7 best social media apps to use for a startup in 2025

Launching a startup takes guts, grit, and a toolbox full of smart strategies. One of the most powerful tools? Social media. Done right, startup social media marketing can skyrocket your brand visibility, build community, and even drive sales without breaking the bank.

Keep reading, introduce you 7 best social media apps to use for a startup. I’ll also share actionable tips and insights to help you harness each platform’s strengths effectively.

Why Social Media Is a Game-Changer for Startups

Before we jump into the apps, let’s talk about why your startup needs social media. Research shows that 50% of consumers discover new brands via social media (source: Hootsuite). For cash-strapped startups.

it offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with audiences, build brand awareness, and nurture loyal customers—all at a low cost.

By using the right social media platforms, you can:

Create buzz for your product or service.
Connect with customers and collect feedback.
Showcase your company culture and brand identity.
Generate website traffic and leads efficiently.

7 best social media apps to use for a startup

The key? Choosing the right platforms for your goals and audience as somehow listed below best social media apps to use for a startup

1. Instagram

Best For: Visual content, brand storytelling, product showcases.

Instagram is perfect for startups with visually appealing products or services. With its high engagement rates, it’s ideal for brands looking to build a strong visual identity.

Key Features:

Instagram Stories allow you to share behind-the-scenes content for real-time engagement.
Instagram Reels help startups go viral with short, creative videos.
Shopping on Instagram lets followers buy directly through the app.

Pro Tip:

Include hashtags like #startupsocialmedia or #smallbusinesslove. These help boost discoverability. Approximately 1.5 billion users, with a strong focus on visual content and short-form videos.

“Products are made in a factory, but brands are created in the mind.” – Walter Landor

Social media girls influence trends, beauty standards, and lifestyle choices, shaping digital culture worldwide. Their impact extends to self-esteem, marketing, and consumer behavior, making them key players in brand promotions and modern social interactions.

2. LinkedIn

Best For: B2B marketing, recruiting, thought leadership and popular listed in best social media apps to use for a startup

LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals and decision-makers. If your startup targets businesses, you need to be on LinkedIn.

Key Features:

LinkedIn Articles establish you as a thought leader.
LinkedIn Ads target professionals based on industry, job title, or company.
LinkedIn Groups foster networking and discussions in niche communities.

Pro Tip:

Share success stories, case studies, and team milestones. These resonate well with LinkedIn audiences.

Stat to note: According to LinkedIn, 79% of B2B marketers say LinkedIn helps achieve their marketing goals. Over 1 billion users, maintaining its position as the leading professional networking platform.

3. Twitter

Best For: Real-time updates, customer engagement, trending topics.

Twitter excels at delivering updates, engaging in conversations, and jumping on trends or news. It’s also an excellent channel for customer support.

Key Features:

Threads help tell longer, impactful stories.
Trends and Hashtags keep your content relevant and timely.
Twitter Polls gather follower opinions effortlessly.

Pro Tip:

Maintain a blend of promotional posts, informative content, and interaction with followers.

Stat to inspire: Tweets with images receive 150% more engagement than text-only tweets. Around 550 million users, with a focus on real-time news and conversations.

4. TikTok

Best For: Viral marketing, short-form video content, Gen Z and younger audiences and popular as best social media apps to use for a startup

With over one billion active users worldwide, TikTok creates endless opportunities for startups to go viral. It’s particularly powerful for lifestyle, fashion, and tech startups.

Key Features:

Hashtag Challenges engage audiences and encourage UGC (user-generated content).
TikTok Ads allow hyper-targeted campaigns at a low cost.
Trends and Filters make content more relatable.

Pro Tip:

Stay creative and authentic. TikTok users value entertainment over perfection.

Stat to remember: Gen Z prioritizes authenticity, with 80% drawn to “real and unfiltered” content. Surpassing 1.8 billion users, continuing its rapid growth, especially among younger demographics.

5. Facebook

Best For: Community building, targeted advertising, brand awareness.

Facebook remains a giant in the social media landscape, offering unmatched tools for community engagement and advertising.

Key Features:

Facebook Groups foster a sense of belonging for your customers.
Facebook Ads help startups reach hyper-specific audiences.
Short Video Features make posts dynamic.

Pro Tip:

Use videos regularly—live videos on Facebook receive 6x more engagement than regular posts.

Stat to consider: With 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook is still the world’s most widely used platform.

6. Pinterest

Best For: Visual brands, product discovery, DIY and lifestyle niches and contains list of best social media apps to use for a startup

Pinterest is often overlooked, but it’s a goldmine for startups in design, lifestyle, and e-commerce.

Key Features:

Pinboards showcase your products, ideas, or brand inspirations.
Rich Pins allow direct interaction with users searching for ideas.
Searchable Keywords make content SEO-friendly on Pinterest.

Pro Tip:

Create pins with high-quality visuals and attention-grabbing headlines.

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.” – Paul Rand

7. YouTube

Youtube is Long-form video content, tutorials, and reviews.

If your startup focuses on education, product demos, or tutorials, YouTube is essential. Its long-form video format allows deeper storytelling.

Key Features:

Customizable Channels showcase your startup’s personality.
YouTube Shorts tap into the growing demand for short-form content.
Advertiser-Friendly Tools help startups monetize.

Pro Tip:

Optimize your video titles and descriptions for SEO. Use keywords like “best apps for startups.”

Stat to inspire: YouTube is the second-largest search engine, with over 2.6 billion users worldwide.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Startup

Picking the right 7 best social media apps to use for a startup depends on your startup’s audience, goals, and resources. To narrow it down:

Identify your target audience (e.g., Gen Z = TikTok, Professionals = LinkedIn).
Focus on your type of content (visual-heavy = Instagram, long-form = YouTube).
Assess platform engagement rates and ROI based on your goals.

Remember, you don’t need to be on every platform. Master one or two before expanding.

FAQs

What are best social media apps to use for a startup?

The best platforms depend on your target audience, but Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok are highly effective for startups. Instagram is great for visual branding.

How can a startup leverage Instagram for growth?

Startups can use Instagram to showcase their products or services through high-quality visuals, Stories, and Reels.

Why is LinkedIn important for startups?

LinkedIn is essential for B2B startups as it helps build professional networks, establish thought leadership, and connect with potential investors or partners.

Should startups focus on TikTok in 2025?

Yes, if your target audience is Gen Z or Millennials. TikTok’s algorithm favors creative, authentic content, making it a cost-effective way for startups to go viral and build brand awareness quickly.

Final Thoughts

Social media is no longer optional for startups—it’s essential. From Instagram’s visually creative space to TikTok’s viral magic, there is a platform for almost every type of business.

If you’re overwhelmed by options, start small. Experiment with one or two platforms where your audience spends their time. Test, learn, and tweak your approach based on what resonates.

Want help developing winning social media strategies? Reach out to our team today!