More than half of the people on the internet are using some form of social media right now. As socially minded beings, we have embraced technology that connects us with friends and people around the world.
In step with this, as smartphones and internet connectivity progress rapidly, there is an increasing number of people signing up and using social platforms every year.
A whole range of different social media platforms are available online with different features and purposes.
This means that there is enormous potential for reaching a mass and engaged audience, and for making valuable acquaintances or connections in any area of your interests.
So, if you don’t know which are the best online social platforms, find out below which are the most popular and famous social networks with various features, functions, purposes and user bases.
The most famous social networks online
You certainly don’t need to be present on all these platforms, but some may be worth adding if business, marketing or promotion are your interest.
Here are the 20 most popular social media platforms on the internet:
1. Facebook
Facebook is currently the world’s most popular social platform. With 2.7 billion monthly active users, more than a third of the world’s population uses Facebook.
Over the years, Facebook has continuously evolved to suit the needs of its users and attract new ones. This includes buying Instagram and WhatsApp.
Users can create their own pages, posts, groups, and events, and can also use Facebook Messenger to send personal messages. Facebook also offers targeted advertising opportunities to those who want to increase visibility to certain consumers.
2. YouTube
YouTube is not only the most famous video-sharing social platform in the world, but it is also the second most popular search engine behind Google.
The company was founded in 2005 and was acquired by Google shortly thereafter. YouTube has over 2 billion registered visitors per month, and there are even more who visit the site and watch videos without logging into their account.
Basically, anyone who wants to use video marketing can use YouTube to reach a wide audience. YT also offers analytics, facilitates interaction between users, and allows you to embed videos in other websites.
3. Twitter
Twitter made a name for itself as a social network for micro bloggers featuring small text posts up to 140 characters, including a link.
Since its launch in 2006, it has increased the character limit and now allows the user to share other media such as photos and videos. With about 330 million monthly active users, it is not as ubiquitous as Facebook, however, it continues to be widely used among consumers.
In addition, Twitter can be a useful place to interact, such as joining chat conversations about your industry or answering questions to your customers and fans.
4. Pinterest
Pinterest is part social network and part search engine, and is very popular among internet users. It consists of digital bulletin boards to which the user can “hook” products, infographics, project ideas and inspiring images.
Pinterest launched in 2010 and has since garnered more than 400 million monthly active users. In addition to individual users, Pinterest is also the perfect place for brands and companies to share product images, unique DIY ideas, recipes and unique images.
Also, website owners can set a “bumper” button that allows visitors to share your content on their Pinterest profiles.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the most popular social networking site for business and professional networking. The platform has over 700 million registered users, with about 300 million active members each month.
Launched in 2003, LinkedIn allows a user to add their business resumes, resumes, business opportunities, connect with other people in their industry, and even publish and respond to job lists.
In terms of marketing, LinkedIn is often particularly useful for small businesses and online entrepreneurs. It even offers paid ads and content publishing opportunities.
6. Instagram
Instagram is another super popular social network and app with a focus on images and photos. The website was launched in 2010 and was later acquired by Facebook. It has more than 1 billion monthly active users and is mostly mobile platformany.
Instagram also offers a variety of posting options, including photos, videos, presentations, stories, and live streams.
Like Facebook, Instagram offers targeted advertising opportunities to help business users reach a specific user.
7. TikTok
TikTok, known in China as Douyin, is a relatively new player in the world of social networks.
However, in a short time it gained immense popularity and left an unforgettable mark on the landscape as a video sharing app, and has more than 800 million monthly active users worldwide.
The social media platform is used to make a variety of short videos, from genres like dance, comedy and education, lasting from three seconds to one minute.
Also, TikTok can serve as a great tool for marketing, for brands as well as for individuals, to show their creative side and create viral content as part of their promotion on social networks.
8. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular mobile messaging app. You can use it to send images, texts, documents, audio and video content to your contacts individually or in groups.
Launched in 2010, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook along with Instagram, and currently has more than 2 billion monthly active users.
Also, Whatsapp can be used as a tool for marketing, promotion and business through simple and free communication with customers and potential clients on a personal level.
9. Snapchat
Snapchat is a mobile social media messaging platform. The user can share one-time content with friends or post stories that come out to followers.
Released in 2011, the app quickly became popular, especially among young consumers. It’s slowed down a bit since then. However, there are still about 360 million monthly users worldwide who use this social media.
Snapchat can also serve as a marketing tool for promotion, by having the ability to set up business profiles and advertise in the app.
10. Viber
Viber is a VoIP and instant messaging app that combines social media and communications. Released in 2010, the app now has about 260 million monthly active users.
With Viber, you can share audio, video and images with other registered users and your contacts.
Like other free chat apps, it’s perfect for a business relationship with customers or partners. There are also group chat options.
11. Vimeo
Vimeo is a professional video social platform. While it’s not used as widely as YouTube, it offers quality features perfect for cinematographers and those looking to share cinematic content.
There are about 170 million monthly active users on this social video platform. However, Vimeo users can also share and embed videos on other websites.
Users can also access advanced statistics and analytics to track the performance of published videos.
12. Quora
Quora allows users to ask questions and share answers to all possible topics that exist. Originally launched in 2009, it now has more than 300 million monthly users.
This network is great for businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as for individual users to build expertise in a specific area.
Posts with questions also often rank high in search results on wep browsers. As a result, even those who do not actively use Quora may come across topics surfing the internet.
What are the advantages of social networks for business and marketing?
Social media allows you to interact with clients on a personal level. You can share posts with a wide audience and respond to people one-on-one.
Since most people probably use at least one social network, it is a good option for reaching new target customers and communicating with current customers.
Many social networks and platforms also offer targeted paid advertising opportunities.