People have been fascinated with video and visual media. Users are more inclined to visual content than other forms – from silent films, animation, and digital videos shared.
Currently, social media is rife with visual media. With varying platforms accessible at the fingertips, users have numerous entertainment and information options.
Discover the top social media video platforms that rule today, and learn how these platforms work.
Top 6 Social Media Video Platforms
Many users are more attracted to video content, with 90% of internet users watching videos. Users watch vlogs, music videos, movies, and live streaming. There are many options on the internet, depending on the user’s preference.
If you want more options for video platforms, here are six social media platforms you can use:
1. YouTube
Top on the list is YouTube, famous for its long-form, informative, and entertaining videos. This social media platform has ruled the internet since 2005.
Despite not being the first video-sharing platform, YouTube became the top video platform, with 35% of online users preferring the app to comment, like, and share videos.
At the time of its release, the creators of YouTube aimed to create a site to share videos of the latest events and updates circulating in popular media.
However, since its users’ discovery, the platform became famous for its comedy skits and original home video content. This content earned YouTube millions of daily views.
| 💡 Did You Know?
By 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion and changed its user interface, algorithm, video resolution, management, and monetization. Since then, the platform progressed from varying contents, changes in video buttons (i.e., removal of the dislike button), and viewing options (video chapters, theater, and mini-player mode). |
2. Facebook Watch
Despite its unconventional approach to a typical video platform, Facebook Watch is becoming another contender. The video platform is built inside Facebook and can only be accessed through its app or website.
Since its launch in 2017, the social streaming site is becoming famous for its professionally made content. Several Facebook partners doing the content are Buzzfeed, CNN, Fox News, and Vox.
Facebook videos already gained 8 billion views daily, which makes online marketers also prefer Facebook Watch as a marketing tool to entice users. The platform integrates ad breaks within videos to earn revenue and engagement.
Monetization is one of the platform’s priorities, allowing marketers to showcase their products. It has unique features that differ from other platforms.
Their monetization methods include:
- Audience Network – Advertising for all areas of Facebook for large brands and publishers.
- Ad Breaks – Static or video advertisements within video content.
| 🎉 Fun Fact:
Facebook has a Watch Feed with a unique feed algorithm where users can view content related to their preferences. The Watchlist feature shows users videos from their followed or liked pages. Lastly, Social Engagement is where users can host Watch Parties, Page Parties, and Live Video segments. |
3.TikTok
Despite being the youngest platform on the list, TikTok is another key player in video media content. It was the most downloaded app in history, with a net worth of $540 million.
Their short-form videos took the internet by storm with content ranging from dancing, singing, information, and the latest news. 69% of TikTok users also belong to Gen Z (12-26 years old), and its popularity among youth stems from being viral through original content.
TikTok also provides popular users to earn money by posting videos. Another platform focus is setting up the latest trends in social media.
TikTok is rife with digital marketing, making $4 billion in ad revenue in 2021. Many brands prefer to advertise on the app through partnerships and shops.
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✅ Pro Tip As an advertiser, you can leverage the five different types of ads available on Tiktok: Top View, In-Feed, Brand Hashtags, Brand Takeovers, and Branded Effects. |
4. Instagram
The platform started as a photosharing app for users to showcase their best professional or amateur photos. Later on, Instagram faced challenges in keeping up with the latest trends.
Instagram is now home to various media types – mainly catering to video content. Over 500 million Instagrammers use IG stories daily, and 86.6% of businesses use IG stories as part of their marketing campaign.
With the popularity of TikTok and short-form video media, Instagram embraced changes and revamped its features by releasing the “Reels” to compete with TikTok.
Since the release of Instagram reels, 30% of its users prefer to browse on Reels than use other features on the app.
Also, Reels have a reach rate of 20.59% compared to carousels, IGTV, and images combined.
| 👍 Helpful Article:
Here’s a list of articles you can reference to navigate better the Instagram app: |
5. Vimeo
It was the first social media video platform launched, but later on, it experienced challenges (i.e., other platforms overshadowing Vimeo).
To upgrade its platform, Vimeo changed it to a paid software application to cater to big brands, filmmakers, and professionals.
This move resulted in video companies and independent filmmakers preferring Vimeo for its high-quality video content. Currently, the platform focuses on content that borders art and film.
Unlike YouTube’s user-generated content or various degrees concentrated on entertainment, Vimeo is a professional playing field for viewers and users with a taste of high-quality content.
| 💡 Did You Know?
In 2019, Vimeo ranked 5th as the most popular streaming service. Youtube ranked 1st with 88% mobile reach. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Vimeo followed it. |
6. Twitter
Twitter is slowly emerging in the ranks of video trends, both in content and marketing. It took five years for the platform to integrate video media by acquiring Vine, and now its video content is standing out due to its primarily text-based format.
The unique feature of Twitter videos is that it only lasts for 140 seconds (a homage to Twitter’s initial 140-character limit), which is best for quality content and highlight-grabbing information.
With this, most labels use Twitter videos to follow up on their content from other social media platforms or to increase engagement through leads. In 2022, Twitter’s total ad revenue reached $1.11 billion, a 23% growth from the previous year.
| 💡 Did You Know?
Elon Musk changed the Twitter logo from a blue bird silhouette to “X”. He referred to the logo as a symbol for “everything app”. The “X” logo refers to a potential combination of social media, messaging apps, and payment services. |
Bottomline
There’s no doubt that videos are the future of social media content, from paid streaming services to social media sites. Marketers, users, and brands know how these platforms can generate leads and influence users to engage with their products.
Video contents are diverse and unique, making it vital for users to know which video platform best suits their content format. As a new trend is made, marketers have the creative space to incorporate their brands.
FAQs on Social Media Video Platforms
What is a social media platform?
It is a form of electronic communication that includes websites. It allows users to create conversations and online communities. It is where they can share information, personal messages, and ideas.
Which social media is best for short videos?
TikTok and Instagram Reels are popular short-form video platforms. You can leverage their popularity in creating engaging content.
What is the largest video platform?
YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform. However, that doesn’t guarantee that it’s the best option for hosting your videos online. You can choose from other options, like Vimeo, Instagram, etc.
