The story of the 21st century is the story of online social networking, and this collection of social media innovations is a fascinating look at how the world’s fastest growing phenomenon is rapidly changing the face of business, pop culture and day-to-day human interaction.
With over 500 million people around the world now using Facebook and with businesses flocking to utilities like Twitter to interact with their customers, the age of social media innovations has given way to some surprising new products and services. From facilitating protests and civil disobedience, to allowing consumers to play a bigger role in determining the paths of their favorite companies and products, online communities afford users an unparalleled number of ways to shape the world around them while also sharing their experiences with their peers. And as consumers flock to social media platforms, so too must businesses scramble to follow them.
Indeed when it comes to social media innovations, the future is undoubtedly an adapt-or-die situation.
98 Social Media Innovations
97
Geeky Facebook Avatars
Ashley Hay Gives the Default Facebook Photo a Reboot
96
Social Media Workspaces
Scott Brigg Designs the New Google London Headquarters
95
Social Media Cushions
Craftsquatch Creates a New Line of Adorable Internet Pillows
94
Social Media Artvertising
Create Your Own Ad with the AmEx Canvas Contest
93
Religious Rebranding
Artist Yulia Bakhtiozina Converts Popular Brand Packaging
92
Personified Website Stereotypes
The Social Media Class of 2011 is the Web's Pop Culture Prequel
91
Social Mediamobiles
The Porsche Facebook Edition is Something You'll Definitely 'Like'
90
Social Media Sacrifices
Celebs Offer Up Their Digital Lives for the Buy Life Campaign
89
Social Media Shoes
The Adidas Facebook & Twitter Shoes Bring New Meaning to Follow Friday
88
Social Media Photo Wars
The Sony NEX-5 Profile Hero Competition Lets You Get Creative
87
Social Media Printing
Social Print Studio Lets You Bring Your Online Experience To Life
86
Custom Facebook Books
The EgoBook Allows you to Reminisce Over Status Updates
85
Gruesome Facebook Likes
31st Oporto International Film Festival Poster is Bloody Good
84
Social Media Tombstones
Tweet & Share with the Dead Using the E-Tomb
83
Social Media Body Art
T-Pain Gets a Facebook-Themed Tattoo
82
Status Update T-Shirts
Share & Wear Your Status With the UpdateMeTee Shirt
81
Social Media Food Spoofs
This New KFC Ad is a Familiarly Funny Way to "Like" Your Meal
80
Fake Chinese Facebooks
Social Networks in China Mimic Facebook in the Void Left by Censorship
79
Singles Status-Stalking Apps
The Breakup Notifier Takes Facebook Creeping to a Whole New Level
78
Enlightening Social Media Fixtures
The Twitter Ball by Sarah Turner is an Eco-Conscious & Recycled
77
Social Media Artvertising Campaigns (UPDATE)
Trend Hunter to Compete in AmEx Canvas Contest
76
Judgmental Social Media Marking
Facebook Like & Dislike Stamps Make Paperwork Fun
75
Social Media Marijuana Support
Legalizing Pot in California is Backed by Facebook Employees
74
Social Media Frocks
The Facebook Dress is Sure to Get You Poked Anywhere You Go
73
Social Video Conversations
Become an Internet Television Star Through the VYou Website
72
Social Media Friend Maps
Facebook Map Highlights the World's Relationships
71
Face-Infiltrated Profiles
The Facebook Profile Picture Hack Lets Your Photo Take Over
70
Vivacious Online Personalities
Sexy Nerd Girl is a Fascinating Interactive Social Media Narrative
69
Social Media Druggies
Monica Gebruikt Tries to Get Addicted to Facebook Instead of Drugs
68
Medical Social Media Art
Anne Van Den Berg Sketches Insightful Illustrations
67
Twitterific Cushions
These Anony Tweet Pillows are for the Chirpy Tweeps
66
Social Media Coffee Gifts
The Starbucks Card eGift Program is for Any Occasion
65
Retro Social Media Promos
This Linkedin and Fedex Promo is Comically Redolent of the 80s
64
Social Media Glamorizing
The Shockblast Layout Awesomizes Your Facebook Profile Page
63
Social Media Memoirs
The Facebook Book by Perfect Fools Preserves Your Online Persona
62
Social Networking Phones
The HTC Chacha and Salsa Fulfill all your Networking Needs
61
Democratic Design Stores
StyleFactory Furniture Website Brings Consumer Choice to the Table
