Social media platforms are online tools or apps that let you share content (such as text, images, and videos) and interact with other users.
Businesses can use social networks to increase brand awareness and reach, engage with their audience, and gather valuable customer and competitor insights.
Facebook is the most used social media platform in the world in terms of monthly active users (MAUs).
Over 3 billion people log into the platform each month.
After Facebook, the most popular social media platforms are YouTube and Instagram.
These are world’s most popular social media platforms as of October 2023, according to Statista:
|
Ranking |
Social Media Platform |
MAUs (in millions) |
|
1 |
|
3,030 |
|
2 |
YouTube |
2,491 |
|
3 |
|
2,000* |
|
4 |
|
2,000 |
|
5 |
|
1,327 |
|
6 |
TikTok |
1,218 |
|
7 |
Facebook Messenger |
1,036 |
|
8 |
Telegram |
800 |
|
9 |
Snapchat |
750 |
|
10 |
Douyin |
743** |
|
11 |
Kuaishou |
673 |
|
12 |
X (formerly Twitter) |
666 |
|
13 |
Sina Weibo |
599 |
|
14 |
|
571 |
|
15 |
|
465 |
* WhatsApp has not published data in the past year, so this figure is less reliable
** Figure uses daily active users—monthly active user count is likely higher
We’ve rounded up some of the world’s biggest social media apps and websites (in no particular order). And shared some marketing tactics for each.
To help your business take its social strategy to the next level.
Let’s dive into our list of social media platforms:
1. Facebook
Each day, over 2 billion users visit Facebook. There are also more than 7 million active advertisers on the platform.
Your business is likely missing out if you don’t consider this huge customer base. Get started by signing up to Facebook Business Manager.
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Facebook Business Manager
Here are some ways to optimize your Facebook page once it’s set up:
- Claim your page’s URL. When your page is created, it will get a randomly generated URL (like facebook.com/pages/yourbusiness/1838227)—visit this page to create a “vanity” URL (like facebook.com/YourBusinessName).
- Optimize your “about” section. When editing your business page, include a description of your business, a link to your site, your hours, your phone number, etc.
- Include an eye-catching cover photo. Upload an 820 x 312 pixel cover photo that best represents your business to appear at the top of your page.
- Add a CTA (call to action). You can add a CTA (such as “Sign Up” or “Shop Now”) that will appear on the bottom right of your cover photo.
For help improving and executing your Facebook strategy, use Semrush Social.
The toolkit allows you to schedule posts, track competitors, and analyze performance metrics on Facebook.
You can also connect your X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Google Business Profile, and Pinterest accounts.
2. YouTube
Since its launch in 2005 and its acquisition by Google just a year later, YouTube has become the largest video platform in the world.
Because of these impressive feats, it’s not surprising that YouTube is an advertising juggernaut. In 2022, YouTube’s global advertising revenue reached around $29.24 billion.
No matter your business industry, there’s a place for you on YouTube. There are countless active communities, from beauty to gaming to home improvement.
Here are a few tips for getting started on YouTube as a business:
- Create a YouTube channel for your brand
- Upload a channel trailer (or a short video) that encourages engagement and tells the audience what your brand is about
- Perform YouTube keyword research to see what videos your target audience searches for
- Interact with users via comments and likes (You can also subscribe to related channels in your industry.)
- Organize your videos into themed playlists
- Share your YouTube videos on your website and other social accounts
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most popular mobile messenger app worldwide.
At first, WhatsApp users primarily used the app to talk to family and friends. It remains a convenient way to communicate with people around the world regardless of their phone provider.
These days, the app also provides:
- WhatsApp Business: A free app created with small businesses in mind. Business owners can create a catalog of their products and services. And quickly respond to messages.
- WhatsApp Business API: This is a better choice for medium to large businesses. It helps business owners provide customer support and send important notifications to customers.
Here are a few things you can do with a business account on WhatsApp:
- Send customers order and shipping notifications
- Share appointment availability and send reminders
- Re-engage with customers who have abandoned their carts while online shopping
- Allow customers to browse products directly in WhatsApp
4. Instagram
Instagram is an app where users curate visual content.
You can post photos and carousels, Stories (images and videos that disappear after 24 hours), and Reels (short videos). Or host a livestream.
To start using Instagram, create an Instagram Business Profile.
This allows you to:
- Set up a shop where users can buy your products directly
- Enable online reservations
- Add contact information to your profile
- Add links to your Instagram Stories
- Promote your posts
- View your analytics
With Semrush’s Social Poster, you can schedule posts on Instagram (and other social media platforms).
