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As a veritable social phenomenon, social networks have taken our daily lives by storm, transforming the way we interact and discover the world around us. From ephemeral selfies to heated debates and the latest viral trends, social networks are an ever-evolving digital canvas, where every day brings all kinds of surprises and novelties. Let's take a look at the complete guide to the world's top social media platforms today!
Top 10 social media platforms around the world
1. FACEBOOK
Facebook is a social media platform that lets you stay connected with friends, family, and even work colleagues by sharing photos, videos and statuses. It's a social network that was created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates.
Facebook has exploded to become one of the world's largest social media sites, with over 3 billion monthly active users as in 2023 (Source: Statista). On the one hand, Facebook has strengthened social ties, facilitated long-distance communication and encouraged the rapid dissemination of information.
Facebook continues to evolve and influence the way we interact online and offline. Facebook is what you make of it: a source of connection, information, and entertainment, but it's also important to be aware of its limitations and implications for our daily lives.
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2. 𝕏
𝕏 (formerly Twitter), founded in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, is a microblogging social network that's revolutionized the way we communicate. It started out as a simple place for sharing messages and statuses.
It's now become an essential way for public figures, the media, businesses, and everyday individuals from all over the world to express their ideas, opinions, and information instantaneously. The short, concise format of tweets, originally limited to 140 characters and later extended to 280, has forced those using the application to be creative and incisive in their communication.
Hashtags, retweets and mentions have become key elements of the application's culture, making it possible to follow trends, discussions, and debates. The social network has played a major role in disseminating information very quickly and mobilizing communities. 𝕏 is owned by Elon Musk and has over 666 million monthly active users.
Our resources on Twitter:
3. INSTAGRAM
It all began in 2010, when Kevin Systrom created an application called "Burbn," initially based on geolocation. Instagram then appeared, a photo-sharing application on smartphones. At first, it was simple, allowing users to apply filters to their photos to make them more attractive and share them with friends. Instagram has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of people sharing selfies, landscapes and moments from their daily lives with their community.
In 2012, Facebook acquired the application for $1 billion. This acquisition propelled Instagram to new heights. New features were added over the years, such as ephemeral Stories, which permits the sharing of moments from your day, and IGTV for long-form videos, now Reels. Instagram has also seen the birth of new trends, such as hashtags, influencers and brand collaborations.
Today, Instagram is much more than just a photo-sharing application. It's a digital universe where you can express yourself, interact, discover new trends, and even earn a living from your content. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a Stories buff, or a fan of videos, Instagram offers a dynamic space to interact, inspire, and connect with the world.
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4. SNAPCHAT
In 2011, Stanford University students Franck Reginald, Evan Spiegel, and Bobby Murphy came up with an innovative idea: create an application that would allow for the sending of ephemeral photos and videos, which would self-destruct after a limited time. A real revolution in the world of sharing, where everything is supposed to last!
The entrepreneurs launched their creation under the name "Picaboo" in 2011. The application quickly won over the younger generation with its innovative, fun concept. It was later renamed Snapchat, gaining hundreds of thousands of users in a short period. In 2013, Facebook tried to buy the app, offering $3 billion, but the executives said no, convinced of the singularity of their vision. Ditto for Tencent and Google, who offered $4 billion, only to be turned down.
Since then, Snapchat has continued to grow, adding new features like Stories that allows for the sharing of content that's visible for 24 hours, geolocation, news from advertisers in the form of Stories, or the original filters that are the app's signature.
Our resources on Snapchat:
5. LINKEDIN
LinkedIn was founded in 2002 by Reid Hoffman and Allen Blue, from the "PayPal Mafia" in the heart of Silicon Valley. The application is a professional social network to enable individuals to connect, share skills, and exchange professional opportunities.
Since its launch, LinkedIn has experienced meteoric growth, becoming the go-to social network for professionals and businesses worldwide. In 2015, the company was valued at over $20 billion. In 2016, LinkedIn was acquired by Microsoft for $26.2 billion.
LinkedIn offers innovative features, such as the creation of detailed professional profiles, the ability to connect with colleagues and professional contacts, job searches and the publication of professional articles. The application has also developed an advertising space for companies and recruiters, making it an essential tool for career management and professional development.
