Social Media Marketing: Platforms, Users, and Strategies
Discover how American celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, The Rock, and MrBeast built powerful business empires using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to market products, grow brands, and drive millions in monthly revenue.
In 2025, the social media marketing landscape in America is undergoing transformative changes. With emerging platforms, evolving algorithms, and shifts in consumer behavior, brands are leveraging new strategies to capture their audiences’ attention. This article explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations driving the industry.
Social media marketing has become the cornerstone of digital strategy for businesses in the United States. As platforms evolve and user behaviors shift, staying ahead of trends and understanding the nuances of each channel is critical for marketers. This report examines the top platforms, user demographics, algorithmic changes, and emerging strategies that are defining the landscape of social media marketing.
Best Platforms for Social Media Marketing
Short-form video continues to dominate platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. According to a recent study, 70% of American businesses have increased their budgets for video content production in 2025. Brands are prioritizing authentic storytelling to engage younger audiences.
TikTok’s short-form, engaging video content has cemented its status as a go-to platform for younger audiences (Gen Z and Millennials). Best for: Lifestyle brands, fashion, food, and entertainment industries. Key Features: AI-powered recommendations, live shopping, and branded challenges.
Instagram: With its seamless integration of visual content and e-commerce, Instagram remains a powerhouse for businesses. Best for: Visual-first brands in retail, travel, beauty, and wellness. Key Features: Instagram Reels, shoppable posts, and AR filters for product demonstrations.
YouTube’s long-form content attracts a wide range of users, making it ideal for in-depth product showcases and tutorials. Best for: Technology, education, and entertainment brands. Key Features: Community posts, Shorts, and memberships for exclusive content.
LinkedIn continues to dominate the B2B space, focusing on professional content and networking opportunities. Best for: SaaS companies, professional services, and corporate brands. Key Features: LinkedIn Ads, employee advocacy tools, and thought leadership posts.
Facebook remains a key player for its broad demographic reach. Best for: Community-driven brands and local businesses. Key Features: Groups, Facebook Marketplace, and dynamic ads.
TikTok Algorithm: Prioritizes content based on user interactions, video information (e.g., captions, hashtags), and device settings. Marketing Tip: Focus on highly engaging, trend-driven content with quick hooks in the first few seconds.
Instagram Algorithm: Considers relationships (interactions between users), interests (likes, saves), and timeliness. Marketing Tip: Invest in Reels, maintain a consistent posting schedule, and use engaging CTAs to boost interaction.
YouTube Algorithm: Emphasizes watch time, viewer retention, and engagement metrics like likes and comments. Marketing Tip: Create captivating thumbnails and optimize video metadata (titles, tags, and descriptions).
Facebook Algorithm: Focuses on meaningful interactions, favoring content that sparks discussions. Marketing Tip: Leverage Facebook Groups and encourage user-generated content to boost organic reach.
LinkedIn Algorithm: Rewards high-quality, professional content and consistent activity. Marketing Tip: Share thought leadership articles, engage in discussions, and encourage employees to amplify company posts.
Emerging Strategies
AI and Personalization: AI tools are enabling hyper-targeted ads and personalized content recommendations. ChatGPT-like assistants are being integrated into customer interactions for enhanced engagement. Artificial intelligence tools are revolutionizing the way businesses run their social campaigns. From AI-generated ad copy to hyper-targeted audience segmentation, marketers are leveraging AI to optimize their ROI.
Social Commerce: Shoppable posts and live-streamed shopping events are driving purchases directly within platforms like Instagram and TikTok. U.S. consumers spent over $90 billion on social commerce in 2024, with further growth expected this year.
Influencer Marketing Evolution: Brands are moving from macro-influencers to micro- and nano-influencers for authentic engagement with niche audiences.
Sustainability Messaging: Users are drawn to brands that highlight their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Transparent storytelling is key.
Community Building: Platforms like Facebook and Discord are being used to foster tight-knit communities where users can interact directly with brands and other fans.
As stricter privacy regulations, like Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, reshape the industry, marketers must adapt to a cookieless future. Companies are finding innovative ways to gather first-party data without violating trust.
Social media marketing in America is a dynamic, ever-changing field. Staying ahead of trends like short-form video, AI tools, and social commerce is essential for businesses to thrive in 2025.
