Ever feel like there’s a new social media platform popping up every other Tuesday?
Whether you’re looking for the best social media platforms to grow your brand or just want to understand the different types of social media platforms out there, it can get overwhelming.
One minute you're scheduling Reels with your favourite social media marketing platform, the next, someone’s asking why you’re not posting on RedNote (wait, what’s that?). Don’t worry — we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to.
If you’re trying to grow a brand in 2025, here’s the real scoop on the best social media platforms — where your time, effort, and content are most likely to pay off.
We’ve also included a handy list of social media platforms to help you decide which ones fit your brand and goals.
These include some of the top social media platforms and popular social media platforms that marketers rely on.
These are some of the most used social media platforms, popular for everything from video content to community building.
| Platform | Monthly Active Users | Best For |
| 3.07 billion | Communities, ads, broad reach | |
| 2 billion | Visual branding, Reels, shopping | |
| X (Twitter) | 335.7 million | News, thought leadership, hot takes |
| ~400 million | B2B, personal branding, industry insights | |
| TikTok | 1.59 billion | Viral videos, Gen Z, trend culture |
| 498 million | Discovery, evergreen content, shopping | |
| YouTube | 2.5 billion | Long-form & short-form video, SEO |
| Threads | 350 million | Text-first content, casual updates |
| Quora | 400 million | Expertise sharing, evergreen answers |
| 850 million | Niche communities, honest feedback |
MAUs: 3.07 billion
Best for: Community building, ads, groups, older demographics
Facebook might not be the coolest platform in the room, but as one of the top social media platforms for communities and ads, it remains a Swiss Army knife for brands.
Whether you're running targeted ads, nurturing a private group, or sharing content with your most loyal customers, Facebook’s got the tools to do it all. Plus, the ad targeting? Still freakishly good (yes, it knows you like oat milk now).
Why it works:
✅ Laser-focused ads
✅ Active communities
✅ Solid engagement on native video and Reels
Pro tip: Fitness brands, coaches, and creators are using private Facebook Groups to build tighter communities and deliver real value through live workouts, Q&As, and daily check-ins. It’s not about follower count — it’s about connection.
MAUs: 2 billion
Best for: Reels, product showcases, visual branding
Instagram is a visual-first platform, perfect for visual branding and shopping — essential parts of any social media content strategy.
Reels are still Instagram’s favorite child — and the algorithm pushes them hard. Whether you're showing off products, packaging, or process, short-form video gives you insane reach without a Hollywood budget.
Why it works:
✅ Reels = visibility
✅ Stories = intimacy (without oversharing)
Joke’s on us: Instagram gave us filters to look flawless and now expects us to show “authenticity.” Guess we’re posting bare-faced behind-the-scenes now.
MAUs: 335.7 million
Best for: Real-time updates, brand voice, hot takes
Love it or hate it, X is still the go-to place for breaking news, witty one-liners, and “Did they really tweet that?” moments.
It’s where CEOs post AMA threads and brands roast each other over chicken sandwiches. If your brand has something to say — or wants to be said — X is your stage.
Why it works:
✅ Text-first = less production stress
✅ Real-time relevance
✅ Great for testing ideas and tone
Pro tip: Humor wins. Brands with personality get engagement. Just don’t get canceled.
MAUs: ~400 million
Best for: B2B marketing, career branding, professional content
LinkedIn is a must-use platform for professionals and a leading social media platform for business and B2B marketing.
Post a behind-the-scenes carousel or a spicy “Lessons I learned from my first failed startup” — and boom, you're a thought leader.
Why it works:
✅ Algorithm loves consistency
✅ High trust = high conversion
✅ Great for networking without leaving the house
Hot take: LinkedIn is Facebook in a suit — and it’s one of the best social media platforms for B2B growth.
MAUs: 1.59 billion
Best for: Viral content, trend jacking, storytelling
TikTok’s not just teens lip-syncing anymore. It’s where small brands go viral overnight, dog groomers get million-view videos, and even dentists become influencers.
The For You Page is magical — but only if you’re consistent and creative.
Why it works:
✅ Crazy organic reach
✅ Short-form storytelling wins
✅ Perfect for behind-the-scenes, humor, tips
Real talk: TikTok success often starts when you stop trying to be perfect. Record that awkward how-to. Post the messy office. People love real.
MAUs: 498 million
Best for: Visual discovery, DIY, products, blogs
Pinterest is where people go when they already want to discover something. Whether it’s a fall wedding lookbook or a “how to start a bullet journal” post, this platform brings long-term traffic to your content.
Why it works:
✅ Search-based = evergreen visibility
✅ High intent = better conversions
✅ Pins last for years
Tip: If you’re writing blog content, post your covers on Pinterest. Pins can quietly drive traffic to your site long after TikTok forgot your face.
MAUs: 2.5 billion
Best for: Tutorials, reviews, vlogs, long-form content
Between Shorts and long-form videos, YouTube lets you educate, entertain, and build massive trust. It’s also the second-largest search engine in the world (right after Google), which means discoverability is top-tier.
Why it works:
✅ Great for SEO
✅ High watch time = high trust
✅ Both short and long-form content perform
Reality check: YouTube is a slow burn. But if you're consistent? It builds a brand moat that’s hard to beat.
MAUs: 350 million
Best for: Text posts, community vibes, early-stage virality
Threads came in hot as Instagram’s answer to X (formerly Twitter). It’s a more positive, text-heavy space where brands can drop thoughts, updates, questions — without the pressure of perfectly polished visuals.
