Over 4.6 billion people use networking sites, so indeed, forward-looking content creators must put in extra effort to identify the top social media platforms for their brand.
But with over 100 online networking platforms, identifying the most suitable for content creation and distribution is synonymous with looking for a needle in a haystack - this has placed many influencers between a rock and a hard place.
To lessen this hassle, we've curated a list of the most popular social networking sites every content creator should know in 2023, plus tips to help you choose the right platform. Stay tuned!
The Top Social Media Platforms in 2023
To keep things simple and brief, we’ll highlight the top social media platforms in 2023 as well as their monthly active users, features, and the brands they're best suited for.
1. Facebook
Monthly Active Users: 2.96 billion
Facebook is the largest social networking site, with nearly 3 billion people using it monthly. It's known for its community-building and vast engagement features.
With over 200 million businesses using Facebook tools, you can register with the platform; rest assured you won’t encounter issues finding your voice or attracting paying customers.
Facebook’s algorithm favors engaging and informative content—an excellent platform for building brand awareness, promoting products or services, and engaging with your audience.
2. YouTube
Monthly Active Users: 2.2 billion
YouTube is a video-sharing platform often referred to as the second-largest search engine after Google. It's known for its long-form video content, which ranges from 5 minutes to several hours.
YouTube is excellent for content creators who want to create informative and educational content, increase brand awareness and drive traffic to their website.
Content creators can use YouTube to build a following, monetize their content, and collaborate with other creators.
With over 2 billion monthly active users, it's a platform that every start-up content creator, SMB, and large enterprise owner should consider.
3. Instagram
Monthly Active Users: 2 billion
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform for businesses focused on visuals.
It's a great, easy-to-navigate platform for content creators who want to build a following and showcase their work.
Instagram is well-suited for influencer marketing. Solopreneurs, freelancers, small teams, and large organizations partner with Instagram influencers to promote their products or services.
4. TrueFanz
TrueFanz is one of the top social media platforms designed to help creators get paid for their work. It's known to help content creators make consistent and predictable income.
Unlike any other popular networking site on our list, TrueFanz prioritizes building solid and active relationships with content creators registered on their platform, helping them reach an unjaded audience.
TrueFanz is an excellent online content creation platform for hosting paid live events, building membership communities, and connecting with your favorite influencers on a personal and intimate level.
5. TikTok
Monthly Active Users: 1 billion
TikTok is a short-form video-sharing platform popular with Gen Z and Millennials.
It’s the fastest-growing social media platform, with over 1 billion monthly active users. TikTok is known for its short-form videos ranging from 15 seconds to 1 minute.
The algorithm favors content that is entertaining and engaging, so as a creator looking to make a name on TikTok, you must create content that is both creative and unique.
Content creators can use TikTok to build a massive following, collaborate with others, and showcase their work.
6. Twitter
Monthly Active Users: 217 million
Twitter is a micro-blogging platform for businesses that want to promote real-time updates and engage with their audience.
It's known for its real-time conversations and breaking news, with many businesses using Twitter to respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
Twitter is also a great platform for promoting blog content and driving traffic to your website - a top consideration for content creators with a flair for microblogging.
7. LinkedIn
Monthly Active Users: 250 million
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform for businesses focused on B2B marketing.
It's known for its B2B content, which includes articles, videos, and infographics—an excellent platform for building professional relationships, promoting job openings, and sharing industry news.
LinkedIn is also an excellent platform for thought leadership content. Influencers can make a fortune sharing blog content and industry insights on the platform.
8. Pinterest
Monthly Active Users: 444 million
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform for businesses focused on visuals. The popular social networking site is known for its curated content, which includes images, videos, and articles.
It's an excellent platform for graphic designers and e-commerce stores that want to promote their products using visuals.
Pinterest is also a great platform for influencer marketing - many startups and SMBs partner with Pinterest influencers to promote their products or services.
9. Snapchat
Monthly Active Users: 538 million
Snapchat is a messaging app that's popular with Gen Z and Millennials. You can share reels, start live videos and create a private community of true fans.
Snapchat is known for its authentic and ephemeral content, which includes photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Another great platform for businesses creating engaging and entertaining video content for Gen Z. Many businesses partner with Snapchat influencers to reach a younger audience.
10. Reddit
Monthly Active Users: 430 million
Reddit is a social news aggregation and discussion platform that's great for businesses with a creative flair for the work they do.
It's an excellent platform for promoting blog content and industry news.
Reddit is known for its niche communities and discussions. The top social media platform is perfect for content creators who want to engage with their followers and participate in creative discussions.
11. Discord
Monthly Active Users: 150 million
Discord is a chat app that's popular with gamers and communities. It's similar to Reddit but not as robust.
Discord is an excellent platform for businesses that want to engage with their audience and build a community.
Discord's algorithm favors content that is engaging and informative. Content creators can easily use Discord to build a community, promote their work, and collaborate with other creators.
12. Threads
Monthly active users: 112 million
Threads app is another Meta Networking site closely resembling top social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. It's regarded by many as an Instagram replacement and ‘Twitter killer.’
Thread was launched in 2023 and, within its first five days, attracted over 100 million users.
Content creators can share text, images, and videos using the mobile app. You can promote your content and collaborate with other influencers on the platform. At this time, Thread offers no monetization privileges.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Brand?
With lots of popular social networking sites out there, choosing the right social media platform can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. But it doesn't have to be.
Start by considering your target audience and which platforms they use the most. If your target audience is Gen Z, you may want to focus on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. LinkedIn and Reddit may be the best option if your target audience is professionals.
Consider your brand's image and which platforms align with it. If your brand is focused on visuals, YouTube and Pinterest may be the best options.
Look for a platform that aligns with your business goals. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter may be the best options if you want to increase website traffic.
Can your preferred platform make you money? Finally, if you want to monetize your content and make consistent income from your work, TrueFanz might float your boat. Good luck!
