Running after Twitter while it is 17th in the race?

For those who are active on Twitter, this social media platform might appear to be the most popular or the most influential platform of all. When celebrities and public figures publish a controversial tweet and that is picked up by the mainstream media, it further convinces Twitter followers about the importance of Twitter as compared to other platforms.

Twitter users and followers are also seen looking down upon other social media platforms, especially the new ones and those populated mostly by non-English and less educated users. TikTok and ShareChat are among such platforms. Even Facebook is considered 'infra-dig' by reporters of the mainstream media and those in the awe of Twitter.

Which is the most popular social media platform and where does Twitter stand?

The top social media sites going by the number of active users are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Instagram. 

Twitter comes a lowly 17th in the list of top social media platforms. While Facebook has about 2740 million monthly active users, Twitter has just 253 million (the numbers are dynamic and might be slightly different as on date). Many platforms are much more important than Twitter in terms of their influence on the public and advertisements served on them. 

In user surveys in the US and elsewhere, it has been found that for social engagement, people prefer Facebook, etc. On the other hand, a good number of people go to Twitter to see news alerts and announcement from celebrities. Because Twitter is instant, it also becomes quite popular in times of calamities and fast-changing events or happenings in which people are interested in quick comments of different sides (e.g. an award ceremony or the announcement of election results). In this role too, it faces tough competition from instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and news-alert apps. 

So, while Twitter has a place among social media platforms, let us not be swayed by the impression that since world leaders such as Trump (in the past) and Modi have taken to Twitter for announcing decisions or informing about their activities, and celebrities use it, the medium is more important than others. 

(If you want more stats or a detailed discussion on social media, you might like to check The Manual of Social Media.)