Social media is changing quickly, and 2025 is turning out to be a big year for it. As users want different things, worry more about privacy, and technology like AI and decentralized systems is improving quickly, new types of social platforms are being created.
These are not just other options like Facebook, X, or Instagram; they show a new way of thinking about how we connect with each other online. New platforms are focusing on what people really want in today’s world, like special community spaces, and apps that value being real instead of just popular.
If you’re someone who creates content, runs a brand, or is interested in the digital world, it’s important to keep up with these trends. In this post, we will look at the new social media platforms that are becoming popular in 2025. We will see what makes them special, why they are important, and how they might change how we interact online in the future.
8 Top New Social Media Platforms
Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or want to connect with more people online, here are the new social media apps to look out for in 2025.
RedNote
RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu) is a mix of a social app and an online shopping site. Imagine TikTok and Pinterest coming together. When TikTok had a problem in the US in early 2025, RedNote downloads reached over 3.7 million, even though it didn’t have English support. What began as a search for a TikTok backup became a big success.
Who is RedNote for? It’s for marketers in fashion, beauty, health, or travel, especially if you want to connect with a younger global audience.
Recent growth numbers: Became very popular in early 2025 after TikTok was banned. More than 3.7 million people in the US downloaded in the first quarter of 2025.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (5/5)
Features:
Posts that also work as product pages (good for influencer marketing).
Very interested and focused communities, especially about beauty, skincare, travel, and food.
Should you join RedNote? If your brand collaborates with influencers, sells physical goods, or tells stories visually, RedNote is a good option to try out. It’s still early for English speaking users, but people are really interested, and specific types of content do well.
Customer feedback:
Noplace
If MySpace and a group chat had a Gen Z kid, it would be Noplace. Noplace is a social platform where people can share short messages, personalize their profiles, and connect with others who have similar interests.
There are no pictures or videos, just bright and customizable profile pages, live status updates, and tags to help you connect with people who share your interests. It’s easy to use, social, and made to remind you of the early days of the internet.
Who is Noplace for? It’s for brands and creators that connect with younger people, especially those who want to create a community instead of just sharing content.
Recent growth numbers: Ranked #1 in the US App Store in July 2024. Downloads surged when the mobile app was made available to everyone.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (4/5)
Features:
You can create very personalized profiles with emojis, descriptions, tags for interests, and a section for your top 10 friends.
Only text posts are allowed (no pictures or videos), so it’s focused on what you say, not how it looks.
Should you join Noplace? If your brand is fun, focused on community, or aimed at Gen Z, it’s a good idea to give Noplace a try. It’s great for chatting, showing who you are, and making a group of fans who feel like friends instead of just followers.
Customer feedback:
Substack
Substack began as a site for sending email newsletters. Now, it’s become a complete content platform. You can write long posts, make podcasts, share videos, and post quick updates in a Twitter-style feed called Notes. You have control over your audience. Substack helps you connect directly with your readers without any algorithms messing things up.
Who is Substack for? It’s for writers, experts, teachers, and brands that want to create trust by regularly sharing helpful content.
Recent growth numbers: More than 5 million people are now paying to support Substack writers.
Cost: Free to use. Substack takes 10% of money from paid subscriptions.
SMM star rating: (5/5)
Features:
A single place to manage a newsletter, podcast, and a paid community. The “Notes” feature allows you to share short updates on your feed, which is perfect for quick ideas or advertisements.
Should you join Substack? If you want to use content marketing, Substack is a good place to grow a loyal audience. It’s great for growing an email list, sharing ideas, or starting a paid subscription service.
Customer feedback:
Ren
Ren isn’t a typical social media site. It’s like LinkedIn, but for your email. It connects to your email, calendar, and customer management system to highlight the best times to contact someone, such as when they get a new job or achieve something important.
Who is Ren for? It’s for founders, sales teams, executives, investors, and startups, anyone whose work depends on building good relationships.
Recent growth numbers: Attracting interest from tech leaders and venture capitalists.
Cost: You can try it for free at rensystems.com Paid plans change based on how many people are on the team.
SMM star rating: (3/5)
Features:
Get daily updates on everything happening in your network, so you don’t have to send emails just to see how things are going.
