Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting people from all corners of the globe and reshaping the way we communicate and share information. In 2017, several social media apps have emerged as the most popular platforms, revolutionizing the way we interact, advertise, and engage with our audience. One such app that has gained immense popularity is Instagram. With its visually appealing interface and rapidly expanding user base, Instagram has become an indispensable marketing tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Instagram, known for its focus on photo and video sharing, was launched in October 2010 and quickly gained traction among smartphone users. By August 2017, it had reached a staggering 700 million active users worldwide. This exponential growth can be attributed to the app’s constant updates and innovative features, such as Stories and Instagram Live, which have helped to keep users engaged and entertained. With an estimated 80% of Instagram users following at least one business account, the app has become a hotspot for online advertising.

A significant advantage of advertising on Instagram lies in its highly engaged user base. According to statistics, users spend an average of 53 minutes per day on the app, scrolling through their feeds, engaging with content, and discovering new products and services. Additionally, Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that receives higher engagement, increasing the visibility of well-crafted advertisements. This presents a golden opportunity for advertisers to reach their target audience effectively and drive conversions.

Another influential social media app that dominates the landscape in 2017 is Snapchat. Launched in 2011, Snapchat has redefined the way we share moments and communicate with our friends and followers. The app’s unique feature, known as “disappearing content,” resonates particularly well with the younger demographic. In fact, 18 to 24-year-olds account for approximately 45% of Snapchat’s user base in the United States alone.

The ephemeral nature of Snapchat content lends itself well to the advertising industry. Brands can create captivating and authentic content that disappears after a short period, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among users. Moreover, Snapchat’s sponsored lenses and geofilters provide an interactive and playful experience for users, increasing brand awareness and engagement. With over 187 million daily active users, Snapchat presents an opportunity for advertisers to connect with the younger generation in a unique and creative way.

In addition to Instagram and Snapchat, Facebook remains a dominant force in the world of social media. Since its launch in 2004, Facebook has grown exponentially, now boasting over 2.2 billion monthly active users. This widespread adoption can be attributed to the app’s diverse range of features, including the ability to connect with friends and family, join groups, and discover new content. Additionally, Facebook’s advertising platform is one of the most robust and efficient in the industry, enabling advertisers to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.

The ever-increasing popularity of social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook has transformed the advertising landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to connect with a global audience. These platforms have become essential tools for businesses to create brand awareness, engage with their audience, and drive conversions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial for advertisers to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the power of popular social media apps to maximize their reach and impact.

What are the Most Popular Social Media Apps in 2017 and How Can They Benefit Your Online Advertising Campaign?

When it comes to online advertising, staying up-to-date with the latest social media trends can be the key to a successful campaign. In 2017, there were several social media apps that dominated the market and attracted millions of users worldwide. These apps not only provide a platform for users to connect and share, but they also offer unique advertising opportunities for businesses. In this article, we will explore the most popular social media apps in 2017 and discuss how they can benefit your online advertising efforts.

One of the most widely used social media apps of 2017 was Facebook. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook continues to be the go-to platform for connecting with friends, family, and even businesses. For advertisers, Facebook offers a robust advertising platform with various targeting options and ad formats. From sponsored posts to carousel ads, businesses can reach their target audience effectively on this platform. In the next part of this article, we will dive deeper into Facebook’s advertising features and strategies to help you maximize your online advertising efforts on this popular social media app.

Another popular social media app that gained significant traction in 2017 was Instagram. Known for its visually appealing content, Instagram has grown to over 800 million monthly active users. With its highly engaged user base, businesses have found great success in advertising on Instagram. The platform offers various ad formats, including photo ads, video ads, and stories ads, allowing advertisers to get creative and showcase their products or services in a visually compelling way. We will explore the different advertising options available on Instagram and provide tips on how to create impactful ads in the following sections.

Twitter, with its real-time updates and conversational nature, also stood out as one of the most popular social media apps in 2017. Boasting over 330 million monthly active users, Twitter offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with their audience and promote their brand. With features like Promoted Tweets, businesses can amplify their reach and get their message across to a wider audience. We will discuss Twitter’s advertising capabilities and strategies that can help boost your online advertising campaign in the subsequent parts of this article.

In addition to these three major social media apps, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Pinterest also had their fair share of success in 2017. Snapchat, with its disappearing content and lenses, attracted a younger demographic and allowed advertisers to reach a highly engaged audience. LinkedIn, on the other hand, focused on professional networking and provided businesses with the opportunity to target a specific audience based on their industry, job title, and more. Lastly, Pinterest, known for its visual bookmarking and discovery platform, allowed businesses to showcase their products and drive traffic to their websites through visually appealing pins.

