Had enough of Facebook
and Twitter?
It may be time to switch up your go-to social network.
With the daily explosion of startups, there are plenty
of new social media tools popping up. These newer platforms could be working on
the next big thing, so you'll want to keep an eye out.
Here's a look at 10 up-and-coming social networks you
should know.
1. Secret
Secret
offers a platform for users to share their feelings and thoughts anonymously.
All secrets come from Facebook friends or people in your contacts, without you
knowing who they are.
Addicted to taking selfies? This app
was designed for you. Shots is a mobile social network through which you can
snap and share selfies. You can reply to any given Shot, and also send private
messages.
The app is only available for iOS, but will be launching an Android version
soon.
Snapchat
is a popular mobile platform that allows you to share photos and videos with
others. You can set a time limit for how long your viewers can see your snaps
before they disappear. You can also create Stories, or a series of snaps that
form a narrative, and use a variety of features for customization.
WeChat is a mobile text and voice
messaging service. In addition to making free calls, you can share videos and
photos (or "Moments"), create group chats, and find new people
nearby.
Think of this as a younger and
artsier version of Pinterest. Instead of pin boards, the app has
"canvases" and "collections." Users can "heart"
and tag others users in photos.
Image: Screenshot We Heart It
6. Tinder
While not exactly a social network, Tinder
is a mobile dating app that pulls your photo and basic info from your Facebook
account. Users can swipe "yes" or "no" to potential matches
who are nearby. If the feeling is mutual, people can chat within the app.
Medium is a microblogging platform
that launched in 2012, created by Evan Williams and Biz Stone (formerly of
Twitter). If you want to publish stories or ideas, you may want to consider
using Medium. Users can also recommend stories with their networks and curate
their favorites.
Seven months after Twitter acquired
Vine, the video sharing service made its way up the charts. The fun app allows
you to shoot and share six-second looped videos.
9. Bubblews
Bubblews, a social networking
startup, allows users to create posts (aka "bubbles"), follow
friends, and "like" and comment on other bubbles. It differs from
other social networks because the company pays its users who attract
advertisers and traffic. Currently, Bubblews does not have a mobile app.
Whisper
is another social media platform that allows people to anonymously share
secrets. With Whisper, you can send anonymous direct messages and ask others
for advice, or just chat.
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