---
title: "The Leading Social Media Platforms and How They Compare"
description: "Discover the leading social media platforms worldwide for 2024, and tips to leverage these platforms to grow your brand."
datePublished: "2024-06-27"
dateUpdated: "2026-08-04"
author: "Gwenn"
authorImage: "/img/blog/authors/img-8642.webp"
postType: "blog"
tags: ["social-media-management"]
image: "/img/blog/the-leading-social-media-platforms-in-2024/main.png"
imageWidth: 1800
imageHeight: 1080
---

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](/blog/facebook-post-sizes), 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](/blog/instagram-carousel) and videos, apply filters, and share them with followers or through [direct messaging](/blog/how-to-reply-to-a-message-on-instagram). Since being acquired by Facebook in 2012, Instagram has evolved to include features like [Stories](/blog/instagram-stories), [Reels](/blog/instagram-reels-tools), [Threads](/blog/instagram-threads), [Notes](/blog/instagram-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](/blog/best-time-to-post-on-tiktok) is a social media platform launched in 2016, designed to allow users to create, share, and discover [short-form videos](/blog/tiktok-video-size) set to music, featuring various challenges, dances, and trends. Known for its [algorithm-driven content recommendations](/blog/how-to-go-viral-on-tiktok), 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