Timeline of social media

!Decade

!Description

|The PLATO system (developed at the University of Illinois and subsequently commercially marketed by Control Data Corporation) offers early forms of social media with Notes, PLATO's message-forum application; TERM-talk, its instant-messaging feature; Talkomatic, perhaps the first online chat room; News Report, a crowd-sourced online newspaper, and blog; and Access Lists, enabling the owner of a notes file or other application to limit access to a certain set of users, for example, only friends, classmates, or co-workers. Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis conceived the idea of Usenet in 1979 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, and it was established in 1980.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|As operating systems with a graphical user interface, such as Windows and Mac OS, begin to emerge and gain popularity, this creates an environment that allows for early social media platforms to thrive and exist.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Bulletin board systems (BBS) and Internet Relay Chat (IRC) were popular during this time period, and IRC is still widely used today.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbscorner.com/usersinfo/bbshistory.htm|title=The BBS Corner - Main Page|website=www.bbscorner.com|access-date=2016-07-25|archive-date=2016-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609222755/http://www.bbscorner.com/usersinfo/bbshistory.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/06/irc-has-lost-60-of-its-users-since-2003-but-life-as-a-robot-is-just-beginning/|title=IRC Has Lost 60% Of Its Users Since 2003, But Life As A Robot Is Just Beginning|last=Williams|first=Alex|website=TechCrunch|date=6 January 2013 |access-date=2016-07-25|archive-date=2016-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531114450/http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/06/irc-has-lost-60-of-its-users-since-2003-but-life-as-a-robot-is-just-beginning/|url-status=live}} The WELL, established in 1985, is one of the oldest still-operating online communities. Its name is an acronym for "The Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link", coined by Stewart Brand, creator of the Whole Earth Catalog.{{Cite web |date=2013-03-06 |title=The WELL |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-WELL-Internet-community |access-date=2023-04-28 |publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en}}

|Various notable social media platforms such as Myspace and Facebook are developed and released, and blogging begins to gain popularity. Instant messaging platforms such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and Windows Live Messenger also become increasingly popular.{{Cite web|url=http://www.whoishostingthis.com/blog/2014/10/22/instant-messengers/|title=The Rise and Fall of Instant Messengers|date=2014-10-22|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-25|archive-date=2016-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710162616/http://www.whoishostingthis.com/blog/2014/10/22/instant-messengers/|url-status=live}}

|Many social media platforms that have remained are now thriving, and new ones are appearing sporadically. This includes popular blogs, instant messaging servers, and various social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Twitter.

With advances in smartphone technology, almost all social media services now have their own mobile apps.{{cite web

|url= http://www.businessinsider.com/best-social-media-apps-2015-11

|title= The 16 social media apps everyone should have

|website= Business Insider

|access-date= 2016-07-25

|archive-date= 2016-07-25

|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160725111640/http://www.businessinsider.com/best-social-media-apps-2015-11

|url-status= live

}}

|The majority of users of social media services now prefer using mobile apps, with apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Threads (launched in 2023), and X (formerly known as Twitter) garnering and maintaining hundreds of millions of active users daily. Most well-established platforms (and influencers) focus on optimizing for engagement, algorithmic personalization, and maximizing revenue through targeted advertising.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

!Year

!Event type

!Description

|Invention

|Talkomatic is created by Dave Woolley and Douglas Brown at the University of Illinois, as a multi-user chat room application.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h9RnfyXzV6sC&pg=PA221 |title=PC Mag |date=17 April 1984 |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |pages=221– |access-date=30 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122151910/https://books.google.com/books?id=h9RnfyXzV6sC&pg=PA221 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |url-status=live}} It is an instant sensation among users in the PLATO System's online community.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Invention

|TERM-Talk is created by the staff at the Computer-based Education Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, as an instant-messaging application enabling any two users on the PLATO system to conduct a live, character-by-character typed conversation on the bottom of the screen of their PLTO terminals. Soon many features would be added to it including "Monitor Mode," enabling one user in the TERM-talk to share their own screen with the other user, to ask questions or point out something that they're seeing. Years later this concept would be introduced as "Screen Sharing" or Remote Desktop Software.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Invention

|PLATO Notes is created by 17-year-old student Dave Woolley at the Computer-based Education Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, as a conferencing and bulletin board forum system for communicating with the user community. In 1976, Notes expanded to enable any user to create a "notesfile" on any subject. PLATO Notes would serve as the inspiration for Lotus Notes developed by former PLATO users Ray Ozzie, Len Kawell, and Tim Halvorsen.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Invention

|ARPANET evolved into the Internet following the publication of the first Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) specification, {{IETF RFC|675}} (Specification of Internet Transmission Control Program), written by Vint Cerf, Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine.Cerf, Vinton; Dalal, Yogen; Sunshine, Carl (December 1974), {{IETF RFC|675}}, Specification of Internet Transmission Control Protocol