LinkedIn's impact on the professional world is unique. It enables individuals to connect with like-minded people, expand their professional network, apply for jobs, offer expertise and keep abreast of trends in their industry. It also makes talent sourcing easier for recruiters and companies. By 2022, the site counted over 900 million members in 200 countries and regions around the globe.
Our resources on LinkedIn:
6. YOUTUBE
Since its launch in 2005 by former PayPal employees Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, YouTube has conquered screens the world over. With its user-friendly interface and huge library of videos of all kinds, it's become much more than a simple application: it's become a veritable cultural phenomenon. In 2019, the network accounted for over 37% of global mobile internet traffic (Source: Statista).
YouTube has evolved into much more than just a video-sharing site. Talented content creators have emerged, creating specialized channels in every field imaginable: cooking, music, comedy, fashion, video games, and much more. Videographers found in YouTube a place to bestow their passion and creativity upon the world, while building a community of loyal followers.
One of the keys to the application's success lies in its smart recommendation algorithm, which provides a personalized experience for viewers by suggesting videos based on their preferences and viewing history. This feature has enabled YouTube to become a true source of inspiration and discovery for users, helping them to explore new content and connect with creators from all over the world. By October 2023, almost 2.5 billion users were counted on the increasingly powerful platform.
Our resources on YouTube:
7. TIKTOK
This social network has captured the hearts of young people around the world with its unique concept of short, creative, and entertaining videos. The history of TikTok dates back to the creation of the ByteDance company in 2012 by Zhang Yiming, who founded Douyin in China in 2016. It was in 2017 that TikTok was launched for the international market, marking the beginning of its incredible rise to global popularity.
With its ease of use and vast library of songs, filters, and special effects, TikTok has become the application of choice for a target demographic of young fans of dancing, singing, comedy, and more. TikTokers began creating and sharing original, captivating videos, bringing viral challenges, rousing dances, and comedy moments to life. The application also fostered the emergence of new stars, propelling unknown talents into the spotlight and generating a creative and engaged community.
In the year 2020, marked by international lockdowns, the application becomes a viral phenomenon worldwide. In 2020, it became the world's most downloaded application, ahead of Facebook. In 2021, it took first place in the list of the world's most visited websites.
Since then, TikTok has gone from strength to strength across the globe: celebrities are emerging on the platform, the media have made it a priority in their communications strategy, and users are spending more and more time on the application (more than 45 minutes a day on average in 2023, according to Insider Intelligence).
Our resources on TikTok:
8. PINTEREST
Founded in 2010 by entrepreneurs Ben Silbermann, Evan Sharp, and Paul Sciarra, Pinterest offers the opportunity to discover, share, and organize ideas in the form of "Pins." The site is much appreciated due to its visually appealing interface and intuitive operation, which have attracted the interest of over 465 million users worldwide in 2023.
Pinterest features collaborative boards, allowing for user collaboration on projects and the sharing of ideas as a team. In addition, advanced search features have been introduced to make it easier to discover new inspirations. Those using the network are known as "Pinners," and they're driven by the need for creativity and self-expression, as well as the desire to socialize and collaborate while discovering ideas they can replicate.
As a creative inspiration research platform, Pinterest supplies a unique opportunity to study cultural trends, aesthetic preferences, and Pinner behaviors. Social science and marketing researchers have used the site as a data source to understand consumer preferences, lifestyle trends, and cultural influences in various fields such as fashion, cooking, decorating, and many others. The Pinterest Predicts platform makes it possible to consider these trends thanks to the app's datasets.
Our resources on Pinterest:
9. WHATSAPP
Launched in 2009 by former Yahoo employees Jan Koum and Brian Acton, WhatsApp began as a simple instant messaging application for smartphones to replace SMS.
Thanks to its reliability and free availability, it quickly became a global phenomenon. With its end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp has earned the trust of billions of consumers across the globe, offering a secure and fast way to stay in touch with loved ones; share messages, photos, and videos; and even make free voice and video calls over the internet.
The application released features such as group calls, ephemeral statuses, among others, to meet the changing needs of its growing community. In 2023, WhatsApp has 2.6 billion users worldwide and continues to play a central role in communication, facilitating connectivity and strengthening social ties on a global scale.
