Since 2017 we’ve published five lists of new social networks — 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Here is our all-new installment for 2024. There are microblogging platforms for text, video, audio, and images. There are decentralized social networks, live-streaming platforms, AI-assisted networks, ad-free apps, and location-based apps to track and meet up with contacts. Some of the platforms are in beta.
Instagram Threads
Instagram Threads is an app for sharing stories and conversations. Create posts up to 500 characters with the option to include links, photos, carousels, and videos up to five minutes long. Then share to Instagram Stories or direct messages — and control who can reply.
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Kick
Kick
Kick is a live-streaming app similar to Twitch. Users broadcast content in real-time, interacting with followers through chat and other features. To stream on Kick, users create an account and set up streaming software such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs. Kick has an incentive program that compensates creators with revenue per individual stream. Since its launch in early 2024, Kick says it has paid over $17 million to more than 2,000 creators.
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Gowalla
Gowalla
Gowalla is a location-based social networking app that tracks users’ actions in the real world. Post updates privately to your network on your location and activities. Send messages, make plans, and leave reactions in direct and group threads. Find interesting places to visit. Gowalla launched in 2007, closed in 2012, and relaunched in March 2023.
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Bluesky
Bluesky
Bluesky is a decentralized microblogging platform on the AT Protocol, an open-source toolbox for building social apps that can talk to each other. Bluesky aims to function like the early days of the web when anyone could put up a blog or subscribe to others via an RSS feed.
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Jagat
Jagat
Jagat is a social network for friends and family. Engage in real-time connections with location sharing and interactive features. Follow real-time locations and share with your network. See activities on a footprint map and from the past 30 days.
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Noplace
Noplace
Noplace is a colorful social platform of ads and algorithms. Targeted at teens and Gen Zs, it seeks to bring back a fun and organic MySpace-like experience. Gain levels, earn badges, make friends, and use the customizable profile to share your mood and what you’re gaming, streaming, reading, and more.
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Airchat
Airchat
Airchat is an audio-based social network featuring a push-to-talk, voice-first public messenger that uses AI to generate transcripts. Users have tools to moderate behavior on their content.
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Lemon8
Lemon8
Lemon8, owned by TikTok parent ByteDance, is a video and photo-sharing app and blogging platform. The content centers on fashion, makeup, food, travel, gadgets, pets, and related. It provides a variety of templates, filters, stickers, and fonts to help creators. Lemon8 launched in Japan in 2020 and the U.K. and U.S. in 2023.
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RTRO
RTRO
RTRO is a social networking app that connects brands, creators, and followers in a positive, nontoxic environment. RTRO focuses on connections and communities rather than ads or algorithm-driven content. Users can connect with friends and family or see content from creators and brands in their own space. Discover retro postcards, retro Polaroids, filters, and mixtapes.
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Damus
Damus
Damus is a decentralized social media platform built on Nostr, the open and decentralized social networking protocol. Messages are distributed via decentralized, encrypted relays. Damus users can run their own microblogging platform for friends or a business.
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Cara
Cara
Cara is a social media and portfolio platform that connects artists with clients, fans, and industry peers. Cara filters out generative AI images to find authentic creatives and artwork easily.
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Substack Notes
Substack Notes
Substack Notes, launched in 2023, is a microblogging feature that enables writers and users to post short-form content and share ideas. Notes allows users to recommend anything via posts, quotes, comments, images, and links.