|Milestone

| Bulletin Board System (BBS) emerges as one of the earliest known forms of social media, and remains popular and under development until the late 1990s.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/|title=The history of social networking|date=2016-05-14|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723095904/http://www.digitaltrends.com/features/the-history-of-social-networking/|url-status=live}}

|Invention

|FidoNet forms as BBSs start to exchange email in North America and later internationally.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Invention

|IRC rises from the roots of BBS (and was initially intended to extend it), offering a similar service and experience.{{Cite web|url=https://daniel.haxx.se/irchistory.html|title=History of IRC (Internet Relay Chat)|website=daniel.haxx.se|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170547/https://daniel.haxx.se/irchistory.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirc.com/jarkko.html|title=mIRC: Founding IRC|last=Ltd.|first=mIRC Co.|website=www.mirc.com|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611020751/http://www.mirc.com/jarkko.html|url-status=live}} It has remained in use to this day.

|Launch

|Classmates.com, originally launched as a list of school affiliations, is launched in December 1995. The site, founded by Randy Conrads, later incorporated features to help former and current classmates find and contact each other online.{{Cite web|title=Then and now: a history of social networking sites|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/then-and-now-a-history-of-social-networking-sites/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=6 July 2011 |language=en|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402184221/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/then-and-now-a-history-of-social-networking-sites/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|The Swedish social networking website LunarStorm, originally called Stajlplejs, is launched in 1996. The site, founded by Rickard Eriksson, was renamed LunarStorm in 2000 and has been described as "the world's first social media on the Internet" by the founder.{{Cite news|title=20 år sedan Lunarstorm föddes|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/halland/20-ar-sedan-lunarstom-foddes|access-date=2021-05-20|newspaper=SVT Nyheter| date=29 August 2016 |language=sv|archive-date=2021-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520180743/https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/halland/20-ar-sedan-lunarstom-foddes|url-status=live | last1=Alexandersson | first1=Lina }}

|Launch

|Hotline, a chat, bulletin board, and file-sharing program, is released.{{Cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/220650/hotline-revisited.html

|title=Hotline revisited: The early internet|last=Edwards|first=Benj|website=Macworld| date=29 March 2013 |access-date=2024-02-14|archive-date=2024-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116182417/https://www.macworld.com/article/220650/hotline-revisited.html|url-status=live}} The Hotline client, with its graphical user interface in contrast to text-based IRC, let users connect to Hotline servers run by individuals and by corporate users like Apple and General Motors.

|Launch

|ICQ is released by Israeli company Mirabilis.{{Cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2012/10/25/instant-messaging-history/|title=A Brief History of Instant Messaging|last=Petronzio|first=Matt|website=Mashable| date=25 October 2012 |access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716183005/http://mashable.com/2012/10/25/instant-messaging-history/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Bolt.com was started as the first social networking and video website.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

|Launch, Milestone

|Social networking website SixDegrees.com is created.{{cite journal|last1=boyd|first1=danah m|last2=Ellison|first2=Nicole B.|year=2007|title=Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship|journal=Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication|volume=13|number=1|pages=210–230|doi=10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x|s2cid=52810295|doi-access=free}}

|Launch

|Open Diary launches the first social blogging network, inventing the reader comment and friends-only content.{{Cite book|last=Macnamara|first=Jim|title=The 21st century media (r)evolution : emergent communication practices|publisher=Peter Lang|year=2010|isbn=978-1-4331-0936-2|location=New York|pages=48}}

|Launch

|AOL Instant Messenger is released.

|Acquisition

|ICQ is acquired by AOL, and the service is patented.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2591723.stm|title=AOL wins instant messaging case|date=2002-12-19|newspaper=BBC|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916210830/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2591723.stm|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|SixDegrees.com is purchased by YouthStream Media Networks for $125 million.{{cite book|title=Stealing MySpace: The Battle to Control the Most Popular Website in America|url=https://archive.org/details/stealingmyspaceb00angw_332|url-access=limited|last=Angwin|first=Julia|author-link=Julia Angwin|publisher=Random House|year=2009|page=[https://archive.org/details/stealingmyspaceb00angw_332/page/n148 52]| isbn=9781400066940 }}

|Launch

|Yahoo Messenger instant messaging service launches.

|Launch

|MSN Messenger (also known as Windows Live Messenger), a messaging, video and voice calling service, launches.

|Launch

|LiveJournal, an early blogging platform and social network launches.{{cite web |date=2009-06-21 |title=LiveJournal FAQ: How did LiveJournal get started? Who runs it now? |url=http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=4&view=full |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318105724/http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=4&view=full |archive-date=2006-03-18 |access-date=2010-03-29 |publisher=Livejournal.com}}

|Launch

|Something Awful, an American comedy website, launches its forums.{{cite web |last=Kyanka |first=Richard |date=May 10, 2005 |title=Here's Mud In Your Eye, Batman |url=https://www.somethingawful.com/d/daily-dirt/heres-mud-your.php |access-date=May 10, 2007}}

|Launch

|Habbo, a game-based social networking site, launches.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Launch

|Friends Reunited exploiting a gap in the UK market following the success of US website Classmates.com{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Defunction

|SixDegrees.com shuts down.

