Can you imagine a world whereby you’re scrolling through any of your favorite app, and it so much feels like you are stepping into a mall virtually, a learning space, an art gallery or even an entertainment center? These and more are the recent reality of social media users in 2025. According to recent studies, there are about 4.95 billion social media users worldwide, which means 62.5% of the global population uses social media platforms.
Social media platforms have so much evolved from just chatting or connecting with people, but has changed the way we connect, creating space for content development that communicates with people, promote skills and businesses. There are some trending social media platforms used by people worldwide. From the short, irresistible videos on TikTok to Instagram’s augmented reality features and virtual shopping, 2025 trends are now redefining what it means to be online for social media users worldwide. To know which of these platforms are widely used, let’s dive into the trending social media platforms of the year in no particular order!

1) TikTok
Widely used by approximately 2.2 billion people, which are about 18% of online users worldwide, TikTok has risen over the years and has become a strong social media powerhouse with 1.5 billion monthly active users globally. Despite the recent regulatory challenges, TikTok hasn’t backed down. This platform has widened it’s strengths by incorporating e-commerce features that allows it’s users to sell their products or services through short videos. It has improved its algorithms to provide users with entertainment contents that are highly personalized. Also, it is a monetization tool for creators to generate income through various streams on the app.

2) Instagram
Instagram has 2.4 billion monthly users worldwide. It is a platform that has transformed from just sharing pictures and videos to a digital market place for users online. It has augmented reality(AR) try on technologies that allow users to test the products they buy before purchasing them and this has improved customer experiences. Instagram also allows social networking that connects individuals and brands than ever before.

3) YouTube
YouTube has remained the king of long-form content. It has maintained this despite the rise of short-form video platforms. With 2.9 billion monthly users globally, YouTube continues to attract creators across various niches, and also generates income for it’s users through these contents created. Recent statistics shows that in 2025, 1 out of 3 internet users globally, spends at least 30-40 minutes daily on YouTube.

4) X
Formerly known as twitter, and rebranded as X, is a platform for real time news and issue discussions. Some users also use this platform to promote their businesses or brand. X has about 450 million active users monthly. Alo, due its new innovative updates it has gained an increase of 15% in user retention, according to recent statistics.

5) Snapchat
With over 600 million global active users monthly, snapchat remains a top social media platform in 2025. The use of this platform is very common among Gen Z and Millennials. It has augmented reality features that enables engagement of contents on the app. 75% of snapchat users interact with these AR tools on a weekly basis. Snapchat allows connections that are genuine through real-time sharing of videos or pictures and messages, making it ideal for a tightly-knit interactions between people.

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If you’re looking out for a space for creativity, expression, shopping, business or entertainment, then these social media platforms of 2025 are for you. Whether you’re a TikTok content creator, an Instagram shopper, or a YouTube binge-watcher, there’s a special platform for everyone!