As a digital marketing expert with a keen interest in social media trends, I've been following the evolution of social media platforms for a number of years. It's always fascinating to see how these platforms grow and change, and to understand their impact on the way we communicate, share information, and do business.

Social media sites have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering us a myriad of ways to connect with others, express ourselves, and share our experiences. They have transformed the way we interact, learn, and even shop. With so many options available, it can be challenging to keep track of the most popular social media sites. However, based on my expertise and the latest data, I can provide an overview of what I believe to be the top ten social media platforms as of now.

Facebook remains the behemoth of social media, boasting billions of users worldwide. It's the go-to platform for personal connections, community building, and business networking. Its features, such as Facebook Stories, Marketplace, and Groups, have only added to its appeal and functionality.

YouTube is another giant in the social media landscape, primarily known for its video-sharing capabilities. It's not just a platform for entertainment; it's also a hub for education, news, and a wide range of content creation.

Instagram has seen explosive growth, particularly among younger demographics. Its focus on visual storytelling through photos and videos has made it a favorite for personal branding and business marketing.

WhatsApp, now owned by Facebook, is a leading messaging app that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and voice messages. Its end-to-end encryption ensures privacy, making it a popular choice for personal and professional communication.

WeChat is a Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent. It's incredibly popular in China and has a significant user base that uses it for a variety of purposes beyond just communication.

Snapchat offers a unique approach to social media with its ephemeral content that disappears after being viewed. It's particularly popular among younger users and is known for its creative filters and lenses.

LinkedIn is the professional networking site that allows users to connect with colleagues, find job opportunities, and share industry-related content. It's an essential tool for career development and B2B networking.

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine for finding ideas like recipes, home and wedding inspiration. It's a platform where users can discover new interests and ideas through images and videos.

TikTok has taken the world by storm with its short-form videos. It's particularly popular among Gen Z and has become a platform for creative expression, entertainment, and even news.

Twitter is a microblogging platform that allows users to post and interact with messages known as "tweets." It's a real-time information network where people can catch up on the latest news and engage with their interests.

Reddit is a network of communities based on people's interests. Registered users can submit content to the site such as links, text posts, and images, which other users can then vote up or down.

These platforms continue to evolve and adapt to the changing digital landscape, and their rankings can shift as new features are introduced and user preferences change. It's important to stay informed and adapt your social media strategy accordingly.

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Popular Social Media Sites in 2016Facebook. This is the biggest social media network on the Internet, both in terms of total number of users and name recognition. ... Twitter. ... LinkedIn. ... Google+ ... YouTube. ... Pinterest. ... Instagram. ... Tumblr.More items...read more >>