10. TWITCH
Twitch is a streaming platform founded in 2011 by Emmett Shear and Justin Kan. Twitch's history dates back to the creation of Justin.tv in 2007, a live video streaming site that allowed people to engage in sharing their daily lives over the internet. The creators of Justin.tv noticed that the top category on their site was video games. Thus was born the idea of creating a space dedicated exclusively to gaming, and Twitch was officially launched in June 2011.
At first, Twitch was primarily used to broadcast live games, allowing players to share their exploits with other gaming enthusiasts.
In 2014, Twitch was acquired by Amazon for $970 million, enabling the network to develop even further. Since then, Twitch has continued to grow in popularity, attracting more and more content creators, both professional and amateur, and viewers eager for discovery and entertainment beyond gaming or eSports.
Today, Twitch offers a wide variety of content, from live games to talk shows, music, cooking, fashion, and more. It also offers creators the opportunity to monetize their content through paid subscriptions, donations, and advertising, making it a source of income for many streamers.
Instant messaging social media
11. WECHAT
WeChat is an instant messaging application created by Tencent in 2011. As of 2023, the Chinese app has over 1.3 billion users.
WeChat offers a multitude of features, from text and voice messaging to video calling and the sharing of photos and videos. WeChat also lets you send money, order food, book cabs, play connected games, and even pay bills.
It has become an essential tool in the daily lives of Chinese consumers. In China, it's known as a "super app," offering a complete and convenient digital experience. WeChat has also had a major impact on ecommerce, with the growing popularity of "mini apps," which are WeChat-integrated applications for web shopping, travel booking, and news.
12. VIBER
The Viber app, created in 2010 by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinik, has become one of the world's most used messaging apps, with over a billion users in more than 190 countries. It offers features such as high-quality voice and video calls, text messages, stickers, group chats, and a digital wallet.
In 2014, Viber was acquired by Rakuten, opening up new development opportunities. Since then, Viber has continued to innovate with unique features such as recorded calls and hidden conversations for added privacy.
13. LINE
In 2011, LINE Corporation launched a messaging application, Line. Since then, Line has continued to reinvent itself. What was once a simple messaging application has become a truly multifunctional platform offering an optimal user experience!
With Line, voice and video calls are of the highest quality, games are entertaining, customizable stickers add a touch of fun to every conversation, and so on. Line is an essential tool for businesses and brands, offering professional communication and marketing solutions. Many individuals around the world have chosen Line as their trusted partner for internal and external communications.
14. TELEGRAM
Telegram is a secure, dynamic messaging application that was developed by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, the founders of VKontakte, in 2013. Since its launch, Telegram has stood out thanks to its unique features and commitment to data security and privacy. With its design focused on speed, reliability, and ease of use, Telegram has quickly become one of the market leaders in messaging apps.
Telegram's history is marked by its commitment to user privacy, with end-to-end encryption for messages and the ability to self-destruct, as well as a secret chat feature that offers an extra level of confidentiality. Telegram has also become a communications tool for businesses, with features for group chatting, file sharing, and message broadcasting.
15. FACETIME
FaceTime is a video communication application developed by Apple Inc. that has revolutionized the way people interact remotely between Apple devices. First introduced in 2010, FaceTime quickly won over people around the world thanks to its communication quality.
By enabling the ability to make instantaneous video calls with excellent image and sound resolution, FaceTime opened up new possibilities for business calls, personal calls, meetings, and even virtual events.
The history of FaceTime is marked by Apple's continuous innovation, constantly enhancing the application with new features, such as group calling and augmented reality calling, to meet the changing needs of those using the application.
16. MESSENGER
Since its launch in 2011 as an extension of Facebook messaging, Messenger has grown by leaps and bounds to become one of the most iconic and widely used messaging platforms. According to Data AI, Messenger is the eighth most downloaded application in 2023 and the fourth most used in the world.
Messenger has redefined the way we interact with our contacts, whether for work or to stay in touch with loved ones. From high-quality video calls to lively group conversations, message reactions and personalization options, Messenger has evolved to meet communication needs. Business chatbots available on Messenger have also revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers, offering an automated and efficient customer support experience.
