Top Social Media Platforms by User Statistics 2025

“Remember when the biggest online debate was whether to post selfies on Facebook or Instagram? Fast forward to 2025 — and now we’re juggling TikToks, Threads, YouTube Shorts, and whatever new app Gen Z swears will ‘change the game’ this week.”

Social media isn’t just social anymore — it’s business, branding, storytelling, and customer service all rolled into one never-ending feed.

And if you’re thinking, “Okay, but what is the most used social media platform in 2025?” — here’s the plot twist: Facebook still wears the crown with a massive 3.07 billion monthly active users, closely chased by YouTube with 2.9 billion and WhatsApp clocking in at 2.8 billion. Yep, the OGs are still going strong — but don’t count out the rising stars just yet.

Why? Because it’s not just about size — it’s about engagement, demographics, trends, and where your audience actually hangs out.

This guide will walk you through the top social media platforms by user statistics in 2025, including which popular social media apps are worth your time, which ones are quietly fading, and how to align your marketing strategy with the numbers that matter.

So grab your iced coffee (or Red Bull, no judgment), because we’re diving deep into the data that powers today’s biggest social media platforms.

Global Social Media Usage in 2025

Let’s start with the big picture. In 2025, the global number of active social media users has hit a jaw-dropping 5.04 billion – that’s about 62.3% of the world’s population, Yep, more people are scrolling than brushing their teeth before bed.

And guess what? That’s a 5.6% year-over-year increase, meaning around 266 million new users joined the digital party in the last 12 months alone. Somewhere out there, a grandma just signed up for Instagram, and a teenager abandoned Facebook for TikTok. The cycle continues.

Here are a few juicy stats you’ll want to screenshot:

• Average time spent on social media per day: 2 hours and 26 minutes
• Average number of social media platforms used per person: 6.7 (because why be loyal to one, right?)
• Mobile usage dominates, with over 99% accessing via smartphones 

Oh, and in case you’re wondering about desktop users — they still exist, but they’re kind of like people who still buy DVDs. Respectable, but rare.

This explosion in social media usage is why knowing the biggest social media platforms is crucial, especially if you’re planning a campaign or launching a brand. Spoiler alert: Some old favorites are still on top, but a few new faces are climbing the ranks fast.

Coming up next: we rank the most popular social media platforms by monthly active users. Will Facebook reign supreme? Is TikTok taking over? Keep scrolling — the stats await. 

Top Social Media Platforms by Monthly Active Users (MAUs)

Alright, let’s get into the juicy leaderboard of 2025, where social media giants battle it out for screen time and user loyalty. We’re talking MAUs here — Monthly Active Users — the metric that separates the big players from the apps your cousin downloaded once and never opened again.

So, what is the most used social media platform in 2025? Here you go:  

• Facebook – 2.96 Billion MAUs

Still the king of the digital hill, Facebook remains one of the biggest social media platforms in 2025, with close to 3 billion active users. Yes, even Gen Z might joke that it’s “for boomers,” but when it comes to groups, events, and international reach, Facebook is still crushing it.

Bonus Stat: Facebook alone accounts for nearly 59% of global social media ad spend.

• YouTube – 2.49 Billion MAUs

More than a video-sharing site, YouTube is one of the top social media platforms for creators, learners, and let’s be honest — anyone who’s ever Googled “how to fix a leaky faucet.” It’s dominating in long-form content, tutorials, and entertainment, making it a staple among popular social media platforms globally.

• WhatsApp – 2.15 Billion MAUs

Owned by Meta (surprise, surprise), WhatsApp has become the global go-to for messaging, voice calls, and encrypted group chats full of memes. Especially popular in regions like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, it’s one of the most popular social media platforms 2025 for real-time communication.

• Instagram – 2.09 Billion MAUs

From aesthetic brunch photos to influencer reels and digital storefronts, Instagram is not slowing down. In fact, its user base has grown 8.3% YoY, thanks to a younger demographic and Gen Z’s obsession with Stories and Reels. It’s one of the top social media apps for branding, lifestyle content, and #ad life.

• TikTok – 1.92 Billion MAUs

Want to know what the most popular social media app is among Gen Z? Look no further. TikTok continues to dominate short-form video with hyper-addictive, algorithm-driven content. With 1.92 billion users and climbing fast, it’s among the most popular social media platforms in 2025 — and likely the reason your screen time is up 30%.

• WeChat – 1.34 Billion MAUs

A Chinese powerhouse, WeChat is far more than just a messaging app. It’s an all-in-one platform for payments, shopping, business, and more. If you’re looking at social media platforms in China or entering the Asian market, this is where your audience lives.