|Launch, Invention

|Windows Messenger is released, and is shipped with Windows XP. This is an integrated version of MSN Messenger.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Launch

|Social networking and gaming site Friendster launches. The service would be popular in Asia and the Pacific Islands.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/then-and-now-a-history-of-social-networking-sites/4/|title=Then and now: a history of social networking sites|website=CBS News|date=2014-02-04|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505153210/http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/then-and-now-a-history-of-social-networking-sites/4/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Business-oriented social networking service LinkedIn launches.{{Cite web|url=https://press.linkedin.com/about-linkedin|title=About Us {{!}} LinkedIn Newsroom|website=LinkedIn Newsroom|language=en-us|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2015-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204055540/https://press.linkedin.com/about-linkedin|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Social networking website Hi5 launches.{{Cite web|url=http://royal.pingdom.com/2011/03/25/social-networks-one-million-visitors-per-day/|title=29 social networks that have at least one million visitors per day|date=2011-03-25|website=Pingdom Royal|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716070418/http://royal.pingdom.com/2011/03/25/social-networks-one-million-visitors-per-day/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|The business-oriented social networking website, XING, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.xing.com/2008/10/5-years-of-xing-%25E2%2580%2593-some-memorable-moments-and-milestones/|title=Nothing found for 2008 10 5 Years Of Xing %25E2%2580%2593 Some Memorable Moments And Milestones|website=net.work.xing - The corporate blog of XING|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2015-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920232548/https://blog.xing.com/2008/10/5-years-of-xing-%e2%80%93-some-memorable-moments-and-milestones/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|4chan, an english-language imageboard, launches.moot (October 1, 2003). [https://www.4chan.org/4channews.php?all#2 "Welcome"]. 4chan. Retrieved November 19, 2022.

|Launch

|Myspace launches.{{cite web |last1=Chokshi |first1=Niraj |title=Myspace, Once the King of Social Networks, Lost Years of Data |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/19/business/myspace-user-data.html |website=The New York Times}}

|Launch

|Skype, an instant messaging and video/voice calling service (VoIP), launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.emirates247.com/news/happy-birthday-skype-even-monkeys-use-it-now-2013-08-28-1.519060|title=Happy Birthday Skype: Even monkeys use it now|last=Agencies|date=28 August 2013 |language=en-GB|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2020-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028024944/https://www.emirates247.com/news/happy-birthday-skype-even-monkeys-use-it-now-2013-08-28-1.519060|url-status=live}}

|Launch, Milestone

|Facebook, the most popular social networking service to-date, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-first-8-features-from-2004-2014-8|title=The Only 8 Features Facebook Had When It Launched In 2004|website=Business Insider|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816133837/http://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-first-8-features-from-2004-2014-8|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Flickr, an image and video hosting website, launches.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2004/12/photo-site-a-hit-with-bloggers/|title=Photo Site a Hit With Bloggers|magazine=Wired|date=9 December 2004|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2014-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320190118/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2004/12/65958|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Orkut, a social networking website owned by Google, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/look-back-googles-history-social-media-failures-158700|title=A Look Back at Google's History of Social Media Failures|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818063604/http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/look-back-googles-history-social-media-failures-158700|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Tagged, a social discovery website, launches.

|Launch

|Bebo, a social networking website, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://seo-dir.com/item/bebo/|title=Bebo - SEO DIR|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910094839/http://seo-dir.com/item/bebo/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|YouTube, a video-sharing website, launches.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=N. F. I. |date=2022-04-29 |title=Is YouTube Social Media? Everything You Need To Know |url=https://www.nfi.edu/is-youtube-social-media/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=NFI |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Suciu |first=Peter |title=YouTube Remains The Most Dominant Social Media Platform |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2021/04/07/youtube-remains-the-most-dominant-social-media-platform/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Leskin |first=Paige |title=YouTube is 15 years old. Here's a timeline of how YouTube was founded, its rise to video behemoth, and its biggest controversies along way |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-youtube-in-photos-2015-10 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2017-09-05 |title=Timeline: The Complete History of Video |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/g3200/complete-history-of-video/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}

