New Social Media Platforms You’ve Never Heard Of

When you hear the term “social media,” you probably think of all the big names—Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, and maybe even Pinterest. But did you know that there are actually hundreds of social media platforms available to you?

Most of them probably won’t become big names like the ones listed above, however, if your job requires you to specialize in social media, audience growth, online engagement, or any type of marketing, really—or if your company’s audience includes Millennials and Gen-Zs, then you should probably keep tabs on what is out there.

Here's a list of some relatively new social media platforms that you’ve probably never heard of, but may want to check out:

Anchor

Anchor boasts that it’s “The easiest way to make a podcast. Ever.” Users can record podcasts and distribute them to all major platforms. You can also collect voice messages from listeners and add their questions and submissions to your next episode. In addition, the app includes software to help you track how many people listen to each episode and which segment receives the most plays.

Amazon Spark

Amazon Prime members now have access to a social network just for them. Download the app and select five or more interests to follow. Then, enjoy personalized content from other Amazon shoppers, including images and stories featuring products that you can purchase. You can shop directly from your feed, or interact with other shoppers by commenting or “smiling” on their posts.

Google My Business

This app, created by Google of course, allows businesses to connect with their customers, respond to reviews, and see followers. You can even receive instant notifications when a customer connects with your business on Google and edit your Google business profile in real-time. Users can follow you in Google Maps and receive news such as events, offers and updates about your business.

TikTok

You may not have heard of it yet, but TikTok is actually more popular than Facebook and Instagram in the app stores right now. It is a mix between the former apps Vine and Musical.ly, and gives users the ability to create short, repeating videos that you can add effects, filters, text and music to. Challenges are popular in the app and can be searched via hashtags. Jimmy Fallon even created his own #TumbleweedChallenge late last year and encouraged his viewers to join in on the fun. Publishing, entertainment and fashion companies are beginning to use the app for marketing purposes, but as the platform grows, more industries may join in on the game.

Lasso by Facebook

Facebook launched Lasso in 2018 to compete with TikTok and offers the same features. It is the social networking company’s attempt at attracting younger audiences who gravitate toward video content.

Caffeine

Caffeine.tv gives users the ability to create live broadcasts and share them with followers. Users who create engaging broadcasts and earn subsequent high views or subscriptions are rewarded monetarily. 21st Century Fox is the app’s biggest investor and used the platform to broadcast the 2019 X Games in Aspen. If your company fits into the live-streaming marketing niche, then this might be a great place for you to try out new strategies and content.

Facebook for Creators

The social media giant has created a new app specifically geared towards video creators. Facebook for Creators fosters better videos, provides insights and helps you connect with your fans. You can see and respond to comments from Facebook, Instagram and Messenger; and share content to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Mastodon.social

Questionable ethical decisions by the social media giants has been in the news a lot lately, and Mastodon.social is here to provide users with a more honest social space. The app is an alternative to Twitter, where users can engage in real-time conversations through posts of 500 characters or less. However, unlike Twitter and other networks, there is no advertising, data mining or private areas.

Remember, you don’t need to be active on all of these platforms. But it is smart to keep an eye on them if your audience hangs out there.