New Social Media Platforms

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives. It has introduced to us its own language with terms such as “tweet” and the well-known Facebook “like” and has become a part of not only the way we talk, but also the way we interact. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the newer social networks that were recently introduced.

 

First, let’s look at Pheed – launched in October 2012. It’s a pay-as-you-go network where you actually sell your photos, videos and “statuses” instead of just sharing them, which is the main logic behind this network. Many celebrities, musicians and entertainment personalities make use of this network. For a monthly subscription, “pheeders” can offer subscribers access to a media-rich stream of text, photo, audio, video and even live broadcasts. Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton are already making use of this new network.

 

Thumb is a social network making use of personal crowdsourcing. Not sure if your blouse matches your skirt? No problem – take a selfie, upload to Thumb and crowdsource your decision. Simple questions generate hundreds of thumbs up or thumbs down, plus comments from the network’s active user base within mere minutes. Thumb appeals to the two main social impulses – vanity and voyeurism, which generates serious engagement amongst users. When compared to Facebook, it is said that users spend most time on Facebook per month with Thumb following as second with four hours a month.

 

Evan Williams (the co-founder of Blogger and Twitter) created a new blogging platform called Medium, which hosts stories quite a bit longer than Twitter’s 140 characters. This network was also launched in October last year and touts a simple, stark design and stripped down editing mode designed for everything from cooking recipes to political manifestos. This network is invitation only and emphasizes longer form, carefully crafted content from users who seek more from their social media network than cat photos, Miley Cyrus twerking and Justin Bieber spitting. Creators are limited to the select few, but everyone can read and comment on the blogs.

 

 

Chirpify takes the one click payments for online shopping from Amazon and introduces it into the social media era. Sellers offer items for sale on Twitter or Instagram, buyers reply with the word “buy” and Bob’s your uncle. No credit card, no “proceed to checkout” and no “add to cart”. The transaction is conducted entirely through your Twitter or Instagram account. This social media network can also be used for fundraisers, giveaways and even peer-to-peer payments. It’s free to use, but takes a 5% cut anytime you get paid via this network.

 

Lastly we’ll look at Chirp – sharing using sound. Your phone emits a high-pitched, two second-long, robotic squeak. Other phones within audio range pick up the sound and instantly download the content shares. Chirps can be shared in any space, from boardrooms to crowded bars and can even be embedded in YouTube videos or TV programs.

 

 

Now that you’re up to speed with all your options out there, get ahead of the crowd and expand your social networking options!

 

 

Written by Marleen Theunissen

Creative writer at ATKA SA