Which Social Media Platforms Are Worth It for Businesses in 2026

By Emily Steel, Marketing Manager at Omega High-Impact Print Solutions

Social media platforms for businesses are no longer about being everywhere. It is about being in the right places for your audience, your goals, and your budget. With platforms constantly evolving, businesses need to be strategic about where they invest time and ad spend.

This guide breaks down the major social media platforms, who uses them, what types of businesses benefit most, and the average cost to advertise on each.

Facebook

Who Uses It

Facebook continues to have one of the largest and broadest user bases.

• Strong presence among users aged 30 to 65+

• Popular with homeowners, parents, and established professionals

• Skews slightly older than most other platforms

Best For

• Local businesses

• Service based companies

• Retail and ecommerce brands

• B2C and B2B marketing

Facebook works well for brand awareness, lead generation, and retargeting existing audiences.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $0.50 to $2.00

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $7 to $12

Facebook remains one of the most cost effective platforms when campaigns are properly targeted.

Instagram

Who Uses It

Instagram is visually driven and mobile first.

• Core users aged 18 to 44

• Strong engagement from millennials and Gen Z

• Heavy usage in lifestyle, fashion, food, and travel niches

Best For

• Ecommerce brands

• Lifestyle and consumer products

• Restaurants, fitness, beauty, and fashion brands

• Influencer driven campaigns

Instagram excels at visual storytelling, short form video, and product discovery.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $0.40 to $1.50

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $6 to $10

TikTok

Who Uses It

TikTok is one of the fastest growing platforms and is video focused.

• Strongest among users aged 16 to 34

• High engagement and time spent on platform

• Content discovery driven by algorithm, not follower count

Best For

• Brands targeting Gen Z and younger millennials

• Ecommerce and impulse buy products

• Brands willing to create authentic, informal content

TikTok rewards creativity and authenticity over polished production.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $0.20 to $1.00

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $5 to $9

While ad costs are relatively low, creative quality heavily impacts performance.

LinkedIn

Who Uses It

LinkedIn is the leading professional networking platform.

• Users aged 25 to 55+

• Business owners, executives, and decision makers

• Higher income and education levels

Best For

• B2B companies

• Professional services

• Recruiting and employer branding

• High value lead generation

LinkedIn works best for thought leadership, white papers, and long sales cycles.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $5.00 to $9.00

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $30 to $60

LinkedIn ads are more expensive but often deliver higher quality leads.

YouTube

Who Uses It

YouTube reaches nearly every age group.

• Users aged 18 to 65+

• Strong search intent and long form engagement

• Used for education, entertainment, and product research

Best For

• Brands with video resources

• Educational content and tutorials

• Product demonstrations

• Long term brand building

YouTube functions as both a social platform and a search engine.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per view: $0.10 to $0.30

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $4 to $10

X (formerly Twitter)

Who Uses It

X is real time and conversation driven.

• Users aged 25 to 49

• Strong presence in news, tech, sports, and politics

• Lower overall engagement than visual platforms

Best For

• Brands focused on thought leadership

• Media, tech, and entertainment companies

• Customer service and real time updates

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $0.50 to $2.00

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $6 to $10

Pinterest

Who Uses It

Pinterest is intent driven and planning focused.

• Majority female users

• Core age range 25 to 54

• Strong purchasing intent

Best For

• Ecommerce brands

• Home, decor, fashion, food, and DIY businesses

• Long term content visibility

Pins have a longer lifespan compared to most social posts.

Advertising Costs

• Average cost per click: $0.10 to $1.50

• Average cost per 1,000 impressions: $5 to $8

Which Social Media Platforms Are Worth It for Businesses

Not every business needs every platform. The most effective social media platforms for businesses depend on:

• Where your audience actually spends time

• Your content capabilities

• Your advertising budget

• Your business goals

A local service business may see the best return on Facebook and Instagram, while a B2B company may benefit most from LinkedIn and YouTube. Ecommerce brands often perform well on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Choosing the right social media platforms for businesses is about strategy, not trends. When platforms align with your audience and goals, social media becomes a measurable growth tool instead of a time drain.

Ready to invest in the social media platforms that actually drive results? Contact Omega High-Impact Print Solutions to build a data driven digital marketing strategy tailored to your business goals.