• Telegram – 900 Million MAUs

Telegram has carved out its space as a privacy-first messaging app and community platform. It’s also grown among developers, crypto enthusiasts, and niche interest groups. It’s not just an alternative to WhatsApp — it’s now one of the popular social media apps globally.

• Snapchat – 750 Million MAUs

Still a favorite among teens and young adults, Snapchat continues to innovate with AR filters, Bitmoji integrations, and Snap Maps. It may not be the largest, but it’s undeniably one of the top social media apps for Gen Alpha and younger millennials.

Top Social Media Platforms in 2025 by MAUs

These numbers aren’t just bragging rights — they shape how advertisers budget, how creators prioritize content, and how brands engage with audiences. 

As the most popular social media platforms 2025 keep evolving, staying up to date on these stats can give your digital strategy the edge it needs. 

User Demographics Breakdown by Platform

Now that we’ve revealed the top social media platforms by user count, let’s break it down by who is actually using these platforms. Because let’s face it — what’s popular with Gen Z might be completely different from what your mom’s used to sharing cat memes. (Spoiler: It’s still Facebook.)

Understanding demographic trends helps marketers, brands, and creators target their content more effectively across the most popular social media platforms in 2025. Whether you’re marketing lip gloss or life insurance, you need to be where your audience hangs out, not just where the masses are.

Gen Z (Ages 10–25): The Video-First Generation

Gen Z practically lives online, and their taste in popular social media platforms is wildly different from their millennial cousins. They favor fast, visual, and authentic content.

• TikTok is the undisputed leader here. If you’re wondering what ise most popular social media app for Gen Z, this is it — no contest. Roughly 67% of Gen Z users actively use TikTok .
• Snapchat remains a top contender, especially in the U.S., with over 60% of users under 25.
• Instagram still holds strong, particularly with Reels and Stories, though TikTok is nipping at its heels.

For Gen Z, these top social media apps aren’t just entertainment — they’re search engines, trendsetters, and communication tools rolled into one.

Millennials (Ages 26–41): The Cross-Platform Experts

Millennials are the glue between old-school Facebookers and TikTok-scrolling teens. They’re active across multiple social media platforms, often using them for both fun and function.

• Facebook is still a millennial go-to, especially for events, groups, and family connections.
• Instagram is equally popular, with this generation driving much of its eCommerce and influencer traction.
• YouTube dominates long-form content here — from “how-to” videos to educational deep dives.

Millennials are less brand-loyal when it comes to popular social media apps — they use what works and are more open to switching if a better platform comes along.

Gen X & Boomers (Ages 42+): The Loyal Facebookers

Ah, yes, the demographic that made Minion memes and recipe videos viral. Gen X and Boomers may not bounce between apps like Gen Z, but they still make up a massive chunk of the digital population.

• Facebook is, by far, the most used social media platform among these age groups — 71% of U.S. adults aged 50–64 use it regularly.
• YouTube is also big here, particularly for tutorials, news, and nostalgia-fueled content.
• WhatsApp is surprisingly popular among international Gen X and Boomer users for family group chats and cross-border communication.

These users may not be fueling the next viral dance challenge, but they’re loyal, engaged, and often the ones holding the household purchasing power. Ignore them at your own risk.

Gender, Income & Location Stats You Should Know

• Instagram and TikTok skew slightly female (around 54–60% of users are women).
• LinkedIn (yes, it’s a social platform too) sees higher engagement from males in the 30–49 age bracket, particularly professionals and business owners.
• Rural users tend to favor Facebook, while urban dwellers lean more toward Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Higher-income households tend to use LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram more frequently.

So, while we often ask what is the most popular social media app or what is the most used social media platform, the better question might be — for whom?

Demographics matter more than ever in 2025, and if you’re not targeting the right audience on the right social media platforms, you’re probably just shouting into the void. And no one wants that. Not even Facebook’s algorithm.

Emerging Social Media Platforms in 2025

The biggest social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have long ruled the digital kingdom. But 2025 is serving up some fresh contenders — platforms that are shaking up norms, focusing on niche audiences, or simply doing things differently. 

Let’s take a look at the top social media apps making waves this year. These aren’t just digital playgrounds — they’re evolving ecosystems attracting millions and gaining momentum among the most popular social media platforms in 2025.

1. Lemon8 – ByteDance’s Rising Star

Imagine Instagram and Pinterest had a minimalist, aesthetic baby — that’s Lemon8. Owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, Lemon8 is designed for lifestyle creators who love to share wellness routines, beauty tips, and hyper-curated posts.

