The most used Social Media Platforms in South Africa 2025

Whether you have your own small business, you are in a large corporate or volunteer in a non-profit organization knowing which social platforms will help promote your work is vital. In South Africa, the most used social media platforms in 2025 are WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube with TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn also holding significant popularity, according to marketing reports. WhatsApp continues to dominate as the primary messaging app, while Facebook remains a strong platform for broader social interaction, as reported by Ornico. YouTube is a leading platform for video content, and TikTok has seen a surge in popularity, especially among younger adults. 

• WhatsApp: remains the most popular messaging app, with a large portion of South Africans using it daily. 
• Facebook: continues to be a powerhouse, reaching a large portion of the population and internet users. 
• YouTube: a major platform for video content, reaching a significant portion of the population and internet users. 
• TikTok: has seen a significant increase in user base, particularly among adults and is a popular platform for short-form video content. 
• Instagram: popular for visual content and influencer marketing, reaching a substantial portion of the population. 
• LinkedIn: remains the leading platform for professional networking and recruitment. 
• X (formerly Twitter): while having a smaller user base compared to the top platforms, it’s still a relevant platform for news and discussions. 

The growing internet penetration rate and mobile-first approach in South Africa indicate that social media will continue to play a vital role in communication and engagement. 

Featured photo by dlxmedia.hu on Unsplash