(updated February 10, 2025)
Suggested citation: Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2024). Most Popular Social Media Apps. Cyberbullying Research Center. https://cyberbullying.org/most-popular-social-media-apps
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4chan was created in 2003, and is still active with 22 million monthly users (updated September 2024). This free app allows users to post anonymously on an imageboard website. The site is broken up into various boards, where users can discuss different topics by creating threads. Posts only last for a few days and are organized with most recent appearing first. Registration requirements consist of agreeing to terms. An account does not need to be created and there are no usernames. Users must be 18 or older.
After School was created in 2014, and its creators claim its userbase is between 2 million and 10 million (as of December 8, 2015). This app is free and is anonymous. It is a private message board for those associated with a school within in a certain geographic location. To register, a Facebook account is needed and after you download the app, you locate your school and verify you are a student. Once a student is registered, they can view the feed from their school. The minimum age to use this app is 17 years old. This app is popular with high school students and as of 2015 it was on approximately 22,300 high school campuses. We are waiting for updated numbers. Although the anonymous platform is not officially deactivated, the After School app has been discontinued from the App Store and Google Play store (as of 2020).
Among Us, released in 2018 by Innersloth, is a video game take on the popular party game Mafia. The concept around the game is that there are crew members aboard a ship that must complete objectives known as ‘tasks’ while an alien creature known as the ‘imposter’ attempts to kill them. If the imposter kills the whole crew or sabotages the ship, the imposter wins. If the crew complete all their assigned tasks the crew wins. The crew have multiple chances to also vote on who they think the imposter is and vote them out of the game therefore giving them the win. Players can use the in-game text chat to communicate during voting meetings. Although the more widely used way is by connecting to voice chats like Discord or using game modifications that allow for voice chat. This game has an ESRB rating of E-10+, meaning it’s recommended for players to be ages 10 or above. In the last 30 days Among Us had 30 million players (updated September 23, 2024). The average Among Us players are between 14 and 30 years. Most are 20 to 30, with the biggest age group between 13 and 18.
Ask.fm was created in 2010, and is still active with 300 million registered users (updated September 9, 2024). This free app is an online question and answer site that allows users to ask and answer questions anonymously by posting a text or video to a user’s profile. To sign up, a user must provide a username, full name, email address and password. Users must be 13 years old or older, however, age verification is not required. This app is popular with tweens and teens.
Badoo was created in 2006, and is still active with over 460 million users with roughly 42 % of its users being between the ages of 25 and 34 years old (updated September 2024). This free app allows users to meet people nearby. Users select the option to meet people to date, chat, or make new friends. To join, users can sign up or login in via a Facebook account, or use other social media accounts. A name, email address, gender, date of birth, and location are required. Users then create a profile, upload photos, videos and a bio. The age requirement for Badoo is 18 years old.
BeReal is a French social media app released in 2020 which has especially gained popularity in 2022. The app reportedly has over 10 million active daily users. The mission of the app is to share what you are doing at a particular moment during the day. From the moment the app sends users a notification, they have two minutes to take a photo of what they are doing and share with their friends without editing or making any changes. Users can retake the photo, but friends will be notified how many times they retook it. BeReal is essentially empowering social media users to share their life unedited and what they really do throughout the day without the pressure to put on a display of someone who is not the “real” you. BeReal became popular in 2021, but it peaked in early 2022. The app still exists but users have significantly lowered. As of 2024, it has around 23 million users, as opposed to 2022 where the app had 73.5 million.
(Now defunct as of 2022) Blendr was created in 2011, and has 200 million users (updated 2022). This free app allows users to connect with people within close proximity. Users can communicate with others in real time, send messages, photos, and videos, and rate the “hotness” of other users. To join Blendr, a phone number or email address is required, along with a first name, birthday, city, and gender. Users select whether they are on the site to make new friends, chat or date. Users are required to be over the age of 18.
Bluesky Social is a thread based social media, much like X. Bluesky was conceptualized by Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter (now X). Bluesky was opened to the public in February 2024. Bluesky’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13 years old and that the users countries laws allow for the use of the platform. As of September 16, 2024, Bluesky has over 10 million users. Most users on Bluesky are aged between 18-24 (33.9%) with 25-24 (28%) as the second largest age demographic.