After starting a new post, select your account(s) at the top.
Then, add your image and caption.
You can enhance your post by:
- Inserting emojis and GIFs
- Editing your visuals
- Updating the link in your bio
- Adding a first comment
Next, decide when the post should go live.
You can use the “Calendar” tab on the right to see all your other planned posts.
Switch to the “Post preview” to check you’re happy with everything before clicking “Schedule.”
5. WeChat
WeChat began as a messaging platform. But just like WhatsApp, it’s much more these days.
Users can send calls and messages, shop online, transfer money, and more. Many WeChat users refer to it as the “app for everything” or “super app” due to its wide range of features.
Facebook and X are banned in China. But WeChat is a popular alternative. In fact, it’s the most popular social media app in China.
So, WeChat is a good option if you want to boost your brand awareness in China.
If you’d like to advertise on WeChat, it offers three main advertising placements:
- WeChat Moments ads
- WeChat Article banner ads
- WeChat Mini Program ads
Further reading: What Is Digital Advertising? A Guide to Getting Started
6. TikTok
TikTok (or Douyin in China) is a short-form video hosting app created by ByteDance in 2016.
The app is heavily based around trends and memes. Users can “stitch” or “duet” other videos. Or just post their renditions of the latest viral trend.
While there’s a community for seemingly everything on TikTok, the audience skews young—38.5% of the 18+ ad audience are aged 18-24.
TikTok is beginning to expand past short-form content, though. At launch, TikTok videos could be a maximum of 15 seconds. These days, users can post videos up to 10 minutes long.
Here are a few ways to leverage TikTok for business:
- Run top-view or in-feed ads (top-view ads appear when a user opens the app, while in-feed ads play organically between videos)
- Create branded effects (filters, games, stickers, etc.) that users can apply to videos
- Start a Branded Hashtag Challenge to boost awareness and drive engagement (these have a median engagement of 17.5%)
- Follow TikTok SEO best practices to make your account and videos rank higher in search results
7. Douyin
Douyin is the Chinese counterpart of TikTok. It’s only available for download in mainland China.
TikTok users cannot access Douyin (and vice versa).
Some key Douyin features include:
- Advanced live streaming capabilities, including group live streams
- In-app shopping features
- Location tagging
A third of Douyin’s user base is aged under 26. This makes it a great place for Chinese businesses to reach younger generations.
8. Messenger
Messenger (or Facebook Messenger) is another member of the Meta family.
Businesses and customers exchange millions of messages on Messenger each month. You’re missing out on potential new customers and conversions if you don’t use it.
Messenger is a great place to get quality leads. Once a customer contacts you, your message history remains. You may want to follow up for plenty of reasons, from providing coupons to asking about their recent purchase.
9. QQ
After WeChat and Douyin, QQ is the most popular social media platform in China.
QQ offers a variety of uses in addition to its chat features. Those include games, music, shopping, and microblogging.
Some benefits of QQ for businesses include:
- In-app shopping capabilities
- Hyper-specific segments for ad targeting (down to location, age, gender, and interests)
- Advertising across both QQ and Qzone (both owned by Tencent)
In addition to traditional social media ads, QQ also allows influencers (called KOLs) to host KOL fan groups.
Influencers can partner with a brand, invite followers to a large group chat, and promote products. Typically, users will get some sort of deal or discount code if they join.
10. Weibo
Weibo, formerly known as Sina Weibo, means microblog in Chinese (微博). Users can post images, send personal messages to followers, post stories, follow trending topics, and more.
Like WeChat, Weibo appeals to younger users. It’s often compared to both X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Weibo also offers opportunities for businesses. Companies can grow and raise brand awareness through influencer campaigns, sponsored posts, and “Weibo lottery” (where followers can earn prizes from businesses).
11. Kuaishou
Kuaishou is a video sharing platform similar to Douyin and TikTok.
In Q2 2023, it had 376 million daily active users (DAUs).
The company began in 2011 as “GIF Kuaishou.” At that time, the platform’s primary feature was the ability to make GIFs.
In 2013, Kuaishou introduced short videos. In 2016, they added a live streaming functionality.
These days, it’s starting to push into other areas, Like ecommerce and mobile gaming.
Kuaishou gained popularity in the ecommerce space with “shopping festivals.”
During these events, users get access to shop directly in the app. Typically, brands collaborate with influencers who live stream and promote products.
12. Snapchat
Snapchat is an instant messaging app where users can share pictures and messages that disappear after a short period of time.
