4chan was created in 2003, and has 22 million users (updated October, 2016). 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 user names. Users must be 18 or older.
After School was created in 2014, and its creators acknowledge its userbase is between 2 million and 10 million. 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.
Ask.fm was created in 2010, and has 160 million users (updated June, 2017). 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 has 324 million users (updated September, 2016). 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. 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.
Blendr was created in 2011, and has 300 million users (updated 2016). This free app allows users to connect with people within a 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.
Dropbox was created in 2007, and has 500 million users (updated March, 2016). 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.
Facebook was created in 2004, and has 2.1 billion users (updated June, 2017). 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. A user can also create photo albums to share with friends or the public. 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. The amount of users is unknown. This free app allows users to communicate without the use of the internet or phone coverage. It works by creating a mesh network of devices using peer to peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This instant message app has two modes, one for private messages and one for public chat rooms, all in real time. Users can follow people, block people and also share photos. To join, down load the app and create a profile and user name. Users may choose to be anonymous, use their real name or create an account under a community or organization. This app is rated age 12 and older.
Flickr was created in 2004, and has 112 million users (updated June, 2017). 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. A Yahoo ID can be used to register or directly on Flickr. There is 1000GB of free storage available to users and photos can be organized, edited and shared. In addition, prints can be order and other products as well. The age requirement for this app is over 13 years old and parental permission is required for those between 13 and 18 years of age.
Foursquare was created in 2008, and has 45 million users (updated December, 2015). 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 and Twitter accounts. 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. Galaxia is a free app that allows users to express themselves without judgement. Users can create as 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. The age requirement for this app is 12 years old and older.
Google+ was created in 2011, with 111 million active users (updated 2016). This free app brings 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 are visible to the public. Users can add other information they choose to share with the public. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old.
Grom Social was created in 2012, and has 3.6 million users (updated 2016). 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. The age requirement for this app is 16 years old and under.
GroupMe was created in 2010, and has 12 million registered users (updated 2015). 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 is required, in addition to a phone number that needs to be verified. The age requirement for this app is 15 years old and older.
Instagram was created in 2010, and has 700 million users (updated June, 2017). This app is free and allows users to snap, edit and share photos, take videos to share publically or privately. It also allow 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, Twitter, Tumbler and Flickr. 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 is required. The age requirement to create an account is 13 years old.
Keek was created in 2011, and has 75 million users (updated October, 2016). This free app allows users to post 36 second video updates known as keeks. Users can follow and or subscribe to other users. They may respond with a comment to a text or video with “keekbacks.” A username, email address and password is required to sign up. Users must be over 13 years old and those between 13 and 18 need parental permission. This app is popular among the age group of 13-25.
Kik was created in 2009, and has 300 million users (updated 2016). Kik provides free, easy and instant connections to other users anywhere. It allows users to message, share photos or videos, one on one or in a group. 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 600 million users (updated 2016). 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. 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 intended age for this app is 13 years old and older. This app is popular with older teens and young adults.
LinkedIn was created in 2003, and has 500 million users (updated April, 2017). 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 14 years old. This app is popular with individuals between 30 and 49 years of age.
MeetMe was created in 2005, and has over 100 million users (updated 2016). This free app allows users to connect with others nearby. Users can post status updates, pictures, comment and send private messages. This app requires a username, age, sexual orientation, 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.
Musical.ly was created in 2014, and has over 130 million users (updated 2016). 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 is 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. Musical.ly is popular with tweens and teens.
Omegle was created in 2009, and has over 100 million users (updated 2017). This free app allows 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.
ooVoo was created in 2007, and has 150 million users (updated 2016). This free app allows users to video chat with up to 12 people, text message, screen share and voice call. Users are able to screen shot and record calls. To register for ooVoo, an email address or Facebook account is required, along with date of birth and gender. Users choose a username and password. ooVoo integrates with users’ mobile phone contacts, Facebook, WhatsApp or Gmail accounts. Age requirement for this app is 13 years old. ooVoo is popular with teens and people under 25.
Path was created in 2010, and has 10 million active users (updated 2015). 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 is widely used in Indonesia.
Periscope was created in 2015, and has 10 million users (updated 2015). It used to be a stand-alone app for live-streaming but it was purchased by Twitter and its features integrated into the main Twitter app. The minimum age requirement is 13 years old.
Pinterest was created in 2010, and has 150 million users (updated June, 2017). 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 190 million users (updated April, 2017). This free app is a question and answer site. Questions are asked, answered and edited in an organized web community. Users can post questions on line and the site allows all users to answers questions and up vote or down vote answers. Users can sign up with a Google, Facebook or 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 250 million users (updated June, 2017). 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.
Skype was created in 2003, and has 300 million users (updated January 2017). 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 300 million users (updated January, 2017). 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. A phone number is needed for verification. Snapchat will scan your phone’s contact list to add friends, or you can add friends by searching their username. The minimum age requirement for this app is 13.
Tagged was created in 2004, and has over 100 million users (updated 2010). This free app allows users to chat and meet new people with similar interests. To create an account, a profile is created with an email address, a Facebook or a Google account. Users can add photos, share videos, tags, play games and send virtual gifts. Users can add friends and join groups. This app was originally for teens over 13, however, as of 2014 users must be over 18. This site is widely used by adults between 35-49 years old.
Telegram was created in 2013, and has 100 million users (updated 2016). 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 can be sent to individuals or groups up to 5,000 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.
Tinder was created in 2012, and has approximately 50 million users (updated March 2015). 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, a Facebook account is needed. 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. Since Tinder is connected with Facebook, those under 18 have the ability to join. Tinder is popular with 16 to 34 year olds.
Tumblr was created in 2007, hosts over 350 million blogs, and is used by over 550 million individuals (updated January, 2017). 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, user name and password is 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 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.
Twitter was created in 2006, and has more than 300 million users (updated June, 2017). 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 are limited to 140 characters or less. 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.
Upclose was created in 2015. 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 down load the app and create a user name and password, or login with a Twitter or Facebook account. The age requirement for this app is 17 years old. This app is primarily used by young adults.
Viber was created in 2010, and has 800 million users (updated December, 2016). This free app allows users to send messages, images, videos and audio messages free to other Viber users around the world. Users down load the app to create an account. An email address and phone number is required. 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. This app is used by 18-24 year old adults.
Vine was created in 2013, with approximately 200 million users before being shuttered (updated June, 2017). 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 revine (add someone’s vine to their own timeline). A profile with information such as a name, photo and bio was taken from the user’s Twitter account or could be created with an email address. A username and password was required.
Voxer was created in 2007, and has users in the millions (updated January, 2017). 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.
WeChat was created in 2011, and has 889 million active users (updated March, 2017). 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 1.2 billion users (updated January, 2017). 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 16.
Whisper was created in 2012, and has 250 million monthly users (updated July 2017). 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. The minimum age requirement is 17 years and older.
Yik Yak was created in 2013 and shuttered in April 2017, and at its apex had millions of users. 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). Users were to be at least 17 according to their terms. This app was widely used by college and high school students.
YouNow was created in 2011, and has 100 million users (updated April, 2016). 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. To broadcast a video, you resister and sign in with Facebook, Twitter or Google account. Users are required to be 13 years old or older. This app is used by individuals under 24, and as young as 7 years old.
YouTube was created in 2005, and has one billion users (updated June, 2017). 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. A 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 18 or 13 with parental permission.
Zobe was created in 2008, with 2,054 daily visits (updated June, 2017). 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.