Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting people across the globe and shaping how we communicate, share information, and express ourselves. With a wide range of social media apps available, many people express themselves and communicate with others on more than just one platform. However, a few social media apps reign supreme in terms of popularity, as evidenced by their growing number of monthly active users (MAUs). Below, we’ll reveal the most popular social media apps and discover what makes them stand out from the competition.
Top 15 Most Popular Social Media Apps
Social media apps offer platforms for communication, collaboration, and engagement, allowing users to enrich their lives in various ways.
Whether it’s connecting with friends, staying informed, expressing creativity, or discovering new ideas, each platform offers a unique experience for millions of monthly active users worldwide. As technology evolves and user behaviors shift, these social media apps will continue to adapt and innovate to maintain their relevance in the ever-changing world of social media.
Using data sourced from Statista, our analysts have revealed the most popular social media apps in the world, based on the number of monthly active users.
- Facebook — 3.0 billion
- YouTube — 2.5 billion
- WhatsApp — 2.0 billion
- Instagram — 2.0 billion
- TikTok — 1.5 billion
- WeChat — 1.3 billion
- Facebook Messenger — 979 million
- Telegram — 800 million
- Douyin — 752 million
- Snapchat — 750 million
- Kuaishou — 685 million
- X/Twitter — 619 million
- Sina Weibo — 605 million
- QQ — 558 million
- Pinterest — 482 million
1. Facebook — 3.0 Billion MAUs
Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, Facebook is a pioneer in social networking, allowing users to connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, and discover content tailored to their interests.
Facebook offers a diverse range of features, including News Feed, Groups, Events, Marketplace, and Facebook Live. Its extensive user base and robust advertising platform make it a powerhouse in the social media landscape.
2. YouTube — 2.5 Billion MAUs
Launched in 2005, YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform, enabling users to upload, view, and share videos on various topics, from entertainment and education to DIY tutorials and music.
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm, personalized playlists, and diverse content creators contribute to its popularity. It also offers live streaming, monetization options for creators, and a vast library of user-generated and professional content.
3. WhatsApp — 2.0 Billion MAUs
Acquired by Facebook in 2014, WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, images, and videos, as well as make voice and video calls over the internet.
WhatsApp boasts end-to-end encryption for secure communication, group messaging, voice and video calling capabilities, and the ability to share documents and locations. Its simplicity and cross-platform compatibility have made it a favorite among users worldwide.
4. Instagram — 2.0 Billion MAUs
Founded in 2010 and later acquired by Facebook, Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform known for its visual-centric approach, filters, and creative tools.
Instagram offers features like Stories, Reels, IGTV, and Shopping, catering to various forms of content creation and consumption. Its emphasis on visual storytelling and engagement has solidified its position as a leading social media platform.
5. TikTok — 1.5 Billion MAUs
Originally launched as Douyin in China in 2016 and later rebranded as TikTok for international markets, this platform enables users to create and share short-form videos set to music.
TikTok’s algorithm-driven feed, viral challenges, and creative effects have captivated users globally, especially younger demographics. Its “For You” page delivers personalized content, fostering a sense of community and discovery.
6. WeChat — 1.3 Billion MAUs
Developed by Chinese tech giant Tencent, WeChat is a multipurpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app widely used in China and beyond.
WeChat integrates messaging, social networking, commerce, and mobile payment services into one platform. It supports features like Moments (similar to Facebook’s News Feed), mini-programs, and WeChat Pay, offering users a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
7. Facebook Messenger — 979 Million MAUs
Originally part of the Facebook platform, Messenger evolved into a standalone messaging app, offering text and voice communication, video calls, and various multimedia-sharing options.
Messenger’s integration with Facebook, chatbots, group video calls, and games distinguishes it from other messaging apps. Its user-friendly interface and seamless connection to Facebook make it a convenient communication tool for millions.
8. Telegram — 800 Million MAUs
Founded in 2013 by Pavel Durov, Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its focus on privacy, security, and features like secret chats and self-destructing messages.
Telegram offers encrypted messaging, media sharing, group chats with up to 200,000 members, and channels for broadcasting messages to large audiences. Its commitment to privacy and customizable features appeal to users seeking a secure communication platform.
9. Douyin — 752 Million MAUs
Known as TikTok internationally, Douyin is the Chinese version of the short-form video-sharing platform, offering similar features for creating and sharing entertaining videos.
Douyin’s integration with Chinese social media platforms, localized content, and partnerships with influencers and brands contribute to its popularity in the Chinese market. It mirrors TikTok’s engaging features, albeit tailored to the preferences of Chinese users.
10. Snapchat — 750 Million MAUs
Launched in 2011, Snapchat gained popularity for its ephemeral messaging features, including disappearing photos and videos, as well as creative tools like lenses and filters.
Snapchat’s emphasis on real-time communication, visual storytelling, and augmented reality (AR) experiences sets it apart. Its innovative features like Snap Map, Discover, and Bitmoji avatars appeal to younger users looking for playful and spontaneous interactions.
11. Kuaishou — 685 Million MAUs
Kuaishou is a Chinese short-video sharing platform similar to Douyin (TikTok), allowing users to create and share short-form videos, live streams, and moments from their daily lives.
Kuaishou is known for its strong user engagement, particularly in China’s rural areas, and its focus on authentic, grassroots content. It offers features like interactive live streaming, virtual gifting, and a wide range of video editing tools.
12. X/Twitter — 619 Million MAUs
Twitter is a microblogging platform founded in 2006, where users can post and interact with short messages known as tweets. It’s popular for real-time news updates, discussions, and networking.
Twitter’s character limit per tweet encourages concise and impactful communication. It features hashtags, retweets, and threaded conversations, fostering engagement and enabling users to participate in global conversations on various topics.
13. Sina Weibo — 605 Million MAUs
Often referred to as China’s version of Twitter, Sina Weibo is a microblogging platform where users can post short messages, photos, and videos, follow celebrities, and engage in discussions.
Sina Weibo offers features like trending topics, live streaming, and integrated e-commerce, making it a hub for entertainment, news, and online shopping in China. It facilitates public discourse and has a vast user base, particularly among Chinese-speaking audiences.
14. QQ — 558 Million MAUs
Developed by Tencent, QQ is an instant messaging software popular in China, offering features like text and voice messaging, online gaming, social networking, and virtual avatars.
QQ’s diverse features include personalized avatars, online gaming apps, group chats, and QQ Mail. It’s known for its vibrant user interface, extensive emoticon library, and integration with other Tencent services, making it a versatile communication tool.
15. Pinterest — 482 Million MAUs
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform launched in 2010, where users can discover and save ideas for various interests, including recipes, home decor, fashion, and DIY projects.
Pinterest’s visual search technology allows users to discover content by uploading images or using keywords. It offers curated boards, idea pins, and shopping features, making it a valuable resource for inspiration and project planning across diverse categories.