Top American celebrities who have successfully used social media marketing to build multi-million-dollar business empires:
Kim Kardashian InstagramKim Kardashian. Social Media Reach: 364M+ (Instagram), 75M+ (X/Twitter). Business Empire: SKIMS (shapewear), SKKN by Kim (skincare), KKW Fragrance. How She Uses Social Media: Teases product launches, wears her own brand daily, and leverages influencer cross-promotion. High-quality visuals and aspirational lifestyle keep audiences engaged. Success Marker: SKIMS was valued at $4 billion in 2023.Kylie Jenner InstagramKylie Jenner. Social Media Reach: 400M+ (Instagram), 33M+ (TikTok). Business Empire: Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, Kylie Baby. How She Uses Social Media: Posts glam looks, tutorials, and unboxings with direct links to purchase. Uses her own personal brand as the face of all marketing. Success Marker: Sold 51% of Kylie Cosmetics to Coty Inc. in a deal valuing the company at $1.2 billion.therock InstagramDwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Social Media Reach: 395M+ (Instagram), 70M+ (Facebook), 17M+ (X). Business Empire: Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy Drink, Project Rock (Under Armour). How He Uses Social Media: Promotes workouts, lifestyle, and product stories with motivational tone. Built trust through daily engagement and “behind the scenes” authenticity. Success Marker: Teremana is projected to earn over $1 billion annually in coming years.Rihanna Twitter XRihanna. Social Media Reach: 150M+ (Instagram), 108M+ (X). Business Empire: Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, Fenty Skin. How She Uses Social Media: Powerful brand storytelling, user-generated content, diverse representation. Launches via stunning visuals and viral campaign videos. Success Marker: Fenty Beauty is valued at $2.8 billion.selenagomez InstagramSelena Gomez. Social Media Reach: 430M+ (Instagram), 60M+ (TikTok). Business Empire: Rare Beauty (makeup), Wondermind (mental health platform). How She Uses Social Media: Balances personal moments with product education and mental health advocacy. Transparent, emotional connection with fans drives loyalty. Success Marker: Rare Beauty reportedly generated $400 million in revenue in 2023.MrBeast YouTubeMrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). Social Media Reach: 240M+ (YouTube), 50M+ (Instagram), 20M+ (X), 80M+ (TikTok). Business Empire: Feastables (snacks), MrBeast Burger, YouTube production company. How He Uses Social Media: Viral challenge content, giveaways, and engaging with fans constantly. Smart use of YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and merch tie-ins. Success Marker: Feastables reportedly earned $10 million+ in revenue its first year.
How 6 American Influencers Built Social Media Empires: Strategies, Products & Success Secrets
In the fast-moving world of social media, a handful of American influencers have risen above the noise to build massive audiences, launch brands, and redefine digital marketing. From authentic storytelling to data-driven strategy, these influencers demonstrate how personal branding and platform fluency can turn followers into customers. Here's how six standout creators made their mark—and why their approaches work.
Alix Earle (@alix_earle) — Authenticity is the New Currency
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $150,000 – $250,000
Platform: TikTok sponsorships (up to $70k/post), Instagram stories, YouTube ads, and affiliate links. Niche: Beauty, lifestyle, college culture. Brand Deals: Rare Beauty, Tarte, Benefit. Own Products: Potential collaborations in beauty (unconfirmed direct ownership). Why She Wins: Authentic daily content and strong Gen Z audience engagement. Product Partnerships: Rare Beauty, Tarte, Benefit Cosmetics. Strategy: Consistent, casual storytelling with quick edits and trending audio. Alix builds parasocial relationships by sharing her real life, not just highlight reels.
Alix Earle became a breakout star with her relatable "Get Ready With Me" videos, where she shares everything from skincare routines to personal struggles with acne. Her raw, unfiltered approach connects deeply with Gen Z audiences who are tired of polished perfection.
Emma Chamberlain (@emmachamberlain) — From Quirky Vlogs to Fashion Icon
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $300,000 – $500,000+
Platform: Instagram, YouTube ad revenue, Chamberlain Coffee, luxury sponsorships, podcast ads. Niche: Lifestyle, fashion, coffee. Brand Deals: Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Levi’s. Own Brand: Chamberlain Coffee. Why She Wins: Lifestyle branding + loyal fan base = high-value brand deals. Own Brand: Chamberlain Coffee. Partnerships: Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Levi’s. Strategy: Leveraged YouTube fame into a minimalist lifestyle brand. Emma avoids hard selling, opting for aspirational yet down-to-earth content that builds long-term trust.