As you can see, the most popular social media apps in 2017 offer a wide range of advertising opportunities for businesses. In the following sections of this article, we will delve deeper into each of these social media platforms, discuss their advertising features, and provide tips and strategies to help you achieve success in your online advertising campaign. Whether you are looking to connect with your audience on Facebook, engage with users on Instagram, join conversations on Twitter, or explore other social media platforms, this article will provide you with the insights and knowledge you need to make the most of these popular social media apps in 2017.

Most Popular Social Media Apps in 2017

Facebook: Connecting the World

When talking about the most popular social media apps in 2017, it is impossible not to mention Facebook. Created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, Facebook has grown to become the leading social networking platform with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of 2021. It offers a versatile range of features and keeps evolving to meet the changing needs of its massive user base.

Facebook’s success can be attributed to its ability to connect people from all over the world. It allows users to create profiles, share updates, photos, and videos, and connect with friends, family, and colleagues. With its extensive targeting options, Facebook has also become a powerhouse for online advertising and is a popular choice among advertisers and marketers.

According to a study conducted by Statista, an estimated 61% of online users aged 18 to 29 and 65% of online users aged 30 to 49 are active on Facebook. With such a large user base, advertising on Facebook can help businesses reach a wide audience and drive engagement.

Instagram: Visual Storytelling

Instagram, acquired by Facebook in 2012, has experienced exponential growth in recent years. It has transformed from a simple photo-sharing app to a full-fledged social media platform with features like Instagram Stories, IGTV, and Reels.

With its focus on visual storytelling, Instagram has attracted a younger demographic, making it an ideal platform for businesses targeting millennials and Gen Z. According to a report by Hootsuite, in 2017, Instagram had approximately 800 million monthly active users. This number has grown significantly over the years, reaching over 1 billion monthly active users in 2021.

Given its visually captivating nature, Instagram offers a great opportunity for advertisers to showcase their products and services. Influencer marketing has also become incredibly popular on the platform, with many brands collaborating with influencers to reach their target audience.

Twitter: Real-time Updates

Twitter, known for its real-time updates and concise messaging, has remained a popular social media app in 2017 and beyond. It allows users to post short messages called tweets, which can include text, links, photos, and videos.

Twitter’s user base primarily consists of journalists, influencers, celebrities, and individuals looking for real-time news and updates. In 2017, Twitter reported approximately 330 million monthly active users.

From an advertising perspective, Twitter offers various opportunities to engage with users, such as promoted tweets, trends, and accounts. Its hashtag feature also allows businesses to join conversations and increase their visibility. According to Statista, Twitter advertising revenue reached 3.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.

LinkedIn: Professional Networking

LinkedIn is the go-to social media app for professionals and businesses. Launched in 2003, it has grown into a massive platform for networking, job searching, and business development.

LinkedIn’s user base primarily consists of professionals from various industries, making it a perfect platform for B2B marketing and recruitment efforts. As of 2017, LinkedIn had approximately 500 million registered users worldwide.

For businesses, LinkedIn offers targeted advertising options to reach specific professional audiences. It allows businesses to showcase their company profiles, share industry-related content, and connect with potential clients and partners.

Snapchat: Disappearing Content

Snapchat, known for its disappearing photo and video messages, gained significant popularity among younger generations in 2017 and continues to do so today. It offers a unique way of sharing content, with features like Snap Map, Filters, and AR lenses.

In 2017, Snapchat had approximately 187 million daily active users. While this number may be lower compared to other social media apps, Snapchat’s appeal lies in its engaged user base and its focus on visual communication.

For advertisers, Snapchat offers various advertising formats, including Snap Ads, Sponsored Lenses, and Sponsored Geofilters. Brands can leverage Snapchat’s interactive features to create immersive ad experiences and engage with their target audience.

Conclusion

As of 2017, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Snapchat were among the most popular social media apps. With their massive user bases and unique features, these platforms offered businesses and advertisers a myriad of opportunities to connect with their target audience, drive engagement, and generate leads.

It is important for businesses to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing social media landscape in order to make informed decisions about their advertising strategies. By leveraging the popularity and reach of these social media apps, businesses can effectively promote their products and services to a wide range of users.

According to recent statistics, Facebook remains the leading social media app, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users. However, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Snapchat also continue to thrive, attracting users of different demographics and interests.

Therefore, when devising an advertising strategy for an online advertising service or advertising network, it is crucial to consider these popular social media apps and leverage their features to achieve maximum engagement and reach.

