Social Media Platforms to Grow Your Business Presence
Social media platforms are no longer about chatting with friends or sharing photos. Today, it has become one of the most powerful tools for businesses. This creates endless opportunities to connect and build trust with their audience.
Millions of people log in every day to check updates, watch videos, shop, or search for ideas. In 2025, about 5.2 billion people are using social media platforms.
This means that social media platforms are not optional anymore—they are essential. They can help you reach new customers, keep existing ones engaged, and increase sales.
Most Popular Social Media Platforms Compared
The below table shows the most popular platforms on the basis of monthly active users around the world and what they are best for:
Source: Statista
Top Social Media Platforms
Let’s explore the top social media platforms in more detail:
The very first platform I will be talking about is Facebook. It is the largest social media platform with more than three billion monthly users. It is so versatile that it works for almost every type of business.
From October of 2021 Meta owns Facebook along with other platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
Among all the social media platforms, the most business-friendly platform is Facebook. Hundreds of businesses are leveraging its features currently. Recent data shows that more than 200 million businesses operate and run advertisements on Facebook. Why such huge popularity for Facebook?
The factor I found is that it does not only provide connection to its users. It provides a versatile set of features. You can create profiles, share posts, photos, videos, and live videos, join or create Facebook groups, communicate, and run highly targeted ads on Facebook.
Facebook works for various industries. From financial services to industries like technology and consumer goods, leverage Facebook's broad audience. Even new sectors such as gaming, entertainment, and automotive are also beginning to establish themselves on this platform.
You can also leverage the diverse Facebook community to grow your business, drive conversions. To do so, create Facebook groups and collect leads with a Facebook group lead generation tool. Its easier than your imagination!
Why it matters:
Connects people with friends, family, and communities.
- Versatility with content formats—from text to live video.
- Massive global reach via Facebook groups and pages.
- Strong ad tools help businesses reach targeted audiences.
- Combines personal networking with business growth.
Best Practice:
- Leverage the benefits of Facebook groups to foster community.
- Use Facebook Ad Manager to get massive global reach.
- Run A/B tests on ad creative for paid social media branded campaigns.
- Don’t rely on paid ads only; leverage organic posts to reach beyond.
YouTube
All of us know about Jawad Karim's YouTube. Now it's a Google-owned online video-sharing social media platform. Among all the video sharing platforms, YouTube has been the biggest since 2006.
YouTube hosts a variety of content, including music videos, documentaries, educational videos, video blogs, and live streams. Users can watch, like, and comment on and upload their videos.
Think about it—YouTube videos often appear on Google, giving them powerful search visibility. This is one of the main reasons it became one of the largest social media platforms in 2025 for brand visibility.
What’s more, in January 2025, YouTube ads reached 2.53 billion users. According to KEPIOS analysis, that’s 45.5 percent of the world’s internet users at the beginning of 2025. So, you should try to leverage its powerful search visibility to boost your business.
Why it matters
- World’s largest video-sharing platform.
- Used for tutorials, reviews, education, and entertainment.
- Helps brands tell stories and build trust.
- Monetisation options support creators and businesses.
Best Practice:
- Be original, and get connected with the audience naturally.
- Use clear thumbnails and titles.
- Add chapters for longer videos.
- Repurpose videos across other channels.
Let's talk about the most popular end-to-end encrypted messaging platform, WhatsApp.
It is a free instant messaging and video calling service that connects people worldwide through the internet. With it, users can send messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents seamlessly across borders.
Another key feature is the ability to create group chats, helping friends, families, and teams stay connected in one place. To get started, users simply register with a phone number, then access the service either through the mobile app or via WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
Although it was primarily built as a personal messaging app, has evolved into a valuable business-social media platform. Users can cross-connect 'WhatsApp Business' for sharing updates and customer service directly with Facebook. It enabled small businesses and larger teams to effectively communicate and collaborate.
Why it matters
- Secure, private messaging for daily communication.
- Supports text, calls, voice notes, and media sharing.
- WhatsApp Business helps companies give fast customer support.
- Simple, fast, and reliable for personal and professional use.
Best Practice:
- Keep messages short and clear.
- Use templates for common replies.
- Ask customers to opt in for messages.
- Respect privacy and timing.
Instagram is a visual storytelling social media platform. It is designed for sharing photos and short-form videos.
