Top Social Media Apps in India | Best Platforms to Join

Q: Which social media app is the most widely used in India?

Facebook remains the largest and most widely used social media app in India.

Q: Is WhatsApp useful for business purposes in India?

Yes, WhatsApp Business is highly effective for direct communication with customers.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media apps in India have become more than just tools for communication; they are essential for both personal connections and business growth. Whether you’re an individual looking to stay in touch with friends or a business aiming to reach a broader audience, choosing the right platform is crucial. This guide will walk you through the best social media apps India has to offer in 2024, helping you make informed decisions to boost your online presence.

By selecting the most relevant social media apps in India, users and businesses alike can leverage these platforms to increase visibility, enhance engagement, and even drive sales. Let’s explore the top social networking apps in India that can help you connect, share, and grow in the digital age.

Why Social Media is Essential for Brands in India

In India, social media isn’t just a tool for socializing—it’s a crucial element in business growth. With over 400 million active users on various social media apps in India, brands leverage these platforms to increase visibility, engage with their audience, and build stronger relationships.

Businesses, big and small, are turning to social networking apps in India to expand their customer base and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Whether it’s running advertising campaigns, engaging in influencer marketing, or simply sharing content, the role of social media apps in India cannot be overstated.

Here are some key statistics:

62% of India’s population uses the internet, with a significant portion of them actively using social media daily.
Brands that use Indian social media platforms and global ones are seeing higher engagement, sales, and brand loyalty.

Popular Social Media Apps in India for 2024

1. WN Social

Description: WN Social is an up-and-coming platform that focuses on creating meaningful connections. It offers a user-friendly interface that prioritizes privacy and security, making it a trusted choice for users looking for a safe social media experience.
Key Features:
- Secure login system
- Focus on global user interaction
- Easy-to-navigate platform
Pros:
- High level of security
- Simple, clean user interface
Cons:
- Not as widely known as other platforms
Why Use: If security and meaningful interactions are your priority, WN Social offers a promising alternative to more commercialized platforms.

2. Facebook

Description: Facebook continues to dominate as the most popular social media app in India, with billions of active users worldwide. It’s a versatile platform used for both personal connections and business promotion. Facebook’s extensive features, from creating pages to launching ads, make it indispensable for brands.
Key Features:
- Pages and groups for businesses
- Event creation and promotion
- Multimedia sharing and live streaming
Pros:
- Huge user base
- Excellent for brand promotion and customer engagement
Cons:
- Concerns over data privacy
- Advertisements can be overwhelming
Why Use: With its broad reach and advanced advertising tools, Facebook is perfect for businesses looking to increase visibility and engage with a large audience.

3. Instagram

Description: Instagram is the go-to platform for visual storytelling. Whether you’re an influencer or a brand, Instagram allows you to share high-quality photos and videos, build a following, and engage with audiences through features like stories and reels. It’s particularly favoured by younger users and businesses in fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment.
Key Features:
- Stories, reels, and IGTV
- Direct messaging
- Influencer marketing opportunities
Pros:
- Highly engaging for visual content
- Strong influencer marketing potential
Cons:
- Overwhelming amount of ads
- Requires consistent content creation to maintain engagement
Why Use: If your business thrives on visuals and creative storytelling, Instagram is one of the best social media apps in India for enhancing brand awareness and audience engagement.

4. WhatsApp

Description: With over 400 million users, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in India. Its features, such as encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, and the WhatsApp Business app, make it an ideal tool for businesses looking to offer direct customer support.
Key Features:
- Encrypted messaging
- Business-specific features like auto-reply and business profiles
- Group messaging and broadcast lists
Pros:
- Secure, private communication
- No advertisements
Cons:
- Limited traditional social media features
Why Use: WhatsApp is perfect for businesses looking for direct, personal communication with customers, offering a level of interaction that other social media apps in India cannot provide.

5. Telegram

Description: Telegram is quickly gaining traction in India as a secure alternative to WhatsApp. Its robust features, including large group chats, public channels, and file sharing, make it an excellent platform for both personal and professional communication.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Large group chats
- Public channels for mass communication
Pros:
- High level of privacy and security
- Unlimited file sharing
Cons:
- Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp
Why Use: Telegram is perfect for businesses and organizations that require a secure platform for large-scale communication and sharing sensitive information.

6. LinkedIn

Description: LinkedIn remains the top platform for professional networking in India. Whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or business, LinkedIn provides tools for building professional connections, recruiting talent, and even marketing your brand.
Key Features:
- Professional networking
- Job postings and applications
- Content sharing and publishing
Pros:
- Excellent for professional growth and B2B networking
- Highly targeted advertising
Cons:
- Premium features can be expensive
Why Use: If your business operates in a professional or B2B space, LinkedIn is a must-use social media app in India for growing your network and finding new opportunities.

