What type of social media that allow you to connect with other people with the same interests?

What type of social media that allow you to connect with other people with the same interests?

The world of social media is an ever-evolving beast, so it helps to get an update on the current state of affairs from time to time. Here are the six primary categories of social media as of 2020, each with their own unique characteristics and marketing strengths.

Social Networks

When most people think of social media, they tend to imagine social networking sites. A social networking site is a platform that allows people from similar backgrounds or with similar interests to connect online. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the top three social network platforms for the time being, though 2020 may be a pivotal year for several new contenders in the market. 

Social News

Social news sites are aggregators that allow users to post news links to external sites, on which other users can then vote submissions up or down in a way that affects their overall exposure. In practice, this means that links with the highest number of votes are the most prominently displayed.

Reddit is an excellent example of a social news platform that has weathered the ages. Members of the reddit platform submit content like links, text posts or images, organized into separate, user-created boards called “subreddits.” As of 2019, the site ranked as the fifth most visited website in the US.

Microblogging

Microblogging platforms are sites that allow users to post short written entries, which can include links to product and service sites, or links to other social media platforms. Microblogging sites typically build a “wall” or “newsfeed” to allow for specific sharing with followers.

The most well-known microblogging platform is Twitter, with more than 321 million monthly active users. The first tweet was sent in March 2006, when co-founder Jack Dorsey posted “just setting up my twttr.”

Bookmarking Sites

Bookmarking sites are used to save and organize links from the internet’s plethora of online resources and websites. These sites typically allow users to “tag” or categorize these links, making it easier to share with specific groups of followers.

Pinterest is a great example of a hugely successful bookmarking site, with more than 300 million active monthly users, though Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann has described the site as more of a “catalogue of ideas” than a social network.

Media Sharing

Media sharing platforms allow users to share a range of media online; in practice, images and video dominate these sites. YouTube has been one of the world’s most well-known media sharing platforms since its launch in 2005. In 2019, more than 500 hours of video content were being uploaded to the platform every minute.

Community Blogs

Oftentimes, sharing a core message online without maintaining a self-hosted website or outlet is more than enough for a brand. This is where community blogging platforms can provide an essential service, and help communicators reach audiences with minimal fuss.

Some examples of community blogs include Medium, a relatively new online publishing platform dedicated to so-called “social journalism,” and Tumblr, a microblogging platform designed for the sharing of multimedia and short-form blogging.

As with all things in the digital marketing market, the realm of social media shifts and changes by the day. This list may look completely different a year from now.


Ronn Torossian is the CEO and Founder of 5W Public Relations. 5W PR is a leading digital pr and influencer marketing agency.

Whether you move to a new town, start a hobby, enter a new phase of life, or just want to make new friends, the web makes it easy to connect with people who share similar passions.

Connecting with new people can help you get more out of life. You'll have a larger support network that can appreciate your trials and victories. Additionally, if your hobbies include staying in shape or eating well, surrounding yourself with others who want to do the same is a great motivator.

Here are seven sites and apps, from online groups for shared interests to hobby apps, that help you connect with people with the same interests.

1. MeetUp (Web, iOS, Android)

"Find your people" is Meetup's slogan, and the site delivers on this promise. It connects you with others who enjoy your interests by letting you search for groups or events within five miles of your location using any of the site's categories or your own terms.

This common interests website and its mobile app also let you start your own new group. While it's free to create an account and join existing communities, organizing your own meetups comes with fees. There are currently three Meetup pricing plans.

Costs vary by location, but a basic monthly subscription is around $15 to $24. A six-month plan is $10 to $17. Then, there’s Meetup Pro at $30+ per month. You can also ask members to contribute annually or chip in what they can to support the group.

Download: Meetup for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Vingle (Web, iOS, Android)

Vingle Video Games Interest Members

If you just want someone to talk to at any given time without necessarily meeting up, Vingle is a great option. When you join the platform, you choose as many interests as you want. Then, your news feed brings up relevant posts and members you can interact with.

It’s a social network, but one focused on connecting like-minded people. The fact that it’s completely free makes it a gem among online groups for shared interests. Chatting or getting advice about your favorite hobbies could not be easier.