Key Takeaways for Most Popular Social Media Apps 2017

As an online advertising service or advertising network, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the world of social media. Understanding the popularity and usage of different social media apps can help you align your advertising strategy and reach the right target audience. This article provides key takeaways from the Most Popular Social Media Apps in 2017, offering insights into user preferences, market share, and opportunities for advertising campaigns.

1. Facebook remains the undisputed leader

With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook continues to be the most popular social media app in 2017. Its vast user base, global reach, and diverse advertising options make it an ideal platform for businesses looking to maximize their online advertising efforts.

2. Instagram sees significant growth

Owned by Facebook, Instagram experienced a substantial increase in its user base, with more than 700 million monthly active users in 2017. Its visual nature and focus on images and videos make it an attractive platform for creative advertising campaigns.

3. Twitter struggles to keep up

While Twitter remains relevant in the social media landscape, its growth has been relatively stagnant compared to Facebook and Instagram. Twitter’s user base reached around 330 million monthly active users in 2017, making it a platform worth considering for specific target audiences or real-time campaigns.

4. Snapchat appeals to younger demographics

Snapchat gained popularity among younger demographics, particularly teenagers and young adults. With approximately 180 million daily active users, Snapchat’s unique features, such as temporary content and augmented reality filters, offer innovative opportunities for advertisers to engage with this audience.

5. LinkedIn continues to focus on professionals

LinkedIn serves as the leading social media platform for professionals, with a user base exceeding 500 million. It provides a space for networking, job hunting, and industry-focused content, making it an ideal platform for B2B advertising and targeting professionals in specific fields.

6. Pinterest attracts users for visual inspiration

Pinterest’s visual discovery platform garnered over 200 million monthly active users in 2017. Its emphasis on curated content and personal interests makes it an ideal platform for businesses in the fashion, food, decor, and lifestyle industries looking to showcase visually appealing products/services.

7. YouTube dominates in video content

YouTube remains the go-to platform for video content, with over 1.5 billion logged-in users visiting every month. Its massive user base and extensive reach make it an excellent platform for video-based advertising campaigns.

8. WhatsApp’s success in messaging

WhatsApp, with more than 1.2 billion monthly active users, dominates the instant messaging space. While it doesn’t offer explicit advertising options, businesses can leverage WhatsApp to provide personalized customer support and engage with customers on a more personal level.

9. WeChat leads in China

WeChat has become an essential part of life for many Chinese users, with over 963 million monthly active users. If your online advertising efforts target the Chinese market, understanding and utilizing WeChat’s advertising features can significantly enhance your campaign’s effectiveness.

10. Messenger apps gain prominence

Messenger apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and WeChat are becoming increasingly popular, with billions of users worldwide. Incorporating messenger-based advertising and chatbot technology into your campaigns can help drive customer engagement and improve conversion rates.

11. Video content continues to thrive

One of the key takeaways from the most popular social media apps in 2017 is the growing popularity of video content. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have all embraced video, providing ample opportunities for advertisers to leverage this trend.

12. User-generated content gains traction

Another significant trend observed in 2017 is the rise of user-generated content. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat encourage users to share their content, presenting advertisers with an opportunity to collaborate with influencers or engage customers through user-generated campaigns.

13. Mobile advertising dominates

Mobile devices continue to dominate social media usage. Therefore, optimizing your online advertising campaigns for mobile and utilizing mobile-specific ad formats is crucial for reaching your target audience effectively.

14. Location-based advertising becomes essential

Location-based advertising, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, gains significance in 2017. Utilizing features like geotargeting and local ad placements allow advertisers to target users geographically and deliver more relevant ads.

15. Personalization and authenticity are key

In an era of information overload, personalized and authentic advertising messages resonate better with users. Tailoring your ad campaigns to specific audiences and maintaining a genuine tone can help build trust and improve the effectiveness of your online advertising efforts on social media platforms.

By understanding these key takeaways for the most popular social media apps in 2017, you can fine-tune your online advertising strategies and align them with user preferences and industry trends. Incorporating these insights into your campaigns will help you reach the right audience, maximize engagement, and achieve better advertising results.

FAQs About the Most Popular Social Media Apps in 2017

1. Which social media apps were the most popular in 2017?

In 2017, the most popular social media apps were Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

2. Why should I advertise on social media apps?

Advertising on social media apps allows you to reach a wide and engaged audience, increase brand awareness, target specific demographics, and drive traffic to your website or app.

