Optimal Meta Channel for Social Media Marketing: Experts Compare Facebook, Instagram & Threads

In 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, continues to dominate the social media landscape with its three major platforms. Marketers are constantly evaluating the performance and potential of each platform to maximize their social metrics and investments. Let’s delve into the key insights and trends shaping the social media landscape for marketers.

Instagram Leads the Pack

Among the Meta platforms, Instagram emerges as the clear favorite among marketers. It consistently outperforms other platforms in terms of audience growth, site traffic, engagement, and influencer marketing. Marketers are heavily investing in Instagram, with 76% of respondents leveraging the platform, making it the top choice for social media marketing efforts.

Facebook Holds Its Ground

While Instagram takes the lead, Facebook remains a strong contender in the social media space. Marketers continue to see value in Facebook for its established user base and advertising capabilities. Despite facing some challenges, Facebook remains a key player in marketers’ strategies, with 61% of respondents utilizing the platform for their marketing efforts.

Threads Struggles to Gain Traction

In contrast, Threads, the newest platform from Meta, faces challenges in gaining widespread adoption among marketers. With only 9% of respondents currently using Threads, the platform lags behind Instagram and Facebook in terms of performance and investment. Marketers are cautious about allocating resources to Threads due to its limited track record and unproven ROI.

Segment-Specific Insights

B2B vs. B2C

  • While both B2B and B2C businesses find value in Instagram and Facebook, there are subtle differences in their investment strategies.
  • B2B businesses are more inclined to decrease or cut their Facebook investments in 2025 compared to B2C businesses.
  • B2C brands show a higher investment in Instagram and are more comfortable with influencer marketing on the platform.

Company Size

  • Midsize and large companies are more focused on community building on Facebook and Instagram compared to small businesses.
  • Threads sees more traction among marketers at midsize companies, but smaller companies struggle to see significant ROI from the platform.

Industry

  • Nonprofit and government organizations report lower performance results on Meta platforms compared to B2B and B2C brands.
  • B2B and B2C companies are more likely to achieve high ROI on Instagram compared to nonprofit and government organizations.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram Reigns Supreme: Marketers overwhelmingly favor Instagram for its performance and ROI potential.
  • Facebook Remains Relevant: Despite challenges, Facebook continues to be a valuable platform for marketers.
  • Threads Faces Uphill Battle: The newest Meta platform struggles to gain traction and investment from marketers.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of each Meta platform and tailoring strategies based on performance data and industry trends is crucial for marketers looking to maximize their social media investments in 2025. Instagram’s dominance, coupled with the enduring relevance of Facebook, highlights the evolving landscape of social media marketing and the need for adaptability and strategic decision-making in the digital age.