While Snapchat is still going strong, other social media platforms have successfully recreated the idea (e.g., Instagram Stories). This competition has made it harder for Snapchat to keep up.
Snapchat is popular with younger users—20% of users are aged 13 to 17.
So, if your primary audience skews younger, it may be a good option for your business.
After setting up a Snapchat business account, you can:
- Create sponsored geofilters available to users
- Create sponsored lenses that use facial recognition technology to transform the user’s face (add flower crowns, morph into an animal, tack on devil horns, etc.)
- Run ads that start at only $5 per day (meaning there are plenty of options for small businesses)
- Target users based on interests, behavior, location, and more
13. Qzone
Qzone is another app from Tencent that offers blogging capabilities. Users can write blogs, keep diaries, send photos, listen to music, play games, and watch videos.
Its mix of features is reminiscent of both Facebook and everyone’s old-school favorite, Myspace.
While users can customize their blogs or “spaces,” many add-ons cost money.
Qzone’s audience skews younger. Which means they probably don’t have a lot of spending power.
However, many celebrities and influencers use QQ and Qzone to connect with their fans. So there are opportunities for influencer marketing campaigns.
Marketers can also run a variety of ads for brand promotion or product promotion.
14. Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption. In other words, secure messaging.
It also supports messages that “self-destruct” after a set period of time, similar to Snapchat.
This could be a great way for businesses to promote limited-time deals.
In addition to marketing, you can use Telegram for customer support, feedback collection, ecommerce notifications, and more.
15. Pinterest
Pinterest is an image sharing social platform. It allows users to save images and curate or “pin” them onto virtual boards.
According to Pinterest, 46% of weekly users have discovered a new brand or product on the platform. That means there’s plenty of opportunity to reach new customers.
Here are a few tips for pinning as a business:
- Carefully plan your boards. 97% of Pinterest boards are unbranded. So, plan engaging content that doesn’t come across sales-y. If you had a clothing brand, for example, you might create boards for “summer trends,” “wedding guest outfits,” and so on.
- Optimize pins for SEO. Include keywords in your descriptions, plan your boards according to keyword research, and use relevant hashtags
- Advertise on Pinterest. Target users based on who has visited your website, who has engaged with your pins, and who has engaged with similar pins
- Post regularly. Use Semrush’s Social Poster to schedule pins in bulk and keep followers engaged with a steady stream of content
16. X (Formerly Twitter)
X (formerly Twitter) is a social media platform used by many of the world’s most influential brands and individuals.
You can communicate with your target audience by posting public messages (or “Tweets”). These can be up to 280 characters long and include photos, polls, and other content types.
Customer service teams also use the direct messaging feature to engage with customers.
To make the most of this platform, check out our guide to building an X strategy.
And sign up for Semrush Social. It lets you schedule Tweets, check performance metrics, and much more.
17. Reddit
Reddit is a news aggregation, content rating, and discussion website. Essentially, a site where people can find a community for anything and everything.
The site is broken up into “subreddits,” or forums about specific topics. Members can ask questions, participate in live AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and “upvote” content they like to push it to the top of the subreddit.
As a business, it’s a good idea to participate in subreddits related to your community. You can engage with users, but do so with caution.
Reddit has guidelines on how to properly self-promote, but some subreddit moderators are more strict about it than others. Ignoring these guidelines can result in your account being banned.
For more advice, check out our Reddit marketing guide.
18. Tieba
With Tieba (or Baidu Tieba), users can interact with each other in different forums or “bars.” Each bar covers a different topic.
Tieba is similar to Reddit. It provides an opportunity to observe or communicate directly with your audience.
The platform is hosted by Baidu, the biggest search engine in China.
19. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social networking platform for businesses and professionals. This means it’s a great place for B2B marketing.
You can create a company page and publish various types of content, including:
- Text posts
- Images and videos
- Job listings
- Articles
- Documents
Posting thought-provoking, relevant content about topics in your niche can help you build an audience. And connect with other top voices in your industry.
You can also post content through your personal profile. To engage target audiences on a more personal level.
For more advice, check out these LinkedIn marketing strategies.
20. Quora
Quora is a social Q&A website. You can find questions and answers to just about any topic.
But keep in mind:
The entire site is made up of user-generated content. Not all answers are guaranteed to come from reputable sources.
Users can vote on answers to highlight which they think is the most helpful and accurate. Or downvote the ones that are not helpful or accurate.
Because of this, it can be useful for crowdsourcing and finding answers to opinion-based questions.
In addition to running ads on Quora, businesses can engage with customers. Answer and ask questions, speak directly to your audience, and observe how users interact with each other.
