Social Trading
Social trading platforms allow traders to benefit from the expertise of more experienced investors by observing and replicating their strategies. The social trading concept encompasses the complete trading cycle from technical analysis through to execution. Find out how social trading works, the benefits and risks plus which social trading platform to use.
Best Brokers For Social Trading
#1 - eToro USA Securities
eToro is a social investing platform that offers stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, Cryptos, ETFs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Min. Trade: $10
- Leverage:
Stocks Trading
Trade US stocks from the country's largest exchanges.
Crypto Trading
eToro US leads the way in cryptocurrency trading. 1% fee for buying or selling crypto added to the spread (from 0.75% for BTC), with their own wallet service and the largest number of cryptos to trade in the market. eToro copy trading is only for cryptos. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
Pros
- Copy trading
- Strong regulatory oversight
- Demo account
Cons
- No MT4 integration
#2 - Pocket Option
Pocket Option is a global binary options broker with a sleek proprietary trading platform and competitive range of assets.
- Instruments: Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
- Regulator: IFMRRC
- Platforms: MT5
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: $1
- Leverage:
Forex Trading
Binary and OTC options can be purchased on over 30 foreign exchange pairs.
Stocks Trading
Trade major company stocks and take positions on popular indices.
Crypto Trading
Pocket Option supports popular cryptocurrencies on a beginner-friendly app.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- Demo account
- Multiple payment methods
Cons
- Weak regulatory oversight
- No MT4 integration
#3 - IQCent
IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker with 10+ payment methods and a $50 minimum deposit. Clients benefit from copy trading tools and in-depth market analysis.
- Instruments: CFDs, Binary Options, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
- Regulator: IFMRRC
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: $0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
Trade leveraged CFDs on popular markets including stocks and commodities.
Forex Trading
IQCent offers major, minor and exotic currency pairs with tight spreads.
Stocks Trading
IQCent offers trading on four German stocks alongside several established indices.
Crypto Trading
Trade popular crypto tokens via leveraged CFDs.
#4 - Videforex
Videforex accepts deposits in a range of cryptos and fiat currencies. Payouts reach 98% per trade.
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Cryptos
- Regulator:
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: ¢0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
A suite of CFDs are available across popular markets with high leverage.
Forex Trading
Videforex offers leveraged trading on major, minor and exotic currency pairs.
Stocks Trading
Videforex offers trading on major exchanges such as the FTSE.
Crypto Trading
Start trading on cryptos against fiat currencies and other alt coins.
Pros
- Copy trading
- Demo account
- Full range of investments
Cons
- No MT4 integration
- Weak regulatory oversight
#5 - Pionex
Pionex is a cryptocurrency exchange with impressive automated trading tools and bots.
- Instruments: Cryptos
- Regulator: FinCEN
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.1 USDT
- Leverage:
Crypto Trading
Pionex is an automated crypto trading platform with built-in bots and a wide range of tokens.
#6 - RaceOption
RaceOption is a binary options and CFD platform offering trading contests and prize giveaways.
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs
- Regulator:
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: ¢0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
Go long and short on popular financial markets via the RaceOption platform
Forex Trading
Trade major and minor currency pairs with competitive leverage rates
Stocks Trading
Trade more than 50 stocks and shares on US, UK and European markets.
Crypto Trading
Trade Bitcoin against the USD and CNY
#7 - BinaryCent
Deposit and trade with a Bitcoin funded account. BinaryCent offers binary options, FX and CFD trading. 1:500 leverage is also available.
- Instruments: CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Options, Commodities
- Regulator: VFSC
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: ¢0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
You can take positions on a range of popular trading markets
Forex Trading
You can trade forex on BinaryCent with leverage up to 1:500
Stocks Trading
Stocks and indices are available to trade on the BinaryCent platform
Crypto Trading
BinaryCent offers trading on a decent list of cryptocurrencies. The broker also accepts crypto deposits and withdrawals.
#8 - Just2Trade
Just2Trade offer high-tech trading on stocks and options with some of the lowest prices in the industry.
- Instruments: Stocks, ADRs, ETFs, futures, options, commodities, bonds
- Regulator: CySEC, NFA, FINRA, Bank of Russia
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01
- Leverage: 1:5 to 1:20
CFD Trading
Leveraged CFD trading is available on major financial markets
Forex Trading
Speculate on key currency pairings, including with the USD
Stocks Trading
A wide array of equities spanning multiple industries
Crypto Trading
Cryptocurrency trading is only available to clients from Asia
What Is Social Trading?