60
Online Gossip Creators
The 180 Amsterdam Rumour Generator is Full of Juicy Secrets
59
DIY Luxury Auto Designs
The BMW EDIZONE Contest is to be Hosted on Facebook
58
Interactive Exercise Apps
'Git Fit' for iPhone Turns Working Out into Social Networking
57
Anti-Drunk Applications
The Social Media Sobriety Test Saves You From Embarrassment
56
Social Media Slugfests
UFC Facebook Streaming Offers Sidestep TV to Bring Fights to Fans
55
Personal Social Media Stories
Facebook Sponsored Stories Turn Your Updates into Advertising
54
Personalized Social Media Profiles
The Schweppes Facebook Application Makes Customization Easy
53
Social Media Alarm Clocks
The Alarm App Tweets and Facebooks Your Morning Wake-Up
52
Time-Saving Toolbars
The Microsoft Bing Bar 7 Puts Information at the Forefront
51
Astrological Twitter Reactions
The Ophiuchus Zodiac Change Reverberates Through Social Media
50
Social Media Smartphones
The INQ Facebook Phone Optimizes Online Interaction
49
Social Media Business Buttons
LinkedIn Share Button Just Launched for Social Connectivity
48
Social Media Archival Sites
Ninuku Archivist Saves All of Your Precious Facebook Posts & Updates
47
Social Media Speeches
The 2011 State of the Union Address Was More Wired than Ever
46
Social Media Posters
Make Your Own Facebook Canvas With Social Artworks
45
Facebook Page Celebrations
Disney Facebook Likes Hit a Whopping 100 Million Clicks
44
Social Media Baby Names
The Facebook Baby is Named After the Social Network
43
Digital Loyalty Points
Aneace Haddad Creates Loyalty Program via Taggo for Consumers
42
Photo-Sharing Services
The Picplz App Offers Cool Photo Filters from Your Smartphone
41
Virtual Internships
Toolwire Learning Environments Boast the First-Ever Online Interns
40
Powerful Political Protest Videos
This Egyptian Protest Viral Peers Inside the Country's Unrest
39
Facebook Movie Parodies
The 'Social Network Parody' Makes Fun of Mark Zuckerberg
38
Social Networking Search Engines
Google 'Plus One' is Rumored to Rival Facebook
37
Inquisitive Interactive Apps
Facto Me Reveals Facts and Secrets to Social Networks
36
Social Cooking Sites
The Foodily Recipe Network Makes Cooking at Home an Online Social Experience
35
Social Media SIM Cards
Facebook for SIM Gives Keeps Feature Phone Users Connected
34
TV Show-Identifying Apps
Share What You're Watching on TV With the IntoNow iPhone App
33
Facebook Memoirs
Watch a Man's Life Transpire Through Facebook's Interface
32
Social Media Facial Recognition
Facebook's Latest Feature Will Auto-Tag Your Photos
31
Facebook Newspapers
This PostPost App is a Real-Time Social Newspaper from Your FB Networks
30
Food-Finding Websites
Foodily Brings People Together Through Food and Facebook
29
Social Media Stalking Apps
The New Loopt App Creeps Your Facebook Friends for You
28
Home Exchange Websites
Luxe Home Swap Uses Social Media to Connect Travelers
27
Muppet Late-Night Show Hosts
The Cookie Monster SNL Audition is 100 Percent Serious
26
Virtual Twitter Gifts
Gift a Follower to Your Most Loyal Tweep and Say Thank You
25
Social Media Merchandising
The JCPenny Shop on Facebook Brings Retail to Online Reticulation
24
Social Media Videojournalism
Egypt: A Nation Forced Offline Delivers a Profound Viral Message
23
Social Media Security Upgrades
Facebook Secure Connections and Social Captchas are Positive Steps
22
Social Media Conversation Starters
Chat With Like-Minded Individuals With AnybodyOutThere
21
Social Media Musician Finders
The Tweetlouder App Finds Your Favorite Bands for You
20
Social Runvertising
'Unleash Your Run' by Nike Treads the Streets of Paris
19
Champagne Cheers Apps
The Ikea Skal! App Lets You Share Your Simulated Toast
18
Social Media Governing
The New CIA Website Incorporates User-Friendly Web 2.0 Media
17
Free Facebook Flights
Seven Major Airlines Team Up to Provide Free In-Flight Facebook for February
16
Status-Changing Commercials
This 'Update the Rainbow' Facebook App Updates Your Posts for You
15
Mutant Movie Trailers
The Wait is Over for the Official X-Men: First Class Trailer
14
Hovering Social Media Extensions
The Google Chrome Cortex Makes Sharing Better and Faster
13
Braille Avatars
This Baoxin Li Technology Could Unlock Digital Social Media Images for the Blind
12