|Acquisition

|Myspace is acquired by News Corporation for $580 million.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7294174.stm|title=AOL acquires Bebo social network|date=2008-03-13|newspaper=BBC|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821161745/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7294174.stm|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Qzone, a Chinese social networking website, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinainternetwatch.com/3346/tencent-qzone/|title=Qzone: China's Biggest Social Network — China Internet Watch|website=www.chinainternetwatch.com|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816122015/https://www.chinainternetwatch.com/3346/tencent-qzone/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Reddit, an American social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2005/dec/08/innovations.guardianweeklytechnologysection1/|title=Reddit.com — The Guardian|website=www.theguardian.com|access-date=2017-11-12|archive-date=2017-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040458/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2005/dec/08/innovations.guardianweeklytechnologysection1|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Renren, a Chinese social networking website, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.renren-inc.com/en/|title=Renren - HOME|website=www.renren-inc.com|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727092212/http://www.renren-inc.com/en/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Yahoo acquires Flickr.{{Cite web|url=http://blog.flickr.net/en/2005/03/20/yahoo-actually-does-acquire-flickr/|title=Yahoo actually does acquire Flickr {{!}} Flickr Blog|website=blog.flickr.net| date=20 March 2005 |access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2014-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728181713/http://blog.flickr.net/en/2005/03/20/yahoo-actually-does-acquire-flickr/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Facebook launches its photos feature with no restrictions on storage (but without the ability to tag friends).{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/02/facebook-photos-infographic_n_916225.html|title=INFOGRAPHIC: A History Of Facebook Photos|last1=Kanalley|first1=Craig|date=2011-08-02|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918185009/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/02/facebook-photos-infographic_n_916225.html|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Twitter launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-twitter-was-founded-2011-4|title=The Real History Of Twitter|website=Business Insider|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2019-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506072901/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-twitter-was-founded-2011-4|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|VK (VKontakte), a Russian-based social networking service that resembles Facebook, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/russias-mark-zuckerberg-resigns-vkontakte-ceo-1443012|title=Russia's Mark Zuckerberg Resigns as VKontakte CEO|date=2014-04-02|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811055445/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/russias-mark-zuckerberg-resigns-vkontakte-ceo-1443012|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Facebook launches News Feed. The original news feed is an algorithmically generated and constantly refreshing summary of updates about the activities of one's friends.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook/facebook-gets-a-facelift/2207967130/|title=Facebook Gets a Facelift|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815063051/https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook/facebook-gets-a-facelift/2207967130/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Nasza Klasa launches, later rebranded NK.pl peaking in popularity by 2009, becoming the biggest social media in Poland and the 4th most-visited website in the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/koniec-nasza-klasa-znika-swojskie-medium-spolecznosciowe|title=Po prawie 15 latach skończyła się historia Naszej Klasy. Znika "swojskie medium społecznościowe"|trans-title=After almost 15 years, the story of Our Class is over. The "homely social media" is disappearinge|language = pl|publisher=Wirtualne Media|first=Michał|last=Radkowski|date=28 July 2021|accessdate=2 February 2023}}

|Launch

|Tumblr, a microblogging and social networking website, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tumblr.com/about|title=About {{!}} Tumblr|website=www.tumblr.com|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2015-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313222200/https://www.tumblr.com/about|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|FriendFeed, a real-time social media feed aggregator, launches.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

|Launch

|Justin.tv, a live-streaming that allowed anyone to broadcast video online, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/1839300/many-pivots-justintv-how-livecam-show-became-home-video-gaming-superstars|title=The Many Pivots Of Justin.tv: How A Livecam Show Became Home To Video Gaming Superstars|date=2012-06-15|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604042924/http://www.fastcompany.com/1839300/many-pivots-justintv-how-livecam-show-became-home-video-gaming-superstars|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|AOL buys Bebo for $850 million.

|Acquisition

|FriendFeed is acquired by Facebook for $15 million in cash, and $32.5 million in stock.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/08/10/the-cost-of-friendfeed-roughly-50-million-in-cash-and-stock/|title=The Cost Of FriendFeed: Roughly $50 Million In Cash And Stock|last=Siegler|first=M. G.|website=TechCrunch|date=10 August 2009 |access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2013-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203074343/http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/10/the-cost-of-friendfeed-roughly-50-million-in-cash-and-stock/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-03/02/content_12099500.htm|title=Special: Micro blog's macro impact|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2020-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128020858/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-03/02/content_12099500.htm|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Pinterest, a photo-sharing website, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/article/Pinning-These-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things-1882964.php|title=Pinning: These are a few of my favourite things| date=11 August 2011 |access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221215/http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/article/Pinning-These-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things-1882964.php|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|AOL sells ICQ to Mail.Ru (formerly known as Digital Sky Technologies) for $185 million.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2ba3294a-52c1-11df-a192-00144feab49a.html |title=FT.com / Media - AOL sells ICQ to Russian internet company |date=2010-04-30 |access-date=2016-07-23 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430191635/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2ba3294a-52c1-11df-a192-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=2010-04-30 }}

