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Six Degrees
In 1997 six degrees was created. It was the first online social network allowing users to connect with friends via a profile. -
AIM (aol)
AIM was created by AOL in May 1997. I believe this was the kick off for Instant Messaging. -
LinkedIn
Linked in is a social network that helps connect professionals for networking, career development, and job searching. Users can post jobs or their professional time line. -
Myspace
My space was founded by Tom Anderson. The website allowed users to interact and connect with peers through customizable profiles gearing millennials with the skill of computer coding. One of the most notable features was adding music to your profile. -
Skype
Skype was created to make free video and voice one-to-one and group calls , send instant messages and share files with other people on Skype. -
Tagged!
Tagged Inc. was co-founded in mid-2004 by entrepreneurs Greg Tseng and Johann Schleier-Smith. Though subtly I believe this was the beginning era of catfishing. -
IMVU
IMVU is an instant messaging client that uses three dimensional avatars to represent people. It opened the door for forums such as meez and habbo hotel that were popular amongst teens. -
Youtube
Founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. This opened the door for users to create their own content and publish it for free. -
Worldstar
Worldstar was a pioneer for creating viral moments. This is when people began recording everything they see. -
Twitter (now X)
twitter is a social media platform that allowed it's users to create "tweets" or short messages about things on their mind. Formerly 140, characters but now expanded, these tweet could include photos or media. Unlike Facebook and myspace interactions between fans and celebs was more intimate. -
Facebook
Facebook was created 2/4/04 for Harvard students but wasn't opened to the public until 2006 for people 13 years and older. Credited for being the first social media to really integrate AI. -
Twitter #Hashtags
Chris Messina invented the hashtag which was the first method of categorizing social media posts. -
Facebook Ads
In 2007 Facebook added Facebook ADs which allowed for monetization amongst social media -
Tumblr
Tumblr was founded by David Karp in 2007 it allowed its users to post multimedia and other content to a short-form blog. -
Ustream
Ustream was a social media platform that allowed users to go live and collect viewers. This was very popular among celebrities and website frequently used to interact with fans. -
ooVoo
Similar to Skype ooVoo is a social media platform where users can video chat and message each other. It allows users to connect with friends and family through features like multi-person video calls. -
SoundCloud
Soundcloud is a music streaming service where users upload and promote their own music and audio content. Other user can download these songs and add them into playlist. -
Whats APP
WhatApp allows its user to have the same benefit as texting without the fees associated with cellular plans. Frequently used for communication amongst international contacts. -
Group Me
GroupMe is a free app that allows users to message and make calls in groups. This app become popular amongst college students. -
Instagram
IG allows you to upload, edit, and share photos and videos. Over time direct messaging, live and stories were added. This sparked "filter culture" and also allows coined the term "IG Baddie" referring to women who gained fame from being attractive. -
Twitch
twitch is a live streaming platform where people can watch and interact with others who are broadcasting content. Formerly Justin TV -
SNAPCHAT
Snapchat was founded on September 16, 2011, by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. I believe snapchat is what influenced the stories feature for IG and Facebook. -
Vine
Vine was created in June of 2012. Vine allowed creators to make a short 6 second video. Increased social media influencer era. -
TikTok
Tiktok kicked off in 2016, allowing users to create and edit short videos ( some users have access to different time lengths). Tik tok plays a big role in social media platforms now being used as seach engines