For better or worse, social media has transformed the world in a way that will likely always be felt. Across every corner of the world, social media has become a huge part of people’s lives, and Malaysia is no different. According to DataReportal, by January 2025, there were around 25.1 million social media users across Malaysia. That’s still a massive number considering that Malaysia reportedly has a population of 35,977,838 people (worldometer.info). To discover how those social media users are mostly dispersed, these are the five most popular social media apps Malaysians love to use.
1. Facebook
The first true behemoth of social media and the one that most people from today’s generation recall having contact with, Facebook use has ballooned to around 3.07 billion people in 2025. While newer generations may prefer platforms like Discord these days, Facebook remains one of the most dominant social media players in Malaysian culture. True to the way it has evolved over the years, many Malaysians now use it for far more than just connecting with friends and family.
Most locals now use it to keep up with news, follow their favourite influencers, or to play games like Candy Crush Saga and Farmville 2, which usually rank among Malaysian’s favourite games to play on Facebook. This ties into the wider gaming culture that has steadily grown in Malaysia since 2020, and according to the IMARC Group, its gaming industry is now expected to surpass USD 1.5 billion in the coming years. The most popular genres there include casual games, followed by strategy games, sports titles, and adventure games.
Malaysian tastes in gaming genres have also grown rapidly in that time, with online casino options expanding massively over the years. Despite stringent gambling laws in the nation, demand for online casino malaysia games remains high there. This is mostly fuelled by modern platforms and the convenience they bring through options like instant payouts, player bonuses, and large gaming libraries.
Other interests like these vary widely in Malaysia. However, Facebook fits into all of them by acting as an umbrella medium through which users can engage with all their favourite interests. Among the top niches aside from gaming, millions of Malaysian Facebook users regularly use the app to engage with interests like cooking, news, entertainment, and celebrity culture.
2. Instagram
Instagram, which is also owned by Meta, has built its own popularity throughout Malaysia. However, interest in Instagram tends to differ along lines that suit its own niche in comparison to Facebook. Shorter clips and story-driven content make information and updates more digestible and easier to follow. This also makes it the top option among most Malaysians who love following trends and celebrity culture, a niche that Instagram excels in.
Instagram’s reels are iconic. They were among the first major social media platforms to perfect short-form content like this. As a result, entirely new markets opened up for influencers. The success of their reels also led to similar features across other platforms. For instance, YouTube Shorts followed suit in direct response to the popularity of Instagram reels.
3. TikTok
TikTok has seen rapid growth in Malaysia, driven by its short-form video format and fast-moving trends that make it a marketing colossus there. The app thrives on participation, where users respond to sounds, challenges, and themes rather than simply watching passively. Content moves quickly, and discovery feels immediate. What sets TikTok apart is how easily users can feel involved. A single clip can spark thousands of responses, duets, and remixes within hours.
After the third heading, it is helpful to highlight why TikTok fits so well into Malaysia’s digital habits:
- Short videos suit quick mobile use during breaks
- Trends encourage shared participation rather than solo posting
- Content discovery does not rely on existing connections
- Local humour and language travel easily across clips
4. YouTube
YouTube continues to hold a strong position in Malaysia because it offers depth that shorter platforms cannot always provide. Many users rely on it for longer videos that explain, entertain, or document experiences in more detail. This includes everything from travel content and commentary to tutorials and live broadcasts, though what kind of vloggers Malaysians follow most can vary according to differences like language use and gender.
Social interaction on YouTube often happens through comments and live chat features. These spaces allow viewers to respond thoughtfully, share opinions, and react collectively during live streams. Many Malaysians use it alongside other activities, letting videos play in the background while working or commuting. That flexibility keeps the platform relevant, even as newer apps compete for attention.
5. X
X remains an important platform in Malaysia for real-time updates and public conversation. It is often the first place users turn to during major news events, sports moments, or trending discussions. Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform has also made it more diverse politically.
Conversation on X tends to be direct and fast-moving. Replies, reposts, and quote posts allow users to react instantly, often forming visible discussion threads within minutes. X also works well as a companion platform. Many users switch between X and other apps throughout the day, using it to catch reactions, updates, and short observations.