Brawl Stars is a fast-paced multiplayer mobile game by Supercell and it was released on December of 2018. In the game, players battle in various modes using unique characters called Brawlers. Players can compete in team-based or solo matches like Gem Grab, Showdown, and Brawl Ball. The game features quick, strategic gameplay and offers over 50 Brawlers to unlock and upgrade. The app is free-to-play with in-app purchases. The minimum age to play and download the game is 9 years old. Around 376 million people play this game and the numbers continue to grow daily (updated September 19, 2024).
Bumble was created in 2014 and has an estimated 58 million monthly active users (updated September 16, 2024). Bumble is a free app for dating, networking and friendship; however, it is mostly known for dating. On Bumble Date, users swipe left to reject and right to make a match much like on Tinder. Although unlike Tinder women make first contact when matched with male users, Bubmble has changed some of its approach to include “opening moves” a new feature that gives women the option to set a question prompt that anyone can reply to, and it was created to alleviate some matchmaking stress. In the case of same sex matches either user can message the other first once matched. On Bumble, once a match happens the user only has 24 hours to message the other or the match disappears forever. To join Bumble, one must provide a phone number, use the option to sign up with Facebook, or Apple ID. After this a user creates a username and password. Users have the ability to add information about themselves as well as multiple photos to stand out among other users. The age requirement for this app is 18 years and older.
Clash of Clans is a popular mobile strategy game developed by Supercell, first released on iOS in August 2012 and on Android in October 2013. The game allows players to build villages, train armies, and raid other players in a PvP format. As of 2023, the game has approximately 76 million monthly active users and it has more than 500 million downloads (updated September 23,2024). The minimum age to play Clash of Clans is 13 years old, as stated in the game’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. However, there is no age verification process to download the app. Around 43% belong to the 21-35 age group, followed by the 36-50 with 15%.People aged 10-20 still represent at least 16% of the player base, and the 51-65 age group does not even account for 5% of the grand total.
Corecircle is a social media app that is geared toward users who are interested in fitness. The app is focused on users posting pictures and videos of themselves being physically active (e.g., at the gym, running outside, taking a yoga class). It’s designed to encourage users to continue being physically active and to motivate others who want to start a new fitness routine. It also allows users to add a fitness goal and track every workout including the amount of sets/reps/weights lifted. The app launched in September 2021 and currently has over 300 thousand users. The app has reported over 400 thousand workouts logged by users and 1.5 million “fist bumps” which are the equivalent of likes.
DeviantArt was created in 2000 and has 90 million registered users worldwide, and hosts over 550 million pieces of art on the platform (updated September 16, 2024). DeviantArt is a social network that is for lovers of art to promote, display and admire art. To join the website a username, password, email and date of birth are required. Membership on this website is free. There is a paid membership if a user wishes to have an ad free experience as well as unlock multiple features such as selling your work on the website, access a variety of statistics about your page etc. The front page of the site shows the most popular website over a set interval, the default being 24 hours. Registered users can post on the websites forums as well as join groups that interest them. The minimum required age to join DeviantArt is 13.
Discord is a free VoIP application created in 2015 and has over 196.2 million monthly active users (updated September 16, 2024). Discord was originally designed for the video gaming community but has evolved into mainstream communication. Discord requires users to create an account with their email, a desired username and password. Discord has multiple functions such as text, image, as well as audio and video communications. Users can message other users directly, in small groups or in large servers with up to 5,000 simultaneous online members and 250,000 total members, but if one’s server is approaching its member size limit, they can send in a request to the Discord team to grow past 500k members. Then, they will review the server and decide whether it qualifies for a server member cap increase. Once in a server, users can have access to server specific customization such as setting of a nickname, changing the color of said nickname, and joining audio channels to communicate with other members. Discord works in browsers as well as having a desktop app for Windows, Linux, and macOS. There is also a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. The minimum required age to join Discord is 13 and older.
Dropbox was created in 2007, and has over 700 million users, 18.22 milllion of those are paying users (updated September 16, 2024). This free app allows users to easily keep their content (documents, images, videos, etc.) in the “cloud” for storage, sharing, or collaboration with others. To create an account, a full name, email address and password is required. The age requirement for this site/app is 13 years old.
EA Sports College Football 25 is a video game based on college football, developed by EA Orlando and published by EA Sports in July 2024 after a long 11-year hiatus. In its early access phase, it attracted over 700,000 concurrent players. By the time of its full release, the game had garnered over 2.8 million players, with 2.2 million purchasing the Deluxe Edition for early access. The game drew a record-breaking 5 million unique players during its first week of availability. The minimum age you must be 13+ for online features & EA Play Pro Edition content.
