Social media is a collection of online platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and interact with content, connecting people globally in real time. Critical entities in the social media landscape include Facebook, the world’s largest social networking site founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, and Twitter, a microblogging platform known for its 280-character posts and real-time news updates.
Instagram, acquired by Facebook in 2012, focuses on photo and video sharing, while TikTok, developed by ByteDance, specializes in short-form video content. LinkedIn, a professional networking site founded by Reid Hoffman in 2003, serves business communities, and Snapchat, created by Evan Spiegel, offers ephemeral messaging with its disappearing content feature.
YouTube, a video-sharing platform owned by Google, has transformed how video content is consumed and shared online. Along with others like Pinterest, Reddit, and WhatsApp, these platforms play significant roles in shaping communication, culture, and information dissemination in the digital age.