June 26, 2012
Niche social networks on the rise
Niche social networks like Untappd are gaining traction.
In September 2006 Facebook removed the restrictions for becoming a member [source]. Prior to that time, their prerequisite was that you had to have a registered school email address (.edu).
Since lifting the membership restriction, thus allowing anyone 13 and older to join, Facebook has grown exponentially. By August 2012 the social network is expected to surpass 1 billion members.
Sure, big numbers are cool to flaunt, and it must be gratifying as a CEO to know that everyone wants to join your website, app or whatever service you’re offering. But I’m here to tell you that niche social networks are gaining traction, and have been for many years.
Social media users are finding limitless new applications to satisfy their specific interests and hobbies. For instance, if you are the kind of person that uploads a picture of your meal to Facebook, you would be better off using the food discovery app, Foodspotting.
If you’re a beer connoisseur like us, you might enjoy Untappd, a social drinking app that helps you log and rate beers you’ve drank.
Dog lover? Try Dogster. Cat lover? Catster. Designer? Dribbble. Gun activist? GunUp.
The apps and social networks out there are virtually limitless, and I only expect them to continue growing in popularity as the masses search for a less cluttered solution to Facebook.
Filed under Social Media