10 Best Social Media Video Platforms to Use in 2025

The Rise of Video Marketing in 2025

Social media videos are dominating internet traffic. By 2025, videos will account for 82% of all web traffic (Cisco).
Social media video marketing helps brands grow revenue 49% faster than those without video strategies (Wyzowl, 2023). Brands not using video miss significant growth opportunities.

But here’s the catch: Not all video platforms serve the same purpose. Some excel at building loyal audiences while others drive sales. This guide ranks the top 10 social media platforms for video based on engagement metrics, marketing effectiveness, and monetization potential.

Whether your goal is virality, brand growth, or revenue generation, this list identifies where your videos belong in 2025. For cost-effective visual enhancement, free stock videos or images can improve your content’s appeal.

How We Ranked These Social Media Video Platform Lists

We evaluated platforms using the following key metrics:

Third-party tools consolidate analytics and engagement metrics, simplifying performance tracking across different platforms.

These metrics identify which platforms align with your specific goals and audience. Platforms with high engagement rates, like TikTok or Instagram, build loyal communities, while YouTube offers robust monetization through ad revenue.

Understanding social media basics precedes effective platform-specific strategies for beginners.

Top Video-Sharing Social Media Platforms by Monthly Active Users

Platform popularity indicates potential audience reach. Here are the top social media platforms ranked by monthly active users:

1. Facebook – 3.07 billion

2. YouTube – 2.7 billion

3. Instagram – 2 billion

4. WeChat – 1.38 billion

5. TikTok – 1.59 billion

6. Snapchat – 800 million

7. X/Twitter – 611 million

8. Reddit – 1.22 billion

9. Pinterest – 553 million

10. LinkedIn – 310 million

These figures represent the current landscape, with TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook emerging as the most popular social media video platforms with vast user bases.

While these platforms dominate, underrated social media apps like Discord, QQ, MeWe, BeReal, Tumblr, and Telegram offer niche communities with lower competition.

The 10 Most Impactful Social Media Platforms Video in 2025

Video content has become a crucial element for user engagement.

Platform Feature Comparison at a Glance

Before diving into each platform, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of core features across the top video platforms:

This comparison helps you quickly identify which platforms align with your content goals and audience preferences.

Here are the top 10 video platforms that are currently leading the market:

1. YouTube: As the largest video-sharing platform, YouTube offers a vast array of content, from educational videos to entertainment.

2. TikTok: Known for its short-form videos, TikTok has rapidly gained popularity, especially among younger audiences.

3. Instagram: With features like IGTV and Reels, Instagram has integrated video content seamlessly into its platform.

4. Facebook: Facebook’s video platform allows users to share and discover a wide range of video content, from live streams to pre-recorded videos.

5. Vimeo: Catering to professional creators, Vimeo offers high-quality video hosting platforms and sharing services.

6. Twitch: Primarily focused on live streaming, Twitch is a favorite among gamers and eSports enthusiasts.

7. Dailymotion: This platform provides a mix of user-generated and professional content, similar to YouTube.

8. Snapchat: Known for its ephemeral content, Snapchat has also ventured into short-form video with its Discover feature.

9. LinkedIn: As a professional network, LinkedIn has embraced video content for business and educational purposes.

10. X/Twitter: Twitter allows users to share short videos, making it a platform for quick and engaging content.

These social media video platforms demonstrate a competitive market where engagement metrics and innovative features attract substantial user bases

1. YouTube – The King of Video Content

YouTube dominates the visual content landscape with 2.51 billion users in 2025. The platform excels for long-form content, tutorials, and video monetization. AI-driven YouTube Shorts generate 30 billion daily views (YouTube Official Blog, 2023), making YouTube versatile for any video marketing strategy.

• Benefits: YouTube’s global reach exposes content to worldwide audiences. YouTube’s advanced analytics reveal viewer preferences, enabling small businesses and large enterprises to tailor content accordingly.

• Advertising ROI: High ROI stems from diverse audience targeting. YouTube’s TrueView ads reach viewers most likely to engage with content, maximizing ad spend returns.
  
