The February 2016 social media trends reveal a change in the way that consumers are using social platforms. Not only are consumers exploring more niche social networks, but they are also engaging with the kinds of advertisements that are becoming increasingly common on different platforms.
While larger platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter remain popular among users, there is also a growing interest in niche social networks. Unlike mainstream platforms, these targeted social networks provide a more intimate space for like-minded individuals to connect. Some of these niche social platforms include fitness-focused photo apps, sports commentary platforms and female friend-finding networks.
Another major theme apparent among the February 2016 social media trends is the use of social platforms as an advertising tool. For example, athletic dress shirt brand Mizzen + Main used social media endorsements to grow the fan base for its products. Even bigger brands such as McDonald's have turned to platforms such as Instagram to advertise seasonal offerings and increase brand engagement.
Top 50 Social Media Ideas in February
From Live Podcasting Apps to Sports Commentary Platforms:
Katherine Pendrill — Feb 28, 2016 — Social Media
50
Female Friend-Finding Apps
The 'Hey! VINA' App Helps Women Expand Their Social Circle
49
Festive Fast Food Illustrations
McDonald's Organzied a Creative Instagram Feed for Christmas
48
Mobile Video-Editing Apps
The 'Vizmato' App Was Unveiled at CES 2016
47
Hilariously Photoshopped Model Shots
Kirby Jenner Includes Himself in Kendall's Fabulous Life
46
Underwater Social Adventures
Oris' Social Media Experience Takes Instagram Users Underwater
45
Athlete-Approved Shirt Campaigns
Mizzen + Main Uses Athlete Endorsements Instead of Big-Budget Ads
44
Sleep-Focused Social Accounts
This Bed Inspiration Instagram is Full of Alluring Sleepy Images
43
Convenient Cannabis Service Apps
Blazenow is a New App That Helps Users Find Dispensaries
42
Elderly Roommate-Finding Platforms
Room2Care is a Miami Sharing Economy Service for Eldercare
41
Competitor Selfie Apps
The Microsoft Selfie App is Developed for iOS Devices Instead of Windows
40
Slimmed-Down Chat Apps
The Peach Chat App Focuses On the Bare Chatting Essentials
39
Video Storytelling Apps
Andrew Jarecki's KnowMe App was Inspired by a Murderous Docu-Series
38
Relationship-Tracking Apps
The 'Tigli' App Helps Users Maintain Relationships Over Time
37
Exclusive Influencer Apps
Celebrities are Helping to Boost Twitter Moments with New Social Tools
36
Dating App Catwalk Livestreams
J.W.Anderson Will Livestream Its F/W 2016 Fashion Show on Grindr
35
Edible Social Media Logos
These Homemade Brownies are Transformed into the Instagram Logo
34
Online Job Profile Guides
This Infographic Shares Tips on Creating an Attractive LinkedIn Account
33
Social Media Font Generators
The Type to Design Creates Text Using Letter Posts from Instagram
32
Incognito Messaging Apps
The Blindspot App's Investors Include Nicki Minaj and Will.i.am
31
Connected Personal Shopping Services
This Service Recreates the Social Shopping Experience
30
Fitness-Focused Photo Apps
The 'GymSelfie' App Helps Consumers Visually Track Their Progress
29
Humorous Six-Second Commercials
These Six-Second Ads for Trident Feature Popular Vine Stars
28
Teen Festival Communities
The DigiTour Fan Club Shares Social Media and Music Festival Updates
27
Newsfeed-Free Social Networks
This New Social Media App Offers a Unique Way for Friends to Connect
26
Parking Spot-Locating Apps
JustPark is the Best Way to Find a Vacant Parking Spot in Europe
25
Personalized Digital Gift Wrap
The Burberry WeChat Account Was Launched Ahead of Lunar New Year
24
Dog Vacation-Planning Apps
DogVacay is a Platform for Canine Owners to Find Pet-Sitters
23
Digital Pop Star Communities
The Bieber Fever Fan Club is a Place for Beliebers to Connect Online
22
Dispensary-Connecting Platforms
GreenRush is a Mobile Platform Connecting Patients to Dispensaries
21
Video Clip-Sharing Apps
The Yarn App Moves Beyond Gifs to React With TV, Film & Music Video CLips
20
Safe Space Social Networks
Tutlub is a Nigerian-Based Platform Serving as a Safe Space for Muslims
19
Location-Based Photo Apps
IceCream's App Now Lets Users Discover Photos on Their Friends' Phones
