Best 21 Social Media Apps That Will Rule in 2020
Shoraim Chowdhury
Data-Driven Marketer | Specializing in Paid Media & Programmatic Buying
Trending social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat have undoubtedly gained immense popularity and are dominating the social media via mobile devices. And this is something that even social media websites haven't been able to deliver.
However, the scene is a bit different if we look at the brand names. For instance, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger have locked horns in a closed position to be on the top. Interestingly, these two apps are owned by Facebook Inc. and that’s the reason the competition is not that aggressive between the top social media platforms.
Though Instagram is also Facebook’s own social networking mobile app, yet the competition is more aggressive among the apps which are owned by different companies.
Between all the tussle between social media brands, Asian apps are also increasingly becoming part of the hot trend of social networking sites and mobile app, contributing to transforming the economies around the world.
Interesting Facts About Social Media
Before hitting the list of the top social media apps, here is some interesting data for you to know the global reach of the internet and social media platforms in 2020
- 5.112 billion mobile phone users worldwide, up 2% year-on-year.
- 4.388 billion internet users worldwide, up 9.1% year-on-year.
- 3.484 billion social media users worldwide, up 9% year-on-year.
Astonishingly, out of the total world population of 7.715 billion, more than half of the people use some or any other social media platform. Social media platforms are the best way to promote and market your app.
Best Social Media Apps in 2020
Now, let’s dive in this social media apps list and see which social media platforms are the most widely used and the notable features that helped these apps to top the charts:
1. Telegram
Also featured in Best Apps For Secret Texting
Telegram is one app that is steadily expanding its user base; all thanks to its user privacy driven policies. Its security is what makes this app stand out among its competitors.
From a business point of view, the brands can connect with their users instantly. For example, brands and businesses can create chatbots on the Telegram platform or use Telegram’s channel feature in order to broadcast messages to a number of subscribers at once.
Even after multiple clampdowns by the government bodies, Telegram has gained much popularity as compared to other top social media apps and makes its first pick on our list of social media apps.
Notable Features of Telegram, one of the top social media apps:
- Encrypted and self-destructive messages;
- Personal cloud-based storage;
- Completely free without any ads;
- Turn off notifications, message preview, and lock particular conversations;
- Create groups with around 2 lakh users.
2. Meet Up
Meetup is the second best social media app on our list that will make it big in 2020. The app aims to bring together people across cities. The app works on a simple idea, “when we get together and do the things that matter to us, we’re at our best.”
To use this app, the user needs to shell out some amount. Meetup’s subscription plans range from a month to six months. For one month, it cost $9.99 and for six months, it’s $29.99.
Notable Features of Meet Up, one of the popular social media apps:
- Option to explore groups and events by category
- Save events you’re interested in and revisit them later
- Discussions and messaging within the app
- Easy switch between locations
- Option to personalize and schedule events
3. Reddit
Reddit is the second best social media app on our list. With its most agreeable design, this platform is a happening place for mobile social media app users. The free social media app holds a strong community of an intelligent group of people who discuss, chat, share pictures and videos.
There are also dedicated forums for pretty much anything, called ‘Subreddits’. However, subreddits have different engagement levels, so it is suggested to research and find out the relevant and popular subreddits for your brand promotion.
Notable Features of Reddit, one of the most social media apps:
- A global discussion forum with thousands of unique topics;
- Comment, upvote or downvote posts;
- Join in the conversation of your choice;
- Feature unlock based on your account's Karma;
- Create and moderate subreddits to build your own community.
4. LinkedIn
Also featured in: Best Job Search Apps
LinkedIn is the best social media app for professionals around the globe. It is effortless for users to promote themselves and their businesses. Users can increase their business connections while connecting with other professionals.
It can also be used as a social media app for marketing and is employed by businesses to establish their authority and leadership in their industry and to attract promising talent. LinkedIn also offers opportunities to advertise your business, like sending personalized ads, boosting your content, and displaying ads on the site.
Notable Features of LinkedIn, one of the trending social media apps:
- Create your professional profile highlighting your skillset;
- Find jobs or recruit people;
- Make your articles and posts reach professionals;
- A great marketing opportunity to showcase your company or product;
- Follow the activities of your followed connections.