Social trading is a strategic approach to trading in which investors can copy the strategies of more experienced peers. It is a collaborative approach to learning and execution.
Social trading works on the same principles as social media, meaning subscribers follow other traders and view their trading activity and data. They can then use this information to guide their own investing activity.
eToro was one of the first companies to launch a social trading platform, OpenBook, back in 2010. Since then, social trading has gone from strength to strength, amassing a large fan base in the process.
Whilst it has its critics, most people agree that social trading does open up the world of investing to a wider audience. Through shared knowledge, traders with less experience can access global markets that previously they would not have been privy to.
Importantly, some forms of social trading, such as copy and mirror trading, allow users to automatically copy the trades of others. Note that we have a separate page on copy trading brokers and platforms if you’d like to know more.
How Does Social Trading Work?
There are various options when it comes to approaching social trading. Some traders might choose to use a fully integrated social trading platform. These platforms facilitate the complete sharing of strategies using copy or mirror features. Alternatively, a trader might subscribe to a professional trader’s platform where they may broadcast their activities on a live feed.
Others prefer to adopt only certain elements of a strategy whilst maintaining control over their trades by using signals and indicators. By looking at the market sentiment and activity of other traders, social trading can act as confirmation of other forms of analysis.
So, what is in it for the professionals? Why would you divulge your secrets? Well, incentives vary but most experienced traders share their expertise for money, status or both. Social trading networks often have a leader board based on popularity and success rate.
Types of Social Trading
Different platforms allow for different forms of social trading. Here are the most widely used:
Copy Trading
The term copy trading is sometimes used interchangeably with social trading. This can be misleading as although copy trading is a form of social trading, social trading is not necessarily copy trading.
Copy trading platforms, such as eToro, Binance, Exness, Pocket Option and ZuluTrade, allow investors to not only follow traders, but also to automatically copy their positions.
Traders are ranked according to various criteria including profitability, career level, maximum drawdown (the largest amount of money they’ve lost after a bad run of trades), number of followers, risk etc.
Using this information, less experienced traders can decide who they trust and assign a percentage of capital to be invested in opening the same positions. For instance, for every £100 that Trader A invests in Stock X, you might set the platform to invest £10 of your money.
Your position closes when the trader’s does and you make the same relative profit or loss as Trader A.
Mirror Trading
Mirror trading is primarily used in forex trading. Although it sounds identical to copy trading it has some key differences. The key one being that it is the strategy that is copied, rather than the trader.
An investor (or ‘mirror trader’) selects a trading strategy based on what currencies they wish to trade, how much money they want to make and how much they can afford to lose.
When a position is opened by the chosen strategy’s developer, the same position is automatically opened (or mirrored) in the investor’s account.
Mirror trading is generally used by more experienced forex traders as its fully automated nature can lead to a high volume of activity and so requires a larger amount of capital than traditional copy trading.
Signals & Tips
Less automated ways of social trading include the use of signals and tips. These are generally provided by experienced traders for free (either on websites or through YouTube videos etc.) or through services such as internet trading rooms.
There are also forex signal subscription services available. Signals are generated either by human analysis or by an algorithm and can provide investors with a text or email alert when a forex signal matching a selected investment profile is generated.
Although signals and tips services generally cost money to subscribe to, traders still have a choice whether to act on each one. Communication technology is key when using signals – speed is of the essence.
Comparing Social Trading Brokers
All social trading brokers have their unique selling points as well as drawbacks. It can be tricky to work out which is the best platform for you so get started with our checklist below.
Trading Costs
The costs associated with social trading may not be as clear as you would hope so, let’s break it down.
Spreads & Fees
Whether you trade forex, stocks or ETFs, costs can add up and start to eat into profits.
Some brokers charge a commission on each trade, others may have scalable fees per ‘lot’.
Raw spreads, or ECN accounts, may offer spreads of 0.0 but note, somewhere down the line the broker will pass the fees onto the trader.
Do you research and make sure you understand where the charges are coming from to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.
Minimum Deposit
Brokers that focus on complete beginners usually don’t make large demands when it comes to their account minimums.