Episode is a storytelling network platform that allows users to create the story of their characters as opposed to simply watching entertainment from a streaming service. The goal is for users to create the pathway of what happens to characters. There have been over 10 billion episodes viewed across 150 thousand stories. There are currently over 25 million registered users and can be read in six different languages with more languages being developed (updated September 16, 2024). The minimum age to register is 13 years old.
Facebook was created in 2004, and as of the second quarter of 2023, it has 3.061 billion monthly active users (updated February 10, 2025). This free app allows registered users to create a profile, upload images, videos and send messages. Facebook is a way to keep in touch with friends, read and respond to classified ads, create groups, events and pages to connect with others. A user creates a profile, within that profile is a bulletin board (wall) where friends are able to post pictures, videos, comment and respond. Facebook has recently created an in-app, dating site that links users together similar to other apps. Facebook has also expanded its features with stories with Ray-Ban glasses, Facebook is now allowing companies to send marketing messages, it added reels in 2021, it created fantasy games, they have added Facebook pay, they added a feature where users can listen to podcasts there, and livestreams are now being able to be monetized as well. A user can also create photo albums to share with friends or the public. Users now also have access to “the Marketplace”, an online space where users can buy and sell new and used products locally. To sign up, you must include your name, email address, phone number, password, date of birth and gender. A confirmation of an email or mobile phone number is required. The minimum age to join is 13 years old.
FireChat was created in 2014 and was not updated past 2018, and it has been discontinued. It had over 100,000 users in September 29, 2014. This free app allowed users to communicate without the use of the internet or phone coverage. It worked by creating a mesh network of devices using peer to peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This instant message app had two modes, one for private messages and one for public chat rooms, all in real time. Users could follow people, block people and also share photos. Users could choose to be anonymous, use their real name or create an account under a community or organization. This app was rated age 12 and older.
Flickr was created in 2004, and has 60 million monthly users (updated September 16, 2024). This free app is a photo hosting and sharing site. It allows users to store, share and tag photos with friends or the world. Users can browse photos by professionals and amateurs. Comments can be left on photos and marked as favorite. An email and password ID can be used to register directly on Flickr. Free accounts have an upload limit of 1,000 safe items and photos can be organized, edited and shared, if one chooses, they can pay for Pro where the storage is unlimited, and users are able to upload moderate or restricted content. In addition, prints can be ordered and other products as well. The age requirement for this app is over 16 years old and no one under the age of 16 may create an account.
Fortnite is an online video game and game platform developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. In the game, playing field is the game map, and the goal is to kill the other players and remain the last one standing. As of 2024, there are now approximately 650 million registered Fortnite players. On an average day, 1.1 million users play Fortnite (updated September 19, 2024). The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, but kids of all ages play it. There is an additional restriction for kids under 13. Children below that age are automatically assigned a “cabined account,” where parents and caregivers have to consent to their child getting access to certain features. These include in-game purchases and chatting. The app continues to grow and it is considered one of the most popular games in the world.
Foursquare was created in 2008, and has 55 million monthly active users (updated September 16, 2024). This free app allows your friends to know where you are. It allows users to discover and share information about a business and attractions. Users can collect points called “badges” and earn coupons. To use Foursquare, you download the app and it connects with friends on Facebook. Every time you visit a place, you can check in and leave a review. The age requirement for this app is 13 years old and parental permission is required for those between 13 and 18 years of age.
Galaxia was created in 2016. The amount of users is unknown and it seems that the app has been discontinued from usage. Galaxia is a free app that allows users to express themselves without judgment. Users can create many profiles by creating different personas. Different personas can participate in different groups, called worlds. Information and photos of each persona are separated from each other. Users sign up by creating a main account, a real name is not required for privacy. Galaxia consist of chat rooms and feeds to communicate with others.
Google+ was created in 2011, it had 395 million users, however, about 91% of these accounts were empty. The personal and business version of Google+ is now shut down, as of April 2, 2019. This free app brought a number of Google services together including Gmail, Google Maps, Search, Circle, Stream, Hangouts, and more. To join, users create a profile on the site. A user’s name and gender were visible to the public. Users can add other information they choose to share with the public. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old. Since the shuttering of Google +, it has been rebranded as Google Currents and it got shut down in July of 2023. However, on February 10, 2022, it was announced by google that they plan to transition users to Google Chats and it was replaced by the Spaces feature in Google Chat in March 2023 (updated September 16, 2024).