7. ShareChat

Description: ShareChat is India’s leading regional social media platform, offering content in over 15 Indian languages. It’s an excellent platform for users and businesses looking to connect with India’s regional audiences.
Key Features:
- Regional language support
- Content sharing and community building
Pros:
- Focus on regional languages
- Ideal for targeting rural India
Cons:
- Limited international reach
Why Use: ShareChat is perfect for businesses that want to tap into India’s regional and rural markets, offering a unique platform for localized content.

8. Moj

Description: Moj is one of India’s fastest-growing short video platforms, launched in response to TikTok’s ban. It offers users the ability to create and share videos with special effects and music, making it a favourite among younger audiences.
Key Features:
- Short video creation
- Music and filters
Pros:
- Easy-to-use video creation tools
- Growing user base among Gen Z
Cons:
- Privacy concerns
Why Use: If you’re targeting younger audiences and want to create engaging video content, Moj is one of the top social media apps in India to consider.

9. Snapchat

Description: Snapchat remains a popular choice among younger users, thanks to its disappearing messages and creative AR features like filters and lenses. While not as business-oriented as other platforms, Snapchat can still be a valuable tool for brands targeting Gen Z.
Key Features:
- Disappearing messages
- Augmented reality filters and lenses
Pros:
- Engages younger audiences with fun and interactive content
- Innovative use of AR technology
Cons:
- Content visibility is short-lived
Why Use: Snapchat is an excellent platform for brands looking to create fun, short-lived content that resonates with a younger demographic.

10. YouTube

YouTube continues to dominate the video-sharing space in India, making it one of the best social media apps India has for content creators and marketers. Whether you’re uploading tutorials, vlogs, or advertisements, YouTube offers powerful engagement and monetization tools.

Key Features: Video hosting, Advertising opportunities, Live streaming
Pros: Massive audience, Monetization options
Cons: High production effort
Why Use: YouTube is perfect for video marketing, offering businesses a chance to tap into India’s growing online video consumption.

11. Koo

Koo is a microblogging platform that allows users to express themselves in multiple Indian languages. Launched as an alternative to Twitter, it caters to regional audiences, making it one of the rising Indian social media platforms.

Key Features: Multi-language support, Public opinions and discussions
Pros: Focus on local languages, Growing user base
Cons: Limited global reach
Why Use: Koo is ideal for brands looking to engage regional audiences through vernacular language content.

12. Josh

Josh is another fast-growing short video platform in India, primarily catering to entertainment and influencer content. It offers brands an opportunity to connect with younger audiences through creative video content.

Key Features: Short video creation, Filters and effects
Pros: Large audience, Popular with influencers
Cons: Strong competition in the short video space
Why Use: Josh is perfect for brands aiming to leverage influencer marketing and create engaging video content.

13. Trell

Trell is an Indian video blogging platform that focuses on lifestyle content, such as travel, fashion, and food. It’s ideal for brands that want to target users interested in lifestyle and inspiration-based content.

Key Features: Lifestyle video blogging, Community-based interactions
Pros: Engages lifestyle audiences, Focus on niche content
Cons: Smaller user base
Why Use: For brands in the lifestyle, fashion, or travel industry, Trell is an excellent platform for engaging with a targeted audience.

14. Roposo

Roposo offers a similar experience to TikTok, allowing users to create short, engaging videos with various filters and effects. It has a strong foothold in regional markets.

Key Features: Short video creation, Multi-language support
Pros: Strong regional focus, User-friendly tools
Cons: High competition in the short video market
Why Use: Roposo is perfect for brands looking to tap into regional audiences through short video content.

15. Chingari

Chingari is another popular Indian social media platform that focuses on short videos. It provides a space for creators to share content and monetize it, making it a go-to app for entertainment.

Key Features: Short video creation, Monetization for creators
Pros: Strong engagement, Entertainment-focused
Cons: Content discovery can be challenging
Why Use: Chingari is great for brands looking to engage with a large, entertainment-focused audience.

16. Mitron

Mitron is an Indian short video app that caters primarily to local audiences. It offers a simple platform for users to create and share content.

Key Features: Short video creation, Local content focus
Pros: Popular among local users, Simple interface
Cons: Lacks advanced features compared to global platforms
Why Use: Mitron is perfect for brands focusing on local Indian audiences in the short video space.

17. Clubhouse

Clubhouse is a popular audio-based social media app that has gained traction in India, especially among professionals and thought leaders. It allows users to participate in or host live audio discussions, making it an excellent platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and community building.

