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Plato
Although typically used for academia, Plato had many features of a social media platform. Thought to be the precursor of modern social media. -
LunarStorm
LunarStorm described by the founder as "the world's first social media on the Internet" is launched in 1996. -
SixDegrees
Widely regarded as one of the first social media sites available, SixDegrees is launched. -
AOL
One of the main precursors of modern messaging, AOL was launched. -
MSN Messenger
MSN is launched, allowing users to not only instant text message, but audio call and video chat other users. -
Yahoo Messenger
Yahoo Messenger, an instant messaging service is launched. -
Hot or Not
Launched in 2000 Hot or Not had users post photos of themselves and had other users rate their attractiveness. -
Skype
Popular messaging, voice calling and video chatting platform is launched. -
Myspace
Became a site popularized by teens. At its peak had 15 million users. -
Facebook
Originally launched as Facemash in 2003, this site became Facebook in 2005. Is now known as the most popular social media site ever. -
Flickr
A video and photo sharing site titled Flickr is launched. -
Youtube
Now with over 2 billion worldwide users, YouTube was launched in 2005. It's inception led to the production of many social media celebrities. -
Reddit
Reddit is launched in 2005, known for its rating pages, discussions and collaboration. -
Twitter
Twitter, now known as X, launches originally as a text message based tool. -
LinkedIn
In 2006 LinkedIn, a business based site was launched. It was the first to add paid access packages. -
Tumblr
Referred to as a microblogging, the launch of Tumblr allowed users to share small posts. -
Instagram
Initially a photo sharing site, Instagram later added direct messaging, video sharing and eventually live streaming capabilities. -
Pinterest
Photo sharing platform, Pinterest popularized grouping of interests giving users the option to "pin" things they liked. -
Snapchat
Launched in 2011, Snapchat gave users the unique ability to post photos and videos that would vanish after 24 hours along with plenty of photo and video editing options. -
Twitch
A live video streaming site Twitch is launched. Known particularly for creators sharing content of them playing video games. -
Tinder
Dating site Tinder is launched. -
Slack
Targeting businesses and corporations, slack allows employees to interact internally. -
Vine
A video based platform know for making many content creators go viral is launched. -
Discord
Discord launches, specifically targeting gamers, allowing them to chat during gaming sessions regardless of what console or PC they are using. -
TikTok
TikTok, a platform dominated by viral dances and music is launched in 2017. -
Parler
Self identified as an unbiased and free speech alternative to other popular social media platforms, Parler launches. -
Threads
Threads allowed instagram users to create a twitter like account.