17. GOOGLE MEET
Google Meet, Google's videoconferencing service, has an exciting history dating back to its beginnings in 2013 as "Hangouts." Initially intended for connected conversations between individuals, Hangouts has evolved to meet corporate communication needs. In 2017, Google launched a professional version of Hangouts called "Hangouts Meet" to provide a secure, high-quality video-conferencing experience for businesses.
In 2020, Google rebranded Hangouts Meet to "Google Meet," and it quickly promoted its video-conferencing features to meet the growing demand for remote working during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Google Meet has become an indispensable tool for businesses, trainers, and individuals worldwide, offering advanced features such as virtual waiting rooms, real-time translation, and integration with other Google applications.
18. MICROSOFT TEAMS
Microsoft Teams is a web-based collaboration and communication application that was launched by Microsoft in 2016 It has quickly become one of the most in-demand teamwork tools in the professional world.
The Microsoft Teams story began with Microsoft's vision to create an integrated solution to enable teams to work more effectively, facilitating communication, collaboration, and productivity within organizations. Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for modern teams looking to work efficiently and professionally, whether face-to-face or remotely.
19. DISCORD
Discord is an internet communication application that was launched in 2015. It's gained popularity as a voice-and-text-chat social network designed for gamers. Since its initial launch as a voice-chat solution for gamers, Discord has evolved to offer a range of professional features, including the ability to create and manage custom servers, organize events, share multimedia content, and collaborate with teams.
Discord's customization, security, and usability features make it an essential communication tool for gamers, businesses, and web communities worldwide. Whether planning a gaming session, organizing a team meeting or simply keeping in touch with friends and colleagues, Discord offers an optimal communication experience that continues to evolve to meet the needs of its growing community.
20. SLACK
Slack is a widely adopted team communication software. The application was launched in 2013 by Flickr co-founder Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Cal Henderson, and Serguei Mourachov. Designed to simplify collaboration and communication in the workplace, Slack quickly won over businesses around the world thanks to its innovative features and ease of use.
Slack has become a complete teamwork management platform. Its features include instant messaging, channel creation to organize discussions by team or project, file sharing, the ability to make audio and video calls, and even third-party tool integration to simplify workflows.
21. iMESSAGE
iMessage is an instant messaging service developed by Apple, Inc. It was introduced in 2011 with the launch of iOS 5 and was intended exclusively for individuals using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
iMessage uses the user's internet connection to send text messages, photos, videos, and audio files, rather than traditional SMS messages that use the cellular network. This makes it possible to save on data charges and benefit from more advanced functions.
Today, iMessage is considered one of the most popular and reliable messaging applications available to consumers with Apple devices. The application supports numerous integrations, such as high-quality photos and videos, content albums, as well as Siri Assistant integration.
In addition to native services, iMessage lets you integrate additional applications, so you can play games with your contact at a distance or send personalized messages with stickers or gifs. Even today, only Apple devices can take full advantage of iMessage features.
22. SKYPE
Skype is an communications application first launched in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, with the help of Estonian programmers Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn. The application was initially developed to enable users to make free voice calls between computers.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Skype was a leader in free communication technology, making it possible for those using the application all around the world to talk to each other at no extra cost. In 2011, it was acquired by Microsoft, which has continued to develop and improve the service.
Video conferencing, instant messaging, and calls to phones amplified the application's offerings. Skype has become one of the world's most frequented communications applications, with an estimate 2.1 billion registered users worldwide in 2023, according to Statista. Today, Skype is available on all digital channels, including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Social media for microblogging
23. REDDIT
Reddit, launched in 2005 by Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian, and Aaron Swartz, is a social media application based on the principle of "subreddits," web communities focused on specific topics, where individuals can submit content, vote for posts, and participate in discussions. Reddit is also known for its "karma points" system, which rewards users for their positive contributions to the community.
The popular social media platform offers a diversity of topics ranging from politics to humor, science, technology, and more. Reddit has also become a place for real-time information exchange, with "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) from public figures and discussions on current events. The company has introduced advertising features for advertisers, while working on content moderation to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and internet safety.
24. TUMBLR
Tumblr is a micro-blogging site that was launched in 2007 by David Karp. Tumblr makes it possible to create personalized blogs for the sharing of a wide variety of content, such as images, videos, text, and more.
