Social media refers to a variety of interactive digital technologies that help individuals and organizations create, collaborate, consume, share, and modify information through virtual networks and online communities. Social media platforms provide a means for a business to connect with an audience, build its brand, drive web traffic, and increase sales.
Types of Social Media Platform Examples
- Social networks: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, V Kontakte, QZone, Odnoklassniki, Sina Weibo
- Media sharing services: YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
- Discussion forums: Reddit, Quora
- Clipping platforms: Pinterest, Clipix
- Consumer review sites: Yelp, TripAdvisor
- Blogging platforms: WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger, Typepad
- Social shopping networks: Groupon, Living Social, Etsy, Polyvore
- Sharing economy platforms: Craigslist, eBay, TradeMe
Why Are Local Social Media Platforms Important?
The goal of social media marketing is to connect with niche audiences, whoever and wherever they are. In some countries, home-grown social networks are dominant.
Top Social Media Platforms for
| Name |
URL |
Description |
Logo |
| Facebook |
www.facebook.com |
An online social media and social networking service, Facebook users post comments, share photos and videos, and post links to other internet content. Female users slightly outnumber males, with ages 25–34 the largest user group.
|
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| YouTube |
www.youtube.com |
This video-sharing platform allows for uploading, watching, liking, sharing, and commenting of videos. The majority of users are male, and the largest active age group on the site are 18–24-year-olds.
|
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| Twitter |
www.twitter.com |
Microblogging and social networking service that allows for short posts of 280 characters maximum called tweets. Users can also embed videos, photos, documents, and links within their tweets. Most users are male and the largest user age group is 18–29-year-olds.
|
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| Reddit |
www.reddit.com |
Reddit is a discussion arena which allows a global community of users to submit photos, videos, audio links, web links, and questions to various discussion boards. Users then comment on and discuss posts. Users can earn digital rewards for moderating and engaging in the community.
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| Instagram |
www.instagram.com |
Photo and video sharing networking service used by more females than males. The largest user group are aged 25–34. Instagram allows users to share, like, and comment on content throughout the site. It also supports private messaging between users.
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Article written for World Trade Press by WTP Staff.
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