Current Best Practices For The Top 20 Social Platforms

PR Basics
July 02, 2025•8 min read

SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES GUIDE

Top 20 Platforms - Current Standards & Recommendations

Updated: 2025Jul02 | For Professional Marketing Use

1. FACEBOOK

Content Strategy

  • Mix of video (60%), images (30%), and text posts (10%)

  • Focus on authentic, community-building content

  • Utilize Facebook Groups for niche engagement

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1-2 posts daily maximum

  • Optimal timing: 9-10 AM and 3 PM weekdays

  • Character limit: 63,206 (but keep under 250 for best engagement)

Visual Requirements

  • Image size: 1200 x 630 pixels

  • Video: 16:9 or square (1:1) format

  • Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • Ask questions to drive comments

  • Respond within 1 hour during business hours

  • Use Facebook Live for 6x higher engagement

  • Leverage user-generated content

2. INSTAGRAM

Content Strategy

  • High-quality visual storytelling

  • 80% lifestyle/behind-the-scenes, 20% promotional

  • Consistent aesthetic and brand voice

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1 feed post daily, 3-5 Stories daily

  • Optimal timing: 11 AM - 1 PM and 5-7 PM

  • Caption length: 125-150 characters for optimal engagement

Visual Requirements

  • Feed posts: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square) or 1080 x 1350 (portrait)

  • Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels

  • Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 15-60 seconds

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use 5-10 relevant hashtags (avoid overuse)

  • Post Reels for highest reach potential

  • Engage with comments within first hour

  • Collaborate with micro-influencers (1K-100K followers)

3. TWITTER/X

Content Strategy

  • Real-time engagement and news commentary

  • Industry insights and thought leadership

  • Mix of original content and curated shares

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 3-5 tweets daily

  • Optimal timing: 8-9 AM and 7-9 PM weekdays

  • Character limit: 280 characters (threads for longer content)

Visual Requirements

  • Images: 1200 x 675 pixels

  • Header: 1500 x 500 pixels

  • Video: Maximum 2 minutes 20 seconds

Engagement Best Practices

  • Join trending conversations with relevant hashtags

  • Retweet and engage with industry leaders

  • Use Twitter Spaces for live audio engagement

  • Respond quickly to mentions and DMs

4. LINKEDIN

Content Strategy

  • Professional development and industry insights

  • Company culture and employee spotlights

  • Educational and thought leadership content

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1 post daily maximum

  • Optimal timing: 8-9 AM and 12-2 PM weekdays

  • Long-form content performs well (1,300+ characters)

Visual Requirements

  • Single image: 1200 x 627 pixels

  • Company page cover: 1192 x 220 pixels

  • Video: 75 MB maximum, 4:5 aspect ratio preferred

Engagement Best Practices

  • Tag relevant industry professionals

  • Share employee-generated content

  • Participate in industry groups

  • Use LinkedIn Live for webinars and events

5. TIKTOK

Content Strategy

  • Authentic, entertaining short-form video content

  • Trend participation and creative challenges

  • Educational content in digestible formats

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1-3 videos daily

  • Optimal timing: 6-10 AM and 7-9 PM

  • Video length: 15-60 seconds (shorter performs better)

Visual Requirements

  • Video: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)

  • Maximum file size: 287.6 MB

  • High-quality audio essential

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use trending sounds and effects

  • Jump on viral challenges quickly

  • Include 3-5 relevant hashtags

  • Respond to comments with video replies

6. YOUTUBE

Content Strategy

  • Long-form educational and entertainment content

  • Consistent upload schedule and series format

  • Strong thumbnail and title optimization

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1-3 videos weekly (consistency over quantity)

  • Optimal timing: 2-4 PM weekdays

  • Video length: 7-15 minutes for best retention

Visual Requirements

  • Video: 1920 x 1080 pixels minimum

  • Thumbnails: 1280 x 720 pixels

  • Channel art: 2560 x 1440 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • First 15 seconds are crucial for retention

  • Include clear call-to-action for subscriptions

  • Use end screens and cards for related content

  • Engage with comments to boost algorithm favor

7. PINTEREST

Content Strategy

  • Inspirational and aspirational visual content

  • Seasonal and evergreen content mix

  • Product-focused pins with clear value proposition

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 3-5 pins daily

  • Optimal timing: 8-11 PM daily

  • Pin descriptions: 100-200 characters

Visual Requirements

  • Pin size: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 aspect ratio)