Tumblr also offers a dynamic community where users can interact with other blogs, like and reblog posts, and participate in discussions on a multitude of topics. Tags are a key part of how Tumblr works, allowing people to discover content based on their interests.
25. QUORA
Quora is a question-and-answer platform founded in 2009 by Adam D'Angelo and Charlie Cheever. The history of Quora can be traced back to its origins at the University of California, where D'Angelo and Cheever were former Facebook employees.
The idea behind Quora was to create a space where individuals could ask questions and get answers from the community, made up of experts, academics, professionals and enthusiasts. Since its launch, Quora has become one of the leading question-and-answer platforms on the internet, attracting millions of users worldwide.
26. 21BUTTONS
Founded in 2015 in Spain, 21Buttons is a social shopping network that has quickly gained popularity in the fashion world. The basic idea is to allow users to share their outfits and purchase the items they like directly from their posts.
With this application, you can create a profile, follow other users, and show off your outfits by adding clickable buttons to the items your wear. These buttons link to the brands' websites, allowing others on the network to purchase the items directly from the posts. You can also earn money by promoting products through your posts and receiving a commission on sales generated.
27. MASTODON
Mastodon, the free and decentralized social network, was created in 2016 by Eugen Rochko, a German developer. This microblogging software was inspired by growing concerns about censorship, centralization of power and privacy on traditional social networks.
Mastodon takes its name from the extinct mammal, the mastodon, symbolizing its desire to challenge the giants of the social media industry. It is based on open-source software that allows anyone to create their own Mastodon instance (or server), which is similar to creating their own website.
The operation of Mastodon is based on the principle of “toots,” which are short-form status messages published by users. You can post toots, follow other users, and interact with their toots through likes, comments, and retoots (the equivalent of retweets on Twitter). Mastodon also offers the ability to create lists to organize the users you follow.
28. MEDIUM
Medium is an internet blogging site founded in 2012 by Evan Williams, one of the co-founders of Twitter. It stands out from other blogging platforms by its simplicity of use, its clean design, and its orientation towards the quality of the content. Medium aims to encourage authors to express their ideas, thoughts, and knowledge, with an emphasis on substance rather than virality.
Medium brings together a diverse community, including professional writers, industry experts, journalists, enthusiasts, and readers eager to discover new points of view. The site uses a recommendation system based on user interests to highlight the most relevant and interesting articles for each reader.
29. THREADS
Threads is a social network developed by Instagram, designed to facilitate private communication and sharing between close friends. Released in 2023, it serves as a companion application to Instagram, allowing users to engage in the sharing of photos, videos, and messages exclusively with a selected audience. Accessed through the user's Instagram account, it permits posts up to 500 characters, encompassing links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.
Threads focuses on instantaneous updates, automatic status sharing, and location-based features, enhancing the immediacy of communication. The microblogging app arose as a response to the growing preference for intimate sharing among smaller circles. Threads aims to streamline private connections, offering a more personalized and immediate social experience within the broader Instagram ecosystem.
Social networks for sports
30. STRAVA
Strava, a well-known fitness app, was created in 2009. The app was initially designed for cyclists, allowing for the recording and sharing of their cycling routes. Strava has grown to also include running, swimming, and other sports activities. The popular social media platform uses GPS technology to record user physical activity data, including distance, duration, speed and heart rate, also making it possible for you to display this data to your fitness community.
31. ADIDAS RUNNING
At the base of this application, we find Runtastic, a performance monitoring application for running. Founded in 2009, it was bought in 2015 by Adidas for $220 million.
The Adidas Running app succeeded it in 2015. It's a running tracking tool that provides a complete history of the runner's performance, including distance covered, speed, run duration, and calories burned. It also offers advanced features, such as workout planning, personalized advice, and community challenges to motivate runners to achieve their goals.
32. NIKE RUN CLUB
The Nike Run Club (NRC) app is a popular tool for runners around the world. It was launched by the famous sports brand Nike with the aim of creating a community for running enthusiasts. Since its launch, the NRC app has evolved into a comprehensive application for runners, offering advanced features for the tracking, analyzing, and sharing of running performance.
The app features personalized workout plans, community challenges, achievement badges, and integration with other fitness apps.