3. How can I advertise on social media apps?

To advertise on social media apps, you can use platforms like Facebook Ads Manager, Instagram Ads, Twitter Ads, Snapchat Ads Manager, and LinkedIn Ads.

4. What types of ads can I run on social media apps?

You can run various types of ads on social media apps, including image ads, video ads, carousel ads, lead ads, sponsored content, and app install ads.

5. How much does it cost to advertise on social media apps?

The cost of advertising on social media apps depends on factors such as your target audience, ad format, bidding strategy, and competition. It can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars per campaign.

6. Can I target a specific audience with social media app ads?

Yes, you can target a specific audience with social media app ads. You can define your target audience based on demographics, interests, behaviors, location, and more.

7. How can I measure the success of my social media app advertising campaigns?

You can measure the success of your social media app advertising campaigns through metrics like reach, impressions, clicks, conversions, engagement, and return on investment (ROI).

8. Can I advertise on multiple social media apps simultaneously?

Yes, you can advertise on multiple social media apps simultaneously. Each platform provides its own advertising tools and interfaces.

9. Are there any restrictions on the types of products or services I can advertise on social media apps?

Social media apps may have restrictions on certain products or services, such as those related to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or adult content. It’s important to review each platform’s advertising guidelines.

10. Can I customize the appearance of my ads on social media apps?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of your ads on social media apps by using images, videos, headlines, ad copy, and call-to-action buttons. Each platform offers various customization options.

11. Are there any best practices for creating effective social media app ads?

To create effective social media app ads, it’s important to use eye-catching visuals, compelling headlines, concise messaging, clear call-to-actions, and relevant targeting. Testing different ad variations can also help optimize performance.

12. Can I schedule my social media app ads to run at specific times?

Yes, you can schedule your social media app ads to run at specific times. This allows you to target your audience during peak engagement hours or when they are most likely to convert.

13. Is it possible to run ads on social media apps without creating a business account?

No, to run ads on social media apps, you will need to create a business account or a business profile on each platform. This allows you to access the advertising tools and features.

14. How can I make my social media app ads stand out from the competition?

To make your social media app ads stand out from the competition, focus on creating unique and visually appealing content, use compelling offers or promotions, and leverage storytelling techniques to engage your audience.

15. Can social media app advertising help me reach a global audience?

Yes, social media app advertising can help you reach a global audience. Many social media apps have a large user base in various countries, allowing you to target specific regions or expand your reach worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the year 2017 saw a tremendous growth and dominance of social media apps in the online advertising industry. Facebook continued to be the undisputed leader, with over 2 billion monthly active users and a range of innovative features including live video streaming and augmented reality. Instagram, also owned by Facebook, experienced explosive growth, reaching 800 million monthly active users and becoming a top choice for advertisers looking to target younger demographics. Snapchat, although facing fierce competition from Instagram, remained popular among younger users and continued to innovate with features like Stories and geofilters.

Twitter, while struggling to attract new users, remained an essential platform for real-time engagement and news updates, making it a valuable channel for advertisers looking to reach a broad audience. WhatsApp, with its massive user base of 1.5 billion people, offered businesses an opportunity for direct messaging and customer support. LinkedIn, primarily used for professional networking, provided a unique platform for B2B advertising and targeting professionals based on their job titles and industry. Pinterest, another visual platform, gained popularity among DIY enthusiasts and online shoppers, making it an attractive option for advertisers in the fashion, home decor, and recipe industries.

In terms of advertising, these social media apps offered a variety of options to promote products and services. Facebook, with its advanced targeting capabilities and diverse ad formats, provided advertisers with the opportunity to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Instagram, with its visually focused platform, allowed advertisers to showcase their products through beautiful images and videos, particularly appealing to fashion and lifestyle brands. Snapchat offered sponsored geofilters and lenses, allowing brands to engage with users in a fun and interactive way.

Twitter allowed advertisers to promote tweets, trends, and accounts to increase engagement and visibility. WhatsApp, although currently limited in terms of advertising options, presented businesses with the opportunity to establish direct communication with their customers through personalized messages and notifications. LinkedIn provided advertisers with the ability to target professionals with sponsored content, InMail messages, and display ads, making it an effective platform for B2B advertising.

Overall, the popularity and dominance of these social media apps in 2017 demonstrated the importance of online advertising in reaching and engaging with target audiences. With their massive user bases and advanced targeting capabilities, these platforms provided advertisers with valuable opportunities to promote their products and services to specific demographics and interests. As the advertising industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for advertisers to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in social media apps to maximize their marketing strategies and reach their goals.