|Acquisition

|Bebo is sold by AOL to Criterion Capital Partners.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/aol-to-sell-bebo-to-criterion-capital-partners-2010-6|title=AOL To Sell Bebo to Criterion Capital Partners|website=Business Insider|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715003746/http://www.businessinsider.com/aol-to-sell-bebo-to-criterion-capital-partners-2010-6|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Instagram, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/press/|title=Instagram|website=www.instagram.com|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726080235/https://www.instagram.com/press/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Path, a social networking-enabled photo sharing and messaging service for mobile devices, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/a-path-the-world-isnt-meant-to-see/|title=A Path the world isn't meant to see|access-date=2018-10-20|archive-date=2018-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018122554/https://www.cnet.com/news/a-path-the-world-isnt-meant-to-see/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Quora, a question-and-answer platform, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/adam-dangelo/|title=Adam D'Angelo|website=Forbes|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721125826/http://www.forbes.com/profile/adam-dangelo/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Snapchat, a photo/video sharing and social media service, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2014/02/13/snapchat-founder-facts/|title=11 Things You Didn't Know About Snapchat's Founders|last=Ang|first=Sarah|website=Mashable| date=13 February 2014 |access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804052133/http://mashable.com/2014/02/13/snapchat-founder-facts/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Microsoft acquires Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/microsoft-finalizes-acquisition-of-skype-tony-bates-shares-his/|title=Microsoft finalizes acquisition of Skype, Tony Bates shares his thoughts (video)|website=Engadget|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2019-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108094110/https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/microsoft-finalizes-acquisition-of-skype-tony-bates-shares-his/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Google+, a social networking service, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/introducing-google-project-real-life.html|title=Introducing the Google+ project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the web|website=Official Google Blog|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2019-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930062723/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/introducing-google-project-real-life.html|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Keek, a video-sharing and social media service, launches.{{Cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/torontos-keek-raises-18m-for-social-video-networking-platform|title=Toronto's Keek raises $18M for social video networking platform| newspaper=Financial Post | date=17 January 2013 |access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724133350/http://business.financialpost.com/fp-tech-desk/torontos-keek-raises-18m-for-social-video-networking-platform|url-status=live| last1=Dobby | first1=Christine }}

|Acquisition

|Myspace is sold to Specific Media by News Corp. for $35 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13969338|title=MySpace sold to Specific Media by Murdoch's News Corp - BBC News| work=BBC News | date=29 June 2011 |language=en-GB|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915042408/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-13969338|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|LinkedIn files for an IPO and trades its first shares under the NYSE symbol "LNKD", at $45 per share.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GR2EAAAAQBAJ|title=Reid Hoffman and Linkedin|last=Byers|first=Ann|date=2013-07-15|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=9781448895373|language=en}}

|Launch

|Twitch, a live-streaming service, launches. This service is a spin-off from Justin.tv, as it is more focused on broadcasting users playing video games.{{Cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/media/2011/06/06/twitchtv-justin-tvs-killer-new-esports-project/#gref|title=TwitchTV: Justin.tv's killer new esports project|last=Wilhelm|first=Alex|date=2011-06-06|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2018-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614221301/https://thenextweb.com/media/2011/06/06/twitchtv-justin-tvs-killer-new-esports-project/#gref|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Twitter overhauls its website to feature the "Fly" design, which the service says is easier for new users to follow and promotes advertising. In addition to the Home tab, the Connect and Discover tabs are introduced along with a redesigned profile and timeline of Tweets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/twitter-2-0-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-changes|title=Twitter 2.0: Everything You Need to Know About the New Changes {{!}} Fox News|website=Fox News|date=2011-12-09|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810221131/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2011/12/09/what-need-to-know-about-new-twitter.html?test=faces|url-status=live}}

|Launch, Milestone

|Facebook goes public, negotiating a share price of $38 apiece, valuing the company at $104 billion, the largest valuation to date for a newly listed public company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/05/17/facebook-goes-public-time-for-a-drink/#6bc89cf85493|title=Facebook IPO: Time For A Drink [Update: No Hoodies At The Rosewood]|last=Caulfield|first=Brian|website=Forbes|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920230127/http://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/05/17/facebook-goes-public-time-for-a-drink/#6bc89cf85493|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Snapchat launches video sharing, allowing users to share 10-second videos.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/14/snapchat-does-video/|title=Snapchat Releases Video Sharing, Is Prototyping Monetization Features (Oh, And It's Still Not For Sexting)|last=Gallagher|first=Billy|website=TechCrunch|date=14 December 2012 |access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917204750/https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/14/snapchat-does-video/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Tinder, a dating-oriented social networking service, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://growthhackers.com/growth-studies/what-ignited-tinders-explosive-growth|title=What Ignited Tinder's Explosive Growth?|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726122247/http://growthhackers.com/growth-studies/what-ignited-tinders-explosive-growth|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Facebook acquires Instagram for $1 billion in cash and stock.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/facebook-buys-instagram-for-1-billion/|title=Facebook Buys Instagram for $1 Billion|publisher=ABC News|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627184847/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/facebook-buys-instagram-for-1-billion/|url-status=live}}

