The Most Popular Social Media Platforms by Monthly Active Users in 2023

Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, connecting people from all corners of the world. With billions of users, these platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, share content, and stay connected. In this article, we will explore the most popular social platforms by monthly active users.

social media platforms

1. Facebook: 3.03 billion

Facebook is the undisputed king of social media, with a staggering 3.03 billion monthly active users. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, Facebook has grown into a global phenomenon, connecting people from all walks of life. It offers a wide range of features, including status updates, photo sharing, and messaging.

2. YouTube: 2.56 billion

YouTube is the go-to platform for video content, with 2.56 billion monthly active users. It allows users to upload, share, and view videos on a wide range of topics. From music videos to tutorials, YouTube has something for everyone.

3. WhatsApp: 2 billion

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app with 2 billion monthly active users. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy and security of its users. With features like voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool.

4. Instagram: 2 billion

Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform with 2 billion monthly active users. It is known for its visually appealing content and user-friendly interface. Instagram also offers features like Stories, IGTV, and Reels, making it a favorite among influencers and content creators.

5. WeChat: 1.31 billion

WeChat is a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app with 1.31 billion monthly active users. It offers features like messaging, voice and video calls, Moments (similar to Facebook’s News Feed), and WeChat Pay.

6. TikTok: 1.09 billion

TikTok is a short-form video platform that has taken the world by storm, with 1.09 billion monthly active users. It allows users to create and share 15-second videos set to music. TikTok’s algorithmic feed and viral challenges have made it immensely popular among Gen Z.

7. Messenger: 1 billion

Messenger is Facebook’s standalone messaging app with 1 billion monthly active users. It offers features like text messaging, voice and video calls, and group chats. Messenger also integrates with other Facebook-owned platforms like Instagram.

8. Linkedin: 930 million

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform with 930 million monthly active users. It is primarily used for professional networking, job searching, and career development. LinkedIn offers features like profiles, connections, and job postings.

9. Telegram: 800 million

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app with a focus on privacy and security. It has 800 million monthly active users and offers features like end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences.

10. Snapchat: 750 million

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app with 750 million monthly active users. It is known for its disappearing photos and videos, as well as its fun filters and AR effects. Snapchat also offers features like Stories and Discover, where users can explore curated content.

Social Media Platforms by Monthly Active Users

Social-Media-Platform

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, connecting people from around the world and serving as hubs for communication, entertainment, and information sharing. With billions of people engaging on these platforms, they have evolved into powerful tools for individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach and connect with their target audience. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular social platforms by monthly active users as of [current date].

PlatformMonthly Active Users (Millions)Country of Origin
Facebook3.03🇺🇸 United States
YouTube2.56🇺🇸 United States
WhatsApp2.00🇺🇸 United States
Instagram2.00🇺🇸 United States
WeChat1.31🇨🇳 China
TikTok1.09🇨🇳 China
Messenger1.00🇺🇸 United States
LinkedIn0.93🇺🇸 United States
Telegram0.80🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Snapchat0.75🇺🇸 United States
Douyin (TikTok China)0.73🇨🇳 China
Kuaishou0.64🇨🇳 China
Weibo0.59🇨🇳 China
QQ0.57🇨🇳 China
Twitter (X)0.54🇺🇸 United States
Qzone0.52🇨🇳 China
Reddit0.50🇺🇸 United States
Pinterest0.45🇺🇸 United States
Teams0.30🇺🇸 United States
Quora0.30🇺🇸 United States
Skype0.30🇺🇸 United States
Tieba0.30🇨🇳 China
Viber0.26🇱🇺 Luxembourg
imo0.20🇺🇸 United States
Twitch0.18🇺🇸 United States
Line0.18🇯🇵 Japan
Josh0.15🇮🇳 India
Discord0.15🇺🇸 United States
Vevo0.15🇺🇸 United States
Picsart0.15🇺🇸 United States
Likee0.15🇸🇬 Singapore
Tumblr0.13🇺🇸 United States
Stack Exchange0.10🇺🇸 United States
VK (Vkontakte)0.10🇷🇺 Russia

Insights and Trends

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, connecting people from around the world and serving as hubs for communication, entertainment, and information sharing. With billions of people engaging on these platforms, they have evolved into powerful tools for individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach and connect with their target audience. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular social platforms by monthly active users as of [current date].

The Global Reach of Social Media

The numbers in the table above represent the vast reach of social media. When we delve into the insights and trends behind these numbers, we gain a deeper understanding of how people are using these platforms and the impact they have on our society.

Facebook’s Continued Dominance

Facebook’s impressive 3.03 billion monthly active users speak volumes about its enduring appeal. What began as a platform for connecting with friends and family has transformed into a multifaceted ecosystem that includes Instagram and WhatsApp. These platforms have not only expanded Facebook’s reach but also diversified its offerings. Businesses and marketers recognize the value of Facebook’s extensive user base, using it to promote products, share content, and engage with customers.

YouTube’s Video Power

YouTube, with 2.56 billion monthly users, has solidified its position as the world’s leading video-sharing platform. It’s not just a place to watch funny cat videos; it’s a vast repository of knowledge, entertainment, and creativity. Content creators on YouTube cover a wide spectrum of topics, from educational tutorials to music videos, giving users an endless stream of engaging content.

