This is an update to the original video published in 2020. I’ve included more data for Chinese social media platforms and included some that I left out such as YouTube and Telegram, since they’re no longer just basic apps for video and messaging. In this data visualization video I look at the most popular social media networks based on active accounts during that time.
These stats come from Wikipedia, Statista, archive.org and from Google Books searches. I did not include those platforms that did not report stats. Some of the data includes approximate numbers as the data available skipped years.
In the video I included screenshots of certain platforms from the list as they looked during that particular year. The platform thumbnails:
1997 – Bolt
Founded as a community for teens
1998 – Classmates
Biggest collection of yearbooks online
1999 – Open Diary
Introduced commenting and privacy settings
2000 – theGlobe
Chatrooms and online clubs
2001 – PlanetAll
Bought and killed by Amazon
2002 – LiveJournal
Still Popular in Russia for Microblogging
2003 – MySpace
First global social network
2004 – Orkut
From Google, became popular in Brazil
2005 – Friendster
Created before MySpace, Hi5 and Facebook
2006 – QQ
Messaging and web portal from China
2007 – Hi5
Social media with focus on dating
2008 – VKontakte
Russian clone of Facebook
2009 – Facebook
Infamous update of news feed
2010 – Tagged
Originally a social network for teens
2011 – Tumblr
Microblogging and social network
2012 – QZone
Social network from China
2013 – OK.ru
Russian social network
2014 – Reddit
Content discovery and discussion
2015 – Vine
Short looping video clips
2016 – Snapchat
Video messaging with goofy filters
2017 – WeChat
Reaches 1 million mini apps
2018 – Whatsapp
Implemented stories
2019 – Facebook
Testing redesign
2020 – TikTok
Dance challenges
2021 – Messenger
Meta’s original messaging app
2022 – YouTube
Added shorts and stories
Thank you for watching. Let me know which platforms have been your favorite?
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Social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with friends, family, and even strangers from all over the world. Since its inception in the late 1990s, social media has evolved and grown exponentially, with new platforms constantly emerging and shaping how we communicate and interact online.
In 1997, the world was introduced to the concept of social media with the launch of Six Degrees, the first-ever social networking site. Although it has since been shut down, Six Degrees paved the way for future platforms to thrive. In the early 2000s, platforms like Friendster and MySpace gained popularity, allowing users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share photos and messages.
As the internet and technology advanced, social media platforms continued to evolve. Facebook was launched in 2004 and quickly became the dominant player in the social media landscape, with billions of users worldwide. The platform allows users to connect with friends, share updates, photos, and videos, and join groups and events. Facebook’s influence and reach have significantly impacted how we communicate and consume information online.
Twitter, launched in 2006, revolutionized the way we share and consume information in real-time. With its character limit of 280 characters, Twitter became a popular platform for news, updates, and conversations. The platform’s unique format of tweets and hashtags has made it a vital tool for communication and activism.
In 2010, Instagram made its debut, focusing on visual content and photography. The platform quickly gained popularity for its filters, stories, and the ability to connect with influencers and brands. With over a billion users, Instagram has become a key platform for marketing, branding, and self-expression.
In 2011, Snapchat entered the scene with its ephemeral messaging and stories. The platform’s focus on privacy and disappearing content made it popular among younger users. Snapchat’s innovative features, such as filters and lenses, have set it apart in the social media landscape.
In recent years, platforms like TikTok and Pinterest have gained traction, offering unique experiences and content for users. TikTok, launched in 2016, has become a viral sensation with its short-form video content and challenges. The platform has propelled creators to fame and reshaped how we consume entertainment online.
Pinterest, launched in 2010, focuses on visual discovery and inspiration. The platform allows users to save and share images, recipes, and ideas on virtual pinboards. Pinterest has become a popular platform for DIY projects, home decor inspiration, and wedding planning.
Looking ahead, the future of social media platforms is constantly evolving. As technology advances, platforms will continue to innovate and change how we connect and communicate online. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies are likely to shape the next generation of social media platforms.
In conclusion, social media platforms have come a long way since their inception in the late 1990s. From Six Degrees to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and beyond, these platforms have transformed how we communicate, share, and connect with others. As we look to the future, the possibilities for social media platforms are endless, and the next big thing could be just around the corner.
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