Gather information from your emails, calendar, CRM, and social media, all in one spot. Should you join Ren? If you want to stay noticed, especially in business, fundraising, or partnerships, Ren is a good tool to consider. It’s not just about sharing posts; it’s about being there for people when they need you.
Customer feedback:
Also Read: 7 Simple Steps to Do a Social Media Audit
Threads
Threads is Meta’s response to Twitter. It’s an app that focuses on text and quickly became popular in 2023, with millions of people joining on the first day. It’s made to work well with Instagram, so if you already have followers there, it’s really easy to begin.
Who is Threads for? It’s for brands, creators, and teams who already use Instagram and want a more relaxed way to connect using text.
Recent growth numbers: Over 320 million users by early 2025. Gaining popularity with younger audiences and media companies.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (5/5)
Features:
Easy setup with your Instagram account in one click.
Short text posts seem easy to make but can reach a lot of people. They’re good for sharing opinions, quick updates, or starting conversations.
Should you try Threads? If you already have followers on Instagram, it’s a good idea to give it a shot. It’s really useful if you want to try out ideas, respond quickly, or express yourself more freely without worrying too much about how things look.
Customer feedback:
Bluesky
Bluesky began as a small project by Jack Dorsey, one of the founders of Twitter. Now, it is a complete and open alternative to Twitter that is gaining more and more users. It looks like the old Twitter, but it works on a system that isn’t controlled by one company.
This gives users more power over what they see and their information. The app became very popular in late 2024 after Elon Musk made some changes to blocking and privacy that many people didn’t like.
Who is Bluesky for? It’s for marketers, journalists, and brands that want to create a community by having conversations, not just sharing content. Great for people who like to try new technology and for teams that use advanced tech.
Recent growth numbers: The app reached over 34 million users in 2025 after launching to the public in February 2023.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (4/5)
Features:
You can choose your own feed algorithm. Want a feed just for cat pictures? You can create one or follow someone else’s.
The new Discover tab helps you find popular topics, people to follow, and new discussions easily.
The atmosphere is calmer and more reflective. Like Twitter was before it became crowded and filled with fake accounts.
Should you try Bluesky? If you miss the old Twitter or want to be part of a community that shares your values, it’s a good idea to check it out. It’s especially helpful for creators, reporters, and brands that want to earn trust in a clear, ad-free environment. It’s not very big yet (compared to Threads), but the feel is nice and the features are improving quickly. Customer feedback:
BeReal
BeReal is the best place for content made by users. Once a day, at a random time, it asks users to take a photo with both cameras, no filters and no planning. The result? Candid posts that seem real.
It’s similar to the early days of Snapchat. The excitement has decreased since 2022, but its dedicated fans and some smart brands are still participating.
Who is BeReal for? Brands that want to reach Gen Z, especially those in fashion, food, entertainment, or lifestyle.
Recent growth numbers: BeReal has more than 21.6 million people using it every month. People are using it a lot in the US and the UK.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (3/5)
Features:
The daily update makes sure everyone knows what’s happening, helping us feel connected in a more natural way.
The new “Bonus BeReals” feature allows users to post more than once a day, giving brands more freedom.
Should you try BeReal? If your audience is mostly young and cares about being real, it’s worth giving it a shot. Consider sharing behind-the-scenes videos, letting staff take over your social media, or other content that shows your brand in real life.
Customer feedback:
Lemon8
Lemon8 looks like Pinterest, works like TikTok, and feels like reading a blog. It’s designed for lifestyle content, like shopping hauls, daily routines, and health tips, with plenty of room for writing and sharing pictures.
Owned by ByteDance, the company that made TikTok, it is becoming popular with creators who want to take their time and share more meaningful content.
Who is Lemon8 for? It is for small businesses, lifestyle brands, and creators in beauty, wellness, fashion, and home decoration.
Recent growth numbers: More than 77 million downloads around the world and 8.6 million active users on iOS. Statista also mentions that the app has a 33.9% influence from marketing in the US.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (4/5)
Features:
The templates make posts look great, even if you don’t have a design team. Search-friendly content lasts longer than regular short videos.
Should you join Lemon8? If your brand has things to show and information to share, Lemon8 is a good place to try. It gives praise to useful content that stays relevant for a long time. Focus less on trying to show off and more on sharing useful tips. You may not get famous overnight, but you could gain a loyal group of followers who will stay with you.