5. Tapebook
Tapebook is a new social network that cracked our top list of social media apps to join in 2020. It's a place where you can record and only engage through short audio & video "tapes". It’s kind of like social podcasting with a video twist. You can record conversations with friends just by calling them or start a vlog/audio-log by recording solo. People have been sharing their talents, travel stories, podcasts, live music, cover songs, and also teaching skills. Tapes are published to the TapeFeed for the community to engage with. They have a slick user interface and unique design.
While their current feed of audio/video content is public, our insiders have learned that private features are also coming soon to Tapebook. They have no ads with strong views on user privacy which is refreshing. Based on their blog, Tapebook is also working on creator monetization and this could help them attract more influencers from YouTube and Instagram.
Notable Features of Tapebook, an up and coming social media app:
- Record with connections just by audio or video calling them from the app;
- Create vlogs and audio-logs by recording solo;
- Real-time recording, so you don't have to wait for file uploads like YouTube & Instagram;
- Active community and rich engagement in the form of audio/text comments;
- Meet and follow interesting people and discover topics through #hashtags.
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6. Instagram
Instagram is another best social media app idea that has become a sensation. It now has millions of users around the globe, which are increasing day by day. Every other day, Instagram introduces a new development for engaging its users more. Instagram lets you share a wide range of content like videos, live videos, photos, and stories.
Recently, it has also launched IGTV to support long-form videos. To promote your brand, you can create a business profile on this popular social media app, which provides you rich analytics of your posts, views, likes, and profile.
It’s a fun social media app that lets the user schedule the posts using some third-party tools. This app is worth looking up to, for the newest social media app of this generation. It’s a great platform for social media marketing if you want to promote your brand or business.
Notable Features of Instagram, one of the popular social media apps:
- Share photos and videos, stories with creative effects;
- Browse your feed and interact with posts;
- Go live to connect with your friends at the moment;
- Message your friends in private;
- Discover videos, photos, and stories you might like in the Explore tab.
7. Facebook
Also featured in: Top Messaging Apps
Messenger used to be the messaging feature within Facebook, but since 2011, Facebook has converted Messenger into a standalone top social media app and expanded its features. You can now connect to your friends and family without logging into Facebook, with lots of other features that were not there earlier while messaging through Facebook chat.
Businesses can advertise, send newsletters, create chatbots, and do many more things on Messenger. These features have given businesses and entrepreneurs a multitude of new ways to connect and engage with their customers, and made Messenger, one of the most popular social media apps.
In the wake of the increasing use of Facebook, companies are even leveraging Facebook Messenger Marketing Solutions to boot their business reach and profitability.
Notable Features of Messenger:
- Can send messages to anyone on FB without contact number;
- Add stickers, GIF, and emojis, and express yourself better;
- Voice call, voice message, and video call;
- Send money securely and easily in the US, UK, and France only;
- Connect with businesses to get customer support, find deals and more.
8. Twitter
Twitter is a popular social media app, a known real-time public microblogging network where users can get new updates in the blink of an eye. It has been appreciated by most of the mobile social media app designers and users for its short word limit feature.
Its emphasis on the real-time info and the things that are happening around the world makes this social networking site unique and different from other social media platforms. Twitter is also an ideal social media platform for customer service. According to the advertisers, more than 80% of social customer service requests are served on Twitter.
Notable Features of Twitter, one of the most used social media apps:
- Go Live with a tap, and watch premium and exclusive live streams;
- Discover what your favorite sports, news, entertainment, etc.;
- See viral topics and trending hashtags;
- Chat privately with friends & followers;
- Get suggestions about influential people to follow.
9. Snapchat
Snapchat is one of the best social media apps which has captivated million hearts already. The idea of Snapchat is not only attractive but also it is one of the unique features like self-destructive ‘Snaps’ and the users can send a picture or a short video as a message which automatically disappears after a few seconds.
Snapchat was one of the latest social media apps which made the ‘Stories’ popular, which was eventually adopted by other social media apps like Instagram. The popularity of Instagram has affected Snapchat’s growth and marketers’ interest in using this new social media app as a marketing and advertising platform.
Notable Features of Snapchat, one of the most used social media apps:
- Create and add filters, lens, 3D Bitmojis to your photos;
- Live messaging and video chat with up to 16 friends at once;
- Watch their Stories from friends, top publishers, and creators;
- Check out snaps shared earlier with free cloud storage;
- Check your astrological compatibility with friends.
