The Best New Social Media Platforms for 2025

Updated: February 2025

Marketers know all too well that there are a handful of powerful social media platforms to which their energy and efforts must be directed. You can't be on every app, but being on the newest social media platforms for 2025 is a great idea for those who want to reach certain demographics like Gen Z. We've got three apps that are relatively new to the market and have made waves - enough so that if your audience is on them, your marketing team needs to be too.

These platforms have made their way onto this list by meeting the needs of audiences in how they want to share and consume content, from entertainment and creativity to new ways of having an online presence. Here are the platforms to keep an eye on, presenting marketers with new opportunities to connect with their audiences. Time is money and with social media platforms typically offering first movers a huge advantage, it goes without saying that acting on these sooner rather than later can have multiple benefits for your business. Let's take a look at the best social media platforms for business in 2025  and how you can use them to increase your visibility.

1. Airchat

Airchat is a fresh addition to the social media landscape, initially launched in mid-2023 and revamped in early 2024. Unlike traditional platforms dominated by text and images, Airchat focuses on voice-first communication, offering a unique and dynamic way for users to connect.

The app revolves around short voice messages, allowing users to record audio clips for posts and replies. These voice notes are automatically transcribed into text, making it easy for others to read or listen to the content. Its feed-based interface resembles platforms like Threads or X (formerly Twitter), but the emphasis on voice brings a more natural and emotional touch to online conversations. With asynchronous communication, users can engage in discussions over time without the immediacy of live interaction.

Its functionality also includes sharing photos and videos, playback controls with speeds up to 3x, and an auto-play feature that keeps the feed engaging. Currently invite-only, Airchat is available on iOS and Android, ranking 23rd in social networking on the Apple App Store as of April 2024.

Airchat allows businesses to establish a more authentic connection with their audience. By using voice to convey nuance and emotion, companies can foster genuine relationships and stand out in the increasingly competitive social media space. With a focus on user experience and growth rather than immediate monetisation, Airchat presents a unique platform to explore, especially for brands that want to adopt a forward-thinking, personal approach to engagement.

What makes Airchat one of the best social media platforms for business in 2025? By leveraging its innovative audio-first design, you can create a more intimate, conversational dynamic with your audience, improving customer loyalty and brand visibility. The emphasis on natural communication positions Airchat as a potential game-changer in the evolving social media landscape.

2. Lemon8

Adding to the list of new social media platforms in 2025 is Lemon8. Although the platform was initially launched in 2020 by ByteDance, it is still relevant today and definitely worth keeping an eye on in 2025. The app is designed to blend the visual allure of Pinterest with the social connectivity of Instagram. Lemon8 has carved a niche in the lifestyle content space. By mid-2023, the platform had over 17 million users globally, with notable growth in the United States and the United Kingdom following its February 2023 launch.

Lemon8 caters to a younger demographic, particularly Gen Z, with Japan as its largest market and the US following closely behind. The app thrives on its curated, high-quality content, spanning themes such as fashion, beauty, food, travel, wellness, and home. Its unique features allow users to share photo carousels and videos while leveraging AI-powered recommendation algorithms akin to TikTok. Additionally, it offers tools to add text, graphics, and titles to images, ensuring posts are both visually appealing and engaging.

What sets Lemon8 apart is its dual-feed system: a "For You" feed driven by algorithmic recommendations and a "Following" feed that creates personal connections. Posts can include up to ten hashtags, and captions often feature catchy titles to draw users in. These elements make it an ideal platform for lifestyle influencers and brands looking to reach Gen Z audiences through engaging, visually striking content.

Lemon8 presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking for the newest social media platforms in 2025 to connect with a younger, trend-conscious audience. It focuses on curated, quality content that offers a unique space to showcase products, tell brand stories, and create genuine engagement. If your business thrives on visual storytelling, Lemon8 could be a game-changer in your social media strategy for 2025.