Emma’s rise began with her YouTube vlogs marked by awkward humor, jump cuts, and deadpan narration. She’s now a fixture at the Met Gala and a muse for luxury brands.
Tempo.coKhaby Lame (@khaby.lame) — The Universal Language of Humor
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $400,000 – $600,000
Platform: TikTok (sponsored content up to $100k/post), global brand campaigns, licensing deals. Niche: Reaction content, silent comedy. Brand Deals: Hugo Boss, Binance, Xbox. Why He Wins: Global appeal, no-language barrier, and format mastery. Partnerships: Hugo Boss, Binance. Strategy: Consistent video format + universally relatable humor. Khaby mastered TikTok’s algorithm by making shareable, repeatable short videos that transcend cultural boundaries.
Khaby gained global fame by silently mocking overly complicated “life hacks” with his signature deadpan expression. His content doesn’t rely on language, giving him international appeal.
Addison Rae (@addisonraee) — Dancing Her Way to Stardom
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $250,000 – $500,000
Platform: TikTok, Instagram deals, YouTube, Netflix royalties, music streaming, Item Beauty. Niche: Dance, entertainment, beauty. Brand Deals: Netflix, American Eagle. Own Brand: Co-founder of Item Beauty (now under Ipsy umbrella). Why She Wins: High visibility + early TikTok advantage = broad monetization. Own Brand: Item Beauty (co-founder). Partnerships: Netflix, American Eagle. Strategy: Early-mover advantage on TikTok dance trends, collaborations with top creators, and multi-platform branding. She shifted from influencer to mainstream celebrity.
One of TikTok's original breakout stars, Addison turned viral dances into a full-fledged entertainment career, including acting, music, and beauty entrepreneurship.
Reece Feldman (@guywithamoviecamera) — Hollywood Insider for Gen Z
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $40,000 – $80,000
Platform: TikTok Niche: Behind-the-scenes film content. TikTok brand deals (est. $10k–20k/video), speaking events, studio collaborations. Brand Deals: Netflix, Warner Bros., Paramount. Why He Wins: Niche content + access to exclusive film content = trusted personality in entertainment. Partnerships: Netflix, Warner Bros., Disney. Strategy: Combines insider access with a fan’s perspective. His credibility stems from storytelling and education, not self-promotion. A favorite among film buffs and casual viewers alike.
Reece, also known as @guywithamoviecamera, carved out a unique space by taking fans inside the world of film production, premieres, and red carpet events with a humorous lens.
Tefi Pessoa (@helloteffi) — The Pop Culture Big Sister
Estimated Monthly Revenue: $30,000 – $70,000
Platform: TikTok, Instagram. TikTok campaigns, podcast, cultural commentary sponsorships. Niche: Pop culture commentary, nostalgia. Brand Deals: Glossier, HBO Max, Netflix. Why She Wins: Engaging commentary and nostalgic storytelling that resonates with Millennials & Gen Z. Partnerships: HBO Max, Glossier, Netflix. Strategy: Engages followers with high-emotion storytelling and facial expressiveness. Tefi builds community by treating her audience like close friends, not just followers.
Tefi’s warm, insightful, and hilarious takes on celebrities and 2000s nostalgia have made her a trusted internet personality. She shares deep-cut cultural references with charm and wit.
Screen RantWhy These Influencers Succeed. Authenticity > Perfection: Followers crave realness and relatability more than polish.Platform Mastery: Each influencer plays to the strengths of the platform they dominate—whether it’s TikTok’s short-form video or Instagram’s aesthetics.Brand Alignment: Their sponsored content aligns with their personal values and audience interests, ensuring trust isn’t broken.Product Integration: They either launch their own products or partner with brands in a way that feels natural, not forced.Consistency: Posting frequency, familiar formats, and audience engagement build loyalty over time.
These six American influencers exemplify how success on social media isn’t about simply going viral—it’s about building a brand, engaging consistently, and connecting authentically. For marketers and aspiring creators alike, they offer a roadmap to thriving in the digital landscape.
These influencers aren’t just popular—they’re business-savvy content creators with diversified income streams. From launching personal brands to landing six-figure sponsorships, they exemplify how strategy, platform fluency, and authenticity lead to long-term success and serious monthly revenue.
Social media marketing in the United States is an ever-evolving field, requiring businesses to stay informed and adaptable. By leveraging platform-specific strategies, understanding demographic preferences, and embracing emerging trends like AI and social commerce, marketers can ensure their campaigns remain impactful and relevant.