• Case Study: GoPro showcases user-generated content on YouTube, generating 1.5 billion annual views. Brands can replicate this by encouraging customers to share product experiences, building community, and authenticity.
  

• Pro Tip: YouTube’s end screens and cards direct viewers to websites or other videos, increasing engagement and watch time. YouTube Live also offers real-time streaming capabilities with chat interaction, making it perfect for hosting live Q&A sessions, product launches, and webinars.

2. Facebook – The Social Video Giant

Facebook maintains 2.96 billion users and excels with both short and long-form videos. Facebook functions as both a video platform and a messaging app with text, voice, and video communication. Brands targeting diverse demographics benefit from Facebook’s ecosystem. The platform’s integration with Instagram and WhatsApp enables versatile cross-platform marketing.

• Benefits: Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes video content, increasing post visibility. Facebook tools facilitate audience connection through behind-the-scenes clips, product demos, and customer testimonials.
  
• Monetization: In-stream ads, fan subscriptions, and paid partnerships maximize revenue. Facebook’s Creator Studio provides detailed video performance insights for strategy refinement.
  
• Expert Insight: Neil Patel notes, “Facebook’s video ecosystem is a goldmine for brands targeting diverse demographics.” Brands leverage this to expand reach across audiences of all ages and interests.
  
• Pro Tip: Facebook Live hosts Q&A sessions, product launches, and exclusive events. Live videos receive higher engagement and build stronger audience connections.
  

3. Instagram – The Home of Reels

Instagram reaches 2 billion users who prefer short-form videos, making the platform ideal for brands in 2025. Instagram excels in influencer marketing and direct shopping. Instagram Reels uses AI-driven recommendations to deliver content to targeted audiences.

• Benefits:  Instagram’s visually-driven platform serves brands with strong aesthetics. Fashion, food, and fitness brands showcase products creatively through Instagram stories, reels, and feed posts.
  
• Case Study: Gymshark grew followers by 30% in 6 months using Instagram Reels. Brands achieve similar results through shoppable videos and creative storytelling. Instagram’s built-in shopping features transform videos into direct sales channels.
  
• Pro Tip: Trending audio and hashtags in Reels increase discoverability. Instagram’s algorithm favors content aligned with current trends, maximizing reach.
  

4. TikTok – The Short-Form Powerhouse

TikTok reaches 1.05 billion users with exceptionally high engagement rates, making it essential in 2025. TikTok excels in viral trends and influencer partnerships. The algorithm surfaces content that resonates with users, exposing videos to relevant audiences. TikTok serves as a microblogging platform where brief, engaging content spreads virally.

• Why It’s Perfect for You: TikTok’s creative tools include filters, effects, and soundtracks that simplify engaging content production. Startups and established brands connect with audiences personally through TikTok’s community-driven approach.
  
• Ad Spend Efficiency: TikTok delivers higher CTRs than other platforms. Campaigns achieve better results with smaller budgets, making TikTok cost-effective.
  
• Expert Insight: Gary Vaynerchuk states, “TikTok’s algorithm is unmatched in delivering personalized content at scale.” Brands grow audiences by creating content that resonates deeply with viewers.
  
• Pro Tip:  Collaborations with TikTok influencers amplify reach. Influencers provide access to loyal follower bases, driving brand awareness and engagement.

5. Lemon8 – The Emerging Hybrid Platform

Lemon8 combines features from various social media sites, offering a unique blend of engaging visuals and short-form videos. This platform suits lifestyle brands and micro-influencers. Its focus on aesthetics and community makes it a standout choice for creative storytelling.

• Benefits: Lemon8’s algorithm prioritizes high-quality visuals, making it ideal for brands with strong visual identities. Lemon8 allows you to showcase your content in a visually appealing way.

• Case Study: A beauty brand saw a 50% increase in engagement by posting tutorials and product reviews on Lemon8. You can achieve similar results by focusing on visually appealing content that tells a story and connects with your audience on a personal level.