3. Threads

By now, we all have heard of Threads, which launched in July of 2023. Threads is a text-based social media platform with a look and feel similar to that of its very clear rival, X, formerly Twitter. Developed by Meta, Threads is a standalone app linked to Instagram that allows users to share text, images, and videos. The app is easily one of the best social media platforms for business in 2025.

Threads is designed to be a platform where users can have real-time, public conversations with one another. Posts on the app can be up to 500 characters, a major and potentially attractive jump upward from Twitter's 280-character limit. In terms of integration with Instagram, Thread posts are directly shareable to Instagram stories and users can import the Instagram accounts they follow directly to Threads. 

Read more about the Threads app in one of our articles here. 

Seeing as Threads is closely linked with Instagram, which is one of the most widely utilised social media platforms in the world, many users are exploring the platform. Putting your business on Threads can position you as a current and on-trend business. What other advantages can you gain from this new platform in 2025? With Threads, you can build a relationship with your audience through community engagement. This app is a more interactive, conversational platform, enabling businesses to foster customer relationships. It's great for customer service and can also help you generate new leads. Threads also offer analytics, so you can track your performance!

The rise of niche platforms for specific industries in 2025 

Niche platforms are becoming essential for industries looking to engage with highly targeted audiences. Unlike general Meta and TikTok, these industry-specific networks cater to the unique needs of professionals, creators, and enthusiasts within specific fields, creating deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.

Take Patreon, for example, which has revolutionised how creative professionals monetise their work. Artists, podcasters, and writers use the platform to offer exclusive content to their loyal supporters in exchange for subscription fees, enabling a direct creator-to-fan relationship.

Similarly, Fanbase provides influencers and content creators with a space to engage directly with their audiences, offering paid tiers for exclusive access. This model is particularly effective for fostering loyalty and driving monetisation among dedicated followers.

For those in thought leadership and content marketing, Substack has become a go-to platform. Its focus on newsletters allows professionals to share long-form insights and expertise while generating income through subscription models. It’s a particularly powerful tool for businesses and individuals aiming to establish authority in their industries.

These niche platforms are gaining traction because they prioritise specialised features and communities, enabling businesses and individuals to engage in more meaningful ways. By leveraging these targeted platforms, brands can align their messaging with specific audience interests, leading to more impactful results and enhanced loyalty. The key is understanding where your audience thrives and tailoring your content to meet their unique needs.

Predictions for the future of social media

As we move into 2025, social media is dramatically evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting user priorities. Emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR transform how users interact with platforms. AI continues to personalise experiences, from hyper-targeted ads to content recommendations, while AR and VR are reshaping engagement through immersive virtual spaces, interactive content, and innovative ways to connect with audiences.

We predict that these trends will shape new social media platforms in 2025, as users increasingly demand personalised, immersive, and secure digital spaces. For businesses, staying ahead means embracing these trends to meet audience expectations and maintain relevance in the ever-changing landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the newest social media platforms 2025 businesses should explore?
   Airchat and Lemon8 are key platforms offering unique audience engagement opportunities.
   
   
2. How do emerging platforms compare to established ones like Instagram?
   Emerging platforms have niche audiences, while established ones offer a broader reach.
   
   
3. What industries benefit the most from niche social media platforms?
   Industries like fashion, travel, and wellness thrive on visual and niche platforms.
   
   
4. How can businesses measure the ROI of new social media campaigns?
   Use engagement metrics and analytics tools to track campaign success.
   
   
5. What are the risks of investing in emerging platforms too early?
   Limited users and uncertain longevity, but early adoption can pay off if the platform succeeds.
   

Staying ahead of the curve

Airchat, Lemon8, and Threads are some of the best social media platforms for business in 2025 to engage with your audience is there. With their continued growth, younger generations gravitate towards these platforms, which will undoubtedly change how marketers reach consumers. 

Ready to make the most of 2025’s social media trends? Contact NEXA today, and let’s build a strategy that delivers.