10. Pinterest
Pinterest is another major player in the mobile social media app, which has been proving to the entire globe that how significant visual content is or could be. It is the fastest standalone mobile app that has reached millions of monthly users that have made it a huge influencer.
Usually, Pinterest users like to be inspired by new ideas, to try new things; hence, having a presence on Pinterest can help you leave your brand in the minds of consumers. This provides your brand with an opportunity to influence and shape their buying decisions.
Notable Features of Pinterest, one of the most used social media apps:
- Photo sharing and visual bookmarking;
- Discover lifestyle inspirations;
- Explore trending and recommended articles;
- Invite your friends to collaborate;
- Buy, make, use the ideas you found.
11. Tumblr
Tumblr is one of the most popular social networking sites and a micro-blog and has been exceptionally popular. The young generation widely uses it for showcasing attractive features like customized blog share platforms and versatile blog content.
It has been a favorite among the best social media apps, for providing a blog writing and discussion platform. People share a huge number of blogs on Tumblr from technology, to education, to art to fashion, to wildlife, and many others.
Notable Features of Tumblr, one of the most used social media apps:
- More than 250 beautiful text blocks;
- Post text, photos, videos, audio, live videos, GIFs, to reach your audience;
- Create your own GIFs with text and stickers;
- Social media integration;
- Viral tags to make your post stand out.
12. WhatsApp
Also featured in Best Apps For Secret Texting
WhatsApp has already surpassed a lot of social media and messaging platforms. With a vast user group, which has further shadowed Facebook Messenger grades and thus, turns out to be one of the best social media apps.
People in more than 180 countries use WhatsApp. Initially, it was only used to communicate with friends and family. Gradually, people started to use this free social media app for communicating in businesses also.
This popular social media app has built its business platform and WhatsApp Business for business owners to have a proper professional profile to share updates and provide customer support to the customers.
Notable Features of WhatsApp, one of the most used social media apps:
- Voice call, video call, group video call;
- WhatsApp Web: Run your account on PC;
- Saved offline messages;
- Back-up your chat and media;
- Share contacts, locations, and every kind of docs.
13. TikTok
TikTok is a growing and new social media app for music video sharing. It became the world’s most downloaded app in Q1 of 2018, beating Instagram, Facebook, and other famous social media apps. It’s kind of similar to Instagram for short music videos. On this newest social media app, users can record videos up to 60 seconds, edit them, add music and special effects, before publishing to the wall.
Currently, this new social media app is most prevalent in Asia, but its popularity might quickly spread to the west also. Recently, TikTok has acquired Musical.ly, another same music video sharing popular social media app. Its engagement with other major social media platforms makes it the best social media management app.
Notable Features of TikTok, one of the top trending social media apps:
- Simple yet attractive user interface;
- Editing tools with AR features;
- Make duet videos with anonymous users;
- Social media integration;
- Integrated music library with multiple language support.
14. WeChat
Also featured in: Best Video Chat Apps
WeChat was introduced as a messaging app and now has become an all-in-one free social media app. Besides calling and messaging, users can now shop online and make payments, reservations, transfer money, book taxis, and many more on WeChat.
WeChat is mostly in use in China and some other parts of Asia. If you are operating your business in an area where social networking sites like Facebook, etc. are banned, WeChat looks to be a good alternative.
Notable Features of WeChat:
- Voice call, voice note, and video call features;
- Online transactions, and payments;
- M-commerce opportunity for brands;
- Offers games inside the app;
- Mini-blog for posting your thoughts.
15. Facebook
Facebook social media app with the largest user base and monthly active use is a craze among the Millennials. With immense potential, Facebook rules the world with numerous features. It is easy to get started and browse through and supports almost all types of content format images, text, videos, stories, and live videos.
Facebook works on an algorithm that prioritizes content, which sparks meaningful interactions between people, especially among friends and family. If you are looking for someone, you might not find him in the search directories, but the chances are high on Facebook.
Notable Features of Facebook:
- Share your favorite memories;
- Find local events, and make plans with friends;
- Play games with your Facebook friends;
- Follow your favorite artists, companies to get their latest news;
- Buy & sell on Facebook Marketplace.
