10 Rising Social Networks You Should Explore

Had enough of Facebook and Twitter? It may be time to switch up your go-to social network.

With the daily explosion of startups, there are plenty of new social media tools popping up. These newer platforms could be working on the next big thing, so you'll want to keep an eye out.

1. Secret

Secret offers a platform for users to share their feelings and thoughts anonymously. All secrets come from Facebook friends or people in your contacts, without you knowing who they are.

The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

• 2. Shots

  

  Addicted to taking selfies? This app was designed for you. Shots is a mobile social network through which you can snap and share selfies. You can reply to any given Shot, and also send private messages.

  The app is only available for iOS, but will be launching an Android version soon.

  IMAGE: SCREENSHOT SHOTS

• 3. Snapchat

  

  Snapchat is a popular mobile platform that allows you to share photos and videos with others. You can set a time limit for how long your viewers can see your snaps before they disappear. You can also create Stories, or a series of snaps that form a narrative, and use a variety of features for customization.

  Snapchat is available for both Android and iOS devices.

  IMAGE: SCREENSHOT SNAPCHAT

• 4. WeChat

  

  WeChat is a mobile text and voice messaging service. In addition to making free calls, you can share videos and photos (or "Moments"), create group chats, and find new people nearby.

  The app is available for Android, iOS and several other devices.

• • 5. We Heart It

    

    Think of this as a younger and artsier version of Pinterest. Instead of pin boards, the app has "canvases" and "collections." Users can "heart" and tag others users in photos.

    We Heart It is available for both Android and iOS devices.

    IMAGE: SCREENSHOT WE HEART IT

  • 6. Tinder

    

    While not exactly a social network, Tinder is a mobile dating app that pulls your photo and basic info from your Facebook account. Users can swipe "yes" or "no" to potential matches who are nearby. If the feeling is mutual, people can chat within the app.

    Tinder is available for both Android and iOS devices.

    IMAGE: SCREENSHOT TINDER

  • 7. Medium

    

    Medium is a microblogging platform that launched in 2012, created by Evan Williams and Biz Stone (formerly of Twitter). If you want to publish stories or ideas, you may want to consider using Medium. Users can also recommend stories with their networks and curate their favorites.

    IMAGE: SCREENSHOT MEDIUM

  • 8. Vine

    

    Seven months after Twitter acquired Vine, the video sharing service made its way up the charts. The fun app allows you to shoot and share six-second looped videos.

    Vine is available for both Android and iOS devices.

    IMAGE: SCREENSHOT VINE

  • 9. Bubblews

    

    Bubblews, a social networking startup, allows users to create posts (aka "bubbles"), follow friends, and "like" and comment on other bubbles. It differs from other social networks because the company pays its users who attract advertisers and traffic. Currently, Bubblews does not have a mobile app.

    IMAGE: SCREENSHOT BUBBLEWS

  • 10. Whisper

    

    Whisper is another social media platform that allows people to anonymously share secrets. With Whisper, you can send anonymous direct messages and ask others for advice, or just chat.

    The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Posted in: Social Media