Grindr was launched in 2009 on the iOS and Android store, and soon gained over 200,000 users. The dating app is primarily used by gay, bi, and trans people. The dating app registered over 13 million monthly active users worldwide. As of the second quarter of 2024, Grindr registered around 1.05 million thousand average paying users (updated, September 16, 2024). Grindr operates much like any other dating app where potential men in the area can match with other men and exchange messages to meet up. Grindr offers both a free and ad free subscription called Grindr XTRA. The app is 18+ and not intended for children.
Grom Social was created in 2012, and has 20 million users (updated September 29, 2020). This free app is for kids between the ages of 5 and 16 years old. This app allows users to chat with friends, share photos, posts, play games and watch media. A parent portal allows parents to monitor and control all activities, such as examine and review chat histories and control who their child is friends with. Users must be no older than 16 years old and signed up as a child member. Parents or guardians must also sign up as a parent member.
GroupMe was created in 2010, and has over 12 million monthly active users (updated September 16, 2024). This is a free group message app that allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, like messages, share location, create events and send calendar links to friends and family. A Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft account may be used to register, or an email address. A name, profile picture and password are required, in addition to a phone number that needs to be verified. The age requirement for this app is 13 years old and older.
Hay Day is a popular farming simulation game developed by Supercell. Players can sell goods in exchange for coins and experience points. When they get enough experience points, they go up a level in the game, which unlocks more features, such as new crops, goods and livestock. The game allows players to grow crops, tend to animals, and trade goods, much like other farming games such as FarmVille. Hay day is a game that has a rating for everyone, but according to terms of service of SuperCell te minimum age should be 13. Hay Day has around 10 million daily active users across the globe (updated September, 2024).
Hinge is a dating app that was founded in 2012 and launched in 2013. Users can sign up for a Hinge account using a phone number, email, or Facebook account. If they don’t have a phone number, they can use a virtual phone number instead. In order to differentiate themselves from Tinder, Hinge removed swipes and a timer on matches. Other apps puts the emphasis on pictures, Hinge on the other hand lets you see the profile of a person who’s liked you, allowing you to accept or decline the match, which makes the app’s mission to be one to be deleted after people found their “one person”. Hinge has over 23 million users (updated September 16, 2024). Hinge sets up a date every 2 seconds.
Houseparty was launched in 2016 and users spend approximately 51 minutes a day on the app in group or one-on-one chats. The social media site allows for group video chatting through desktop and mobile apps. Users receive a notification when their friends are online and available to video chat and can then video chat with up to 8 friends. On average, a user will spend 51 minutes a day on the app. The app has a rating of 12 and up, however, 60% of users are between the age of 16 and 24. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Houseparty has spiked in popularity reporting more than 50 million new sign ups in March 2020 alone, and became the number one app in the app store in 16 countries (Defunct as of October 2021).
Instagram was created in 2010, and has 2.4 billion monthly active users (updated February 10, 2025). This app is free and allows users to snap, edit and share photos, take videos to share publicly or privately, both on timeline and stories. It also allows users to see, share and comment on photos, videos and send private messages. It may be used in connection with other networks such as Facebook, X/Twitter, etc. Users interact with each other by following other users. An account must be created by signing up with an existing Facebook account or an email address. A username and password are required. The age requirement to create an account is 13 years old, unless the account’s bio states that the is managed by a parent or manager, then the user can be below 13.
Keek was created in 2011, and had 75 million users (updated October 18, 2016). The social networking service is now defunct and was rebranded as Peeks Video on October 31, 2016. This free app allowed users to post 36 second video updates known as keeks. Users could follow and or subscribe to other users. They had the option to respond with a comment to a text or video with “keekbacks.” A username, email address, and password were required to sign up. Users must be over 13 years old and those between 13 and 18 need parental permission. This app was popular among the age group of 13-25.
Kik was created in 2009, and has 2.5 million active daily users (updated September 16, 2024). Kik provides free, easy, and instant connections to other users anywhere. It allows users to message, to share photos or videos, in a group setting or individually. An email address is required to set up an account and a username provides anonymity. Users between 13 and 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s permission to create an account.
Line was created in 2011, and has 198 million monthly active users as of March 2023 (updated September 16, 2024). This free app allows users to send texts, photos, videos, audio, and conduct video conferences. Users can share location, exchange stories on a timeline, save messages and videos. LINE was initially created as an emergency relief app that helped with communication challenges during the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. To join, download the app and agree with “terms and verify.” A SMS text message will be sent to your phone and automatically register your account. Users can add friends through phone contacts and email addresses stored in contacts. A profile is created with the option to add a photo or users can remain anonymous by selecting options. Users may also register with an email address. The minimum age for usage of this app is 12 years old and older. This app is popular with older teens and young adults.
