With new apps popping up every day, it can be a challenge to figure out which social media platforms will be most valuable for investing your time and money.

Should you go all in on industry stalwarts like Instagram and Facebook? Or should you target younger audiences who consistently use Snapchat and TikTok?

Questions like these follow small businesses and corporate marketing teams alik This article will help you decide which social media sites you should prioritize in 2023.

1. Instagram

Instagram has well surpassed 1 billion monthly users, which is no surprise considering how the app blends the personal and professional with each new feature. If you’re wondering whether a meaningful segment of your audience spends time on the platform, the answer is most likely a resounding yes.

Content to reach audience

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms specifically for teens and younger adults social media influencers, artists, small and large brands. If your customers are under 40, then Instagram needs to be incorporated into your brand strategy.

Diversity with consistency reigns supreme on Instagram; clever trend usage, and selfie-style videos that speak directly to your audience can all bring in new users to your channel. Keep them updated with regular content to make the algorithm happy. Consider creating Instagram stories and reels to keep your audience engaged.

Why should your business use Instagram?

You should prioritize Instagram within your content marketing strategy and you should run a lifestyle, e-commerce, or otherwise visuals-heavy business.

2. YouTube

YouTube is currently the second most popular search engine in the world, right behind its parent company, Google. If your business could benefit from producing brand tutorials, instructional content, product reviews, or guest interviews, then this social media platform is a must.

Why to use Youtube?

YouTube is a video-only content platform. Depending on your type of business and what your user demographics are, posting both long-form and short-form video content can work well for your brand on this platform.

Content and Audience

Most viewers tune in for a combination of education and entertainment. So, you should aim for a balance of content to bring in as many people as possible to your channel. Tap into popular YouTube trends like podcasts, unboxing videos, gaming channels, roasting and trolling content that takes viewers along for the ride. If starting a YouTube channel feels too ambitious right now, partnering with YouTube influencers who are excited about your mission, brand, or products can help you test the waters before you dive all the way in.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest is a social media platform that acts as a bookmarking tool for saving ideas and finding creative inspiration for DIY home projects, recipes, sewing patterns, travel plans, interior design, brand marketing, and everything in between. This platform is often cited as a crucial part of the product discovery journey for customers of many different brands.

Why to use Pinterest?

With over 433 million monthly active users, Pinterest boasts one of the most concentrated audiences of women across all social media sites. Nearly 80% of their regular users are women.

Vertically formatted images are the norm on Pinterest. Polished visuals with clear copy that convey directly what the user will see if they click through generally perform best, especially if they align with common keywords and popular search terms. Lists and quotes should play a role in your strategy, as these kinds of posts are easiest to digest and share.

Plan to acquaint yourself with Pinterest if your audience consists predominantly of adult women, and if your brand is at all related to lifestyle tips, fashion and personal style, decorating, or DIY culture.

4. LinkedIn

With 810 million users globally, the professional networking site LinkedIn has cemented its reputation as a top-tier resource for job opportunities, brand connections, and career advancement among social media sites on the market today.

Content to post

LinkedIn posts that contain images net double the engagement that simple text posts get. Each post you create is essentially a billboard for your brand, so keep things consistent and clear. Don’t forget to throw in some punchy graphics to bring people into your world.

Why should you use LinkedIn?

LinkedIn should factor heavily into your brand marketing strategy if you seek community with other business owners and a network base for reaching potential customers who are hungry for new opportunities.