18
Statistical Liking Apps
The BestBuddies Platform Shares Who the User's Top Instagram Likers Are
17
Roommate-Finding Platforms
The 'NestMates' App Makes It Easier to Find Compatible Roommates
16
Social Accountability Apps
Partners in Grind is a Matchmaking Platform for Self-Improvement
15
Inclusive Presidential Social Accounts
The White House Officially Launched its Own Snapchat Story
14
Pop Punk Fan Clubs
The All Time Low Fan Club Refers to Members as "Hustlers"
13
Sports Commentary Platforms
The 'Facebook Sports Stadium' Application Helps Fans Connect
12
Grandma-Centered Social Networks
The GaGa Sisterhood is a Community Social Network for Grandmas
11
Newsfeed-Bundling Apps
This App Bundles Different Social Media Feeds into One Central Hub
10
Livestreamed City Tours
'Play Melbourne Live' Provides a Peek at the City Through Periscope
9
Conversational Sports Platforms
Facebook's Sports Stadium Lets Users Discuss Athletic Games
8
Temporary Photo-Sharing Apps
The Upshot App Allows Users to Share Photos from Different Events
7
Shoppable Comedic TV Episodes
Bravo Launched 'The Lookbook' with 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'
6
Early Countdown Streaming Services
Netflix Offers an Advance New Year's Eve Countdown for Kids
5
Budget Baking Videos
This Shaquille O’Neal Celebrity Campaign Raises Money for Toys for Tots
4
Live Podcasting Apps
The ZCast App Lets Listeners & Followers Interact With Podcasts in Real Time
3
Charitable Video Features
YouTube is Introducing Donation Cards so Creators Can Give Back
2
Sporty Rapper Talk Shows
Adidas and Snoop Dogg Teamed Up to Create 'Coach Snoop's Turf'd Up'
1
Charitable Vertical Videos
'Donate the Bars' Makes Good Use of the Black Bars on a Video
Related Ideas
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Seasonal Phone Booth Activations
Spotify's Q4 is Calling Urges Brands to Start Holiday Advertising
Immersive Sports Fan Platforms
Sony's FavoriteSpace™ Caters to the Sports Fan Communities
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Mindful Athletic Brand Initiatives
Nike's 'Wellness Collective' Promotes 5 Key Wellness Pillars
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Curated Live Fashion Resale
Poshmark Launches Posh Party LIVE as a New Virtual Shopping Experience
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Social Media Analytics Tool
Track and Improve Social Media Growth with Hivehubai’s Analytics Tools
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Social Sports Applications
EA is Launching the EA Sports Social App on Web and Mobile
Podcast-Focused Commenting Features
Spotify Podcasts Now Support Comments to Enhance Interaction
Email Marketing Tracking Platforms
'Mailboard' Helps Marketers Track Competitors and More
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Interactive Influencer Features
YouTube's New 'Hype' Feature Allows Viewers to Share in Success
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
Personalized Podcast Platforms
The 'iListen' Platform Turns Articles into Audio Content
Connective Music Platforms
Musicat.fm Offers a Dynamic Community for Music Lovers
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Social Media Impact Studies
Instagram Allows COS to Conduct Mental Health Research
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
AI Social Media Management
From Discovery to Post Scheduling – Storefries Does it All
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Music-Based Fitness Apps
Feed.fm Highlights the Significant Role Music Plays for Fitness Apps
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Adventure-Focused Social Platforms
Outside Debuts an All-In-One Experience for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Relationship Management Apps
With LoveSpace, Couples Can Share Updates, Feelings, and Calendars
Teen-Protecting Social Media Features
Meta Expanded its 'Limit' and 'Restrict' Instagram Tools
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Musical Social Media Channels
Snipy is a Social Network for Musicians to Connect with One Another
Aesthetic Stock Platforms
Dupe Photos Offers Social Media-Style Imagery for Modern Brands
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Digital Fitness Professional Platforms
Sweatbase Offers a Comprehensive Experience
