One of the most important questions to answer when starting to post on social media is which platform to post on. With a wide range of social media platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to pick where to begin. Understanding which social media platforms are most popular can help you choose where to start.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp remains the most widely used social media platform in Malaysia, with a monthly usage rate of 90.7% of the Malaysian population. This is mainly driven by WhatsApp being the most prevalent form of communication among Malaysians and an essential tool for staying connected.
However, although WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform in Malaysia, it does not operate the same way as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. It does not allow you to get organic traffic in the same way and is often used at the bottom of most funnels.
2. Facebook
Facebook trails behind slightly, with 84.9% of Malaysians using the platform each month. It remains the most popular social media platform that can drive organic traffic to your brand, unlike WhatsApp. Facebook maintains its relevance through versatile features including news feeds, groups, and marketplace functionalities.
On top of that, Facebook has a very well-built ad system and network, reaching 66.5% of the entire Malaysian population regardless of age. This makes Facebook one of the first places many businesses look when running paid advertising on social media in Malaysia.
3. Instagram
Instagram comes in third and is used by 77% of Malaysians. It is especially popular among younger demographics who use its photo and video-sharing capabilities. It favours more aesthetic and trend-led content that is faster-paced compared to Facebook or TikTok.
Instagram also provides a strong balance of both older and younger audiences, allowing businesses on the platform to reach a wider demographic. Because Instagram and Facebook are owned by the same company, automatically linking pages and cross-posting content has also become easier for brand teams.
4. TikTok
TikTok has grown massively in Malaysia and is currently used by 68.8% of Malaysians. TikTok is especially popular for short-form video content, which keeps users engaged for extended periods. Although this platform ranks fourth in popularity, an average TikTok user in Malaysia spends 38 hours and 49 minutes per month on TikTok, making it one of the most time-consuming social media platforms in Malaysia.
However, looking at platform popularity alone is not enough. Businesses need to understand the nuances and dynamics of each social platform. If you are trying to build your brand on social media, you should not pick only one platform forever. Test what works, learn where your audience is, and find where you can sell your product.
Conclusion
When you have found your platform, you can start tailoring content to suit the unique features and user preferences of that channel. This can improve engagement and drive better results. It also does not hurt to repurpose the same core content across various platforms, as long as each version fits the channel.
Not sure where to start? Contact us for a consultation call and we can help you get your brand seen on social media.
All data in this imported article was originally extracted from the Malaysia 2024 report by DataReportal and reflected the figures available when the article was published.