LinkedIn was created in 2003, and has over 553 monthly active users as of Q4 2024 (updated September 16, 2024). This free app allows users to connect with professionals to share ideas, knowledge, and opportunities for employment. It allows users to increase their network and promote their professional brand. In a sense, it is a resume which includes professional information, education, work experience and more. To use LinkedIn, registration is required with information including, name, email address, location, employment and college information. A profile page is set up and users can search and connect with other members. The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. This app is popular with individuals between 30 and 49 years of age.
MeetMe was created in 2005, and it launched in 2010, first as an app called “myYearbook”, in 2012, it got rebranded as MeetMe. Now the app has over 100 million users (updated September 18, 2024). This free app allows users to connect with others nearby. Users can post status updates, pictures, comment, send private messages and discover and interact with streamers in Live. This app requires a username, age, location, profile picture and a short bio. Users can add a member as a friend once on their profile. The age requirement for this app is 18 years old, users between the ages of 13 and 17 need parental permission. This app is widely used by young adults.
Minecraft is a sandbox game that was first fully released in 2011 (there was a trial test in 2009) and has become one of the best-selling games of all time. The game gives players infinite possibilities to make craft tools, build structures, and enable them to discover and extract raw materials and other resources in sufficient quantities. It also enables players to build up complex systems and higher levels of challenges. Minecraft has over 166 million monthly active users (updated September 19, 2024). The game has a recommended PEGI rating of 7 and an ESRB rating of Everyone 10+. Although it looks like a children’s game, players aged 15 to 21 account for 43% of the user base. The game continues to be sold and played worldwide.
Monopoly GO! is a mobile adaptation of the classic Monopoly board game, released by Scopely in April 2023. The game was downloaded and played by so many that it received the award of Game of the Year in 2024. There were over 100 million downloads of the game and while the numbers of users are not specific, the number of downloads suggest a big number of users. To play, you can either play as a guest, user your email, or connect to your Facebook account and play with your friends. Since it does connect with Facebook, the app is not recommended for anyone under 13.
Omegle is now defunct as of November 8th, 2023 (updated September 16, 2024). Omegle was created in 2009, and had roughly 3.5 million users every day (updated August 6, 2022). This free app allowed users to chat or video chat with random strangers. It is anonymous and participants are identified as “you” and “stranger.” Users can connect with Facebook or from the Omegle homepage, no registration is required. Users have the option to chat or video chat and the conversation begins with a random stranger. Users must be 13 years or older, parental permission for those under 18, however, no verification is required. Omegle is popular with teens and young adults and surged in popularity in the early days of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.
ooVoo was created in 2006 and had 185 million users as of 2017. This app/website was shuttered as of November 2017 (updated September 2024). This free app allowed users to video chat with up to 12 people, text message, screen share, and voice call. Users were able to screenshot and record calls. To register for ooVoo, an email address or Facebook account was required, along with a date of birth and gender. Users chose a username and password. ooVoo integrated with users’ mobile phone contacts, Facebook, WhatsApp or Gmail accounts. ooVoo was popular with teens and people under 25.
Path was created in 2010, and has 10 million active users (updated May 28, 2015). As of October 1st 2018, Path has been shut down. This free app allows users to share photos and messages with no more than 500 friends, along with, music, books, movies, check-ins and more. Moments created on Path can also be shared to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Foursquare and Word Press. Path connects with user’s phone contacts to find friends. A name, email address, password and telephone number are required to create an account. Users may also add a profile picture, gender and age. Users must be 18 years of age or older. This app was widely used in Indonesia.
Periscope was created in 2015, and had 10 million users (updated September 14, 2015). It used to be a stand-alone app for live streaming but it was purchased by Twitter and its features are integrated into the main Twitter app. The minimum age requirement was 13 years old.
Discontinued (Defunct) as of March 31st, 2021.
Pinterest was created in 2010, and has 553 million monthly active users (updated 4). This free app allows users to share and organize videos and images called pins. Users create pin boards with images for many purposes. Users can browse other members pin boards in their feed. It is basically a personalized, visual platform where you can share and discover interests, hobbies, passions and more. To join, you can either go to Pinterest’s home page or use a Facebook or Twitter account by entering an email address and creating a username. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old. This app is popular with woman between the ages of 25 and 34.