• Global Downloads: Over 50 million downloads across iOS and Android as of March 2025.
• User Base: Gained 15 million monthly active users globally within just 18 months.

Though it’s still growing, Lemon8 is on track to join the ranks of the top social media platforms if the momentum continues.

2. BeReal – Still Keeping It Raw

Launched as the anti-Instagram, BeReal prompts users to share one unfiltered photo a day. The idea? Authenticity over aesthetics.

• Daily Active Users: 23 million daily active users worldwide as of January 2025.
• User Growth: Up 44% from its 2024 numbers.

It’s not the answer to what is the most popular social media app, but it’s earned a place in the list of popular social media apps, redefining user expectations.

3. Threads by Meta – Rebranding with Purpose

Threads had a rocky start, but Meta stuck with it. In 2025, it’s stronger, faster, and now properly linked with Instagram to fuel discussions (and debates).

• Monthly Active Users: Over 160 million MAUs globally in Q1 2025.
• Post Engagement: A 35% increase in daily active discussions vs. Q4 2024.

It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms, particularly for users who miss Twitter’s original charm without the chaos.

4. Hive Social – Custom Feeds and Old-School Feels

Hive saw a massive spike in interest as users looked for a more customizable, ad-light experience. It’s a mashup of Twitter, Instagram, and MySpace (yes, that MySpace).

• User Base: Reached 3 million active users in early 2025.
• Notable Feature: Users love the retro profile song option. (Nostalgia sells!)

It’s not the most used social media platform, but it’s a cult favorite — and cults can grow big fast in the digital world.

5. Mastodon – The Decentralized Darling

In the post-Elon Twitter world, many sought alternatives that billionaires didn’t run on vibes alone. Mastodon offered a decentralized model with no ads and user-controlled servers.

• Monthly Active Users: Topped 11.7 million globally in 2025.
• Engagement Spike: 20% growth YoY after high-profile tech creators joined.

Among popular social media platforms, Mastodon is the quiet disruptor — not flashy, but steadily climbing the charts.

Honorable Mentions

These aren’t yet among the top social media platforms, but they’re worth keeping an eye on:

• Fanbase – Built for monetizing smaller followings.
• Clapper – Think TikTok, but slower and more community-focused.
• Geneva – Growing fast among digital communities and micro-groups.

If you’re still stuck asking, What is the most popular social media app?, don’t overlook the new kids on the block. The next big thing could be one pivot (or viral trend) away from overtaking the giants. 

And in 2025, social media platforms are evolving faster than ever, so keep your eyes open and your notifications on. 

Social Media Engagement & Usage Trends in 2025

If you’re wondering what the most used social media platform is in 2025, you’re not alone — and the answer might surprise you (spoiler: it’s not MySpace). This year, engagement isn’t just about who has the most users — it’s about time spent, content consumed, and who’s actively liking, sharing, and commenting at 2 a.m.

Let’s break down what’s happening across the top social media platforms in 2025 and how user behavior is evolving.

Average Daily Time Spent per Platform

• TikTok reigns supreme with users spending an average of 58 minutes per day on the app in 2025 — the highest among all social media platforms.
• Instagram follows with 52 minutes, thanks to its never-ending Reels and Stories.
• Facebook holds steady at 38 minutes daily — still strong, especially among older demographics.

That’s right — TikTok is not just trendy, it’s possibly what is the most popular social media app in terms of attention span hijacking.

Global Engagement Insights

• There are now 5.04 billion social media users worldwide — that’s 62.3% of the global population actively scrolling, sharing, and lurking in 2025.
• The average user has 7.2 accounts across different popular social media platforms, up from 6.8 in 2024.

Users aren’t just sticking to one app anymore — they’re hopping between the top social media apps depending on their mood. 

Changing Behavior Patterns

• Short-form content is dominating, with over 70% of social media engagement happening on videos under 60 seconds.
• DM-based interaction (like Instagram and WhatsApp messages) now accounts for 41% of total social media communication, replacing public comments.
• Gen Z users prefer visual-first platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, while Millennials and Gen X still dominate Facebook and LinkedIn.

These behavioral shifts are shaping how brands, creators, and marketers show up on the most popular social media platforms in 2025. Spoiler: long posts are out, punchy video and memes are in.

Platform-Specific Engagement Highlights (2025)

Regional Insights: Social Media Usage by Country in 2025

While the top social media platforms globally are easy to identify, their popularity shifts dramatically based on geography. What dominates the feed in the U.S. may be a ghost town in Japan — and vice versa.

