The Top 10 Social Media Platforms for 2025
Social media is now an integral to our daily lives. With 5.17 billion social media users worldwide – accounting for 59.9% of the global population – social platforms have become necessary hubs for gathering information, connecting with our friends and loved ones, and growing our businesses. As of January 2024, approximately 239 million Americans were active on social media platforms, representing about 70.1% of the U.S. population (datareportal.com). Projections indicate that in 2025, this number could reach around 253 million users, accounting for 73% of Americans (backlinko.com). The most widely used platforms include YouTube and Facebook, with about half of U.S. adults also using Instagram.
Social media users have grown to trust and rely on their preferred social networks for everything from real-time news and updates to lifestyle hacks, product research, and more. For SMBs, the world of social media represents an expansive area of opportunity – and every user is a potential customer.
With the right tools, resources, and a strong social media strategy, business owners can leverage social media platforms to boost awareness for their business, engage their target audience, and even nurture a loyal community.
But with so many different social media platforms existing today, it’s nearly impossible to be present on every single one – let alone excel in every space. Success in social media marketing starts with choosing the right platforms for your brand. You need to identify where your target audience is spending the most time and where it makes sense for your brands to interact with them.
In this article, we’ll look at the best social media platforms for business in 2025, giving a quick overview of what they are before exploring what types of businesses might find them most useful.
| Rank | Social Media Platform | Monthly Active Users (MAU) | Revenue | Launched | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.2 billion | Not specified | 2004 | Menlo Park, CA | |
| 2 | YouTube | 2.6 billion | $31.5 billion | 2005 | San Bruno, CA |
| 3 | 2.1 billion | Not specified | 2010 | Menlo Park, CA | |
| 4 | TikTok | 1.8 billion | Unknown | 2016 | Culver City, CA |
| 5 | Snapchat | 900 million | $4.9 billion | 2011 | Los Angeles, CA |
| 6 | X (Twitter) | 630 million | $4.6 billion | 2006 | San Francisco, CA |
| 7 | 540 million | $3 billion | 2010 | San Francisco, CA | |
| 8 | 510 million* | $450 million | 2010 | San Francisco, CA | |
| 9 | <375 million | $13.2 billion | 2003 | Sunnyvale, CA | |
| 10 | Threads | 230 million* | Unknown | 2023 | Menlo Park, CA |
Data updated as of January 2025.
☐ Research where your target audience is most active
☐ Create business accounts on selected platforms
☐ Complete all profile sections with consistent information
☐ Upload high-quality profile and cover images
☐ Add business hours, location, and contact information
☐ Enable relevant platform-specific features (e.g., shopping on Instagram, appointments on Facebook)
☐ Define your brand voice and tone for social media
☐ Create a visual style guide (colors, fonts, image styles)
☐ Establish hashtag strategy (branded and industry-relevant tags)
☐ Document response guidelines for customer interactions
☐ Set up saved responses for common questions
☐ Define content pillars (3-5 main topics)
☐ Create content calendar with posting schedule
☐ Plan content mix (educational, promotional, entertaining)
☐ Establish content creation workflow
☐ Set up content approval process
☐ Build a content asset library
☐ Create templates for regular content types
☐ Establish photo/video guidelines
☐ Set up tools for content creation and editing
☐ Document sizing requirements for each platform
☐ Monitor mentions and tags
☐ Respond to comments and messages
☐ Engage with relevant industry content
☐ Share user-generated content (with permission)
☐ Track and address customer service issues
☐ Review scheduled content
☐ Analyze engagement metrics
☐ Participate in relevant industry conversations
☐ Update content calendar
☐ Engage with partner businesses
☐ Track key performance indicators (KPIs)
☐ Analyze top-performing content
☐ Review audience growth and engagement
☐ Assess competitor activities
☐ Update strategy based on insights
☐ Conduct comprehensive performance review
☐ Update content strategy if needed
☐ Review and adjust posting schedule
☐ Evaluate platform performance
☐ Set new goals and KPIs
☐ Set up two-factor authentication
☐ Document password management protocol
☐ Create crisis communication plan
☐ Maintain backup of important content
☐ Review platform security settings regularly
☐ Review platform-specific guidelines
☐ Ensure FTC disclosure compliance
☐ Document copyright and attribution procedures
☐ Maintain records of permissions and licenses
☐ Review privacy policy and terms of service
☐ Set up business advertising accounts
☐ Define advertising budget and goals
☐ Create target audience profiles
☐ Develop testing strategy for ad content
☐ Establish ROI measurement process
☐ Link social media accounts where relevant
☐ Add social media to email signatures
☐ Integrate social feeds on website
☐ Create cross-platform content strategy
☐ Set up social sharing buttons on website
☐ Consistently monitor industry trends and platform updates
☐ Maintain a content buffer of at least two weeks
☐ Regularly engage with your audience beyond promotional content
☐ Keep track of successful campaigns and strategies
☐ Document lessons learned and areas for improvement
☐ Stay updated with platform algorithm changes
☐ Network with other businesses in your industry
☐ Regularly train team members on new features and best practices
This checklist is designed to be adaptable. Not every item will apply to every business, so modify it based on your specific needs, resources, and goals. Start with the most crucial elements for your business and gradually implement more advanced strategies as your social media presence grows.
Navigating the world of social media can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a powerful tool for business growth. By selecting the most relevant platforms, consistently creating high-quality content, and engaging purposely with your audience, you can establish an authentic digital presence that drives brand awareness and customer loyalty.
The checklist provided ensures that your business not only launches a successful social media strategy but also maintains and refines it over time. Social media trends and platform algorithms are constantly evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is key.
At Sapient eCommerce, we help businesses like yours harness the full potential of social media marketing. Whether you need expert guidance, content creation, or targeted advertising strategies, we’re here to support your success.
Are you ready to elevate your social media presence? Let’s build a strategy that works for your business and helps you stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.