Quora was created in 2009, and has over 400 million monthly active (updated September 18, 2024). This free app is a question-and-answer site. Questions are asked, answered and edited in an organized web community. Users can post questions online and the site allows all users to answer questions and up vote or down vote answers. Users can sign up with a Google, Facebook or X/Twitter account, as well as an email address. Users are required to use their real names and have the option to set the account to private. Once signed up, users can add a profile picture, find friends and select certain topics they wish to follow. The age requirement for this app is 13 years old and over. This app is popular with adults.
Reddit was created in 2005, and has 850 million users who use the platform at least once a month (updated September 18, 2024). This free app allows users to share stories, information and links with other members and comment. This site consists of sub communities called subreddits, which are centered on certain topics. Users vote on items they like with an up vote and items they dislike with a down vote. Posts with the most votes are displayed on the sites front page. Users can build karma, which reflects their standing in the community as a result of their posts and comments. Reddit has its own language consisting of abbreviations, for example: “AMA,” meaning “ask me anything.” To create an account, a username and password is required, however, an email address is not needed to complete. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old.
Roblox is an online platform that allows users to create, share, and play games made by other users. It was created in 2004 and released in 2006. The app started to grow a lot after 2010. Roblox has 83.5 million daily active users as of Q4 2024 (updated February 10, 2025). Roblox does not have an official minimum age, but they have recommendations for their content; controls are optional, and kids of any age can create an account on Roblox with no parental restrictions. On accounts for kids under 13, Roblox automatically defaults to stricter settings, but a kid could change these if there’s no parent PIN. The game has users of all ages but there is a growth in 17-24 age group.
Skype was created in 2003, and has over 300 million monthly users (updated September 18, 2024). In total, there are ove 2.27 billion registeres users in the app. This free app allows users to text and video message other users. To join, users provide a phone number or email address, and create a password. The age requirement for this app is 13 years old.
Snapchat was created in 2011, and has 453 daily active users as of the fourth quarter of 2024 (updated February 10, 2025). This free app allows users to send pictures and videos which disappear after a few seconds. Users can add a caption or doodle and use filters to send to friends. The finished creation is called a snap. A snap can be added to a story, which is a 24-hour collection of all the user’s snaps. This can be broadcasted to just friends or to the public. An email address, date of birth, username and password is required. Snapchat will scan your phone’s contact list to add friends, or you can add friends by searching their username. There are new features within Snapchat that utilizes artificial intelligence (Snap AI) to enhance user experiences. It allows users to create, transform, and interact with Snaps by providing suggestions, solving problems, and generating creative content. The minimum age requirement for this app is 13.
Tagged, now called “if(we)” was created in 2004, and has over 300 million users (updated September 18, 2024). This free app allows users to chat and meet new people with similar interests. It is an app for users to vibe with new people, match with singles, meet dates, and connect with friends through livestream To create an account, a profile is created with an email address, a Facebook or a Google account. Minimum age for this app is 18. This site is widely used by adults between 35-49 years old.
Telegram was created in 2013, and has over 900 million active monthly users (updated September 9th, 2024). This free, cloud based app allows users to send messages, photos, videos, audio, stickers and any type of files with an optional end to end encryption. Messages, photos, videos and files of any type can be sent to individuals or groups up to 200,000 members. Users can also preset self-destruction timers on messages. To join, a phone number is required and is verified by SMS message or a phone call. Users can use an alias, which allows them to send and receive messages without displaying their phone number. Users can write to people who are in their phone contacts and have telegram. A public username can be created, this allows others who may not have your phone number to search and find you. The age requirement for this app is 17 years and older. The age requirement for this app is 17 years and older.
TikTok was created as Musical.ly in 2014 and changed its name in 2018. There are a reported 1.04 billion TikTok users (updated September 2024). This is a free app that allows users to create, share and discover music videos. Videos can consist of dancing, singing, lip syncing and comedy. The videos can be edited with filters and effects and users can change the speed or reverse the motion of their recording. Users can view videos of friends or followers, like it, comment, start a duet or share the video. Users can sign up by means of their Facebook or Twitter account, an email address or a phone number. A username and password are required. The age requirement for using this app is 13 years old or older, however, users must confirm that they are 18 years or older. TikTok doesn’t impose registration restrictions for users aged 13 to 18, those under 13 in the United States are required to use the platform’s “Younger Users” version. TikTok is popular with tweens and teens, with the majority of TikTok being between the ages of 18-24 years old. An average TikTok session lasts an average of 10.85 minutes and the average TikTok user checks the app roughly eight times a day in the United States alone.
