Social media in 2025 is a wild ride – part newsstand, part shopping mall, part entertainment hub, and part uncomfortable family group chat. It truly represents the best and worst of us (though we like to believe it’s more of the former than the latter). Today, most of us have left behind our Myspace profiles for greener pastures, but we continue to post and share our lives on a number of its digital descendants. (And for those of you wondering, yes, Myspace still exists).
Some of those descendants, like Facebook, are no longer the hip, young rabble rousers they once were. Facebook in particular has graduated from an app exclusively for college kids to a place where grandma and grandpa share memes with their grandkids. But, personally, we like that. All of our friends and family are on Facebook, it’s an easy way to keep in touch, and from a business perspective, it still has the widest marketing audience.
Look, with over 5.2 billion people scrolling, swiping, and sharing daily, the digital landscape is more crowded than ever. New apps and platforms are rising and falling all the time, but there are a handful that have held their ground and become practically essential for daily life. That’s why, in preparation for World Social Media Day, we want to explore those social media platforms we still stan in 2025.
Let’s dive into our top-rated social media platforms of 2025, judged by user numbers, feature variety, and cultural impact.
1) Facebook: The Evergreen Giant
With more than 3 billion monthly active users (MAUs), Facebook is still the reigning king of social media. Yes, you can joke that it’s for Boomers, but that doesn’t change the fact that nearly half the planet is logging on to post on each other’s walls, join groups, RSVP for events, check marketplace listings, and read the news. Its massive user base and diverse features keep it at the forefront of digital interaction.
2) WhatsApp: The Global Messenger
It’s now the go-to messaging app in many parts of the world, and this year WhatsApp hit 3 billion monthly active users. Its end-to-end encryption, group chats, and voice/video call features make it indispensable for personal and business communication.
3) YouTube: The Video Powerhouse
Here’s the thing: YouTube isn’t just a place to watch Mr. Beast give away private islands or listen to funky lo-fi beats, it’s actually the second-biggest search engine on the internet. The video sharing site is a cultural phenomenon, encompassing a library of content that caters to a vast array of interests. Frankly, no other site comes close to doing what YouTube does, and with 2.5 billion monthly active users, that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
4) Instagram: Visual Storytelling Central
Facebook bought Instagram just 24 months after it launched, and that $1 billion investment now rakes in an estimated $66 billion today (nearly 40% of Facebook’s total revenue). Its 2 billion MAUs are sharing photos, short videos, and all manner of visual content. Features like Stories, Reels, and Shopping have kept users engaged and brands invested – and we’re not ashamed to say we’re on IG 24/7
5) TikTok: The Trendsetter
Okay, yes, if you’re a millennial of a certain age, you’re allowed to say it: We miss Vine, too. But let’s be honest: Vine walked so TikTok could fly. At nearly 1.6 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become a reliable trend setter, particularly for younger generations. The site’s short-form videos have become a breeding ground for memes, challenges, and viral content, influencing music, fashion, and even politics.
6) Reddit: The Front Page of the Internet
For Gen Xers and older millennials that miss the halcyon days of online forums and chat rooms, Reddit feels very familiar. The platform’s diverse communities, known as subreddits, cover virtually every topic imaginable. Its structure fosters in-depth discussions, Q&A sessions, and content sharing, making it a go-to platform for those seeking information and community interaction. While Reddit does not release its MAU statistics, it’s estimated that the metric is north of 1 billion.
7) Snapchat: Ephemeral But Ever-Present
Admittedly, we’re not Snapchat’s prime users, but our kids certainly are. Its MAUs haven’t cracked 1 billion yet, but its popularity can’t be contested. About half of the app’s users are in the 15-25 demographic, with a 70% usage rate among Gen Z women. Snapchat captivates younger audiences with its augmented reality filters and ephemeral content, and the focus on real-time sharing keeps it fresh and engaging.
8) X (Formerly Twitter): The Conversation Starter
Ever since its purchase by controversial billionaire Elon Musk, X’s reputation has been a bit shaky. Still, more than half a billion people engage with the platform every month, and that makes it impossible to ignore. Its role in shaping public discourse and breaking news stories keeps it in the spotlight.
9) LinkedIn: The Professional Network
No, LinkedIn isn’t one of the cool kids. It doesn’t have fun filters or stories, and its layout is a bit plain. But that’s what we like about it! With so many social apps dedicated to entertainment, memes, and photos, there should be one that serves as a professional networking tool and online resume – and that one is LinkedIn. Its focus on career development and business content makes it indispensable for professionals.
Conclusion
In 2025, these platforms continue to dominate the social media landscape, each carving out its niche and adapting to user needs. Whether you’re looking to connect with friends, stay informed, or grow your brand, these top-rated social media platforms offer the tools and communities to do so.
And if you’re logging onto these apps – whether on desktop or mobile – you’re going to need a reliable provider to stay connected and part of the conversation. Talk to the experts at SmarterHome.ai to learn which internet and mobile providers can best fit your needs and budget!