|Launch, Acquisition

|Vine, a video-sharing and social media service, launches shortly after being acquired by Twitter for $30 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2013/06/23/instagram-video-taking-a-swing-at-vine-study.html|title=Instagram Video Taking a Swing at Vine: Study|last=Langer|first=Eli|website=CNBC|date=2013-06-23|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2018-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106213547/https://www.cnbc.com/id/100836937|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://allthingsd.com/20121009/twitter-buys-vine-a-video-clip-company-that-never-launched/|title=Twitter Buys Vine, a Video Clip Company That Never Launched|language=en-us|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2014-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925082926/http://allthingsd.com/20121009/twitter-buys-vine-a-video-clip-company-that-never-launched/|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Twitter files for its IPO, and begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The share closed at $44.90, giving the company a valuation of around $31 billion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-24851054|title=Twitter shares jump 73% in market debut - BBC News| work=BBC News | date=7 November 2013 |language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811190556/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-24851054|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Instagram launches video sharing.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/20/facebook-instagram-video/|title=Instagram Launches 15-Second Video Sharing Feature, With 13 Filters And Editing|last=Taylor|first=Colleen|website=TechCrunch|date=20 June 2013 |access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2020-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020044346/https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/20/facebook-instagram-video/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Tumblr is purchased by Yahoo! Inc. for $1.1 billion.[http://www.businessinsider.com/yahoos-board-approves-11-billion-purchase-of-tumblr-2013-5 "Yahoo's Board Approves $1.1 Billion Purchase of Tumblr"]. Business Insider. [https://web.archive.org/web/20170311144522/http://www.businessinsider.com/yahoos-board-approves-11-billion-purchase-of-tumblr-2013-5/ Archived] from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2022.

|Launch

|Slack, an instant messaging service designed for internal use by organizations and professionals, launches.{{Cite web |last=Zax |first=David |date=2013-08-13 |title=Flickr Cofounders Launch Slack, An Email Killer |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3015730/flickr-cofounders-launch-slack-an-email-killer |website=Fast Company}}

|Launch

|Yik Yak, a social media app for local discussion, is launched.{{Cite web |last=Shontell |first=Alyson |date=2015-03-12 |title=How 2 Georgia fraternity brothers created Yik Yak, a controversial app that became a ~$400 million business in 365 days |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-inside-story-of-yik-yak-2015-3 |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

|Launch

|8chan, a decentralized English-language imageboard, is launched by Fredrick Brennan.Brennan, Fredrick (March 17, 2015). "[https://arstechnica.com/business/2015/03/full-transcript-ars-interviews-8chan-founder-fredrick-brennan/ Full transcript: Ars interviews 8chan founder Fredrick Brennan]". Ars Technica (Interview). Interviewed by Sam Machkovech. Retrieved June 15, 2022.

|Launch

|Patreon, a crowdfunding site that would later become a subscription service for content creators on social media sites, is launched.{{Cite news |title=Patreon: Jack Conte and Sam Yam : How I Built This with Guy Raz |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954876726/patreon-jack-conte-and-sam-yam |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129065312/https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954876726/patreon-jack-conte-and-sam-yam |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |website=NPR.org |language=en}}

|Acquisition

|Bebo is purchased from Criterion Capitol Partners for $1 million by Bebo's founders.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/02/bebo-founder-buys-back-site |title=Bebo founder pays $1m to buy back site sold for $850m {{!}} Bebo {{!}} The Guardian |website=TheGuardian.com |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=2020-02-27 |archive-date=2020-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227082247/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/02/bebo-founder-buys-back-site |url-status=live }}

|Launch

|Instant messaging and video/voice calling service Google Hangouts launches.{{Cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/05/15/google-launches-a-new-unified-cross-platform-messaging-service/#gref|title=Google Launches Hangouts Messaging Service for iOS, Android and Web|last=Summers|first=Nick|date=2013-05-15|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2019-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923022057/https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/05/15/google-launches-a-new-unified-cross-platform-messaging-service/#gref|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Telegram, launches service for exchange messages, share media, files, live location, hold private and group voice or video calls, as well public livestreams.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

|Launch *

|Myspace re-launches, coming out with a re-designed website, and a mobile app.{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/12/the-new-new-myspace-leaves-beta-launches-a-revised-design-new-features-a-mobile-app/|title=The new, new Myspace leaves beta — launches a revised design, new features, & a mobile app|website=VentureBeat| date=12 June 2013 |access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009043503/http://venturebeat.com/2013/06/12/the-new-new-myspace-leaves-beta-launches-a-revised-design-new-features-a-mobile-app/|url-status=live}}