Customer feedback:
Also Read: 16 Powerful Organic Social Media Reach Tools To Use in 2025
3 New Social Media Platforms to Keep an Eye On in 2025
If you enjoy trying out new apps before they become popular (or you’re always looking for small online communities to join), you should pay attention to these new social media apps.
PI.FYI: Perfectly Imperfect
PI.FYI is a social app based on the fun newsletter called Perfectly Imperfect. Imagine a place like Tumblr and Twitter combined, but without ads or complicated algorithms, just people sharing things they really enjoy.
You browse a simple list of recommendations (like books, snacks, and good vibes) and share your favorites again. It’s strange, it’s unique, and it’s a lot of fun if you like the unusual and small trends.
Who is PI.FYI for? It’s for marketers in culture, publishing, and lifestyle who want to connect with young, trendy people in their 20s living in big cities.
Recent growth numbers: We don’t have any data on how PI.FYI is doing yet, but celebrities like Doechii, Jack Harlow, and John C. Reilly are on the platform.
Cost: No charge.
SMM star rating: (4/5)
Features:
No algorithm: you see exactly what people share, as it happens.
Recommendations from the community that feel real and not paid for.
Should you join PI.FYI? If your brand focuses on specific cultures, tells interesting stories through visuals, or has unique and quirky products, PI.FYI is a great place to try new ideas. It’s not about having a lot, it’s about having good vibes.
Customer feedback:
Fanbase
Fanbase is a social media app where people can share pictures, videos, stories, and stream live videos, similar to Instagram or TikTok. But different from other platforms, creators can earn money straight from their fans.
When someone “Loves” your content, instead of just liking it, they are paying for that engagement. Imagine TikTok combined with Patreon.
Who is Fanbase for? It’s for creators, people who build communities, and small business owners who want a place to grow their audience and make money from what they create. Recent growth numbers: Fanbase is small but getting bigger, with about 600,000 active users each month.
Cost: It’s free to use; users can pay to show appreciation for content, similar to giving a tip. SMM star rating: (2/5)
Features:
Built-in monetization without needing agreements with brands.
Fanbase has lots of different types of content, like live videos, Stories, and paid posts, all in one spot.
Should you join Fanbase? If you want a platform that helps creators start earning right away and you want to be in a friendly, community-focused environment, it’s a good idea to give Fanbase a try. Especially if you feel that other platforms make you struggle to get noticed or earn rewards.
Customer feedback:
Phoenix (Coming Soon)
Phoenix is a new Bluesky app made by the people who created Tweetbot and Ivory. It’s not a social network; it’s a nice tool made to help you use Bluesky more easily. If you enjoyed Tweetbot, you should pay attention to this.
Who is Phoenix for? It’s for Bluesky users who want to have more control and a simpler, more personalized experience.
Recent growth numbers: Still being worked on. Bluesky gained 34 million users in early 2025. Phoenix is created to help more and more users.
Cost: Probably like Ivory: free to download, with extra features available for $1.99 a month or $14.99 a year.
SMM star rating: (3/5)
Features (expected):
A simple design that experienced users and social media experts will like.
Support for sharing posts between Bluesky and Mastodon.
Should you use Phoenix? If you’re already using Bluesky and want a smoother experience than the basic app provides, Phoenix could be a good choice. It’s really good for social media experts who use many different platforms or for anyone who likes the simple design of old Twitter apps.
Customer feedback: Still in early testing. The public release is planned for the summer of 2025.
Expert Tips to Use New Social Media Apps for Your Brand
Look Past the Excitement
The first thing you have to check is how people are discussing the app online. But just being popular isn’t enough. You should look at local information and feedback from members to see if there is an actual chance to do something.
Just because something is popular around the world doesn’t mean it’s popular locally. Before you sign up for new social media apps, take a moment to check what people are saying.
Look at Reddit discussions, reviews in the app store, and comments from social media marketers on X or LinkedIn. Next, look at your audience information using Hootsuite or the platform’s tools to see if your followers are actually visiting.
Watch First, Then Try it Yourself
Don’t share things immediately. Look at how the platform operates, what people are sharing, and what seems natural. Each platform has its own unique style, and the best way to learn what works there is to observe it for a while.
Once you understand the area, start trying things out. Here’s a suggestion: Create a private account on new social media apps to see what’s popular and try things out quietly before using your brand name.