Instagram is popular among the young generation for its feature, i.e., visual storytelling. You can upload media and enhance it with filters and editing tools. Then you can share it either publicly or privately with followers or friends.
The platform’s key features help shape how people interact. A personalised feed keeps users engaged with relevant content.
However, Instagram is not only for personal use. Meta enables cross-connection via Facebook to Instagram. Here, you can leverage its built-in shopping features for business’s marketing, brand growth, and customer engagement.
Why it matters:
- A visual storytelling platform loved by younger audiences.
- Features user-generated content, i.e., photos, Reels, and Stories.
- Influencer marketing and shopping boost business growth.
- Blends creativity, lifestyle, and commerce.
Best Practice:
- Keep a consistent visual style.
- Treat Reels as native content, not only ads.
- Test product tags and link stickers.
- Reply to comments and DMs without any delay.
TikTok
Let's talk about TikTok, the most popular social media platform in the young generation, especially in the USA.
TikTok is the leader among the most trending platforms. Users can share short, fun, and viral video content to get connected with the audience. Along with general users, brands are allowed to connect with a vast and diverse audience through short, creative videos.
If we talk about business, TikTok is always one step ahead. It reshaped digital marketing. The app’s unique algorithm and the power of influencers make it a key tool for modern marketers.
Thousands of small businesses and brands are leveraging its direct in-app selling feature. In a recent report it was found that 50.6% of marketers are allocating more than 50% of their budgets to TikTok.
So, leverage this social media platform if particularly targeting younger audiences.
Why it matters:
- Short, engaging videos make content fun and viral.
- The “For You” feed gives new creators a chance to grow fast.
- Strong platform for connecting with Gen Z and young millennials.
- Trend-driven content feels authentic and relatable.
Best Practice:
- Jump on trends early.
- Keep clips short and engaging.
- Let creators lead the content.
- Focus on authenticity over polish.
If you are a professional who wants an exponential online presence, then LinkedIn is for you. LinkedIn is the world’s leading professional networking platform, connecting over a billion professionals around the world.
Primarily it began as a platform for job seekers, recruiters, and B2B businesses. Over the period of time, it has evolved into one of the most valuable social media platforms today. According to Microsoft’s Q4 FY2025 earnings report, LinkedIn experienced a 30% increase in comments and a 20% increase in video uploads this year.
This transformation made LinkedIn into a hub for creators, small business owners, and brands. Businesses use it to share business insights, publish updates, and post job opportunities. At the same time, it has become a powerful channel for generating high-quality leads within professional audiences.
So, if you want to ensure your professional presence and business growth, you must choose LinkedIn. It will give you the opportunity to connect with an authentic, reliable, and relevant audience.
Why it matters
- Top professional networking platform.
- Ideal for hiring, career growth, and B2B businesses.
- Consistency and meaningful engagement-friendly algorithm.
- Powerful space to establish thought leadership through articles, carousels, and video content.
Best Practice:
- Post case studies and lessons, not promotions only.
- Publish long-form articles to boost authority.
- Post during business hours for higher engagement.
- Use clear CTAs for downloads, demos, or signups.
Telegram
If you want privacy, encryption, and access to a large base audience, you should go for Telegram. It is a cloud-based, cross-platform messaging app that supports secure communication through messages, voice/video calls, and file sharing.
Telegram stands out with features like large group chats, broadcast channels, and automation through bots. It also offers "secret chats" with end-to-end encryption. While this boosts privacy, it has also raised concerns about misuse.
For businesses, Telegram provides dedicated tools to engage customers more effectively and efficiently. Unlike other platforms, businesses has access to improve customer service and marketing efforts. You can streamline tasks, manage communities, and gain insights into customer interactions through channels and groups.
Why it matters
- Known for speed, privacy, and large communities.
- Channels and groups can host huge audiences.
- Supports large file sharing and bots.
- Popular for both personal use and business updates.
Best Practice:
- Run a dedicated channel with exclusive content.
- Use bots to answer frequent questions.
- Keep moderation rules clear.
- Respect user privacy; be transparent.
Let's talk about a hybrid platform, Reddit. Why is it a hybrid platform?
Reddit offers partly blogging features and partly a social media platform. It is made up of thousands of niche communities called subreddits to have discussions. You can discuss and share content, i.e., text, links, photos, and videos, on virtually any topic imaginable.
For businesses, Reddit is valuable for honest engagement, feedback, and targeted ads. You can run targeted campaigns and reach the exact audience you want.
