The History of Social Media

  • SixDegrees.com

    SixDegrees.com

    The first social media site launches. You could create profile pages, create connections, and send messages.
  • Aol Instant Messenger

    Aol Instant Messenger

    Aol launched it's instant messenger and changed the game of email.
  • Skype

    Skype

    In 2003, Skype launches it's instant messaging and video call services.
  • Myspace Launches

    Myspace Launches

    Myspace launches where people can create their own profiles and connect with their friends.
  • Facebook

    Facebook

    Facebook launches and changes the face of social media.
  • Youtube

    Youtube

    In 2005, Youtube was created and allowed people to create and upload videos to the platform and stream content from other creators.
  • Twitter

    Twitter

    In 2006, Twitter finally took flight and has developed into one of the most used social media platforms today.
  • Youtube's Partnership Program

    Youtube's Partnership Program

    In 2007, Youtube introduced it's partnership program where it allowed it's creators to receive payments for having advertisements on their videos.
  • Tumblr

    Tumblr

    Also in 2007, Tumblr launched. Tumblr is a popular microblogging and social networking website similar to Twitter.
  • Hashtag

    Hashtag

    In 2007, the hashtag arrives and helps raise awareness to certain political issues.
  • Farmville

    Farmville

    In 2009, games such as Farmville linked to Facebook and you could invite people to play the game. The addictive social game eventually made TIME magazine’s list of the world’s worst inventions.
  • Grindr

    Grindr

    In 2009, Grindr launches allowing gay and bi men to connect virtually.
  • Pinterest

    Pinterest

    In 2010, Pinterest launches. Pinterest is a visual discovery engine for finding ideas such as hair inspiration, home decor, recipes and so much more. You can create boards and pin certain posts that interest you.
  • Instagram

    Instagram

    The photo/video sharing platform launches in 2010 and allows people to connect and share posts.
  • Quora

    Quora

    Also in 2010, the question and answer platform, Quora, launches.
  • Snapchat

    Snapchat

    In 2011, Snapchat rebranded and created a new platform that allows the send and receiving of photos and videos that disappear in a matter of seconds.
  • Tinder

    Tinder

    In 2012, Tinder, a popular dating app launches and changes the face of online dating by swiping left and right on people you find attractive.
  • Facebook's one billion

    Facebook's one billion

    In 2012, Facebook celebrated one billion users! The app has since gained more than 2.9 billion users.
  • Vine

    Vine

    In 2013, Vine, a video sharing service. launches and became widely used.
  • Musically

    Musically

    Musically launches in 2014. Musically was a lip-sycing app that gained a lot of traffic.
  • Instagram Stories

    Instagram Stories

    In 2016, Instagram introduces stories to the platform where you can post photos or videos that stay for 24 hours only.
  • TikTok

    TikTok

    TikTok launches in 2017 is similar to platforms Vine and Musically.
  • Musically Shuts Down

    Musically Shuts Down

    In 2018, Musically shuts down and many migrate over to TikTok,
  • IGTV

    IGTV

    In 2018, Instagram launches IGTV and it allows for it's user to post longer videos.
  • Zoom

    Zoom

    Zoom launches in 2011, but it wasn't until the pandemic in 2020 where people used the platform to video call, host conference calls, or hold classes virtually.
  • TikTok is the most downloaded app

    TikTok is the most downloaded app

    In 2021, TikTok was the most downloaded app due to the pandemic as people were looking for things to do!