Use Facts to Support Your Decisions
There’s always a push to “be involved in everything,” but it’s important not to take on too much at once. It’s a good idea to choose one or two platforms and do a great job on them before trying to use every platform.
If your bosses ask why you’re not on the newest app, be prepared to share some data. Make sure you know how to collect information and show it in a way that’s easy for your bosses to understand. Check Google Trends, Hootsuite reports, or your own performance standards to see if a platform is worth using.
Trends That are Driving the Creation of New Apps
AI Integration
AI is changing how social media sites work and interact with users. In 2025, new apps are using AI not only to gather content but also to make very personalized experiences for users.
Features powered by AI, such as smart suggestions for what to read, automatic checking of content, creating new content, and translating in real time, are now what people generally expect.
AI technology that creates voice and video is helping people express themselves in new ways, especially for creators who want to create content in a short span. Also, AI tools help manage communities by finding harmful content and supporting mental health efforts.
New companies are using AI to personalize social interactions by pairing users according to their interests or feelings. This brings great opportunities, but it also worries people about unfairness in algorithms and depending too much on machine learning.
Privacy-First Design
As people become more aware of privacy issues and spying, new social media apps are focusing on giving users more control and keeping their data safe. People are becoming more doubtful about companies that make money from their personal information without being clear about it.
In response, new companies are creating user-friendly experiences that focus on respect for privacy by asking for permission, collecting only necessary information, and keeping data stored locally.
More and more, things like complete encryption, temporary content, and sharing without revealing identities are becoming common. Some websites now let users have their own data and take it away or delete it completely.
Rules like GDPR and changes in technology are pushing developers to change how they handle data from the beginning. These privacy-focused designs draw in people who are disappointed by the way regular apps collect data.
Decentralization
Decentralization is changing how social media works. It is shifting from being controlled by a few big companies to being owned by the users themselves. In 2025, more apps are being made using blockchain or peer-to-peer systems.
This allows communities to manage themselves and lets creators keep control of their work. This change is driven by people’s unhappiness with how algorithms control content and censor information on regular platforms.
Features like rewards using tokens, data owned by creators, and systems where the community votes are becoming more popular. Some platforms, like Farcaster or apps that use Lens Protocol, let users keep their social identity across different apps without being stuck to just one.
Even though there are still some problems to solve, like making the platforms bigger and helping new users join, decentralized social media provides a different future. This way of thinking appeals mainly to younger people who are good with technology and want independence, transparency, and control over their online lives.
Growth of Niche Communities
In 2025, new social media apps are focusing more on specific groups and interests instead of trying to be popular with everyone. This shows a change from general platforms like Facebook to apps that are made for specific groups of people, like book lovers, pet owners, fitness fans, or meme traders.
These special apps focus on having deep conversations instead of reaching a lot of people, creating close online communities. By focusing on a specific area, they can provide special tools that help their users more, like moderation tools for certain topics, personalized content feeds, or content created by experts.
This trend is also a reaction to the bad and noisy environment often seen in bigger networks. People are moving to online spaces where they feel noticed, safe, and important.
As a result, specialized platforms are doing well by building loyalty and community instead of focusing on shallow numbers. Their success shows a larger trend where people are looking for connection and authenticity in social experiences online.
User Behavior Shift
Consuming Shorter Content
People prefer short content that is quick to read, interesting, and easy to understand. Because people’s attention spans are getting shorter and there is so much information online, they like short videos, quick posts, and easy-to-digest updates instead of longer articles.
Apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels started the trend, but new platforms are now being created mainly for short videos. This change is also affected by people eating or drinking while they are busy, like when they’re traveling or doing several things at once.
Short content lets people take in more information quickly, making them happy with different and new things. Creators are changing how they work by making powerful content quickly, usually in less than 30 seconds.
This way helps brands and influencers by getting more people interested and sharing their content. So, shorter content isn’t just popular now, it’s becoming the new normal for how stories are shared on new social media platforms.
Need for More Genuine Interactions
In 2025, people prefer genuine, unfiltered experiences instead of fake, perfect images. People want real experiences, which has caused a growth in platforms that share honest, behind-the-scenes content.
Apps like BeReal and others have made it popular to share real-time photos. New platforms encourage being open, showing imperfections, and being spontaneous. People are changing their behavior because they have felt a lot of pressure to look perfect online for a long time.