It’s especially useful for engaging in real time with people who already follow you on Instagram. Think of it as your brand’s casual “group chat energy.”
Why it works:
✅ Built-in Insta audience
✅ Less toxic than Twitter (for now)
✅ Easy way to post quick takes without overthinking
Reality: Brands that don’t take themselves too seriously tend to shine on Threads. It’s your chance to be fun without needing a Canva template.
MAUs: 400 million
Best for: Expert answers, SEO content, driving blog traffic
Quora’s not just for curious college students or late-night rabbit holes. It’s a sneaky-good place to establish authority, especially if you answer industry-specific questions. Answer well, and your content could sit at the top of Google for years.
It’s basically content marketing disguised as Q&A.
Why it works:
✅ Evergreen SEO value
✅ Drive traffic to your site or product
Pro tip: Repurpose blog content into bite-sized answers. You’ll sound smart without writing a novel each time.
MAUs: 850 million
Best for: Niche marketing, AMAs, community-based feedback
Reddit can be intimidating — it's not the place to post “Just launched our new product! 💖✨” and expect hearts. But it is a place where authentic engagement wins.
Join a subreddit relevant to your audience and contribute genuinely. Redditors can spot BS a mile away… but they’ll go to bat for brands that treat them with respect.
Why it works:
✅ Niche, loyal communities
✅ Honest feedback
✅ Organic discussions = brand mentions
Warning: Come to sell? You’ll get roasted. Come to help? You might just go viral.
MAUs: ~140 million
Best for: Live events, creator collabs, product demos
Twitch isn't just for gamers anymore. Brands are using it to host Q&As, livestream product launches, even co-host game nights with creators. If your brand has personality and can keep a live audience entertained — Twitch can build serious brand affinity.
Why it works:
✅ Long-form attention (rare online!)
✅ Interactive content = deeper engagement
Example: A beauty brand ran a “get ready with me” stream and let viewers vote on the final makeup look. Simple, live, and it sold out three SKUs.
MAUs: 150 million+
Best for: Community-building, exclusivity, loyal fans
Think of Discord like your own private Slack — but for your superfans. Whether you’re managing a Web3 project, a coaching program, or a loyal audience, Discord lets you own the conversation.
No algorithm. No feed. Just real talk in organized channels.
Why it works:
✅ Deep, direct engagement
✅ No algorithm = no guessing game
✅ You control the vibe (and rules)
Brands who use Discord often see higher retention and better product feedback. Also: fewer “why didn’t I see your post?” DMs.
MAUs: 2 billion
Best for: 1:1 customer service, broadcast lists, localized marketing
Surprised? Don’t be. WhatsApp’s now a legit marketing channel — especially in regions like India, Brazil, and parts of Africa.
Brands use it to send product updates, launch alerts, appointment reminders, or even support tickets. It's like SMS marketing... but where people actually open your messages.
Why it works:
✅ 98%+ open rates
✅ Personal and direct
✅ Supports media, catalogs, and chatbots
Tip: If your audience is mobile-first or international, WhatsApp should be on your radar. (Just don’t spam. People will block faster than you can type “Hi fam 👋.”)
MAUs: 750 million
Best for: Gen Z engagement, behind-the-scenes content, AR filters
Snapchat still has life in it — especially with a younger audience. Brands use it for sneak peeks, drops, and yes, those fun face filters people love.
The platform’s Discover feature gives you a way to reach new viewers organically, and Snap Ads are surprisingly cost-effective if you know your niche.
Why it works:
✅ Gen Z attention magnet
✅ Low-pressure, unpolished content
✅ Great for localized geofilters
Truth: Snapchat’s kind of like texting your fans. No fluff, just quick snaps and replies — and that’s exactly why it works.
MAUs: ~25 million
Best for: Brand transparency, behind-the-scenes moments
BeReal is the anti-Instagram — no filters, no scheduling, just “post what you’re doing now.” It’s more of a vibe than a sales channel, but it’s a fun way for brands to show off their human side.
Still niche, but growing in trust and Gen Z approval.
Why it works:
✅ No filters = trust
✅ Easy content idea (just post!)
✅ Good for transparency-led brands
Not for every brand, but if you’re all about “realness,” BeReal is worth experimenting with.
Sure, there are dozens of platforms out there — and new ones will launch before you finish your iced coffee. But don’t fall into the trap of trying to be everywhere.
👉 Go where your audience is. 👉 Play to your brand’s strengths. 👉 Pick 2–3 platforms and master them.
With the right tools (like Turrboo, hint hint), you can post smarter, stay consistent, and actually enjoy the process.
Remember, not every platform fits every brand. Pick 2–3 from the best social media platforms that align with your audience and content style.
Understanding the different types of social media platforms — from visual-first to community-focused — will help you create a stronger social media content strategy.
Want to post across multiple platforms without losing your mind? Use a social media scheduling tool (like Turrboo, maybe 😉) to stay consistent and grow smarter — not harder.
Start the free trial of the social media management toolv- Turrboo
Start Your Free Trial TodayThey're apps or websites where people create, share, and engage with content — whether that’s video, memes, or a 10-slide LinkedIn lesson on leadership.
Top contenders: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest — depending on your niche and audience.
As of 2025, it’s:
Instagram and LinkedIn for branding and B2B. TikTok and YouTube for reach. Pinterest for traffic. Facebook for ads and community.
In 2025, it’s not about likes—it’s about results. This guide covers the social media metrics that actually matter, from engagement rates to conversion KPIs, and how to track them with tools like Turrboo for smarter, goal-driven reporting.