|Defunction

|Justin.tv shuts downs to focus work on Twitch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/5/5971939/justin-tv-the-live-video-pioneer-that-birthed-twitch-officially-shuts|title=Justin.tv, the live video pioneer that birthed Twitch, officially shuts down|last=Popper|first=Ben|date=2014-08-05|website=The Verge|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2017-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806180246/https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/5/5971939/justin-tv-the-live-video-pioneer-that-birthed-twitch-officially-shuts|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Musical.ly, a lip-syncing app, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/10/18129126/tiktok-app-musically-meme-cringe|title=TikTok, explained|last=Jennings|first=Rebecca|date=2018-12-10|website=Vox|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04|archive-date=2019-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204213402/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/10/18129126/tiktok-app-musically-meme-cringe|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Snapchat launches collaborative timelines based on events.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/06/17/snapchat-launches-collaborative-timelines-based-on-events/|title=Snapchat Launches Collaborative Timelines Based On Events|last=Crook|first=Jordan|website=TechCrunch|date=17 June 2014 |access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528222327/http://techcrunch.com/2014/06/17/snapchat-launches-collaborative-timelines-based-on-events/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2014/06/17/snapchat-our-story/|title=Snapchat Rolls Out Group-Sharing Feature for Concerts, Live Events|last=Wagner|first=Kurt|website=Mashable| date=17 June 2014 |access-date=2016-08-28|archive-date=2016-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720210957/http://mashable.com/2014/06/17/snapchat-our-story/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Amazon acquires Twitch for $970 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/8/25/6066295/amazon-reportedly-buying-twitch-for-over-1-billion|title=Amazon, not Google, is buying Twitch for $970 million|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=2014-08-25|website=The Verge|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719225746/http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/25/6066295/amazon-reportedly-buying-twitch-for-over-1-billion|url-status=live}}

|Defunction

|Orkut is shut down by Google.{{Cite web|url=https://brasil.googleblog.com/2014/06/adeus-ao-orkut.html|title=Adeus ao Orkut|last=|first=|date=30 June 2014|website=|publisher=|language=pt-BR|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819100334/https://brasil.googleblog.com/2014/06/adeus-ao-orkut.html|url-status=live}}

|Defunction, Milestone

|Friendster shuts down due to "the evolving landscape in our challenging industry" and lack of engagement by the online community.{{Cite web|url=http://www.friendster.com/ |title=Friendster.com - Living the Game |website=www.friendster.com |access-date=2016-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021120140852/http://www.friendster.com/index.jsp |archive-date=2002-11-20 }}

|Launch, Acquisition

|Periscope, a live video sharing app, launches shortly after being acquired by Twitter.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.twitter.com/2015/introducing-periscope|title=Introducing Periscope {{!}} Twitter Blogs|website=blog.twitter.com|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2015-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403100430/https://blog.twitter.com/2015/introducing-periscope|url-status=dead}}

|Launch *

|Bebo re-launches as a messaging app for iOS and Android.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/bebo-is-relaunching-as-a-chat-app-2014-12|title=After Selling For $850 Million, Failed Social Network Bebo Is Relaunching As Something Much Cooler|website=Business Insider|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816134527/http://www.businessinsider.com/bebo-is-relaunching-as-a-chat-app-2014-12|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://bebo.com|title=Bebo Swipe To Chill|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Bebo, Inc.|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403215513/http://bebo.com/|archive-date=3 April 2014|url-status=dead}}

|Launch

|Beme, a short video-sharing app, launches. The creators are Casey Neistat and Matt Hackett.{{Cite news|url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/casey-neistats-new-video-app-asks-renounce-artificial-self-image-327383|title=Casey Neistat's Video App Avoids the Artificial Self-Image - artnet News|date=2015-08-24|work=artnet News|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140937/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/casey-neistats-new-video-app-asks-renounce-artificial-self-image-327383|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Discord, a free instant messaging and video/voice calling service (VoIP) designed for the gaming community, launches.{{Cite news |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=2016-05-13 |title=One year after its launch, Discord is the best VoIP service available |language=en |work=PC Gamer |publisher=Future plc |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/one-year-after-its-launch-discord-is-the-best-voip-service-available/ |access-date=2022-11-20}}

|Launch

|Meerkat, an application similar to Periscope, launches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fromthegrapevine.com/blogs/innovation/meerkat-biggest-hit-sxsw|title=Meerkat is the biggest hit at SXSW|website=From the Grapevine|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2016-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915101249/http://www.fromthegrapevine.com/blogs/innovation/meerkat-biggest-hit-sxsw|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Triller, a video editing app, is converted into a social networking service by allowing users to follow each other and share their videos publicly.{{Cite web|last=Ha|first=Anthony|date=|title=Music video app Triller becomes a social network|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/12/triller-social/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027180942/https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/12/triller-social/|archive-date=2021-10-27|access-date=2020-10-29|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}

|Acquisition

|Microsoft acquires LinkedIn for $26.2 billion on 8 December 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-acquire-linkedin-in-deal-valued-at-26-2-billion-1465821523|title=Microsoft to Acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 Billion|last=Greene|first=Jay|date=2016-06-14|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124182442/https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-acquire-linkedin-in-deal-valued-at-26-2-billion-1465821523|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.microsoft.com/2016/06/13/microsoft-to-acquire-linkedin/#sm.00001gk37aj54fcunvkc68k6otk6o|title=Microsoft to acquire LinkedIn {{!}} News Center|website=news.microsoft.com| date=13 June 2016 |access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2021-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212052050/https://news.microsoft.com/2016/06/13/microsoft-to-acquire-linkedin/#sm.00001gk37aj54fcunvkc68k6otk6o|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Time Inc. buys Myspace and its parent company.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/time-inc-myspace-viant-1201703860/|title=Time Inc. Buys Myspace Parent Company Viant|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2016-02-11|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-26|archive-date=2020-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111211738/https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/time-inc-myspace-viant-1201703860/|url-status=live}}