Brokerages and fintechs that are looking to cater to experienced professionals, however, may charge larger fees upfront.
Keep in mind that often premium accounts will offer more competitive spreads and better leverage than basic accounts.
Deposits & Withdrawals
The way you add or withdraw money from your accounts is also important to consider.
Some brokers use a good old fashioned bank wire which is the most secure way of transferring funds.
But, bank wire transfers can take much longer versus services like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. These methods tend to be more mobile-friendly and faster.
Trading Platform
When it comes to choosing your trading platform, consider your goals. Do you need charting functions? Would you prefer automated trading?
You need the right platform for your needs.
Ease Of Use
Interface usability is key, especially when you are starting out. Ideally, the platform is easy to navigate with key functionalities readily available.
You want to be able to find the tools you need, when you need them. A clutter-free display can help you get the most out of your broker.
As an alternative, the next best option is a highly configurable interface with multiple trading windows, so that you can make it fit your needs even if it’s not perfect straight out of the box.
Social trading also requires that your feeds can be accessed easily. Check that trade information is displayed clearly and that feeds update automatically.
If social trading automates some of the trading, then the platform itself might be of less importance.
The best social trading platform might be a personal choice, so take advantage of demo accounts and try a few.
Performance
Once you’ve found a front end that you’re happy with, it’s time to look under the bonnet – does it work in the ways you need it to?
Execution Speed
How fast are your trades compared to other platforms on the market, such as the MT4 or MT5?
Does it make the trades you intended accurately? All of these are important because even the best looking interface is useless if the product isn’t good enough.
Execution speed is also a more complex subject than you might think. Execution quality is what traders need to focus on – quality includes speed, but also costs and accurate pricing.
We explore the topic in more detail here – Execution Speed Explained.
Functionality
Next up, what kinds of tools and widgets are there on the platform and do you need them?
Social trading brokers offer everything from news feeds to advanced analytics, so you should think about what you need and what’s included in the price.
Security
Make sure the broker has some kind of security policy, and that they can tell you how they secure your data and what steps they take to minimise risk.
Two factor authentication or deposit protection guarantees are always a good idea. A broker that mandates upfront financial checks is more likely to take security seriously.
Furthermore, make sure the broker is licensed to operate in your region. Unregulated firms carry far greater risks.
Trading Hours
A simple one, but important. Check that trading is available when you want to trade.
This is especially important if you are looking to access international markets. Not all brokers operate at unsociable hours.
Asset List
An asset list will tell you how many markets are available to trade in.
Some social trading brokers and platforms may specialise in a few key markets such as forex, CFD or cryptocurrencies, while others will have a broader but shallower offering, so you should choose the former if you have a specialism or the latter if you want to keep your options open.
A forex trader specialising in specific currency pairs will likely be happy at any broker or social trading network, but other strategies might rely on a diverse set of markets with less correlation.
Customer Satisfaction
One of the best ways of assessing the integrity of a social trading broker is the feedback that other traders have given them. You do not want to make the same mistakes as others.
Note that many trader complaints are not really the results of bad broker, but simply a trader shifting blame. Read any complaints with a careful eye.
Resources
Finally, part of the joy of trading is growing and learning as a trader to become better and more successful, and a broker who helps you do that is a real asset.
Some social trading brokers will offer online tips, classes or video tutorials on everything from risk management to diversification, so try to take advantage of their advice and education where you can.
Security
Beware of brokers without a social media presence and a limited number of reviews, as they may not be trustworthy.
Be sure to check out their official credentials too. It is always advisable to go with a properly licensed and regulated broker. This means that their activities are regulated and minimum standards are met.
It is also worth double-checking the financial stability of a social trading broker if available.
Account Types
The type of online trading account you open can impact everything from the size of your first deposit to the trading costs you might pay. Ask yourself what kind of account you need before making a comparison.
Margin & Leverage
Many brokers go beyond basic accounts and offer more expensive Professional and VIP versions, which may contain elements missing from basic accounts that you need.
Paid accounts may have higher leverage, which will allow you to trade more assets than you have, a virtual necessity if you plan to be serious about trading.
Account Currencies
Some also allow you to trade in more exotic currencies beyond the Pound, Dollar, Yen and Euro – such as the Real, Dinar, Zloty and Canadian Dollar – or cryptos like Bitcoin, Dash, Litecoin or Ethereum – which can greatly enhance your social trading options.