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Short Story Platforms
Drabble Offers a Platform to Showcase 100-Word Stories
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
MENA-Focused Influencer Platforms
Mitgo Group Debuts the Takefluence Platform for Content Creators
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Meaningful Connection Platforms
Livebeam Wants to Connect Like-minded People in an Online Space
Endurance Athlete-Specific Social Networks
Front Pack's New Social Network is on Its Website & App
Automated Social Media Posting
PosterGPT Uses AI to Post the Latest News Stories to Your Feed
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
Minimalist Social Media
Othrys Provides Social Media Optimized for Learning and Productivity
Social Rating Platforms
Rated is a Data-Driven Social Platform for Rating Media and More
Brand-Aligned Graphics
Bento Highlights Lets Users Craft Polished, Professional-Looking Graphics
Shareable In-App Streaming Players
TikTok is Integrating Spotify Music with its Platform
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Connective Foodie Apps
Letslicious is a Foodie Social Media App Connecting Likeminded People
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Palette Let's People Curate Their Likes However They Please
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Genuine Connection Platforms
Youmetalks Prioritizes Authentic Connection in a Digital Age
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
Newsletter-Finding Tools
Best Newsletters Helps Users Find Their Next Favorite Read
Music Updates Platforms
Music News Provides the Latest Updates on Industry Movements
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Design Showcase Platforms
todays.design Creates a Community of Artists Showing their Best Work
Supportive Fitness Tracking
SocialPump Offers Robust Tracking For Flexible Workout Plans
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
AI Podcast Transcribing
Podnotes Can Create Blogs, Summaries, and Social Posts for Podcasts
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Personalized Newsletter Briefings
Digest Aggregates News from Social Sites to Create Daily Updates
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Live Music Booking Apps
Gig App is an All-in-One Platforms for Artists and Venues
Musician-Connecting Platforms
BandMatch Helps People Discover Nearby Musicians to Create Bands
Interactive Challenge Platforms
Join and Witness Online Challenges in One Place, at Tigbar
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Self-Service Event Promotions
Industry Dive Adds Self-Service Offerings to Include Event Promotion
Social Media Dating Profiles
LikeLike Scans Your Instagram to Find Romantic Matches
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Long-Form Content Social Platforms
X Allows Premium+ Subscribers to Create Long-Form Articles
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Dynamic Online Music Communities
Hearit is a Vibrant Platform for Aspiring Artists
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Social Media Lead Generation
IgLeadGen Helps People Find and Target Leads for Business
Social-Based Pregnancy Tools
Peanut Introduces New Pregnancy Tracking Features for its Social Site
Updated Social Web Apps
Mastodon's New Update Streamlines Notifications and Posting Capabilities
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Social-Platform Live Sport Features
Threads is Rolling Out Live Sports Scores with the NBA
Dynamic Visual Communication Platforms
ConverStory Transforms Speech into Captivating Images
TV-Specific Pop Informants
COVER Emerges as the Essential App for TV Show Aficionados
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Creator-Focused Sales Platforms
The Leap by Thinkific Helps Sell Digital Products on Social
Automated Social Media Creation
Postlyy Helps People Effortlessly Manage Their Socials
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Fitness Social Networks
Uni-Train Provides Tools for Fitness Instructors to Promote Their Services
Niche Interest Ads
Interest Navigator Uncovers Interests That are Hidden from Most Advertisers
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it
Online Trivia Platforms
Masters of Trivia Offers a New Take With a Diverse Array of Topics