Before starting your social media marketing strategy for your eCommerce business, it’s important to understand how social media is used. With the increasing number of people using social media today, you should focus your marketing efforts on the platforms where most of your target audience is active. To do this, identify which social media platform has the largest number of users.
Social media rankings: key takeaways
- In July 2024, Facebook ranks as the most popular social media platform globally, with nearly 3.1 billion users.
- Meta owns four of the top 10 most popular social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
Most popular social media platforms (2024): ranked by number of users
10 most popular social media platforms | No. of global users (as of July 2024) |
1. Facebook | 3,070 million |
2. YouTube | 2,500 million |
3. WhatsApp | 2,000 million |
4. Instagram | 2,000 million |
5. TikTok | 1,600 million |
6. WeChat | 1,360 million |
7. Facebook Messenger | 977 million |
8. Telegram | 900 million |
9. Snapchat | 800 million |
10. Douyin | 755 million |
1. Facebook (3.07 billion users)
Recent stats reveal that Facebook remains the top social media platform globally, with around 3.07 billion users. This means nearly three out of every five of the world’s estimated 5.17 billion social media users are active on Facebook.
Facebook’s wide reach and varied user base make it a key platform for marketers. With users spending about 19 hours and 27 minutes monthly on the app, it ranks among the most engaging social media platforms.
Why it stands out:
- Extensive reach across various demographics
- Robust advertising tools and analytics
- Seamless integration with other Meta platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp
2. YouTube (2.5 billion users)

YouTube stands strong in the video content space, attracting 2.5 billion users. It’s more than just a video-viewing platform; it’s also a major hub for product discovery. With users watching a billion hours of video daily, it offers huge opportunities for content creators and brands.
Why it stands out:
- High engagement with long watch times
- Strong influence on purchasing decisions through ads and product reviews
- A diverse range of visual content catering to all interests
3. WhatsApp (2 billion users)

With 2 billion users, WhatsApp is a top messaging app globally and ranks as the third-most-popular social media platform in 2024. Known for personal chats, it’s also growing as a tool for business communication through WhatsApp Business.
Why it stands out:
- High user engagement and daily activity
- Secure messaging with end-to-end encryption
- Growing use in customer service and business communication
4. Instagram (2 billion users)
Instagram ranks fourth among the top social media platforms, attracting 2 billion users and focusing on photo and video sharing. This visually-driven app is essential for influencers and brands aiming to showcase products and connect with a younger audience.
Why it stands out:
- Strong visual appeal and aesthetic content
- Highly effective for influencer marketing
- Diverse content formats, including posts, stories, reels, and IGTV
5. TikTok (1.6 billion users)

Since its launch in 2017, TikTok has become one of the top five social media platforms, with 1.6 billion users. Known for its short videos, TikTok is especially popular with younger audiences. Its unique algorithm helps content go viral, making it a hub for trends and creative expression.
Why it stands out:
- High virality and engagement potential
- Popular among Gen Z and Millennials
- Innovative ad formats and branded challenges
6. WeChat (1.36 billion users)

WeChat, with 1.36 billion users, is widely popular, especially in China. This all-in-one app offers messaging, social media, and mobile payment features, making it essential to everyday life for many users.
The six social media platforms mentioned above are the only ones with over one billion users worldwide.
Why it stands out:
- Comprehensive app combining multiple services
- Essential for businesses targeting the Chinese market
- Strong integration with e-commerce and payment systems
7. Facebook Messenger (977 million users)

Facebook Messenger, also owned by Meta, ranks as the seventh most popular social media platform with 977 million users. Similar to WhatsApp, it’s commonly used for personal chats and is growing in business use, thanks to tools like chatbots for customer interactions.
Why it stands out:
- Seamless integration with Facebook
- A powerful tool for customer service and automated responses
- Extensive reach and high user engagement
8. Telegram (900 million users)

Telegram, with 900 million users, is a widely used messaging app in the U.S. It’s valued for its strong privacy features and powerful messaging options. It’s popular for personal and group chats and for sharing messages with large audiences.
Why it stands out:
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Versatile messaging options, including channels and bots
- Growing user base with high engagement rates
9. Snapchat (800 million users)

Snapchat’s unique disappearing content format attracts 800 million users, especially younger audiences. Features like Stories and AR filters provide fun, creative ways for users and brands to connect and engage.
Why it stands out:
- Popular among younger demographics
- Innovative AR features and interactive filters
- Strong potential for creative marketing campaigns
10. Douyin (755 million users)

Rounding out the top 10 social media platforms in 2024 is Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, with 755 million users. Similar to TikTok, it offers short-form video content but is customized for the Chinese market, featuring integrations with local e-commerce and payment systems.
Why it stands out:
- High engagement with short-form video content
- Integrated with Chinese e-commerce platforms
- Significant influence on consumer behavior in China
Conclusion
As of 2024, the social media landscape is dominated by a few key players who cater to a wide range of users and preferences. Facebook leads the way, followed closely by platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These networks provide diverse opportunities for personal interaction, content sharing, and business engagement.
Emerging platforms like TikTok and Douyin illustrate the growing demand for short-form video content, while messaging apps such as Messenger and Telegram highlight the importance of private communication. Overall, these top 10 platforms reflect current user preferences and shape the future of social media interactions worldwide.
FAQs
Q1: What are the top social media platforms in 2024?
Ans: The top social media platforms in 2024 are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat, Messenger, Telegram, Snapchat, and Douyin.
Q2: Which platform has the most users?
Ans: As of 2024, Facebook holds the title with approximately 3.07 billion users worldwide.
Q3: Why is YouTube important for businesses?
Ans: YouTube is crucial for businesses because it has 2.5 billion users and provides a vast audience for video marketing, product discovery, and brand engagement.
Q4: What sets TikTok apart from other social media platforms?
Ans: TikTok is known for its short-form video content and viral trends, making it popular among younger audiences. Its unique algorithm encourages creativity and engagement.
Q5: How does WhatsApp differ from other messaging apps?
Ans: WhatsApp is primarily used for personal communication but has increasingly integrated features for business interactions through WhatsApp Business, allowing companies to connect with customers.
Q6: What is the user demographic for Instagram?
Ans: Instagram attracts a diverse user base, particularly younger audiences, who engage with its visual content, including photos, stories, and videos.
Q7: How does Telegram prioritize user privacy?
Ans: Telegram is known for its strong privacy features, including end-to-end encryption for secret chats and self-destructing messages, appealing to users concerned about security.
Q8: What unique features does Snapchat offer?
Ans: Snapchat’s unique ephemeral content format allows users to send messages that disappear after being viewed, along with features like Stories and AR filters for creative expression.
Q9: What is Douyin, and how does it differ from TikTok?
Ans: Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok, tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Its features integrate local e-commerce and payment systems.
Q10: Why are these platforms significant for marketers?
Ans: These platforms provide vast audiences and diverse engagement methods, making them essential for marketers to reach their target demographics, promote products, and build brand awareness.