As of April 2024, these are the leading social media platforms globally.
1. Facebook
3 Billion users
Founded in 2004, Facebook is a social media platform that allows users can connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, and join groups with similar interests. The platform has since evolved into a major digital advertising platform.
Under the parent company 'Meta', rebranded from Facebook Inc. in 2021 to reflect its focus on building the metaverse, a virtual reality space where users can interact in a simulated environment. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus all operate under the parent company Meta.
Strategy Tip: Build community and engage in group conversations.
2. YouTube
2.5 Billion users
YouTube, founded in 2005 and acquired by Google in 2006, is a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, view, and share videos across various genres - from entertainment, education, news and vlogs.
YouTube has grown into one of the largest and most influential platforms for content creators and advertisers, offering features like live streaming, Shorts, and a comprehensive monetization system.
Strategy Tip: Create long-form video content and optimize for SEO.
3. Instagram
2 Billion users
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social media platform launched in 2010. It allows users to post images and videos, apply filters, and share them with followers or through direct messaging. Since being acquired by Facebook in 2012, Instagram has evolved to include features like Stories, Reels, Threads, Notes and IGTV, making it a key platform for influencers, brands, and everyday users to engage with visual content.
Strategy Tip: Focus on visual storytelling, with Stories and Reels.
4. TikTok
1.8 Billion users
TikTok is a social media platform launched in 2016, designed to allow users to create, share, and discover short-form videos set to music, featuring various challenges, dances, and trends. Known for its algorithm-driven content recommendations, TikTok has quickly become popular worldwide, especially among younger audiences, and has influenced digital culture and social media marketing significantly.
Strategy Tip: Tap into trends, audio, and hashtag challenges with short, original videos.
Source: Statista, 2024
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