Top 10 Social Media Sites Businesses Need To Be On
Published August 11, 2025
Drowning in hashtags and trending apps? You’re not alone. In today’s hyper-digital world, the pressure to show up on every social media platform is real, but also unnecessary. An unpopular but important truth to understand is that social media cross-posting can hurt the brand more than help it if done wrongly.
The truth is, not all platforms are created equal, and being strategic is smarter than being everywhere. So, which social media sites do you need to be on in 2025? We’ve analyzed the numbers, trends, and user behavior so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re a startup or scaling fast, understanding proper digital marketing benchmarks in using social media marketing is critical to your strategy to win. This guide reveals the most popular social media platforms businesses must prioritize now to stay relevant, competitive, and connected with their audience.
1. Facebook
Facebook continues to dominate with over 3.07 billion monthly active users worldwide, still a must-have presence for almost any business. If your customers scroll through it daily, missing Facebook is a missed opportunity. Think of it this way, even if your audience dabbled on TikTok or LinkedIn, Facebook remains the common denominator.
Its tools, Groups, Messenger, and live video enable businesses to build communities and create customer support experiences that feel personal, not pushy. Struggle to gain reach? Use paid ads, niche groups, and native video to break through. It’s not “old school”, it’s still where attention is.
2. WhatsApp
With around 2 billion users globally and rising, WhatsApp is now more than messaging; it’s a direct line to customers. It taps into psychological triggers: immediacy, trust, and privacy. Brands using WhatsApp Business can send catalogs, updates, and support directly, turning chat into conversions.
Imagine your audience asking a question and receiving a personalized response right in-app. It solves the problem of fragmented service channels. In markets like the Philippines, WhatsApp bridges social and e‑commerce in real time.
If being bold is serving your customers where they already “live,” WhatsApp nails it.
3. YouTube
Boasting approximately 2.5–2.7 billion monthly users, YouTube remains the undisputed king of video content in 2025. Viewers trust YouTube to inform, educate, entertain, and they’re two times more likely to buy after seeing your brand there.
Businesses tapping into tutorials, behind‑the‑scenes, interviews, or Shorts can connect emotionally and build authority. Ask yourself: would your audience rather read FAQs or watch quick explainers? Storytelling via video hits deeper than text.
Also, YouTube Shorts rivals TikTok in engagement, so brands that’ve avoided long‑form can still win with snappy clips. It’s about being where attention is longest.
4. Instagram
Instagram remains a visual powerhouse with around 2 billion users globally in 2025. It’s where aesthetics, community, and commerce collide. Brands with strong visuals, fashion, food, and lifestyle can showcase products through Reels, Stories, tagged shops, and influencer collaborations.
Consumers psychologically prefer the aspirational and authentic, and Instagram delivers both. It answers “where do I find this product, and can I trust it?” Use storytelling: highlight customer journeys, creative visuals, and product use in real life.
The surprise factor is that omnipresent commerce tools mean users can complete a purchase inside the app. If you neglect Instagram, you miss a rich visual echo chamber.
5. TikTok
TikTok has about 1.6–1.84 billion users and remains the fastest-growing platform globally. It thrives on creativity and immediacy, short-form video and trends give any business, even micro ones, a shot at virality. Users feel joy and novelty, and research shows around 37 % of TikTok shoppers buy immediately after discovery.
That’s powerful. A compelling question: what if your brand’s next viral moment is a 15‑second snippet? Use bold, surprising content that reflects culture or humor. TikTok lets small budgets yield big reach.
But beware because trend fatigue is real, be strategic, not random.
6. WeChat
Primarily used in China and Asian markets, WeChat hosts about 1.3 billion users. It’s not just messaging; it’s an ecosystem of payments, mini‑programs, content, and commerce. Businesses targeting Asian consumers must be present here. Psychology: users trust apps that “do everything” with seamless experiences.
Storytelling on WeChat might involve mini‑apps, live streams, or customer service, surprising Western brands but essential for connecting in those markets. If you think Facebook or WhatsApp is enough, you’ll miss Asia.