Key Features: Live audio discussions, Rooms and clubs for focused topics
Pros: Great for real-time discussions, Ideal for networking and community building
Cons: Limited engagement options beyond audio
Why Use: Clubhouse is perfect for brands and individuals looking to host webinars, discussions, or podcasts in a live, audio-only format.

18. Quora

Quora is one of the leading question-and-answer platforms globally, and it has a significant user base in India. It provides a space for users to ask questions and share knowledge, making it an excellent platform for thought leadership and content marketing.

Key Features: User-generated questions and answers, Knowledge-sharing
Pros: Builds authority in niche topics, Engages with a curious, information-seeking audience
Cons: Limited multimedia capabilities
Why Use: Quora is ideal for brands and individuals looking to share expertise, build authority, and engage with a knowledgeable audience in India.

19. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where users can share and find inspiration in the form of images, infographics, and videos. It is particularly popular among those interested in fashion, home decor, DIY, and lifestyle content.

Key Features: Pinning and organizing images, Visual search, Shopping and links to products
Pros: Great for visual discovery, Strong for content marketing in fashion, home, and lifestyle
Cons: Smaller user base in India compared to global reach
Why Use: Pinterest is perfect for brands in creative industries such as fashion, design, and food, offering an opportunity to inspire audiences through visuals.

20. TakaTak by MX Player

Launched by MX Player, TakaTak is one of India’s prominent short video platforms that emerged after the TikTok ban. It offers similar features, allowing users to create engaging short videos with music and effects.

Key Features: Short video creation, Music and special effects, Trending challenges
Pros: Strong user base in India, Easy video creation
Cons: Competes with other short video apps
Why Use: TakaTak is a solid choice for brands looking to engage with India’s youth through short, catchy video content.

21. Bolo Indya

Bolo Indya is a short video platform that emphasizes localized content creation and sharing in regional languages. It offers users a way to create and consume content across various categories like lifestyle, education, and entertainment.

Key Features: Short video creation in regional languages, Monetization opportunities for creators
Pros: Focuses on local language users, Good for regional engagement
Cons: Limited international reach
Why Use: Bolo Indya is ideal for brands targeting regional audiences in India, especially those looking to engage in local languages.

22. Likee

Likee is a global short-video platform with a significant user base in India. It provides tools for users to create short, dynamic videos with special effects, making it a popular choice among entertainment content creators.

Key Features: Short video creation, Filters and special effects, Live broadcasting
Pros: Advanced video editing tools, Strong entertainment focus
Cons: Faces competition from Indian alternatives like Moj and Josh
Why Use: Likee is perfect for brands looking to engage with an entertainment-focused audience through creative video content.

23. Tooter

Tooter is an Indian alternative to Twitter, offering microblogging features for sharing thoughts and engaging in discussions. Like Koo, it supports multiple Indian languages, catering to regional users who prefer localized social media experiences.

Key Features: Microblogging, Multi-language support, Public discussions
Pros: Focuses on local audiences, Indian alternative to global platforms
Cons: Smaller user base compared to Twitter
Why Use: Tooter is a great option for brands and individuals seeking a local platform for public discussions and sharing quick updates, particularly in regional languages.

How to Choose the Right Social Media Platform for Your Brand

Selecting the right social media apps in India for your business can significantly impact your digital presence. Consider the following factors when choosing your platform:

Target Audience: Know where your audience spends most of their time. Younger audiences might be more active on Instagram and Snapchat, while professionals are likely to be on LinkedIn.
Content-Type: What type of content will you produce? Visual-heavy platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for brands that rely on imagery, while LinkedIn is great for text-based content.
Business Goals: Your goals will determine which platform is right for you. If you’re looking for brand awareness, Facebook and Instagram are great options, while LinkedIn excels for B2B networking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which social media app is the most widely used in India?

A1. Facebook remains the largest and most widely used social media app in India.

Q2. What’s the best social media app for businesses?

A2. Facebook and LinkedIn are both excellent choices, depending on your audience and industry.

Q3. Is WhatsApp useful for business purposes in India?

A3. Yes, WhatsApp Business is highly effective for direct communication with customers.

Q4. Which social media app should I use for regional content in India?

A4. ShareChat is the leading platform for regional and rural audiences in India.

Q5. What’s the best platform for video marketing in India?

A5. Instagram, YouTube, and Moj are top choices for video content in India.

Q6. Is LinkedIn important for professionals in India?

A6. Yes, LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professional networking and B2B marketing in India.

Q7. How can I increase my social media engagement in India?

A7. Focus on quality content, engage with your audience, use trending hashtags, and consider influencer marketing.

Q8. What’s the most secure social media app in India?

A8. WhatsApp and Telegram are considered the most secure due to their encrypted messaging features.