Social Media Web Browsers
The RockMelt Web Browser Puts Friends First
11
Social Media Tablets
Fuugo brings Television, Mobile TV and Internet TV Together
10
Social City-Planning Games
Zynga Cityville is a New Vice for Farmville Addicts on Facebook
9
Online Activism Initiatives
The Gap Facebook Campaign Aims to Donate $1 for Every Like
8
Online Military Mandates
The U.S. Army Social Media Handbook Governs Internet Policies
7
Social Media Donation Services (UPDATE)
Twitpay is an Charitable Online Payment Platform
6
Social Media Recorders
TinyVox iPhone App is the Social Tape Deck for Your iPhone
5
Voicemail Tweeting
Egypt's Twitter by Voicemail Translates 140 Characters
4
Crowdsourced Twitter Songs
Juan Zelada Uses Twitter Confessions to Inspire Music
3
Social Media Sacrifices
Mark Zuckerberg Plans to Shut Down Facebook for Earth Hour
2
Social Media Histories
JESS3 Educates on the State of Wikiepedia
1
Social Media Cyborgs
Joseph Tame Plans to Broadcast his Tokyo Marathon Run via an iRig
Related Ideas
AI Comic Story Tools
Story Diffusion Empowers Users to Explore Their Creative Potential
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Revolutionary Social Networking Platforms
Soei aims to contribute value to the Global Community
Fandom-Friendly Campaigns
WhatsApp & Netflix Unite for a Squid Game Fandom Celebration
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Next-Gen News Apps
Shades is a News and Culture App for Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Social Movement Medals
The Openness Medal by Samsung Invites Gen Z to Share Challenges
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
Comprehensive AI Social Tools
Stunning AI Streamline Blogs, Social, and Marketing Efforts
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Trend Prediction Services
Tagwalk Revolutionizes Fashion Forecasting with a New AI Dashboard
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
Social Gratitude Platforms
Kevin Brilliant Debuts the Take The Win™ Platform
Creative Text-to-Infographic Tools
Infography Converts Blog Posts to Artistic Infographics
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Social Media Analytics Tool
Track and Improve Social Media Growth with Hivehubai’s Analytics Tools
Custom Inspirational Quotes
Muse Combines Quotes with Creative Themes for Social Media
Meetup-Encouraging Social Networks
The 'Mozi' Private Social Network Facilitates IRL Meetings
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 Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Simplified Content Creation
FastContent Generates Daily Social Media Posts with Just One Click
Collaborative Digital Coffee Campaigns
illy Launches its Digital Content Series 'Coffee Break'
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Community Engagement Platforms
Dmany Builds Loyal Communities to Fuel Growth and Success
AI Storytelling Platforms
Story.com Combines AI with Creativity for Limitless Possibilities
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Social Post Organizers
Users Save and Organize LinkedIN Posts into Collections with Coolify
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Connective Music Platforms
Musicat.fm Offers a Dynamic Community for Music Lovers
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Inspiring Productivity Apps
Every Day Matters with Timeline - 17 and Its Unique Features
AI Search Engines
OSO AI Scans Text Across the Expanse of the Internet
AI Social Media Management
From Discovery to Post Scheduling – Storefries Does it All
Content Repurposing Tools
Swift Share Converts Blogs into Shareable Social Media Posts in Seconds
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Global Storytelling Initatives
Vans Announces its Narrative-Centric Always Pushing Campaign
Professional Networking Tools
Boardy Builds Connections Through Personalized Introductions
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
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Social Media-Inspired Merch Ranges
The X Merch Collection Includes Two Styles
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Collaborative Social Networks
Peatch Makes it Easier for People to Connect and Work Together
Influencer Management Tools
Ogilvy Offers a Safety and Risk Management Tool for Marketing Brands