Pros & Cons Of Social Trading
Social trading has a number of benefits and limitations. Here are some of the key considerations:
Advantages
Collective Knowledge
One of the main advantages of social trading is that it cultivates collective knowledge.
Less-experienced traders subscribing to social trading platforms are able to learn from traders with decades of experience.
Social trading opens up the world of investing by breaking down barriers to entry.
Trading Histories
Investors on social trading platforms are ranked according to various criteria including performance. Metrics are often configurable, so users can search on the elements they feel are most important.
These give other users a degree of security as they can assess a trader’s credentials before they begin copying their trades.
Learn-On-The-Job
The opportunity to see what other traders are doing in real-time is a real advantage of social trading.
New investors have the ability to watch what other traders are doing and not only learn from it but also make those trades themselves. In this respect, social trading can offer an exciting way to learn ‘on the job’.
Confidence Building
Trading can be a daunting, perhaps even lonely venture when you’re new. Again, the collaborative nature of social trading is an advantage here.
Traders share their knowledge and learn together, so it can help build new traders’ confidence in their own abilities.
Emotion-Free Decisions
Investment decisions are best made with the head and not the heart, and the sometimes pressured nature of trading can sometimes lead to misplaced decisions.
Copy and mirror trading can take the emotion out of trading. By automating the process to their specifications, a trader can theoretically let the algorithms make trading decisions based on logic rather than emotion.
Disadvantages
Whilst there are advantages to social trading, there are also risks and drawbacks to consider:
A Partial View
Investors on social trading platforms are ranked according to their activity on that platform, but this is not always the complete picture.
Some elements will not be shared. For example, the top-ranked traders may have a large success rate but will not reveal their available capital or their complete trading portfolio.
It can be difficult to pull together a complete picture of someone’s situation. It is all too easy to think you are in the same position as someone else, but the chances are that the reality is quite different.
False Sense Of Security
Although social trading can offer what feels like a genuine sense of security, it cannot mitigate risk entirely. Inexperienced traders should be wary of falling into a false sense of security.
Trading is not easy. There are always risks involved.
Any system that claims to make you huge profits ‘effortlessly’ should be approached with caution. Social trading is no exception.
Overconfidence
Imagine that you’re following only the most highly ranked traders on the platform and the first few trades you’ve copied have made a profit without you having to do much.
In such situations, it’s very easy to become overconfident and leave the platform to its own devices.
However, all traders can experience ups and downs and, it is important not to get ahead of yourself.
The ways to hedge against potential losses when using social trading are the same that apply to any other form of trading:
- Employ a proper risk management strategy
- Keep a close eye on your trading platform, especially when copy or mirror trading
- Do your own research on market conditions and outlook
- Only put up capital you can afford to lose
Final Word On Social Trading
A social trading community or club takes a collaborative approach to technical analysis and execution.
It enables less experienced traders to benefit from the expertise of their more experienced peers or investing gurus.
In doing so, it facilitates access to major financial markets. But whilst it is often praised for reducing the barriers to financial inclusion, it is also criticised for downplaying the true extent of knowledge and understanding needed to trade successfully long-term.
Don’t think just because you are following someone else, that there are no risks involved.
Be sensible in your choice of peers to follow, platform and approach to risk. Remember that your situation is likely different to others. Always trade within your means and do not risk more than you can afford.
FAQ
What Do I Need To Start Social Trading?
First things first, you will need to find a broker you trust. This is arguably the most important step so take your time. Do you research, utilise demo accounts where available and opt for a regulated broker where possible.
In Which Markets Is Social Trading Available?
Whilst social trading originated in the forex market, today, people use social trading strategies across all asset classes. From forex to cryptos to commodities and stocks.
Is Social Trading Suitable For Beginners?
Yes, social trading is a great way for beginners to get valuable exposure. When it comes to trading, there is so much to learn. Social trading provides a opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best.
Is Social Trading And Copy Trading The Same Thing?
No, although similar, the key difference between social trading and copy trading is that copy trading is specific to the strategy, whilst social trading is a more general term that applies to the entire trading cycle.
What Is A Social Trading Platform?
A social trading platform is a service through which you can copy other people’s trades and execute your own.