• Pro Tip: Use Lemon8’s hashtag system to categorize your content and increase discoverability. This ensures your videos are seen by users who are actively searching for content in your niche.

6. Threads – The New Face of Micro-Video Content

Meta’s Threads, focusing on short-form videos similar to Instagram Reels, excels at real-time engagement and community building. Threads is a new social media site that focuses on real-time engagement and community building. Its integration with Instagram makes it easy to cross-promote your content and reach a wider audience.

• Benefits: Threads’ emphasis on real-time conversations makes it ideal for fostering meaningful audience interactions. Threads allows you to connect with your followers in a more personal way.

• Expert Insight: Mari Smith says, “Threads are where real-time conversations meet video content.” You can use this platform to foster meaningful interactions with your audience and build a loyal community around your brand.

• Pro Tip: Use Threads to share behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates. This gives your audience a sense of exclusivity and keeps them coming back for more.

7. WeAre8 – The Ethical Video Platform

WeAre8’s purpose-driven advertising sets it apart from other social platforms for social impact marketing. This platform connects brands with socially conscious consumers, ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.

• Benefits: WeAre8’s focus on ethical advertising makes it a standout choice for brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. By aligning your brand with these values, you can build trust and loyalty among your audience.

• Case Study: Patagonia achieved a 20% increase in brand trust by partnering with WeAre8. You can use this platform to align your brand with ethical values and connect with socially conscious consumers.

• Pro Tip: Highlight your brand’s social impact initiatives in your videos. This not only builds trust but also encourages your audience to support your mission.

8. Snapchat – The Youth-Focused Video Hub

Snapchat, with 635 million users, offers AR filters and interactive ads that engage younger viewers under 25.

• Benefits: Snapchat’s playful and interactive features with cute GIFs(Learn how to create a GIF), make it ideal for connecting with Gen Z and Millennials. Snapchat’s tools help you create memorable experiences.

• Expert Insight: Amy Porterfield says, “Snapchat’s AR features are redefining how brands engage with younger audiences.” You can leverage these features to stand out and create memorable experiences for your audience.

• Pro Tip: Use Snapchat’s AR lenses to create interactive ads that encourage user participation. This not only boosts engagement but also increases brand recall.

9. LinkedIn – The B2B Video Goldmine

LinkedIn excels in professional content and thought leadership in the B2B space. LinkedIn offers enterprise-grade video hosting solutions with advanced analytics, team collaboration tools, and white-label options for large organizations managing multiple brand accounts. Its focus on industry insights and professional networking makes it a valuable tool for B2B marketers.

• Benefits: LinkedIn’s audience consists of professionals and decision-makers, making it ideal for establishing authority in your niche.  LinkedIn helps you connect with the right audience through professional content.

• Case Study: HubSpot Utilizes LinkedIn Videos to Share Industry Insights, Generating 2x Higher Engagement Than Static Posts. You can use this strategy to establish authority in your niche and connect with decision-makers in your industry.

• Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn’s native video feature to share long-form content, such as webinars or panel discussions. This positions your brand as a thought leader and drives engagement.

10. RedNote – Go-To For Lifestyle Videos

RedNote’s combination of video, e-commerce, and community engagement targets Asian consumers effectively. Its integrated shopping features make it a powerful tool for driving sales.

• Benefits: RedNote’s focus on community and commerce makes it ideal for tapping into the Asian market. RedNote allows you to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

• Case Study: L’Oréal saw a 40% increase in sales by leveraging RedNote’s integrated shopping features. You can replicate this success by focusing on localized content that resonates with your target audience.

• Pro Tip: Use RedNote’s influencer partnerships to amplify your reach. Influencers can help you tap into their loyal follower base, driving awareness and engagement for your brand.

Niche Communities and Video-Centric Platforms

Many social video apps serve focused communities built around specific interests and content styles. These specialized platforms can be highly effective for connecting with your target audience.

Niche Communities:

• Goodreads: A haven for book lovers to share reviews and recommendations.

• Stack Overflow: A go-to resource for developers seeking coding help and sharing knowledge.