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
AI Academic Organization Tools
Storyline Smith Streamlines Study Notes Using AI Technology
Gen Z Whitepapers
Wondershare Filmora Has Published Its First Whitepaper Titled 'Gen Z in Action'
AI Social Media Generators
Snowball FATG Can Help Create Viral Social Moments in Seconds
Visually Immersive Global News
Newsflask Offers a New Perspective on Current Events
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
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
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Minimalist Social Media
Othrys Provides Social Media Optimized for Learning and Productivity
Engaging Customer Conversion Tools
FacePop Humanizes Customer Interactions Through Video
Social Rating Platforms
Rated is a Data-Driven Social Platform for Rating Media and More
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
AI Editorial-Powered Insights
AskNews Aims to Redefine How Audiences Engage with News
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
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
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
Inclusive Women's Health Forums
The Online Health Community Offers Topic-Specific Connection
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Intimate Social Media Websites
Bubbl Widget Builds a Small Online Community of Close Friends
Design Showcase Platforms
todays.design Creates a Community of Artists Showing their Best Work
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Digital Student Opportunities
Campus Connect Links Students to Tailored Opportunities Worldwide
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Daily History Reminders
Today in History Offers a Fascinating Glimpse into Past Historical Events
Personalized Newsletter Briefings
Digest Aggregates News from Social Sites to Create Daily Updates
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
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
Privacy-Conscious Tools
The Fediverse Share Button is Designed to Enhance Content Sharing
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
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
Daily Fun Facts
Curiosity of the Day Offers Bite-Sized Insights to Spark Interest
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Hacker News Insights
Hacker Search Bridges the Gap Between Anecdotal Evidence and Expert Knowledge
Daily Inspirational Quotes
Models of Life Offers Real, Inspirational Quotes and Narratives
Social Proof Enhancement Tools
Proofify Boosts Businesses with Compelling Content and Reviews
Invite-Only Family Memory Hubs
Kinnect Unveils its New and Enhanced Mobile Application
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Chat Customer Support
With Digital Connect, Companies Can Streamline Their Customer Interactions
Censorship-Combatting Social Media Campaigns
Operation Retweet Uses AI-Generated Avatars
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Social Media Lead Generation
IgLeadGen Helps People Find and Target Leads for Business
Updated Social Web Apps
Mastodon's New Update Streamlines Notifications and Posting Capabilities
Social-Platform Live Sport Features
Threads is Rolling Out Live Sports Scores with the NBA
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
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
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Randomly Generated Social Feeds
Roul8 is a Social Media Platform Filled with Surprise
Automated Social Media Creation
Postlyy Helps People Effortlessly Manage Their Socials
Creativity-Focused Online Networks
NOCK is an Online Network for Creatives to Collaborate
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Collaborative Insights Sharing
Collabwriting Empowers Teams to Collect and Share Across the Web
Robust Link Management
Biofy.io 2.0 Offers Endless Possibilities for Links, QR Codes, and AI Chats
Instant Summarization Apps
SaveDay Empowers Users to Engage Deeply with Content
Niche Interest Ads
Interest Navigator Uncovers Interests That are Hidden from Most Advertisers
Unconventional Daily Calendars
With Calendiary, Users are Encouraged to Share Their Personal Story
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