When it comes to brands that Aussies love on social media, tech companies and retailers are leading the way, new research has revealed.

NetBase, a US-based technology platform that allows brands to monitor how consumers are interacting with them online, has compiled a list of the top 50 most-loved brands on social media in Australia based on mentions originated during the 12 months to September 2016.

Instagram claimed top spot with 1.8 million mentions, followed by Facebook (1.3 million mentions), Amazon (310,000 mentions) and Twitter (212,000 mentions), with Apple rounding out the top five (210,000 mentions).

Meanwhile, Telstra was the top-ranked Aussie brand on the list, coming in at 11th with 51,000 mentions on social media, while Qantas was next best in 15th position with 39,000 mentions.