Tinder was created in 2012 and has 75 million active users, and 10.4 million subscribers (updated September 9th, 2024). Tinder is a free app for dating and hooking up anonymously in a geographic area. Users search through profiles and swipe left to reject and right to make a match. Messages can be sent when there is a mutual match. To sign up for Tinder, users can use alternative login methods like phone number or email, or even a temporary phone number service for added privacy. A profile is created with a username and password. Users have the option to include information about themselves. This app can be connected to the user’s Instagram account to display additional photos. Tinder’s age requirement is over 18. Tinder is popular with 25-to-34-year-olds.
Tumblr was created in 2007, hosts over 519 million blogs (updated September 9th ,2024). This free app allows users to post texts, images, quotes, videos, audio, links and chat on a tumbleblog. Users may follow others and like and share other user’s posts. Tumblr accounts can be linked to other social networks if desired. An email address, username and password are required to join. The minimum age to use this app is 13. Tumblr is widely used by teenagers.
Tuurnt was created in 2016, and within a month gained 10,000 users (updated May 10, 2016). This free app allows users to take photos or videos and share them. Friends can respond with their own photo or video and with enough responses the post will remain up. With friends adding on to a post, this creates a chain called a tuurnt, a video sequence. It is a unique way to participate with your friends. There is a 24 hour window to add a photo or video. The final product can only be viewed after the 24 hour period. Users create an account and set up a profile to follow friends and socialize using Tuurnt. The age requirement for this app is 12 and older. This app is used by teenagers and young adults.
Tuurnt is a social media app designed for event hosts and attendees, enabling users to share video and photo responses in a collaborative stream. It incorporates a token system (TRT) that rewards users for hosting and attending events, creating a closed economy within the app. Hosts can earn tokens based on feedback from attendees, while partygoers accumulate tokens by attending events. The platform is built to foster a community-driven social experience, integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency features to support seamless transactions
X, previously named Twitter, was created in 2006, and has over 500 million active users (updated September 19,2024). This free app is a combination of instant messaging, texting and blogging. It may be used to broadcast or receive real time news or updates (tweets) that have limited characters depending on the type of account. A free account has a maximum number of characters, of 280, and the Twitter Blue subscriber has a maximum number of characters is 4,000. Users can make tweets private or public and directly send messages to other users. To join twitter, you sign up and pick a username and have the option to upload an image. Twitter users search for other users and may follow their tweets. Twitter is about following others and getting other users to follow you. The minimum age to join is 13 years old.
The free app is the leading live stream video game application that has 140 million daily users (updated September 19,2024). The platform hosts eSport tournaments, streams of individual players, as well as gaming-related talk shows and interviews. The site hopes to attract a wide demographic; as of September 2023, 63% of Twitch users in the US aged 18–64 were male, while 37% were females. Popular streams on the app include but are not limited to Overwatch, Fortnite, and League of Legends. Since its creation, twitch has launched different streaming categories outside of gaming such as music and professional sports. Most recently, Twitch has partnered with Ultra Music festival. Over 5.64 billion total minutes of content were watched on the app during the second quarter of 2022. Each month, more than 7 million broadcasters publish streaming content to Twitch users. Twitch is recommended for gamers over 13 however, gamers between 13 and 18 should ask an adult to supervise them.
Upclose was created in 2015. This app is now defunct, and the website no-longer holds a valid Certificate. The amount of users for this app is unknown. This free app allows users to broadcast live videos, follow people and discover who is streaming live. Users can comment in chat rooms and get notifications when people are on air. To join, users can download the app and create a username and password, or login with a Twitter or Facebook account. This app is primarily used by young adults.
Viber was created in 2010, and has more than 1.17 billion users worldwide (updated September 19, 2024). This free app allows users to send messages, images, videos and audio messages free to other Viber users around the world. Users download the app to create an account. An email address and phone number are required, but users can also use virtual phone numbers. Viber will access the users address book to locate friends who use Viber. Users can invite friends to join. An access code is delivered via text message and must be used. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old, but certain services are unavailable for those under 16. This app is used by 25–34-year-old adults.
Vine was created in 2013, and gained approximately 200 million users before being shuttered in November 2017 (updated September 2024). This free app allowed users to share videos up to 6 seconds long. Users could create short and separate videos that could be linked together. Videos could be viewed directly on Twitter or a web page. Followers could like, message, comment or re-vine (add someone’s vine to their own timeline). A profile with information such as a name, photo and bio were taken from the user’s Twitter account or could be created with an email address. A username and password were required.
