Here’s a list of the estimated monthly active users (MAUs) of various social media platforms, ordered from most to fewest. Please note that these numbers are estimates based on the latest available data as of 2023-2024:

Estimated Monthly Active Users (MAUs) for Popular Social Media Platforms:

  1. Facebook (Meta) – 2.9 billion MAUs
    • Facebook remains the largest social media platform globally, with diverse user demographics across all age groups and interests.
  2. YouTube (Google) – 2.7 billion MAUs
    • YouTube is not only a video-sharing platform but also a hub for educational content, entertainment, product reviews, and niche communities.
  3. WhatsApp (Meta) – 2 billion MAUs
    • Primarily a messaging app, WhatsApp also has strong business integration and is a key communication tool in many countries.
  4. Instagram (Meta) – 2 billion MAUs
    • Popular for visual content, Instagram appeals to both individuals and brands, especially in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors.
  5. WeChat (Tencent) – 1.3 billion MAUs
    • A major social app in China, WeChat combines messaging, e-commerce, payment systems, and social networking.
  6. TikTok (ByteDance) – 1 billion MAUs
    • A rapidly growing platform focused on short-form video content, TikTok has become a dominant force in entertainment and influencer marketing.
  7. Messenger (Meta) – 1 billion MAUs
    • Messenger is Facebook’s messaging app, which works independently of Facebook itself but is heavily integrated into the Facebook ecosystem.
  8. Twitter (X) – 500 million MAUs
    • Recently rebranded as X, Twitter remains an important platform for real-time news, trending topics, and interactions, though its user base has fluctuated due to changes in ownership and platform direction.
  9. LinkedIn (Microsoft) – 900 million MAUs
    • LinkedIn is the largest professional networking platform, used for career building, job searching, professional content, and networking.
  10. Pinterest – 450 million MAUs
    • Pinterest remains a key platform for visual discovery, especially for DIY projects, home decor, fashion inspiration, and lifestyle topics.
  11. Snapchat – 400 million MAUs
    • Snapchat appeals primarily to a younger demographic with its short-lived stories, messaging features, and filters.
  12. Reddit – 430 million MAUs
    • Reddit is structured around “subreddits,” offering niche communities around various topics. It’s a mix of discussions, Q&A, and user-generated content.
  13. Discord – 350 million MAUs
    • Discord is a voice, video, and text communication platform originally targeted at gamers but has since expanded into broader community-based use, especially among interest groups.
  14. Tumblr – 340 million MAUs
    • A creative platform, Tumblr hosts many niche communities centered around fandoms, art, photography, and social issues.
  15. Twitch (Amazon) – 140 million MAUs
    • Twitch is the top platform for live-streaming, particularly gaming, e-sports, and live entertainment.
  16. Quora – 300 million MAUs
    • A Q&A-based platform where users ask questions and get answers from the community. It’s a great resource for thought leadership and educational content.
  17. VKontakte (VK) – 100 million MAUs
    • VK is the largest social network in Russia and its surrounding countries, similar to Facebook in features and scope.

Are There Social Media Platforms Tied to Specific Topics, Similar to Forums or Discussion Boards?

Yes, there are several platforms that are either completely or primarily focused on specific topics or communities, much like the discussion boards and forums that were popular before the rise of giant social media platforms. Here are some examples:

Social Media Platforms and Niche Topics:

  1. Reddit
    • Topic-Specific Communities: Reddit is made up of subreddits, each dedicated to specific topics, hobbies, or interests. It’s the modern equivalent of discussion forums and often functions as a hub for in-depth conversations.
      • Examples of niche communities on Reddit:
        • r/DIY (Do It Yourself)
        • r/Travel (Travel tips, destinations, etc.)
        • r/Cars (Automobile enthusiasts)
        • r/Fitness (Fitness advice and support)
        • r/FoodPorn (For food photography and recipes)
  2. Pinterest
    • Visual Discovery and Niche Interests: Pinterest is ideal for topics like home decor, fashion, travel inspiration, DIY crafts, and recipes. People use it as a “virtual mood board” for all types of interests, with visually-driven content organized into boards.
      • Examples of niche boards on Pinterest:
        • Travel Inspiration (Images and itineraries)
        • Crafting and DIY (Handmade projects)
        • Fitness & Wellness (Healthy recipes, workout routines)
  3. Quora
    • Question and Answer Platforms: Quora is designed for users to ask and answer questions on virtually any topic. It’s a great space for expertise-sharing and knowledge exchange.
      • Examples of popular topics on Quora:
        • Business & Marketing (Digital marketing, entrepreneurship)
        • Self-Improvement (Motivation, productivity)
        • Technology (AI, machine learning)
        • Health & Fitness (Nutrition, mental health)
  4. Discord
    • Community-Based Platforms for Specific Topics: Discord was originally created for gamers but now hosts communities dedicated to a wide range of topics, including music, writing, art, technology, and even professional networking.
      • Examples of niche Discord servers:
        • Gaming Communities (Specific games or gaming genres)
        • Artists & Designers (Creative portfolios, feedback)
        • Tech & Programming (Coding, software development)
        • Cryptocurrency (Discussions on blockchain and crypto trends)
  5. Tumblr
    • Fandoms and Niche Creative Communities: Tumblr hosts communities centered around various creative hobbies, fandoms, and niche topics. It remains a hub for art, literature, fashion, and social activism.
      • Examples of niche communities on Tumblr:
        • Fan Art (Fandom-based artwork)
        • Aesthetic Blogs (Photography and creative expression)
        • Social Justice and Activism (Campaigns, social causes)
  6. Stack Overflow
    • Technology-Focused: A forum specifically for developers and programmers to ask questions, share coding tips, and collaborate on tech-related issues.
    • Niche Topic: Coding, development, and software engineering.
  7. Specialty Forums (e.g., Car Forums, Travel Forums)
    • Traditional Discussion Boards: These are niche forums where enthusiasts of specific topics gather to share information, discuss interests, and connect with others.
      • Car Forums: Communities centered on specific car models, brands, or car enthusiasts (e.g., Mustang forums, Electric vehicle forums).
      • Travel Forums: Websites like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or TripAdvisor forums focus on sharing travel experiences, recommendations, and tips.

Conclusion:

While general social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) dominate with massive user bases, there’s still a thriving network of niche platforms that cater to specific topics, interests, and communities. These more specialized platforms or forums often provide deeper, more engaged discussions on specific subjects such as cars, travel, gaming, or DIY. As a marketer or content creator, exploring these niche platforms can help you reach highly targeted audiences who are passionate about the topics your brand focuses on.