The Evolution of Social Media Platforms

  • SixDegrees.com Launches

    SixDegrees.com Launches
    One of the first social networking sites, allowing users to create profiles and friend list.
  • Friendster Goes Live

    Friendster Goes Live
    Friendster introduced a new way of social networking that influenced MySpace and Facebook
  • LinkedIn Launches

    LinkedIn Launches
    Built for professionals, LinkedIn became a major platform for career networking.
  • MySpace Begins

    MySpace Begins
    Myspace let users customize profiles and connect through music and blogs
  • Facebook Launches

    Facebook Launches
    Started at Harvard, Facebook expanded to become the most used social media platform in the world.
  • YouTube is Founded

    YouTube is Founded
    YouTube revolutionized video sharing and later became a part of Google
  • Twitter Is Created

    Twitter Is Created
    Originally called Twttr, Twitter allowed short messages or 'tweets' and became a tool for real-time updates
  • Tumblr Launches

    Tumblr Launches
    A microblogging and social networking site, Tumblr focused on creative content and multimedia posts.
  • Spotify Launches

    Spotify Launches
    Spotify changed the way people share and discover music socially online.
  • Instagram Created

    Instagram Created
    Instagram began as a photo-sharing app and later added videos, stories, and reels.
  • Pinterest goes public

    Pinterest goes public
    Pinterest became a digital pinboard for collecting images and ideas.
  • SnapChat is Released

    SnapChat is Released
    Snapchat introduced disappearing messages and filters, influencing how young users communicated.
  • Google+ Launches

    Google+ Launches
    Google tried to compete with Facebook using Google+, but it struggled to attract users and was later shut down.
  • Twitch Begins

    Twitch Begins
    Originally part of Justin.tv, Twitch became the main hub for video game streaming.
  • Vine is introduced

    Vine is introduced
    Vine allowed users to create 6-second looping videos, paving the way for TikTok-style content.
  • Ello Goes Viral

    Ello Goes Viral
    Ello promised an ad-free social experience, gaining temporary attention as an alternative to Facebook.
  • Periscope Launches

    Periscope Launches
    Twitter’s live video app Periscope brought real-time broadcasting into the mainstream.
  • TikTok (as Douyin in China) Debuts

    TikTok (as Douyin in China) Debuts
    TikTok started in China as Douyin before expanding globally in 2017.
  • TikTok merges with musical.ly

    TikTok merges with musical.ly
    After acquiring Musical.ly, TikTok became a viral video-sharing app globally.
  • House Party Launches

    House Party Launches
    House party focused on group video chats and became popular during the pandemic.
  • Vero Gains Traction

    Vero Gains Traction
    Vero offered a chronological feed and no ads, promoting itself as a more ethical alternative.
  • Clubhouse Takes Off

    Clubhouse Takes Off
    Clubhouse introduced live audio-only conversations, becoming popular among influencers and public figures.
  • BeReal Launches

    BeReal Launches
    BeReal encourages users to post one photo per day taken with both front and back cameras in real-time.
  • Locket App Becomes Popular

    Locket App Becomes Popular
    Locket lets users send live photos to their friends’ home screens, blending social media with widgets.
  • Threads Launches By Meta

    Threads Launches By Meta
    Meta launched Threads as a text-focused platform to compete with Twitter.
  • Bluesky Grows In Popularity

    Bluesky Grows In Popularity
    Backed by Jack Dorsey, Bluesky aims to create a decentralized and open-source alternative to Twitter.