Not only that, but you can unleash the real power of Reddit by joining niche subreddits (communities). There you can take part in real conversations, listen to spot customer needs, build awareness, and earn trust.
On top of that, you can use Reddit to test ideas, share content, and drive traffic to your website.
Why it matters
- Community-driven with topic-specific subreddits.
- Honest, peer-to-peer conversations and advice.
- Covers everything from hobbies to finance and tech.
- Brands can listen and engage with niche audiences.
Best Practice:
- Listen first. Join discussions as a helpful user.
- Avoid direct sales language. Be authentic and useful.
- Use AMAs to build trust and show transparency.
- Collect real feedback via honest Q&A threads.
X (Twitter)
Let's talk about X, formerly known as Twitter. It's well-known for short posts, real-time updates, trending topics, fast engagement, and the newly added AI tool, Grok.' However, how much business potential does it have?
According to ExplodingTopics report’s the average user spends 34 minutes and 6 seconds on X daily. What's more interesting is that nearly 1 in 5 X users are American; that makes it a huge business opportunity.
You can use X for free as it allows to share text, images, videos, and links, while engaging with content through likes, reposts, hashtags, and Lists. It also offers a paid subscription with advanced features like editing tools, article publishing, longer uploads, and increased visibility.
For businesses, X is a powerful space for real-time engagement, customer service, brand building, and advertising. With professional accounts and Premium services, businesses can strengthen their presence, reach wider audiences, and launch products more effectively.
So, why are you waiting? Jump on X and get the most out of it!
Why it matters
- Real-time updates make it a go-to for news and trends.
- Short posts encourage quick discussions.
- Useful for customer support and brand announcements.
- Connects individuals, businesses, and communities instantly.
Best Practice:
- Post timely, byte-sized updates and news.
- Use short threads to tell a longer story.
- Pin one high-value tweet to your profile.
- Add images, GIFs, or short videos to boost visibility.
Threads
If you’re looking for a space to share quick updates and join conversations in real time, Threads is a great option. It’s a text-first social platform built by Meta. It is designed for short posts, photos, and discussions connected with Instagram.
Threads stands out with its integration with Instagram accounts, making it easy to bring your followers along. It also emphasizes friendly and open conversations, which makes it appealing for creators and businesses.
For businesses, Threads offers a simple way to build brand presence without heavy algorithms getting in the way. You can share updates, engage with your community, and spark conversations around your niche.
Why it matters
- Connected to Instagram, easy audience transfer.
- Great for real-time updates and conversations.
- Encourages authentic and casual engagement.
- Useful for building community trust.
Best Practice:
- Keep posts short, clear, and engaging.
- Start discussions with questions.
- Share behind-the-scenes or quick updates.
- Be consistent and authentic.
I find it quite fascinating while talking about Pinterest. At the very first instances, you will find the name is a combination of "Pin" and "Interest," which means "Pin your Interest (idea)." Isn't it interesting?
So, it’s a platform where you can discover new things, pin (save) them, and come back later when you’re ready to act. I would define it as a visual search engine, not just another social network.
If you run a business, this is where you want to be. People come to Pinterest with intent. They’re already looking for products, solutions, or inspiration—and that gives you a big advantage.
With a business account, you can use tools like analytics and ads to reach the right people. I’ve seen brands drive steady traffic, boost sales, and build trust simply by sharing helpful, visual content.
Whether you’re in fashion, food, décor, or any niche, Pinterest helps you connect with users who are ready to take action. And that’s the real business potential.
Why it matters
- Platform for discovery, planning, and inspiration.
- Users are 7x more likely to buy products.
- Visually rich Pins help businesses showcase products.
- Drives traffic and sales through creativity.
Best Practice:
- Use tall, high-quality images with clear text overlays.
- Write keyword-rich pin titles and descriptions.
- Link pins to helpful landing pages or product pages.
- Use Rich Pins to show product details and prices.
Tumblr
If creativity and culture matter to you, Tumblr is the solid option. Tumblr offers a unique mix of blogging and community. You can post text, images, GIFs, and videos in a personalized way, i.e., on your own and unique blogging website with a subdomain.
Tumblr stands out for its creative communities and subcultures. It’s known for freedom of expression, humor, and viral content. For sustainable business growth, it’s not about ads. It’s about connecting with communities through authentic content.
So, to engage organically and authentically with your audience, you must choose Tumblr.