Social media for recommendations and addresses
33. GOOGLE MAPS
Google Maps, Google's internet mapping service, was launched in 2005. It's evolved from simple interactive maps to become a comprehensive application offering a wide range of features, such as GPS for navigation or even a real guide for tourists with user reviews.
Google Maps uses a broad set of data, including maps, satellite imagery, real-time traffic data, and transit information to help users find their way, plan their route, find places, and explore new regions.
34. FOURSQUARE
Foursquare, created in 2009 by Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadurai, is a location-based social network that helps you to discover and share interesting places in your environment. When using the application, you can search for restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, and other places of interest; view reviews and photos from other users; and leave your own comments and recommendations.
35. MAPSTR
Mapstr is an application for managing your favorite addresses, created in 2015 by French entrepreneur Sébastien Caron. How it works is simple: you can save your favorite places, like restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels and more, adding them to your personal list on the social media platform.
They can also add notes, photos, and tags to organize their places according to their preferences. In addition, Mapstr offers sharing features, allowing you to let your family and friends know about your favorite places.
Social networks for images and art
36. FLICKR
Flickr is an internet photo-sharing platform that was created in 2004 by Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake. Flickr allows you to upload, store, and share your photos on the web with other people using the site.
Photos can be organized into albums, annotated with tags for easy searching, and shared with specific contacts or made public. Flickr also offers social networking features, making it possible for you to follow the activities of other users, join discussion groups on specific topics, and enter photo contests.
37. BEHANCE
Behance, founded in 2005 by Scott Belsky and Matias Corea, is a network dedicated to creatives around the world. It was bought by Adobe in 2012 and has since been an essential benchmark in the field of creativity.
Behance lets artists, designers, photographers, and other professionals share their work, connect with other creatives, and explore inspiring projects. Users can create an online portfolio, upload their designs, organize them into collections, and promote them on their Behance profile.
38. MEWE
MeWe, a social network based on privacy and data protection, was created in 2012 by Mark Weinstein. The goal of MeWe was to provide individuals with a place where they can interact freely and securely without being subject to third-party surveillance and data collection. Unlike other social networks, MeWe doesn't collect personal data from users or sell targeted ads.
39. 500PX
Founded in 2009 by Oleg Gutsol and Evgeny Tchebotarev, 500px is a social networking site for photo sharing that's quickly established itself as a platform of choice for professional and amateur photographers around the world. Based in Toronto, Canada, 500px provides photographers with a showcase to showcase their talent and share their work with a passionate community.
40. WE HEART IT
We Heart It is a social network focused on sharing images and finding visual inspiration. Launched in 2008 by Fabio Giolito, We Heart It was designed as a social networking site to allow users to discover and collect images that interest them and organize them into thematic collections called "hearts." Initially mostly used by a teenage audience, We Heart It has become a place to share aesthetic images, fashion, beauty, and creativity.
41. POPARAZZI
Poparazzi is an emerging social network that launched in 2021 and quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique approach. The social networking site focuses on celebrating life's real moments by encouraging those using the application to share photos of themselves taken by their friends.
The idea is to create an authentic and spontaneous experience, emphasizing real relationships and experiences rather than staging and filters. Poparazzi users can only upload photos taken by other people.
Social media for music and sound
42. CLUBHOUSE
Clubhouse is an audio social network that was launched in March 2020 by Paul Davison and Rohan Seth. Initially available only on iOS, it quickly became popular among entrepreneurs, public figures, and thought leaders.
The way Clubhouse works is based on virtual rooms where you can join live discussions on various topics. When using the application, you can create your own chat rooms or join those hosted by others. Discussions take place in the here and now, and participants can interact using only their voice, with no ability to write or share visual content. Clubhouse attracted a lot of interest for its exclusivity, as access to the network was initially limited.
43. SOUNDCLOUD
SoundCloud, created in 2007 by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss, is a music-sharing social network based in Berlin, Germany. Initially designed as a place for independent artists to share their musical creations, SoundCloud is now a must-have place for music lovers around the world.
SoundCloud works by sharing audio tracks, which users can download, stream, and comment on. Artists can also interact with their audience and get feedback and statistics about their music.