Integrate WeChat strategically if your audience includes Chinese-speaking users, being bold here means localized engagement at scale.
7. Telegram
Now hitting a milestone of 1 billion monthly users as of early 2025, Telegram is privacy-first and rapidly rising. Its appeal? Encrypted channels, group broadcasts, bots, and no parent company pulling strings. Brands facing privacy-conscious customers can build loyal communities here.
People crave control over their data. Telegram enables marketers to deliver value through content channels or chatbots, eliminating the need for invasive ads. The surprise? Telegram overtook many expectations for a “messaging app” and profitably scaled on independence.
If authenticity and trust matter to your audience, Telegram can be a bold platform play, even if overshadowed by Meta’s giants.
8. Snapchat
Snapchat has approximately 900 million monthly active users globally, skewing heavily toward Gen Z. Its ephemeral content fosters urgency and intimacy, perfect for limited‑time offers, behind‑the‑scenes glimpses, or influencer takeovers. Users feel special seeing disappearing content, which triggers curiosity and engagement.
Brands use AR lenses, stories, and personal messaging to spark loyalty. Connect through shared problems, your youth audience ignores polished ads, they want raw, fleeting experiences. Snapchat meets that.
The surprise: even without long-form content, brands can build buzz. For targeting younger customers, Snapchat remains a bold micro‑moment strategy.
9. Reddit
Reddit, with around 606–850 million monthly users, is a hub of niche communities. It’s storytelling meets discussion, with subreddits driving authentic brand discovery. But authenticity matters, users reject anything disingenuous.
Pose compelling questions, host Ask‑Me‑Anything (AMA), or offer value before selling. If done wrongly, you get branded rage. Brands can use Reddit as market research, listening before talking.
The psychology behind this is that people trust peer recommendations over ads. A surprising fact? A single comment can go viral across communities. Reddit rewards subtlety. Bold brands listen, contribute, and only promote when earned.
10. Threads
Threads, Meta’s microblog partner launched in mid‑2023, surpassed 275 million users by late 2024, and now integrates direct messaging in select markets. It’s early-stage but promising as a calmer alternative to X.
If you already have an Instagram following, Threads lets you repurpose content and engage in text-based dialogue. The platform’s tone is quieter, less polarizing, appealing to audiences burnt out by X.
The question is, what if your brand prefers thoughtful conversation over hot takes? Threads might be ideal. Threads is growing faster in some markets than X is declining. Being bold here means testing new territory early.
FAQs
What social media should your business be on?
You should be on social media sites your customers use most. Start with Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms help you talk to people, show your work, and grow your brand. Pick the social media sites you need based on where your audience hangs out.
What is the top 10 social media platform?
The top 10 social media platforms in 2025 are: Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat, Telegram, Snapchat, Reddit, and Threads. These are the most popular social media platforms in 2025. Each one helps you reach people in a different way. Choose the ones that fit your business.
What is the 5 5 5 rule on social media?
The 5-5-5 rule means you should do 5 comments, 5 likes, and 5 shares each day. It helps you stay active and friendly online. Doing this often helps more people see and trust your business. It’s an easy way to grow on social media.
What is the most used social media for businesses?
Facebook is the most used social media for businesses in 2025. It has many tools to help you sell, share, and chat with customers. Many businesses also use Instagram and YouTube. These are the social media sites you need to connect with people.
What is the top 5 most used social media?
The top 5 most used social media platforms in 2025 are: Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. These are the most popular social media platforms in 2025. Many people use them every day, so they’re great for business too. Start with these to grow online.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right social media sites you need can help your local business grow. Start with the ones your customers use the most, like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. These social media platforms let you talk to people, show your work, and get more visits or sales.
If you need help, Correct Digital is here for you. We help with social media, websites, ads, and more. Our team makes it easy to grow your business online. Let’s work together to get you seen by more people in 2025 and beyond.
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About The Author
With years of hands-on marketing experience, Julie Fortuna enjoys sharing real insights and practical tips. Stay ahead in the fast-changing world of digital marketing by keeping up with her latest work.