Let’s break down the regional battlegrounds of the most popular social media platforms 2025 — because location matters when you’re fighting for screen time.

United States: TikTok Takes the Crown

• TikTok is now the most used social media platform among Gen Z in the U.S., with over 150 million monthly active users in 2025.
• Instagram follows closely, reaching 148 million U.S. users, largely thanks to its video-centric updates.
• Facebook still holds relevance with 178 million active users, but its engagement is skewed toward the 35+ age group.

India: A Mobile-First, Video-Obsessed Audience

• India has the largest number of social media users worldwide — over 650 million!
• WhatsApp dominates in daily usage, but Instagram and YouTube Shorts are leading when it comes to entertainment and creator content.
• TikTok is banned here, but homegrown apps like Moj and Josh have over 200 million users combined.

China: A World of Its Own

• China has its own universe of popular social media platforms:
  • WeChat – 1.3 billion MAUs
  • Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese version) – 750 million
  • Weibo – 600 million
• Western apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are blocked, but the scale and engagement of local platforms make China one of the biggest social media platforms markets globally.

Europe: A Platform Mix with Privacy in Mind

• Facebook and Instagram remain strong, but privacy-conscious platforms like Telegram and Signal are gaining traction.
• TikTok has over 150 million users across Europe, with Germany, France, and the UK leading the charge.
• The EU’s Digital Services Act has forced stricter content moderation across all social media platforms, reshaping user trust.

Latin America & Africa: Mobile Growth Exploding

• In Latin America, WhatsApp is the dominant app with 95 %+ penetration, followed by Facebook and Instagram.
• Africa is experiencing a mobile boom — Nigeria and South Africa lead the way with over 50 million active users each.
• YouTube and TikTok are climbing fast as affordable internet and smartphones become more accessible.

Top Social Media Platforms by Country (2025)

These regional stats prove that the top social media apps are not one-size-fits-all. What’s trending in São Paulo might not even be downloadable in Shanghai. 

So when businesses and marketers ask what is the most used social media platform, the answer really depends on your audience’s zip code (or IP address).

Growth Trajectories: Platforms on the Rise (or Decline)

In the world of social media platforms, you’re either going viral or you’re going home. 2025 has been a rollercoaster for even the biggest social media platforms — some apps are smashing records, while others are quietly fading into irrelevance (RIP Clubhouse, we barely knew you).

Let’s explore who’s soaring, who’s stalling, and who’s slipping into the digital era — all backed by stats, of course.

Fastest-Growing Social Media Platforms in 2025

1. TikTok – Still the Growth Champion

• Monthly active users: 1.8 billion globally
• Year-over-year growth: +14%
• TikTok continues to lead the charge among popular social media apps, particularly in short-form video engagement and influencer marketing.

2. Threads – Meta’s Surprise Comeback Kid

• Monthly active users: 285 million
• YoY growth: +63% (yes, you read that right)
• Once doubted as a Twitter clone, Threads has carved a niche among creators and real-time communities.

3. BeReal – Niche, but Growing

• Monthly active users: 90 million
• Growth rate: +27%
• Its raw, unfiltered nature appeals to Gen Z, who are, frankly, done with filters.

Declining Platforms

1. X (formerly Twitter) – Identity Crisis Ongoing

• Monthly active users: 368 million (down from 400M in 2024)
• Advertiser pullback, controversial changes, and platform instability have caused usage to dip in several regions.

2. Facebook – Still Huge, But Shrinking Among Youth

• Monthly active users: 2.9 billion (but usage in the 18–24 demographic is down by 10%)
• It remains one of the top social media platforms due to global reach, but younger users are flocking to more visual-first platforms.

3. Snapchat – Losing Steam

• Monthly active users: 560 million (down 5%)
• Once a Gen Z favorite, now eclipsed by TikTok and Instagram in terms of engagement and creator tools.

Growth Rates of the Most Popular Social Media Platforms 2025

Why Growth Still Matters in 2025

When asking what is the most popular social media app, don’t just look at raw user numbers — look at growth trends:

• Platforms with increasing engagement (like TikTok) are hotbeds for organic reach.
• Declining platforms (like X) could mean your audience is migrating elsewhere.
• Explosive growth on apps like Threads shows how quickly popular social media platforms can change.

So yes, Facebook may still have billions of users, but if your target audience is Gen Z in 2025, you’d be better off investing time in TikTok or Instagram Reels.

How to Leverage These Insights for Your Business

Understanding what the most popular social media app is is just the beginning. To stay competitive in 2025, businesses need to go beyond basic platform knowledge and tailor their strategies to each platform’s unique audience, strengths, and user behavior.