44. MIXCLOUD
Mixcloud is a music-based social network that was created in 2008 by Nico Perez, Sam Cook, Nikhil Shah, and Mat Clayton. Mixcloud's original goal was to allow users to share music and radio mixes created by independent DJs and producers. Since then, Mixcloud has become a niche audio content streaming platform, allowing people to upload, share, and discover a wide variety of music genres, podcasts, and radio shows.
45. SPOTIFY
Spotify is a popular social media network for music streaming that was launched in 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. It provides easy and legal access to a huge online music library.
Spotify has advanced to become one of the most widely used music streaming services in the world, with millions of tracks available to listen to online and offline. Here, you can create your own playlists, follow playlists created by other users, and discover new artists with personalized recommendations based on your music preferences.
46. DEEZER
Deezer, the well-known music-streaming service, was created in 2007 by Daniel Marhely and Jonathan Benassaya. It was launched in France and has expanded internationally to become one of the leading social networks dedicated to music.
Deezer offers an extensive music catalog with millions of tracks from artists around the world, as well as personalized recommendation features and music sharing with friends. It makes it possible for you to create playlists, follow other users, like and comment on songs, and discover new artists.
47. APPLE MUSIC
Apple Music, launched in 2015, is a music-streaming service offered by Apple. The result of Apple's acquisition of the streaming platform Beats Music in 2014, Apple Music has established itself as one of the main competitors to Spotify and other similar services. With a large music library including millions of tracks, as well as radio shows, podcasts, and exclusive content, Apple Music offers a comprehensive and personalized music experience to listeners.
48. AMAZON MUSIC
Amazon Music, the music social network that thrills music lovers around the world, began its internet journey in 2007 as Amazon's music-streaming service. The application is a true meeting place for music lovers of all genres, offering an interactive site to share and discover new songs, exchange playlists, and listen to content on different connected devices for free or by subscription.
Professional and business social networks
49. MEETUP
Meetup is a social network established to facilitate in-person gatherings and community building. Launched in 2002, it connects people with shared interests, allowing them to create and join groups based on activities, hobbies, or professional pursuits. Via this site, you can discover local events, ranging from fitness classes to tech meetups, fostering real-world connections.
Meetup serves as a platform for individuals seeking like-minded communities, promoting social engagement beyond the digital realm. Whether for personal growth, networking, or simply enjoying shared passions, Meetup enhances social connectivity by bringing people together through organized events in various locations.
50. XING
Xing, the professional social network beloved by networking enthusiasts, has a rich and exciting history. Launched in 2003, Xing was founded in Germany by Lars Hinrichs and Bill Liao. Xing started as a social network intended to connect German-speaking professionals. It has expanded to accommodate a diverse international community of professionals from all backgrounds.
Other popular social networks around the globe
51. WEIBO
Weibo, the famous Chinese social network, has become a major phenomenon since its launch in 2009. Created by Sina Corporation, Weibo quickly became the top microblogging site in China, with millions of passionate users. Inspired by Twitter, Weibo allows for the sharing of short messages, photos, videos, and more.
Weibo also offers a variety of features, such as the ability to follow celebrities, participate in chats, create groups, and even go shopping online. Weibo is a true Chinese pop culture phenomenon, where users connect to share their opinions, passions, and daily lives.
52. VKONTAKTE
VKontakte, nicknamed "VK," is the essential social network from Russia that's conquered the web in Russian-speaking countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)! Launched in 2006 by Pavel Durov, this web giant quickly stood out. With VKontakte, you can connect, share content, and chat with your friends. Video chats offer another option for staying in touch with loved ones. It's one of the most used applications in Russia today.
53. RENREN
Renren, the Chinese social network once nicknamed "the Chinese Facebook," was created in 2005 and was then called Xiaonei. Renren allows individuals to create profiles, connect with friends, share content, play internet games, and participate in group chats. By integrating other platforms into its operation, such as games, the use of the application is truly similar to Facebook for Chinese users.
54. ODNOKLASSNIKI
Odnoklassniki, a Russian social network, has become a must-have in the digital landscape since its launch in 2006. Created by Albert Popkov, it was initially intended to connect former classmates, hence its name, which means "classmates " in Russian. The site has gained popularity in Russia and CIS countries, with features for sharing messages, photos, videos, articles, etc.