Why it matters
- Strong creative and cultural communities.
- Highly customizable profiles and blogs.
- Great for storytelling and brand personality.
- Encourages viral sharing through reblogs.
Best Practice:
- Share visually creative and authentic content.
- Use humor and trends wisely.
- Customize your blog to reflect your brand.
- Engage with communities, not just promote.
QQ
If you want access to one of the largest digital communities in China, QQ is a platform to consider. It’s an instant messaging app that also works as a social media platform, offering text, voice, and video communication.
QQ stands out with features like group chats, file sharing, music, and gaming integrations. It’s not only a chat app—it’s an ecosystem where people spend time on entertainment and community.
For businesses, QQ offers opportunities to connect with Chinese audiences through official accounts, ads, and communities, especially younger demographics.
Why it matters
- Massive user base in China.
- Combines chat, social, and entertainment.
- Strong presence among younger users.
- Supports business accounts and ads.
Best Practice:
- Localize content for Chinese audiences.
- Use official accounts for credibility.
- Engage with groups and communities.
- Explore QQ ads for targeted campaigns.
Why Is Social Media Important?
Social media is important because people spend so much time on it. Along with ensuring brand visibility, it shows that your customers are already active on these platforms.
Here’s why it matters for your business:
- Reach: Billions of users make it easy to find potential customers .
- Brand awareness: Regular posting keeps your brand in front of people.
- Engagement: You can reply to comments, answer questions, and build loyalty.
- Targeted ads: Tools like Facebook Ad platform help you reach specific groups.
- Affordable marketing: Creating accounts is free, and ads are cheaper than TV or print.
- Data and insights: Platforms show the interactions with your posts.
In short, it connects you directly to customers where they already spend time.
How to Leverage Social Media Platforms to Grow Your Business
Digital space is filled with hundreds of social media platforms. But that does not mean you need to try them all. Rather, you need to know how to leverage those specific platforms in the most effective way.
Pick two or three that align with your strengths, goals, and audience. If you wants max out of it, you must choose the right social media platforms.
If you are managing multiple social media platforms, you can leverage social media scheduling-tools. You can plan content, track performance, and stay organized at your ease.
Here is a step-by-step plan to make the most of the social media platform:
1. Define Your Social Media Goals
Decide what you want to achieve. Is it brand awareness, website traffic, or sales? Be specific. For example, instead of saying “get more followers,” set a goal like “gain 500 new leads this quarter.”
2. Determine What Channels Your Audience Uses
Not every platform is right for your business. Younger users may prefer TikTok and Instagram. Professionals spend time on LinkedIn. Research where your audience hangs out and start there.
3. Review Your Content
Think about what you can create. If you have exclusive visuals, Instagram or Pinterest is a fit. If you can produce videos, try YouTube or TikTok. Choose formats you can manage consistently.
4. Match Goals, Audience, and Content with the Right Platform
Align everything. For example, if you want B2B leads, LinkedIn is your best choice. If you want to connect with Gen Z through fun videos, TikTok works better.
You can also use tools to make the process easier. For instance, GroupBoss helps businesses or community managers collect leads from Facebook groups. This makes follow-up and conversion faster.
5. Plan and Execute Your Content Strategy
Create a posting schedule. Mix content types—educational, promotional, and entertaining. Use stories, reels, or live sessions. Repurpose those throughout the many social media platforms you have selected.
Most importantly, respond quickly to comments and messages. Over time, study which posts perform best and do more of them.
Start Growing Your Business Presence
Building your presence on social media spaces takes time, but every post helps. For your business marketing, start with a few platforms where your audience is active.
Understand user behavior and follow social media platforms growth trends. Be consistent, listen to feedback, and keep improving your content.
With billions of people using social media, the best time to start building your presence is now.
FAQ
Q. What are social media platforms?
Answer: They are websites or apps where people share content and interact. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Businesses use them for marketing, ads, and customer communication.
Q. What are the top social media platforms for short-form video?
Answer: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Snapchat and Facebook Reels are also popular.
Q. How many social media platforms should my brand have a presence on?
Answer: Focus on quality, not quantity. Start with 1–3 platforms where your audience is active. Expand only if you can manage them well.
Q. What is the hottest social media right now?
Answer: TikTok continues to lead, especially for Gen Z.
Q. What are the benefits of social media marketing for businesses?
Answer: It increases brand awareness, boosts engagement, drives website traffic, and provides insights into customers.