You should avoid coming across as sales-y, though. Think about it as an exercise in thought leadership.
If those in your niche see you as a helpful, knowledgeable source, that may boost your reputation. Which could boost sales and revenue down the line.
21. Stack Exchange
Like Quora, Stack Exchange is a Q&A-style social platform. The site hosts 170+ communities where users can ask and answer questions.
Users can vote for the best answers. And the person who asked the question can mark their favorite answer as “accepted.”
Stack Exchange recommends that users avoid opinion-based questions that don’t match the areas of expertise of their various communities.
To use Stack Exchange for business purposes, answer questions within your business’s niche. This will help put your name out there and boost your reputation.
In the past year, users asked 3.1 million questions and provided 3.5 million answers.
22. Viber
Viber (or Rakuten Viber) is an instant messaging app that lets users send messages, make voice and video calls, start group chats and calls, join communities, and more.
Viber has been around since 2011. Rakuten acquired it in 2014 for $900 million.
Viber prioritizes safety by using default end-to-end encryption on all messages, offering “disappearing” messages, and allowing users to delete and edit any message.
You can set up a Viber Business account that allows users to interact with your brand.
If people connect with you, you can send individual messages or broadcast messages to a larger group.
23. imo
- Website: https://imo.im/
- Company: PageBites
- Country: United States
- Year founded: 2005
imo is a messenger app that supports audio and video calls, text messaging, stories, file sharing, and more. It’s free, easy to use, and a simple option for international calls.
imo also offers chat rooms and “big groups,” where you can meet new people who share your interests.
Companies can create business accounts. These accounts allow you to run ads and set a weekly budget.
Because imo is on the smaller side, there could be less competition within your niche.
24. LINE
- Website: https://line.me/
- Company: Naver
- Country: South Korea
- Year founded: 2011
LINE is a messaging app where users can exchange texts, images, video, and audio.
In 2021, the company launched LINE Voom, a feature similar to TikTok. It allows users to follow each other and post video content. Users can also make purchases using LINE Pay (similar to Apple Pay).
As for business uses, companies can make a LINE for Business account to interact with customers and run various types of ads.
Here are a few things you can do after setting up your business account:
- Create branded stickers that users can send in chats
- Run video ads that appear at the top of the chat screen
- Create traditional ads that reach a wide audience
- Run an “online-merge-offline” campaign that encourages users to visit your store while also gaining insight on their shopping behavior
25. Picsart
Picsart is a photo and video editing app, similar to Canva. But it also allows users to share their creations with each other.
As with other social platforms, you can use hashtags to increase your content’s reach. Or run advertising campaigns.
But one of the features we like most is the ability to participate in “Challenges.” By submitting your creations and engaging with other people’s work, you can increase brand awareness.
26. Likee
Likee is a short-form video platform similar to TikTok.
If your content gains traction, it can earn “crowns” that translate into real money. Followers can also give creators virtual gifts or money during live streams.
In addition to traditional in-app ads, Likee also supports in-app purchases. Capitalizing on these can bring potential customers one step closer to a purchase.
27. Discord
Discord was created to let people around the world communicate online. Users can join or create different communities (servers) and connect through text, voice chat, and video.
Discord’s user base averages 4 billion server conversation minutes per day.
But keep in mind that Discord does not permit advertisements. Instead, businesses can create a server for their community and engage with their users that way.
For example, Spotify has a channel within their Discord community. There, users share what they’re currently listening to and their favorite playlists.
Any business can potentially benefit from Discord if your audience uses it. Treat it as an FAQ, share updates about product launches, and more.
28. Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming service that focuses mainly on video gaming. However, some users live stream music, other creative content, or vlog-style content.
In Q3 2022, Twitch users watched 5.71 billion hours of content.
There are three main ways to advertise on Twitch:
- Influencer marketing campaigns: Brands can collaborate with influencers who will promote products to their followers on live streams
- Ad campaigns: Run banner or in-video ads on specific channels (the channels must be a part of the Twitch Partner program)
- Branded channels: Create a sense of community by hosting live streams, interviewing people at your company, and sharing brand updates
Semrush Social comes with the tools you need to streamline social media management and get better results.
- Social Poster: Schedule posts on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Business Profile
- Social Tracker: Compare your Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest metrics against competitors’
- Social Analytics: Learn about your audiences on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Social Inbox: Monitor incoming messages from Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn in one place
You can also save heaps of time with the AI Social Content Generator app.
Just choose a post type and fill out the brief to generate engaging social media content. Which you can publish across all your social media platforms.
Source link : Semrush.com
