Emerging Social Media Platforms MSMEs Should Leverage in 2025

Index

1. Introduction

2. Why MSMEs Should Explore New Platforms

3. Top Emerging Platforms in 2025

   • 3.1 Threads

   • 3.2 BeReal

   • 3.3 Mastodon & Pixelfed (Fediverse)

   • 3.4 Airchat

   • 3.5 Clapper

4. How to Pilot Platforms Successfully

5. Case Ideas for MSMEs

6. Conclusion

1. Introduction

With over 491 million social media users in India spending more than 2 hours daily online, the landscape is rapidly evolving. For forward-thinking MSMEs, experimenting with newer platforms can unlock fresh audience segments and create authentic engagement.

2. Why MSMEs Should Explore New Platforms

• Tap into untapped demographics: Many emerging apps attract Gen Z and niche communities raving about new spaces .

• Lower noise, higher visibility: Saturation is less, so your MSME can stand out more easily.

• Early-mover credibility: Being one of the first MSMEs on emerging platforms projects innovation and authority.

3. Top Emerging Platforms in 2025

3.1 Threads

Meta’s text-based platform, now reaching over 275 million users, supports longer conversational content and cross-sharing to Instagram.
Tip: Share behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, or microblogs to humanize your brand.

3.2 BeReal

Focused on authentic sharing, this photo app prompts unfiltered daily posts. With ~25 million global users, it’s perfect for showcasing “real” relatable moments .
Tip: Create genuine, unscripted snapshots of your workspace, processes, or team for human connection.

3.3 Mastodon & Pixelfed (Fediverse)

These decentralized, privacy-focused platforms oppose algorithm-driven feeds. Plugins offer chronological, ad-free content and ethical positioning.
Tip: Build early presence as a trustworthy, niche community brand and share tutorials or open-source announcements.

3.4 Airchat

A hybrid voice/text app combining audio chats with automatic transcriptions. It’s ideal for unscripted brand conversations and live Q&As.
Tip: Host fireside chats or informal product demos via voice snippets—it’s like podcasting in micro-format.

3.5 Clapper

A TikTok-alternative offering short videos, live-streaming, and in-app commerce; it even lets creators earn directly through tips.
Tip: Showcase product demos, quick tips, and shoppable clips to let users buy in-app.

4. How to Pilot Platforms Successfully

1. Choose 1–2 platforms aligned with your audience and vertical.

2. Set clear goals – brand awareness, community engagement, or direct sales.

3. Experiment with content – casual, audio, or short-form videos depending on the platform.

4. Track engagement – follower growth, DMs, comments, and direct inquiries.

5. Scale what works and integrate it into your social calendar gradually.

5. Case Ideas for MSMEs

• Small clothing brand on Threads sharing daily styling tips and product polls.

• Home baker posting BeReal shots of their kitchen or Clapper videos of decorating techniques.

• Tech startup hosting AMA (ask-me-anything) audio sessions via Airchat.

• Eco-friendly business joining Mastodon groups to discuss sustainability and share resources.

6. Conclusion

Emerging social media platforms like Threads, BeReal, Mastodon, Airchat, and Clapper offer unique, low-noise spaces to connect, engage, and sell—without high competition or cost. Indian MSMEs that experiment early can access fresh audiences and build genuine brand loyalty. Choose the right platform, test smart content, and grow purposefully.

Outbound Links

• Backlinko’s list of 13 new platforms including Threads and BeReal 

• Meltwater’s 2025 India social media statistics

• Hootsuite report on social trends like content experimentation and AI

• Clapper features overview from Wikipedia