Voxer was created in 2007, and has more than 70 million users (updated July 26, 2012). Voxer is still active, however, it is unclear how many users still actively use the app. This free app allows users to push and talk, similar to a walkie talkie. Users can talk or record a voice message and play it back at a later time (everything is recorded). Text messages, pictures and location can be shared. Users can chat with an individual or a group. To join Voxer, users must create an account with an email address, password, first and last name and a phone number, or login with a Facebook account. Voxer will access the user’s address book to locate friends who use Voxer. Friends can be found by looking in the Voxer directory, by their email address or full name. The minimum age requirement for this app is 13 years old.
VR Chat is the modern take on the classic chatroom. The game was originally released in 2014. The concept of the game is that players join ‘worlds’ and in those worlds they talk, play games, and interact with each other as 3D avatars. During the COVID-19 epidemic with the case of lockdowns, VR Chat saw an enormous spike in active players, when people wanted a way to interact with others. VR Chat has been made very accessible, the game can be play on Android, Meta Quest, Steam VR, Pico, and with any Windows computer. There are over 8 million players on the platform. Although most of the age on VR Chat is 18-24 (57.17%), there are many players under 18. VR Chat currently does not have any age filtering. Because of this there are reports of ‘grooming’ and predatory behavior towards minors.
WeChat was created in 2011, and has over 1.36 billion monthly active users (updated September 9, 2024). With this fee app, users can text and voice message, group chat, video conference, play video games; in addition, share photos, videos and location and QR code scanning. To register, users must download the app and add their region and phone number. Verification of a phone number is required. The age requirement for this app is over 13, however, those between 13 and 18 need parental permission.
WhatsApp was created in 2009, and has over 2.05 billion users (updated February 10, 2025). This app allows users to send texts, audio messages, photos, videos and face to face calls for free. Accounts are connected to a phone number and must be verified via SMS to set up an account. WhatsApp allows users to connect to people who are listed in their phones contact list. The minimum age to use this app is 13 in certain countries. WhatsApp was recently named the 3rd most downloaded app of the past decade.
Whisper was created in 2012, and is active with a total of 250 million users and 40 million active users (updated September 19, 2024). This free app allows users to anonymously post photos and video messages – generally pictures with text superimposed over it (“whispers”). To join, you download the app and add a nick name. An email address in not required, and there are no profiles, friends or followers. Whisper considers the location of the user and provides the ability to create groups or add to schools. Users search for posts by category, location, editor picks or popularity. Users are required to be at least 13 years old to use this app, those 13-18 need parental permission.
YikYak was created in 2013 and shuttered in April 2017, and relaunched again in 2021. There is no infromation on the amount of users the app curently has, but when it relaunched in 2021, there were over 3 million installs (updated September 19, 2024). Users could create and view “yaks” and interact with others within a five-mile radius who could write their own, respond to others, and vote up or down a post (increasing or decreasing its visibility to others). The minimum age to use Yik Yak is 17 years old, but the app’s terms of service state that users under 18 must have parental permission to use the app. However, there is no age verification when downloading the app, and it doesn’t ask for your age. This app remains widely used by college and high school students.
YouNow was created in 2011, and is still active with over 40 million monthly users and streams about 150,000 broadcasts every day (updated September 19,2024). This free app allows users to watch and stream real time videos. Users interact with each other, vote and rate videos and like, comment and follow others. The platform has faced competition and shifts in its user base over the years, but it continues to attract creators and viewers with its monetization features and community-oriented content
YouTube was created in 2005, and has over 2.7 billion monthly active users (updated September 19,2024). It is also estimated that 83% of all US adults use YouTube. This free app allows users to discover, watch, share, rate, comment and create original videos. Users can also subscribe to channels and build playlists of their favorite videos. YouTube also contains video and TV show clips, music videos and documentaries to name a few. At least one billion hours of content is viewed per day and at least 500 hours of content is uploaded each minute. Google account can be used to sign up or an email address, and a username is required. Information such as, country you live in, postal code, gender and date of birth are required. Word verification is used for email confirmation. The age requirement is 13+.
Zobe was created in 2008, and it has 241,000 monthly visitors (updated 2018). This free app allows users to chat with friends or strangers. There are two panels on the site, one for friends and one for strangers. Points must be earned to talk to certain people. There is no registration required to use Zobe, you just click on the link and it will prompt you to enter a username. Age and gender information is optional.