The top social media apps and sites are fun and rich in different experiences, but they don’t always inspire the level of connection some users want. That’s the gap in the market that tools like Vingle are here to fill.

Download: Vingle for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Patook (Web, iOS, Android)

Patook App Features

Another free platform popular for people wanting to make friends is Patook. You can access it through your phone or browser to start and build platonic relationships based on common interests.

Patook works like a dating app. Its algorithm uses a point system, ratings, and other factors to match similar individuals, who can then reach out to each other. There’s also a beacon feature that lets you interact or meet up with users near your location.

Download: Patook for iOS | Android (Free)

4. We3 (iOS, Android)

Today, there are more apps than sites that allow you to connect with other people with the same interests. Like Patook, We3 also follows a platonic recipe, matching users as friends and not dates.

Based on your detailed and private profile, We3’s intelligent algorithm puts you in “tribes” of three. From there, it’s up to you to chat, share, plan, or even leave a group you’re not happy with. A smart and simple system to meet new people.

If groups of three feel restricting, however, there are ways to work around it. Once you get to know enough people, you could move the conversation to WhatsApp or even a real outing. What We3 and other such apps offer is a safe environment to break the ice and inspire future fun activities.

Download: We3 for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Bumble BFF (iOS, Android)

There really are loads of online groups for shared interests, especially mobile platforms. Bumble has set itself apart from the dating app competition by creating a friend-matching version of its service.

All you do is download the Bumble app and fill in your details, hobbies, ambitions, and so on. Then, use the BFF mode to find people you’re likely to get along with. Whether you want to chat or hang out, the app has you covered.

Be aware of dating app privacy risks, however, and how to protect yourself from them. As efficient as Bumble is, it can still be vulnerable to hackers and its own mistakes. Keep this factor in mind when exploring all of these online tools.

Download: Bumble for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

6. MeetMe (iOS, Android)

Not all social apps turn out to be good for just making friends, but those that do make a difference. Part of The Meet Group, MeetMe is another tool to keep in mind when looking for new people to add to your circles, whether they’re drinking buddies or online hobby groups.

The range of options available on MeetMe, including filters and tags, means that you can really narrow down your matches. You can also be extra specific on your profile about what you’re looking for. This way you can immediately get off on the right foot.

Download: MeetMe for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

7. Hobify (iOS, Android)

If you want even more engaging conversations, it might be worth focusing your search for online tools for specific hobbies instead of general social platforms. Hobify, for example, invites skilled people to promote their talents, as well as socialize about them.

You can hire all kinds of local professionals, from sign language interpreters to parkour athletes. At the same time, you can chat about your passions, get advice, and discover new experiences to enjoy with like-minded people.

Having fun while socializing takes interactions to the next level. Develop or pick up new creative hobbies for adults that can improve happiness, like gardening or photography. Then, invite a Hobify friend to a nature walk, for example, so you can take pictures and get to know each other better.

Download: Hobify for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

Ready, Set, Make Friends!

With so many online groups for shared interests available, from websites to apps, you can meet people even while staying at home. So, get online, find some new groups to connect with, and plan awesome activities for you and your new pals.

Are you a group of dancers, actors, or amateur sleuths? Whatever the common ground, there’s plenty to do. Even if you can’t meet in person, the internet is full of great bonding opportunities to enjoy.

What are the media that connect to the other people?

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook were created to universally connect us. These applications are an excellent way to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. While it's well known that social media platforms can divide us, it has also given us an opportunity to make connections with others.

How does social media connect people together?

Social media provides a platform for old friends or family to connect. People with family across the world or friends who they have not seen in a long time can see what they are up to on social media. This aids people in staying up to date on each other's lives and maintaining communication between each other.

What type of website allows users to interact and collaborate through social media?

A Web 2.0 website allows users to interact and collaborate with each other through social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community. This contrasts the first generation of Web 1.0-era websites where people were limited to viewing content in a passive manner.

How can you use social media to communicate with others?

8 Practical Tips For Effective Communication on Social Media.
Learn how each medium works. ... .
Learn the norms of professional communication online. ... .
Respond and acknowledge if someone has written to you. ... .
Avoid chat language, especially in formal communication. ... .
Use Whatsapp properly..