  • Video pins: 1000 x 1500 pixels maximum

  • High-quality, bright images perform best

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use keyword-rich descriptions

  • Create themed boards with 10+ pins

  • Pin to multiple relevant boards

  • Optimize for Pinterest SEO

8. SNAPCHAT

Content Strategy

  • Behind-the-scenes and authentic moments

  • Temporary, exclusive content

  • AR filters and interactive features

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: Multiple times daily for Stories

  • Content disappears after 24 hours

  • Focus on spontaneous, real-time content

Visual Requirements

  • All content: 1080 x 1920 pixels

  • Video: Maximum 60 seconds

  • Vertical format preferred

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use location tags for local discovery

  • Create custom AR filters for brand engagement

  • Partner with Snapchat influencers

  • Utilize Snap Map for location-based marketing

9. REDDIT

Content Strategy

  • Community-focused, valuable contributions

  • Educational and discussion-driving content

  • Authentic participation in relevant subreddits

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: Quality over quantity

  • Read and follow each subreddit's rules

  • Avoid overly promotional content

Visual Requirements

  • Images: Various sizes accepted

  • Video: Up to 15 minutes

  • Text posts often perform better than images

Engagement Best Practices

  • Participate in discussions before promoting

  • Provide genuine value to communities

  • Use Reddit's native video player

  • Engage authentically in comments

10. DISCORD

Content Strategy

  • Community building and real-time engagement

  • Exclusive content for server members

  • Interactive events and voice chats

Posting Guidelines

  • Real-time engagement focus

  • Consistent community moderation

  • Regular events and activities

Visual Requirements

  • Server icons: 512 x 512 pixels

  • Server banners: 960 x 540 pixels

  • Emojis: 128 x 128 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • Create welcoming onboarding process

  • Use bots for community management

  • Host regular voice events

  • Maintain active moderation

11. TELEGRAM

Content Strategy

  • Channel-based broadcasting

  • Instant messaging with large groups

  • File sharing and multimedia content

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency varies by channel purpose

  • No character limits for messages

  • Focus on valuable, timely content

Visual Requirements

  • Photos: Up to 10 MB

  • Videos: Up to 2 GB

  • Files: Up to 2 GB

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use channels for broadcasting

  • Create engaging group discussions

  • Share exclusive content

  • Utilize inline bots for interactivity

12. WHATSAPP BUSINESS

Content Strategy

  • Direct customer service and support

  • Personalized messaging and updates

  • Business catalog and product showcases

Posting Guidelines

  • Focus on customer service excellence

  • Use status updates for broader announcements

  • Respect messaging frequency preferences

Visual Requirements

  • Status images: 1080 x 1920 pixels

  • Catalog images: Square format preferred

  • Profile photo: 500 x 500 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • Set up automated welcome messages

  • Use quick replies for common questions

  • Maintain professional response times

  • Utilize WhatsApp Business API for scale

13. WECHAT

Content Strategy

  • Mini-programs and e-commerce integration

  • Cultural sensitivity for Chinese market

  • QR code integration for offline-to-online

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1-2 posts daily maximum

  • Long-form articles perform well

  • Focus on value-driven content

Visual Requirements

  • Cover images: 900 x 500 pixels

  • Article images: 900 pixels wide

  • QR codes: High contrast, scannable

Engagement Best Practices

  • Integrate with mini-programs

  • Use QR codes for easy following

  • Collaborate with KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders)

  • Focus on relationship building

14. TUMBLR

Content Strategy

  • Creative, artistic content

  • Reblog-friendly posts

  • Niche community engagement

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 1-5 posts daily

  • Mix of original and reblogged content

  • Use tags strategically (first 5 tags matter most)

