share updates, announcements, and promotional content and engage directly with their audience through replies and direct messages. The platform's advertising options, including promoted tweets and trends, provide businesses with targeted marketing opportunities to reach specific demographics and amplify their messaging. X's influential user base and its role as a hub for timely conversations make it a powerful tool for businesses to stay relevant and updated on industry happenings.

Monthly Active Users: 750 million

Headquarters: Santa Monica, CA

Year Launched: 2011

Revenue: $4.5 billion

Snapchat has become synonymous with ephemeral multimedia messaging since its launch in 2011, and it’s widely popular among younger audiences for its dynamic and playful approach to communication. What sets Snapchat apart is its disappearing content — by default, images and videos vanish in 24 hours.

Snapchat's features include "Snap" creation, where users can take photos or record videos with added filters, lenses, and augmented reality effects. The Stories feature allows users to compile Snaps into a narrative that disappears after 24 hours, fostering a sense of immediacy and authenticity.

For businesses, Snapchat provides creative marketing opportunities, particularly for brands targeting a younger demographic. Companies can engage with users through sponsored lenses, filters, and geofilters, enhancing brand visibility in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, the platform’s Discover and Spotlight features allow businesses to share curated content and reach a broader audience. With its emphasis on visual creativity and real-time engagement, Snapchat presents companies with a dynamic space to connect with younger consumers and showcase their brand personality in a more casual way.

Monthly Active Users: 482 million

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA.

Year Launched: 2010

Revenue: $2.95 billion

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform renowned for its unique approach to content curation and inspiration. Pinterest is a go-to platform for users seeking inspiration for various interests, including fashion, home decor, recipes, and more. The platform centers around the concept of "pins," which are images or videos that users can save to their personalized collections or boards.

Pinterest's features include an intelligent feed that showcases personalized recommendations based on user preferences and engagement history. Users can create boards to organize their pins, follow other users or boards for curated content, and explore a vast range of ideas through the platform's search functionality.

For businesses, Pinterest presents a unique opportunity to showcase products and services through visually relevant content. Companies can create business profiles, pin products, and engage users through sponsored pins and advertising. With its emphasis on discovery and inspiration, Pinterest is particularly effective for businesses in fashion, home decor, and food. It provides an aesthetically driven platform to connect with users seeking ideas and products related to their passions and interests.

Monthly Active Users: 430 million

Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

Year Launched: 2005

Revenue: $522.4 million

Reddit is one of the most-visited websites online, and it stands as a diverse and dynamic social news aggregation and discussion platform distinguished by its user-generated content and community-driven structure. Reddit is known for its vast array of "subreddits," or niche communities where users can share, discuss, and upvote or downvote content based on their interests.

Reddit's features include a voting system that dictates the visibility of posts and comments, fostering a democratic content curation process. Users can participate in discussions, share links, and contribute to various communities that cater to various topics, from technology and gaming to literature and science.

For businesses, Reddit offers opportunities for organic engagement and market research. Companies can create branded accounts to participate in relevant discussions and authentically engage with their target audience. Additionally, Reddit Ads allow businesses to reach specific subreddit communities through targeted advertising. While navigating Reddit requires a nuanced understanding of community norms, it provides a platform for businesses to connect with passionate audiences, gather feedback, and build brand loyalty within niche communities.

Monthly Active Users: 310 million

Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA

Year Launched: 2003

Revenue: $13.8 billion

Launched in 2003, LinkedIn has established itself as the premier professional networking platform for recruiters, job candidates, and businesses. It’s aimed at facilitating career-oriented connections and allowing users to create professional profiles that showcase their skills and achievements.

LinkedIn's features include personalized profiles, a news feed for industry updates and shared content, and a comprehensive job search and recruitment platform. Users can join groups and participate in discussions relevant to their industry or interests, enhancing their professional network.

LinkedIn offers businesses unparalleled opportunities for brand exposure, recruitment, and B2B marketing. Company Pages enable organizations to showcase their culture, products, and services, while the LinkedIn Ads platform allows businesses to target specific demographics based on industry, job role, and other criteria. LinkedIn's robust ecosystem fosters thought leadership and industry authority, making it an ideal platform for businesses to engage with a professional audience, build partnerships, and establish credibility in the professional landscape.

Besides connecting with users beyond borders, social media offers businesses many benefits that are hard to ignore, including:

• Increased Brand Visibility: Social media enables businesses to reach a broader audience and enhance brand visibility through regular content sharing, engagement, and the strategic use of hashtags.

• Direct Customer Engagement: Businesses can connect with their audience in real-time, fostering direct engagement through comments, messages, and interactive content to build a stronger rapport with customers.

• Targeted Advertising: Social media sites offer robust advertising tools, allowing businesses to tailor campaigns to specific demographics, ensuring that promotional efforts reach the most relevant audience.

• Market Research Opportunities: Businesses can gather valuable insights into market trends, customer preferences, and industry developments by monitoring discussions and feedback on social media.

• Brand Authority and Thought Leadership: Regularly sharing industry insights and thought leadership content helps businesses establish authority in their field and gain the trust and loyalty of their audience.

• Cost-Effective Marketing: Social media provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional marketing, allowing businesses to promote products and services at a much lower cost.

Selecting the best social media sites for your business is a strategic decision that hinges on your specific goals and target audience. Each social media platform caters to a distinct user demographic and offers unique features, so be sure to prioritize your business objectives when choosing a platform to use. We recommend utilizing multiple platforms to maximize your outreach, considering that individuals may prefer one platform over another. Plus, a diversified social media strategy ensures that you reach a wider audience, capturing the attention of potential customers who might use one platform exclusively. For even more tips and insights, check out our social media pocket guide to learn how your business can successfully leverage these communication channels. 

Effective social media management is necessary for businesses if they wish to engage with their audience in an impactful, memorable, and admirable way. If your business is looking to dive into the digital sphere, consider Khoros for centralized social media management. By integrating various social media profiles into a unified platform, Khoros empowers brands to manage their online presence efficiently without constantly switching between multiple platforms. This not only saves valuable time but also ensures consistent messaging and engagement across diverse social channels.

Khoros also offers robust tools for scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing performance metrics, providing your business with the insights needed to refine your social media strategy. Request a demo today to explore how Khoros can help your brand make the most of its social media presence.