What is/are the top social media platforms for branding in 2016?

Facebook for its largest user base and ease of releasing content from posts to images and videos. Along with this, Facebook is also used by other brands whose audience would view your page in the recommended pages section.

Facebook is the biggest social network on the Web, both in terms of name recognition and the total number of users. With more than 1.55 billion active users, Facebook is a great medium for connecting people from all over the world with your business. And Facebook is not only the biggest network, but it's arguably the most versatile one. In the 12 years since it launched, Facebook grew from a simple website where college students could keep in touch into a multifaceted Web and mobile social platform where anyone can connect with not just their friends and family, but also with celebrities, organizations, businesses and more 

There are different social networks with different purpose and needs. But having brand presence on major networks is necessary. Facebook is mostly used for B2C (business to consumer) services. While Linkedin is mostly used for B2B. Twitter is used by both type of business. In short these 3 platforms are necessary to target. If you have more budget you can target Pinterest, Instagram, G plus etc

I agreed with the experts submission. But in my point of view, I would totally agreed with Mr Syed Faheem Ahmad's answer.

Thank you so much for the invitation!

Thanks for the invitation ... I agreed with the answer of Mr. Faheem

Facebook and Twitter remains the top most effective social media platforms even today with great potential for future.. 

Thanks for your invitation, Agree on experts answers.

Thanks for the A2A!

I believe that Facebook, IG and Twitter all have their own pros and cons but in the recent studies conducted over the actual ROI generated from only social media marketing, it is seen that most of the pages on FB are not adding TOO much value to the brand. 

The fact that every company, big or small NEEDS to be present on social media space has diminished the importance of online branding. For large companies which have deep pockets, twitter, FB etc is fabulous as they can invest in online paid marketing and hire a fantastic team which can create viral content, however: small companies are facing severe reduction in social media branding engagement. With their lack of funds, it is difficult for them to invest in paid ads and their (sometimes very interesting campaigns) get run over by the stampede of fancy over-the-top highly-paid-for campaigns by big companies.

What I am trying to say is, all the brands like FB, IG, Twitter, Linkedin G+ etc, every one has its pros and cons but you should not leave out the client for which you are asking. For smaller companies, facebook marketing might be a big hit but only large companies can afford the pricey twitter marketing.