Let’s break down how you can leverage these insights to maximize your social media marketing efforts and reach your audience where they are.

Choosing the Right Platform Based on Your Audience & Goals

Not every social media platform will suit your business goals. When choosing where to focus your marketing efforts, it’s crucial to consider:

1. Audience Demographics:

• Instagram is perfect for businesses targeting younger audiences (18–34) with visual content.
• Facebook may still be a top contender in terms of user numbers, but if you’re targeting Gen Z or young millennials, platforms like TikTok and Snapchat will give you better reach.
• For B2B marketing, LinkedIn reigns supreme with its professional network and decision-makers.

2. Platform Strengths & Features:

• If your brand thrives on short-form video content, TikTok and YouTube Shorts are gold mines.
• For businesses in retail or hospitality, Instagram’s image and story-based content is ideal.
• LinkedIn is unparalleled for thought leadership, networking, and industry-specific content.

3. Marketing Goals:

• If you’re looking for direct sales or lead generation, Facebook ads are still incredibly effective thanks to advanced targeting.
• Twitter (X) is great for brand awareness and real-time engagement with timely trends, though its user base is shrinking.
• TikTok can help you build brand affinity and go viral, but conversion rates may not be as high unless paired with strong calls to action.

Aligning Platform Strategies with User Behavior & Emerging Trends

Understanding user behavior on top social media platforms and how it’s shifting can help you better align your strategies. Here’s how to do it:

1. Stay on Top of Emerging Trends:

• TikTok has seen explosive growth in 2025, and its algorithm favors authentic, raw, and relatable content over polished ads. If you’re looking to build a genuine connection with your audience, get creative with TikTok challenges and viral trends.
• Instagram is continuously introducing new features (like Shopping, Reels, and Stories) that cater to a more shopping-centric audience. Aligning with this feature set will help your brand capture attention where users are already engaging.

2. Leverage Behavioral Insights:

• Facebook users tend to be more content-consuming than content-creating. For brands, this means focusing on highly engaging visuals and articles that users want to share with their networks.
• Twitter/X users are heavily driven by real-time conversations. Use this platform for live updates, product launches, or trending hashtags that are relevant to your industry.

3. Interactive Content is King:

• Instagram and TikTok are two platforms where interactive content, like polls, challenges, and live Q&As, drive engagement. Whether it’s asking your audience to vote on a new product design or participate in a fun hashtag challenge, these actions spark engagement in ways static posts can’t.

 A Real-World Example: Aligning Strategy with Trends

Take Lush Cosmetics as a prime example. They embraced the growing trend of short-form video content on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok, where they showcased their products in fun, vibrant, and highly shareable ways. Their strategy was to create content that felt as personal and authentic as their brand, which resonated perfectly with the younger audience demographic on those platforms.

As a result, Lush saw a massive increase in online engagement and even boosted their sales through influencer collaborations on TikTok. This is a prime example of aligning platform strategies with user behavior patterns.

Key Takeaways for Your Business Strategy:

• Know your audience: Research where they spend the most time and tailor your content to their platform preferences.
• Adapt to platform strengths: Align your content type with what works best on the platform (video, images, etc.).
• Stay agile: Social media trends can shift overnight. Keep an eye on emerging trends to stay ahead of the competition.
• Engage authentically: Be genuine in your interactions, especially on platforms like TikTok, where authenticity is key.

By strategically choosing your social media platforms and aligning your content with user behaviors, your business can tap into new opportunities and expand its reach.

How TekRevol Can Help?

Staying relevant on the most popular social media platforms in 2025 isn’t easy — trends evolve fast, algorithms change even faster, and your audience? They’ve got a scroll speed of lightning.

That’s where TekRevol steps in.

We specialize in helping businesses harness the power of the top social media platforms to grow visibility, boost engagement, and drive real results. Whether you’re wondering what the most popular social media app is for your target audience or which platform will give you the best ROI, we’ve got the data-backed answers.

Here’s how we support your growth:

• Strategic Platform Selection: We identify the popular social media apps that align best with your goals and audience behavior.
• Custom Content Creation: Our creative team builds scroll-stopping, share-worthy content tailored for the biggest social media platforms — from TikTok to Instagram to LinkedIn.
• Performance Analytics: With real-time insights, we track what’s working and refine your strategy to match the ever-shifting landscape of social media platforms.
• Trend Integration: From AI-generated content to viral challenges, we help your brand stay fresh, relevant, and ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re an emerging brand or an enterprise looking to scale, TekRevol turns platform chaos into a cohesive, data-driven strategy that gets noticed — and gets results.