16. YouTube
Besides being a social media app, YouTube can be counted among the best video streaming apps. From music to movies and from personal videos to independent films, you name it, and YouTube has it.
As the second in the list of top social media apps, YouTube, is also the second-largest search engine after Google. So, if you want to promote your brand or anything else, it’s a great medium to do so.
Notable Features of YouTube:
- Easy access to subscription channels and feeds;
- Video management as per your choice;
- Better live and video streaming of your favorite content;
- Big screen interface, and dark mode;
- YouTube TV for live streaming 40+ cable channels.
17. QQ
With over a billion registered users, QQ Messenger is not anymore plain and simple IM client. Now the social media platform classifies as a whole social phenomenon that millions of users make use of on a day-to-day basis.
One of the factors that make QQ Messenger stand out from the crowd is its not-so-common features. For instance, the user is able to capture any area of their screen or even record a short video clip on the spot, and then share it instantly with their contacts.
Notable Features of QQ:
- Send and receive unlimited group messages anytime and anywhere.
- From prepaid recharge to payment transfers, QQ offers everything.
- It consists of a Game Center with the hottest mobile games.
- Users can easily personalize the theme, business cards, and ringtones.
18. Viber
Also featured in Best Apps For Secret Texting
Viber is one of the fastest and most secure messaging applications. The free messenger has a community of more than 1 billion users globally. Users can text and make high-quality crystal-clear phone calls for free of cost. All you need is a data plan or a secure Wi-Fi connection and you’re good to go.
Notable Features of Viber:
- Users can sync their desktop and Tablet applications.
- Make unlimited Audio and Video Calls for free.
- Viber Out allows users to make low-cost Calls to Landlines.
- It provides a self-destruct option for your Secret Chats.
- Users can start a Viber Community with Unlimited Members.
19. Line
Also featured in Best Apps For Secret Texting
The LINE application aims to reshape the communication world by bringing users closer to their family and friends. Being a free mobile app, Line has a lot to offer such as voice and video calls, text messages, and a limitless variety of creative stickers so that users can express themselves in a better way.
Today, the social media app has more than 600 million users interacting on its platform from all over the world. Thanks to LINE’s constant effort on expanding its reach by providing exciting new experiences and easy to use convenience for its users.
Notable Features of Line:
- Allows free voice as well as video calls anywhere and anytime.
- Interactive and easy-to-use social networking features.
- The option of auto-syncing different devices.
- With LINE Out features, users can make international calls.
20. Tinder
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Tinder provides its users with a never-ending supply of potential profiles that match as per users' requirements. The main component here is the easy sign-up process. The user starts swiping yay or nay to the listed profiles.
The app also offers users to log in using their Facebook account which further makes it simpler to make the profile. By opting for Tinder Plus, users get access to additional features like unlimited likes and freedom to interact with singles globally.
Notable Features of Tinder:
- A user-friendly interface.
- It can connect to other apps like Spotify and Snapchat.
- The members of the LGBTQ community are welcomed.
- The location-based platform that matches the nearby members.
21. Whisper
With a user base of more than 30 million people, Whisper is one of those new social media apps that are meant to change the way you see the world. The experience of spending time on this social media application is unlike any other social network, users often describe it as more raw and often more addictive.
Whisper is an online community where millions of people With Whisper, people from around the world can share their real thoughts and get the inside scoop of a particular community.
Notable Features of Whisper:
- Users don’t have an identity when using the service.
- There are no followers, friends or user profiles.
- It uses people’s locations and allows users to add a group.
- Users cannot use the search function to search for other app users.
- Users can maintain your anonymity through the chat or private messaging function.
22. Sina Weibo
Sina Weibo can be referred to as an International Edition of a social media platform that allows its users to discover things that are currently trending over the internet just with a few clicks.
Here, users can easily catch the trendy topics, get closer to their favorite online influencers, find the scoop story behind the scenes. With Weibo, the user is free to explore their interests and share anything they want at any time!
Notable Features of Sina Weibo:
- Stay updated with the latest news
- Know all about trendy topics including Movies, Music, Sports, Traveling, fashion and much more.
- Smooth social media integration for sharing on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Weixin, Messenger, etc.
- Provides support to all media types, such as photos, GIFs, text, videos, and emoji.
- Post and repost your content that expresses your likes and dislikes.
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4 年Great article! Super helpful.