• Quora: A platform for asking questions and sharing expertise across various topics.

• Discord: Originally for gamers, now a versatile communication platform for various communities.

Video-Centric Platforms:

• YouTube: Ideal for long-form video content, tutorials, and vlogs.

• TikTok: The leader in short-form video content, perfect for viral trends and quick engagement.

• Vimeo: A platform favored by creative professionals for high-quality video sharing.

• Twitch: The premier live streaming platform, especially popular among gamers and e-sports enthusiasts.

These social media apps video-centric in nature, can sometimes offer better ROI if you’re targeting engaged, niche audiences.

Key Media Trends in Social Media Video Content for 2025

1. Short-Form Video Supremacy

70% of marketers prioritize short videos. If you’re not already creating short-form content, now’s the time to start. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are leading the way, and you can use these to capture your audience’s attention quickly. Choosing the right social media sites for your video content is crucial to capturing your audience’s attention and driving engagement.

2. AI-Powered Personalization

AI-driven content suggestions boost watch times by 30%. You can use this to your advantage to keep your audience engaged and deliver content that feels tailor-made for them.

3. Live Shopping & Video Commerce

42% of consumers prefer video-based shopping. You can incorporate this into your strategy to drive sales and create a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC)

84% of users trust peer-created content more than ads. You can encourage your audience to create content for you to build authenticity and strengthen your brand’s credibility.

Social Media Marketing Strategies

Want to go beyond videos? Make sure your websites and social media strategies work together. They’re stronger when aligned.

Effective Social Media Marketing Strategy can significantly enhance your brand’s reach and engagement. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Define Your Target Audience: Understand who your audience is and create content that resonates with them.

2. High-Quality Visuals: Use eye-catching visuals and engaging content to capture attention.

3. Analytics: Utilize social media analytics to track performance and refine your strategies.

4. Engagement: Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.

5. Paid Advertising: Run targeted paid advertising campaigns to expand your reach.
   

6. Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers in your niche to leverage their follower base.

7. Content Calendar: Plan and schedule your content in advance to maintain consistency.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reach your target audience and achieve your social media marketing goals.

Content Creation and Social Media

Creating compelling content is at the heart of successful social media marketing. Here are some tips for crafting effective social media posts:

1. High-Quality Visuals: Use professional visuals and compelling headlines to draw attention

2. Concise Content: Keep your content brief and easy to read.

3. Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to create a connection with your audience.

4. User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create content for you, fostering engagement and authenticity.

5. Content Mix: Balance promotional content with educational and entertaining posts.

6. Emotion and Humor: Use emotional and humorous content to resonate with your audience.

7. Format Variety: Experiment with different content formats, such as videos, podcasts, and live streams.

If you want to add some playful elements, check out how to download GIFs and boost your engagement.

By following these tips, you can create engaging social media content that resonates with your target audience and drives meaningful results for your brand.

Wondering how websites fit into the social world? Learn whether a website counts as a social media platform and how to optimize both together.

Tools for Creation

To produce high-quality video content without a huge budget, you can rely on intuitive video creation tools. Platforms like Lumen5 use AI to turn your blog posts into engaging videos, saving you time and effort. Similarly, Animoto offers a user-friendly interface with templates that make it easy to create professional videos in minutes.

Conclusion

Video is the core strategy in 2025. Picking the right platforms determines how far your content reaches, whether for virality, sales, or trust-building.

YouTube provides scale. TikTok delivers speed. Instagram combines style with shopping. Facebook reaches diverse demographics. Newer platforms like Lemon8 and Threads serve niche markets.

Focus on platforms where your audience watches, interacts, and buys. Follow data, test strategies, and adapt to trends.

Make every second of your video count.

Still refining your strategy? Brush up on key definitions with this social media definition guide.
And if you’re in education, check out how platforms are changing the classroom: social media learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Payal Agarwal

As a passionate content writer, I love blending creativity with research to craft compelling narratives that inform, engage, and inspire. With a strong focus on user engagement and brand communication, I create content that resonates with the audience and drives meaningful interactions.