55. LITTLE RED BOOK
Little Red Book, also known as "Xiaohongshu" in China, is a social ecommerce platform that was launched in 2013 by Charlwin Mao Wenchao and Miranda Qu Fang. It quickly became trendy with young Chinese consumers and became one of the most influential ecommerce sites in China.
Little Red Book allows users to share reviews, reviews, and recommendations for beauty, fashion, and more. The platform operates as a mobile app, where you can create and view user-generated content, purchase products directly from brands, and interact with an online shopping community.
56. QZONE
Qzone, the prominent Chinese social network, was created in 2005 by the company Tencent. It's become a true phenomenon of internet culture in China. Qzone allows you to create your own personal space on the web; share articles, photos, and videos; and connect with your friends. The site also offers advanced customization features, making it possible for users to personalize their profile and homepage according to their tastes.
57. TENCENT QQ
Tencent QQ, also known as QQ, is an instant messaging application developed by the Chinese company Tencent. Launched in 1999, it's one of the leading messaging apps in China, with over 1.2 billion registered users. Originally designed to allow those on the network to connect to online games, QQ offers features like text messaging, voice and video, gaming, online shopping, and much more.
58. LIVEJOURNAL
LiveJournal, a blogging platform launched in 1999, is a go-to place for bloggers around the world. Founded by Brad Fitzpatrick, it was one of the first platforms to offer the ability to create personal blogs, providing a space for individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and emotions with an internet community. LiveJournal is available in 33 languages. The site is known for its social aspect, allowing you to connect, comment, and share posts with other users.
59. KUAISHOU
Launched in 2011 by the Chinese startup Kuaishou Technology, the Kuaishou social networking site has become essential in China thanks to its dynamic short-form videos. The application allows users to create and share videos of all types, from dance challenges to cooking tutorials to comedy skits.
Its operation is based on a personalized video stream based on user preferences, which allows everyone to discover content tailored to their tastes. The application is compared to Douyin in China, TikTok's mainland Chinese counterpart.
Social media platforms: Definition + general characteristics
What's a social media platform?
A social media platform or network is an online platform that allows users to create a profile, establish connections with other users and share various types of content, such as texts, photos, videos and links. Social media platforms are designed with the aim of facilitating social interactions and providing a virtual space where users can communicate, exchange opinions, and share experiences.
They can be used to maintain relationships with friends and relatives, develop a professional network, share common interests, participate in discussions, and follow public figures. Social networks also offer the ability to create, share and distribute content, which can result in the formation of online communities around specific topics.
What purpose does social media serve?
Social media has become an essential part of our modern society, providing a platform for online communication, information, and interaction. It serves multiple functions, from connecting with friends and family around the world, to promoting products and services for businesses via social media marketing, to providing real-time information about world events.
Social media also provides a space for sharing ideas, perspectives and creative content, allowing individuals to express their voices and participate in discussions on various topics. However, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and the impact on mental health.
Why use social networks?
Whether to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, share moments from your daily life, or find out about the latest news, social networks offer a quick, easy and accessible way to communicate and stay connected. With its interactive nature and global reach, social media also makes it possible to create online communities, promote causes, share ideas, and express yourself freely.
In addition, social networks have become a powerful tool for businesses in the form of social media marketing, allowing them to promote their products and services, interact with their customers, and grow their visibility on the web. With its ability to inform, connect and engage, it's no wonder that social media has become an essential part of modern life for many people around the world.
What's the use of a social media presence for a brand?
Social media is the key to success for modern brands who want to stand out in the digital world! It’s a playground where brands can interact with their audience in an authentic and dynamic way. Here, they have plenty of opportunities to share their captivating stories, inspiring visions, and unique brand identity in an engaging and interactive way. Social media also makes it possible to listen carefully to consumers' needs and expectations, collect valuable feedback, and exchange with a potential customer in real time to create a true community of fans.
With social media marketing, brands can also promote their products or services in style, share irresistible special offers, and build customer loyalty with fun and impactful content. Without forgetting that a presence on social media helps boost traffic to the brand's website, improve its visibility on the internet, and stand out from the competition. In short, social media is much more than just a tool, it is the secret to a vibrant and successful online presence!
