The Top Nine Social Platforms

Andy Warhol said in 1968, “In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes,” referring to a more fast-paced, integrated world of media publicity sound bites. Mr. Warhol was, in fact, off the mark, probably by about 13 minutes. In 2012, it’s roughly two minutes of fame – that’s how long it will take for the digital cosmos to digest the next big thing and then move along to the next, next big thing.

Keeping this in mind, we viewed Mashable’s top nine list of social services to keep tabs on. With the plethora of social media sites hogging internet space, many are just scrambling around the floor of a crowded room, trying to get air. Few rise above the pack, with the exceptions of Foursquare and Pinterest. However, says Stephanie Buck on Mashable, “Social media companies are achieving recognition by applying similar social principles to their own niche networks.”

Which is to say that Foursquare and Pinterest have become the basis for off-shoots that incorporate either location-based functionality to connect people in real life or bring users together based on similar tastes and consumer habits.

Buck calls the nine social platforms “buzzworthy.” Whether you have the time in your busy day to analyze each, it may at least be worth it to know of their existence, and assess whether their value extends beyond two minutes of your time for you and your business:

• Path: an online journal that allows you to post photos, travel updates, music you’re listening to, etc.
• Highlight: a location-based service that alerts you when another Highlight user is nearby. The app continuously runs GPS so that you remain constantly connected.
• Sonar: helps you learn more about the people in your immediate vicinity. This app surveys your Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare accounts and determines your most appropriate connections.
• Banjo: alerts you when your Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare or Instagram connections are nearby and also tells you about hot activities in the area.
• Glancee: tells you which friends are nearby. You can keep notes in the app’s diary about all of your encounters and events.
• Localmind: gathers information from users nearby about events, restaurant specials and attractions occurring now.
• Fancy: encourages users to “fancy” products; unlike Pinterest, you can actually buy the products on Fancy.
• Forecast: let’s you alert people on what you plan to do in the future so friends can join in the fun.
• Gogobot: similar to Pinterest, but for travel content. Plan vacations, solicit friend recommendations, and share your own travel stories.

Whether you are a social media influencer or a social media novice, these top nine social platforms can help you better communicate and engage with your friends and social media network.