Visual Requirements

  • Photos: 1280 pixels wide maximum

  • GIFs: 3 MB limit

  • Video: 100 MB limit

Engagement Best Practices

  • Use relevant tags for discoverability

  • Engage with community through reblogs

  • Create original, shareable content

  • Participate in Tumblr trends

15. TWITCH

Content Strategy

  • Live streaming with consistent schedule

  • Interactive community building

  • Gaming and entertainment focus

Posting Guidelines

  • Consistency in streaming schedule

  • 3+ hour streams recommended

  • Interactive engagement during streams

Visual Requirements

  • Overlay graphics: 1920 x 1080 pixels

  • Profile banner: 1200 x 380 pixels

  • Emotes: 28 x 28, 56 x 56, 112 x 112 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • Interact with chat consistently

  • Use overlays and alerts

  • Build subscriber perks

  • Collaborate with other streamers

16. CLUBHOUSE

Content Strategy

  • Audio-only conversations and networking

  • Industry expertise and thought leadership

  • Intimate discussion formats

Posting Guidelines

  • Host regular rooms with consistent topics

  • Participate as speaker in relevant rooms

  • Build follower base through valuable contributions

Visual Requirements

  • Profile photo: High-quality headshot

  • Room cover images when available

  • Audio quality is paramount

Engagement Best Practices

  • Be an active speaker, not just listener

  • Network with other industry professionals

  • Host educational sessions

  • Cross-promote on other platforms

17. BEREAL

Content Strategy

  • Authentic, unfiltered daily moments

  • Simultaneous front and back camera photos

  • Real-time, spontaneous sharing

Posting Guidelines

  • Post when prompted by daily notification

  • Share genuine, unpolished moments

  • Consistency builds engagement

Visual Requirements

  • Dual camera format (automatic)

  • No filters or heavy editing

  • Natural lighting preferred

Engagement Best Practices

  • Post consistently when prompted

  • Engage with friends' posts

  • Share authentic behind-the-scenes moments

  • Build genuine connections

18. MASTODON

Content Strategy

  • Decentralized social networking

  • Community-focused discussions

  • Privacy-conscious content sharing

Posting Guidelines

  • Respect instance rules and culture

  • 500 character limit per post

  • Use content warnings appropriately

Visual Requirements

  • Images: 8 MB limit

  • Video: 40 MB limit

  • Avatar: 400 x 400 pixels

Engagement Best Practices

  • Choose appropriate instance for your niche

  • Use hashtags for discoverability

  • Respect community guidelines

  • Engage meaningfully with local timeline

19. THREADS

Content Strategy

  • Text-based conversations and discussions

  • Instagram account integration

  • Real-time engagement focus

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 2-5 threads daily

  • 500 character limit per post

  • Link to Instagram content when relevant

Visual Requirements

  • Images: Instagram-compatible sizes

  • Video: Up to 5 minutes

  • Square and vertical formats work best

Engagement Best Practices

  • Cross-promote with Instagram

  • Engage in trending conversations

  • Share industry insights

  • Build community through replies

20. BLUESKY

Content Strategy

  • Twitter-alternative text-based posting

  • Decentralized protocol benefits

  • Early adopter and tech-savvy audience

Posting Guidelines

  • Frequency: 3-5 posts daily

  • 300 character limit

  • Focus on quality discourse

Visual Requirements

  • Images: Standard web formats

  • Profile photos: Square format

  • Clean, simple visual design

Engagement Best Practices

  • Participate in meaningful conversations

  • Build connections with early adopters

  • Share valuable insights

  • Respect the platform's community standards

UNIVERSAL BEST PRACTICES

Content Creation

  • Maintain consistent brand voice across all platforms

  • Create platform-specific content rather than cross-posting identical content

  • Focus on quality over quantity

  • Include clear calls-to-action

Community Management

  • Respond to comments and messages promptly

  • Monitor brand mentions across platforms

  • Handle negative feedback professionally

  • Build genuine relationships with followers

Analytics & Optimization

  • Track platform-specific metrics

  • A/B test content types and posting times

  • Adjust strategy based on performance data

  • Set clear KPIs for each platform

Legal & Compliance

  • Stay updated on platform terms of service

  • Respect copyright and intellectual property

  • Include proper disclosures for sponsored content

  • Maintain data privacy compliance

This document serves as a general guide. Platform algorithms, features, and best practices evolve constantly. Regular monitoring of platform updates and performance analytics is essential for optimal results.

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