In the digital age, social networks have become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting people across the globe and facilitating communication, collaboration, and community building. This directory provides a comprehensive overview of various social networks, both open source and proprietary, that have emerged over the years.
From established giants like Facebook and Twitter to innovative platforms like Mastodon and Diaspora, each network offers unique features and functionalities tailored to different user needs. This directory includes links to each platform, brief descriptions, funding information, and launch years, allowing users to explore the diverse landscape of social media.
Whether you’re looking for a platform to share your thoughts, connect with friends, or engage with like-minded individuals, this directory serves as a valuable resource for discovering the social networks that best suit your interests and preferences.
- Mastodon
- Description: A decentralized social network that allows users to create their own servers (instances) and interact with others across the network.
- Funding: Funded through donations and crowdfunding campaigns.
- Launch Year: 2016
- Diaspora
- Description: A decentralized social network that emphasizes user privacy and control over personal data.
- Funding: Initially funded through Kickstarter; ongoing funding through donations.
- Launch Year: 2010
- Friendica
- Description: A decentralized social network that allows users to connect with other social networks and supports a variety of protocols.
- Funding: Primarily community-funded through donations.
- Launch Year: 2010
- GNU social
- Description: A free software social network platform that supports decentralized communication.
- Funding: Community-driven, primarily through donations.
- Launch Year: 2010 (as StatusNet)
- Pleroma
- Description: A lightweight, decentralized social networking platform that is compatible with Mastodon.
- Funding: Funded through donations and community support.
- Launch Year: 2018
- Scuttlebutt
- Description: A peer-to-peer social network that allows users to share content without a central server.
- Funding: Community-funded and open-source contributions.
- Launch Year: 2016
- PixelFed
- Description: A decentralized photo-sharing platform similar to Instagram, built on the ActivityPub protocol.
- Funding: Funded through donations and community support.
- Launch Year: 2018
- Ello
- Description: Originally launched as an ad-free alternative to Facebook, it has evolved into a platform for artists and creators.
- Funding: Initially funded through venture capital; now focuses on creator subscriptions.
- Launch Year: 2014
Proprietary Social Networks
- Facebook
- Description: A social networking site that allows users to connect with friends, share content, and join communities.
- Funding: Initially funded by venture capital; went public in 2012.
- Launch Year: 2004
- Twitter
- Description: A microblogging platform that allows users to post and interact with messages known as “tweets.”
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2013.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Instagram
- Description: A photo and video sharing social networking service owned by Facebook.
- Funding: Acquired by Facebook in 2012 for approximately $1 billion.
- Launch Year: 2010
- LinkedIn
- Description: A professional networking site that allows users to connect with colleagues and industry professionals.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; acquired by Microsoft in 2016 for $26.2 billion.
- Launch Year: 2003
- Snapchat
- Description: A multimedia messaging app known for its ephemeral content and stories feature.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2017.
- Launch Year: 2011
- TikTok
- Description: A short-form video sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos.
- Funding: Owned by ByteDance, which has raised significant funding; valued at over $100 billion as of 2021.
- Launch Year: 2016 (as Douyin in China, and TikTok internationally)
- Reddit
- Description: A social news aggregation and discussion website where registered members can submit content and participate in discussions.
- Funding7. **Reddit
- Description: A social news aggregation and discussion website where registered members can submit content and participate in discussions.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2021.
- Launch Year: 2005
- YouTube
- Description: A video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and view videos.
- Funding: Acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion.
- Launch Year: 2005
- Pinterest
- Description: A visual discovery and bookmarking platform that allows users to find and save ideas through images and links.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2019.
- Launch Year: 2010
- Tumblr
- Description: A microblogging platform that allows users to post multimedia content and follow other users’ blogs.
- Funding: Acquired by Yahoo in 2013 for approximately $1.1 billion; later sold to Automattic in 2019.
- Launch Year: 2007
- Flickr
- Description: An image and video hosting service that allows users to share and embed personal photographs.
- Funding: Acquired by Yahoo in 2005; now owned by SmugMug.
- Launch Year: 2004
- Vero
- Description: A social network that emphasizes user privacy and allows users to share content without ads.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; operates on a subscription model.
- Launch Year: 2015
- Clubhouse
- Description: An audio-based social networking app that allows users to join virtual rooms for discussions and conversations.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; valued at $1 billion in 2021.
- Launch Year: 2020
- Discord
- Description: A communication platform designed for creating communities, primarily through voice, video, and text chat.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; valued at $15 billion as of 2021.
- Launch Year: 2015
- Telegram
- Description: A cloud-based messaging app that offers features like channels and groups for broadcasting messages to large audiences.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; operates on a freemium model.
- Launch Year: 2013
- WeChat
- Description: A Chinese multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent.
- Funding: Owned by Tencent, which is publicly traded.
- Launch Year: 2011
- Badoo
- Description: A dating-focused social network that allows users to connect and meet new people.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; operates on a freemium model.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for organizing and attending local events and gatherings based on shared interests.
- Funding: Acquired by WeWork in 2017; previously funded through venture capital.
- Launch Year: 2002
- Nextdoor
- Description: A social networking service for neighborhoods that allows residents to connect and share information about local issues.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2021.
- Launch Year: 2011
- Quora
- Description: A question-and-answer platform where users can ask questions and receive answers from the community.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; valued at approximately $1.8 billion as of 2021.
- Launch Year: 2009
- Foursquare
- Description: A location-based social networking service that allows users to check in at venues and share their experiences.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; transitioned to a business model focused on location data.
- Launch Year: 2009
- MySpace
- Description: Once a leading social networking site, it now focuses on music and entertainment.
- Funding: Acquired by News Corp in 2005; later sold to Specific Media Group in 2011.
- Launch Year: 2003
- VK (VKontakte)
- Description: A Russian online social media and social networking service similar to Facebook.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; owned by VK Company Limited.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Bumble
- Description: A dating app that allows women to make the first move; also includes features for finding friends and networking.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; went public in 2021.
- Launch Year: 2014
- Caffeine
- Description: A social broadcasting platform focused on live streaming and interactive content.
- Funding: Funded through venture capital; valued at approximately $200 million as of 2021.
- Launch Year: 2018
- Rumble
- Description: A video platform that allows users to upload, share, and monetize their videos, often focusing on alternative content.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; went public via SPAC in 2021.
- Launch Year: 2013
- Gab
- Description: A social network that promotes free speech and is known for its minimal content moderation policies.
- Funding: Funded through donations and subscriptions.
- Launch Year: 2016
- Parler
- Description: A social media platform that emphasizes free speech and minimal content moderation.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; gained popularity in 2020.
- Launch Year: 2018
- MeWe
- Description: A privacy-focused social network that does not use ads or track user data.
- Funding: Funded through private investment; operates on a freemium model.
- Launch Year: 2016
- Steemit
- Description: A blockchain-based blogging and social media platform that rewards users with cryptocurrency for their contributions.
- Funding: Funded through initial coin offerings (ICOs) and community support.
- Launch Year: 2016