The Rise of Chinese Social Giants

Chinese platforms such as WeChat, TikTok (known as Douyin in China), and QQ have experienced remarkable growth, with a combined user base of over 3.1 billion. WeChat, in particular, has evolved beyond a messaging app into a comprehensive platform that offers everything from social networking to mobile payments. TikTok’s short-form videos have taken the world by storm, making it a favorite among younger users.

Twitter’s Global Appeal

Twitter, with 541 million monthly active users, remains a global hub for real-time conversations. It’s where news breaks, trends are born, and public discourse happens. From political discussions to live event commentary, Twitter serves as a digital town square where people share their thoughts and opinions.

Emerging Social Stars

Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Telegram are gaining popularity rapidly, particularly among younger audiences. TikTok’s algorithm-driven content discovery and short video format have captivated users worldwide. Snapchat’s unique approach to ephemeral content and augmented reality filters keeps users engaged, while Telegram’s focus on privacy and security appeals to those seeking secure communication.

Niche Communities

While platforms like Facebook and YouTube boast billions of users, niche communities thrive on platforms like Reddit and Stack Exchange. These platforms cater to individuals with specific interests, whether it’s discussing the latest technology trends, exploring the world of niche hobbies, or seeking advice on diverse topics. They exemplify the power of the internet to connect people with shared passions.

Geographical Diversity

The list of popular social platforms is geographically diverse, reflecting the global nature of social media. While some are U.S.-based giants, others have originated in countries like China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. This diversity showcases how different regions have contributed to the global social media landscape.

Messaging Apps and Communication

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram have become indispensable for personal and business communication. With over 3 billion combined users, these apps facilitate text, voice, and video communication. They have transformed how people stay in touch with friends and family, conduct business meetings, and even provide customer support.

Video Streaming and Entertainment

Streaming platforms like Twitch, Vevo, and YouTube have capitalized on the demand for live video content and music videos. These platforms provide entertainment, education, and monetization opportunities for content creators. Twitch, in particular, has become the go-to platform for gamers and live streamers to interact with their audiences in real time.

Social Commerce

Social platforms are increasingly becoming hubs for e-commerce. Businesses recognize the value of leveraging these platforms to market their products and connect with customers. Features like shoppable posts and in-app checkout options are transforming how consumers discover and purchase products online.

The immense popularity of these platforms is a testament to the power of human connection and the ever-expanding possibilities of the internet. From staying in touch with loved ones to building global communities, social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing how we communicate, entertain ourselves, and even shop. The next chapter of social media’s evolution promises exciting innovations and opportunities, and we’ll be watching closely to see how these platforms continue to shape our world.

Here is the most popular social media platforms by monthly active users in the last five years, based on the web search results:

PlatformCountry20192020202120222023
FacebookUSA2.45 billion2.6 billion2.8 billion2.9 billion3.03 billion
YouTubeUSA2 billion2.3 billion2.4 billion2.5 billion2.56 billion
WhatsAppUSA1.6 billion1.8 billion1.9 billion2 billion2 billion
InstagramUSA1 billion1.1 billion1.3 billion1.7 billion2 billion
WeChatChina1.15 billion1.21 billion1.23 billion1.28 billion1.31 billion
TikTok/Douyin*China/USA0.5 billion0.8 billion0.9 billion1.05 billion1.09 billion
MessengerUSA1.3 billion1.3 billion1.3 billion0.9 billion1billion
LinkedinUSA0.66billion0.74billion0.77billion0.8billion0.93billion
TelegramUAE0.3billion0.4billion0.5billion0.6billion0.8billion
SnapchatUSA0.38billion0.44billion0.5billion0.6billion0.75billion

the top five social media platforms that have grown quickly and have the highest number of users from the start of their company are:

  • Facebook: Facebook was launched in 2004 and has become the most popular social media platform worldwide with 2.9 billion monthly active users as of January 2023Facebook has grown by 18.9% since 2019 and is the market leader in social networking
  • YouTube: YouTube was founded in 2005 and is the second most popular social media platform with 2.5 billion monthly active users as of January 2023. YouTube is also the largest video-sharing platform and the second most visited website in the world. YouTube has grown by 8.28% since 2019
  • Instagram: Instagram was launched in 2010 and is the third most popular social media platform with 2 billion monthly active users as of January 2023. Instagram is a photo and video-sharing app that is owned by Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook. Instagram has grown by 16% since 2019.
  • TikTok: TikTok was launched in 2016 and is the fourth most popular social media platform with 1.1 billion monthly active users as of January 2023. TikTok is a short video app that allows users to create and share content with music, filters, and effects. TikTok has grown by 38.7% since 2019 and is especially popular among young people
  • Reddit: Reddit was founded in 2005 and is the fifth most popular social media platform with 430 million monthly active users as of January 2023. Reddit is a network of communities where users can post, comment, and vote on various topics. Reddit has grown by 30.3% since 2019 and is known for its diverse and engaged user base

Conclusion

These are just a few of the most popular social platforms by monthly active users. Each platform offers unique features and caters to different audiences. Whether you’re looking to connect with friends, share your creativity, or build professional connections, there is a social platform out there for you.

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