Great question.

Like anything technology, social media will continue to evolve. So, while vanguards of social media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram continue to thrive, we can certainly expect newer platforms to gain a solid foothold and grow in popularity as well.

Here are some worth noting:

1. TikTok

TikTok is arguably one of the most popular social media platforms recently introduced that’s enjoying immense popularity among Gen Z users. To date, the app has been downloaded 2.5 billion times, making it more popular than Instagram.

The platform is entertaining and continues to grow in popularity among younger demographics—so much so that more brands and businesses are joining the platform.

While you may not want to put all your eggs in the proverbial TikTok basket just yet, it certainly is worth adding this to your roster of social media marketing tools.

2. Clubhouse

Everything about Clubhouse is an antithesis of how social media platforms operate. It’s invite-only, highlighting a sense of exclusivity that is rare among social media platforms. Users who are already part of the platform essentially serve as gatekeepers of the conversations—audio only (similar to podcasts but more personal)—that take place on this platform. Topics are diverse, ranging from practical business tips to celebrity-hosted relationship discussions.

While the platform is slowly gaining popularity, it’s still unclear how exactly this platform, given its mechanics, can grow.

3. Caffeine

This is a platform designed to help you create live broadcasts for your friends and followers, who can then interact by sending in emoji reactions and post comments. The platform has since received over $200 million in investment and is making waves in the world of sports and entertainment.

The live video platform is also gaining a lot of traction among younger audiences and if it continues to grow, it’s likely going to be a popular platform among Gen Z-ers.

4. Instagram Reels

Instagram is a well-known visual social media platform. But you can’t deny just how much TikTok has changed the game for social media since it was introduced. To that end, Instagram is trying to jump on the live video bandwagon with similar video creation functionality and creative features.

Instagram already has a solid follower base so adding this new feature can help attract younger demographics to the platform.

5. Houseparty

Houseparty is a group video messaging app that can host up to eight users at a time. While on the call, users can use video filters, send stickers, and add multiple fun effects. The app has actually been around for a few years but it was only recently, when the platform revamped its features, that Houseparty saw a significant spike in its users.

While the growth of this platform is promising, it’s worth noting that Houseparty has more established platforms like Snapchat and Zoom to compete with. Still, it’s worth following to see how this platform will evolve.

Hope my answer helps! If you know of other platforms that are worth paying attention to, feel free to leave a comment below or join the conversation on our LinkedIn or Twitter.