Top Video-Friendly Social Media Platforms for 2025: Insights on Consumer Preferences

The Rise of Social Media Videos: A Comprehensive Guide

Video content has become ubiquitous in today’s digital landscape. As a typical Millennial, my daily video consumption primarily revolves around platforms like YouTube and Instagram. However, the prevalence of short-form videos across various social media platforms is undeniable.

In light of the uncertain future of TikTok, many social media platforms are intensifying efforts to engage their audiences by introducing features that support vertical videos. YouTube, Instagram, and even LinkedIn are continuously updating their platforms to enhance the video viewing experience.

Brian Alves, the founder of Marketing Nerds, notes, "Everyone wants to emulate TikTok and is willing to take risks to do so." Before delving into the plethora of video options available to marketers, let’s explore the significance of social media videos, where consumers engage with them, and other key insights.

Where are Consumers Watching Social Media Videos?

According to HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing Report, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok yield the highest return on investment for social media videos. Short-form videos have taken center stage, with 29% of marketers citing it as their most utilized format, and 21% attributing the highest return on investment to this format.

Consumers increasingly rely on videos for diverse content, ranging from news updates and recipes to product reviews. A survey by Wyzowl revealed that 78% of consumers prefer watching videos to learn about products and services, with 89% indicating that videos influence their purchasing decisions.

Given these statistics, the importance of social media videos cannot be overstated. Without further ado, let’s explore the top video platforms and their latest updates.

YouTube: The Video Giant

YouTube stands as the largest video-sharing platform globally, with an anticipated user base exceeding 2.85 billion in the current year. Noteworthy milestones include surpassing traditional broadcasting giants in viewership and dominating the TV streaming market.

YouTube offers a diverse range of video formats, including live streaming, short-form, and long-form videos, complemented by various tools to enhance creativity. Key features include AI-generated transcriptions, privacy settings, monetization options, and robust analytics through YouTube Studio.

TikTok: Gen Z’s Playground

TikTok has emerged as a preferred platform for engaging Gen Z audiences. The platform’s features, such as live stream shopping capabilities, monetization opportunities, and trending sound libraries, have propelled social commerce growth.

Instagram: Visual Storytelling

Instagram’s popularity among Gen Z users is evident, with continuous updates to features like Reels. Notable enhancements include the extension of video length to three minutes, providing more flexibility for content creators.

Facebook: Connecting Communities

Facebook remains a strong contender across all age groups, offering features like Facebook Live, Stories, paid video ads, and community pages for audience engagement.

Snapchat: Engaging the Youth

Snapchat caters to younger demographics, with unique features like Snap Ads, Story Ads, and AR filters enhancing brand engagement and awareness.

Twitch: The Streaming Hub

Twitch, popular among gamers, offers monetization options, live comments, and channel analytics, making it a versatile platform for content creators.

LinkedIn: Professional Video Networking

LinkedIn’s investment in video content has paid off, with video emerging as the fastest-growing format on the platform. The algorithm now prioritizes video content, making it ideal for business-related topics and entrepreneurial insights.

Pinterest, Tumblr, Discord, Nextdoor, Substack: Diversifying Video Content

Platforms like Pinterest, Tumblr, Discord, Nextdoor, and Substack are also embracing video content to cater to diverse audiences and enhance user engagement.

Tips for Sharing Social Media Videos

1. Focus on short-form videos optimized for autoplay and silent viewing.
2. Experiment with different video formats, including live streams and shopping videos.
3. Tailor video content to suit the preferences of each platform’s audience.
4. Avoid relying solely on repurposed content; customize videos for each platform.
5. Collaborate with influencers and customers to amplify brand reach and authenticity.

Navigating the Social Media Content Landscape

As social media and content marketing evolve, short-form vertical videos continue to dominate. Staying abreast of platform updates and aligning content strategies with audience preferences are crucial for sustained engagement and growth in the digital realm.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated for relevance and comprehensiveness.