This pressure has caused problems with mental health and too much time spent online. Younger people, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, prefer being real and truthful instead of just looking up to big dreams.
This demand is changing influencer culture as well, where creators are appreciated for being honest instead of perfect. So, new apps are being created to limit filters, get rid of likes, and emphasize sharing stories and connecting with others.
Tired of Feeds Controlled by Algorithms
People are really tired of algorithms. Many users know about and are annoyed by hidden algorithms that decide what they see online. Many people think that traditional platforms focus too much on getting people to engage, which leads to less important content.
This creates a cycle where users keep seeing the same things over and over, which can be misleading, focusing more on popularity than on real value. As a result, people are liking apps that let them have more control over what they see.
This includes things like seeing posts in order, choosing their own filters, or picking specific topics. Some new platforms let users choose not to see suggestions from algorithms at all.
People want to know why they see specific posts, so being clear about it is very important.
Also, people are feeling tired of social media, which has made them want to use it more slowly and thoughtfully. New platforms are focusing on quality instead of quantity by sharing fewer but more relevant posts.
Preferring More Mindful and Less Addictive Experiences
In 2025, people are fighting against the addictive features of old social media sites. The constant scrolling and never-ending notifications have made people more anxious, easily distracted, and unhappy.
As people become more aware of digital well-being, there is a noticeable change towards platforms that promote better and more thoughtful use. New apps now have features that set usage limits, remind you to take breaks, and send gentle notifications without being annoying.
Some also include health check-ins or questions about feelings to help people stay balanced. This change shows a bigger trend in society that cares about mental health, taking breaks from technology, and being more aware of ourselves.
It’s important to note that people are not leaving social media completely; they are just looking for better ways to connect with others. Platforms that focus on sharing content at specific times, like daily posts, are becoming more popular.
Final Thoughts
By 2025, social media shows that people want new things. The apps that are becoming popular this year show a move towards more thoughtful, personalized, and real digital experiences.
These new networks focus on things like decentralization, privacy, and special communities. They provide new experiences that feel more personal and human compared to the big social media sites we usually use.
For creators, early users, and digital marketers, these apps offer new ways to connect with people in important ways. They provide easier and healthier ways for regular users to stay in touch. Looking to the future, it’s clear that social media isn’t just about getting likes or becoming popular.
It’s about making real connections, using your time wisely, and choosing platforms that match your values. Don’t wait for everyone to join, check out these new social media apps now and help shape the future of the internet.
FAQs
Why are people leaving old platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram?
Many users are feeling overwhelmed and tired of old platforms that rely heavily on algorithms, have too many ads, and sometimes have negative atmospheres. They understand more and more how these platforms control interactions and collect data. Gen Z and younger millennials really care about being real, keeping their information private, and having meaningful conversations. Many older social media platforms have a hard time providing these things.
Are these new apps safe for your privacy and data?
Yes, many of the new apps coming out in 2025 are designed to protect your privacy. Unlike older platforms that make money from user data, these apps usually collect very little information, use strong security to protect messages, and let users control or delete their data completely. But like with any app, it’s good to read their privacy policies and know how your information is being used, especially when you are using new or less popular apps.
Is there a main trend among these new platforms?
Yes, three main trends will shape 2025: privacy, authenticity, and decentralization. People are fed up with interactions that are controlled by algorithms and focused on performance. They prefer platforms that feel more genuine, less focused on showing off, and that respect their time and personal information. Many apps are designed for sharing right away, using few filters, and for smaller groups where people can really connect with each other.
Are any of these new apps built on blockchain technology or decentralized?
Apps like those made on Lens Protocol or Farcaster are part of the Web3 social movement, which focuses on decentralization. These platforms do not keep user information on central computers. Instead, users have control over their identities, followers, and content, and they can use them on different apps that follow the same system. This stops people from being stuck with one platform and gives creators and users more freedom and lasting benefits.
Are these apps available all over the world or just in specific areas?
In 2025, many new social apps are starting in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia, but they are spreading to other countries quickly. Some apps begin as invite-only or test programs to create a strong community before they let more people join. Others, especially decentralized platforms, can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have internet. It’s a good idea to visit the app or play store to find out which areas are supported.