|Defunction, Milestone

|Yahoo! discontinues its services for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris clients in early August 2016. It will now only support Yahoo! Messenger on Android, iOS, and web clients.{{Cite web|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/old-yahoo-messenger-app-to-shut-down-on-august-5-848476|title=Old Yahoo Messenger App to Shut Down on August 5|date=13 June 2016 |access-date=2016-07-23|archive-date=2016-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613223213/http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/old-yahoo-messenger-app-to-shut-down-on-august-5-848476|url-status=live}}

|Defunction

|Vine announced that Twitter would be discontinuing the Vine mobile app, later renamed to "Vine Camera".{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/twitter-vine-shutting-down-1201902457|title=Twitter Is Shutting Down Vine|date=27 October 2016|access-date=2017-11-08|archive-date=2017-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109134849/http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/twitter-vine-shutting-down-1201902457/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|CNN acquires Beme, with the terms of acquisition remaining undisclosed.

|Launch

|Mastodon, a free and open-source software for self-hosting interlinking social networking services, is launched.

|Launch

|Gab, an alt-tech microblogging site,{{Cite news |first=Alina |last=Selyukh |date=May 21, 2017 |title=Feeling Sidelined By Mainstream Social Media, Far-Right Users Jump To Gab |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/05/21/529005840/feeling-sidelined-by-mainstream-social-media-far-right-users-jump-to-gab |url-status=live |access-date=2022-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121120145/https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/05/21/529005840/feeling-sidelined-by-mainstream-social-media-far-right-users-jump-to-gab |archive-date=November 21, 2018}} is launched publicly on May 8, 2017.{{Cite web |date=2017-07-12 |title=Gab |url=https://www.startengine.com/startup/gab |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712215207/https://www.startengine.com/startup/gab |archive-date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=StartEngine}}

|Acquisition

|ByteDance acquires Musical.ly for $1 billion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/10/business/dealbook/musically-sold-app-video.html|title=Musical.ly, a Chinese App Big in the U.S., Sells for $1 Billion|last=Mozur|first=Paul|date=2017-11-10|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-04|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2019-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204012748/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/10/business/dealbook/musically-sold-app-video.html|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Pillowfort, a microblogging and social networking service, is launched, and is billed as an alternative to Tumblr.{{Cite web |last=Valens |first=Ana |date=2021-04-29 |title=Tumblr alternative Pillowfort returns after messy launch |url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/pillowfort-returns-tumblr-alternative/ |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US}}

|Defunction

|Yik Yak is shut down following a rapid decline in users, accusations of rampant bullying, and the app's banning from some schools.{{Cite web |last=Bauer-Wolf |first=Jeremy |date=2021-08-17 |title=Anonymous messaging app Yik Yak returns after 4-year shutdown |url=https://www.highereddive.com/news/anonymous-messaging-app-yik-yak-returns-after-4-year-shutdown/605120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817213817/https://www.highereddive.com/news/anonymous-messaging-app-yik-yak-returns-after-4-year-shutdown/605120/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=Higher Ed Dive |language=en-US}}

|Milestone

|Snapchat files for its IPO, and begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The share closed at $24.48, giving the company a valuation of around $33 billion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/02/snapchat-snap-open-trading-price-stock-ipo-first-day.html|title=Snap cluboses up 44% after rollicking IPO|last=Balakrishnan|first=Anita|date=2017-03-02|work=CNBC|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=2018-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183120/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/02/snapchat-snap-open-trading-price-stock-ipo-first-day.html|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|TikTok, a short video-sharing and social media service, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20948731/tiktok-bytedance-china-social-media-growth-users-decline-first-time|title=TikTok's global social media takeover is starting to slow down|last=Noble|first=Audrey|date=2020-11-25|website=Vogue|language=en|access-date=2020-11-25|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023309/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20948731/tiktok-bytedance-china-social-media-growth-users-decline-first-time|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Co–Star, an astrological social networking service, launches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/whats-co-star-astrology-app-technology-spirituality|title=What's Co-Star? Meet the Astrology App That's Intriguing Millennials Everywhere|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2019-11-04|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-12-04|archive-date=2019-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219080114/https://www.vogue.com/article/whats-co-star-astrology-app-technology-spirituality|url-status=live}}

|Milestone

|Tumblr announces a complete ban on adult content after Apple Inc. removes Tumblr from its App Store. The move triggers a massive drop in online traffic for Tumblr.{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Michael |date=2019-03-14 |title=Tumblr Traffic Plummets After Porn Ban |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/tumblr-traffic-plummets-after-porn-ban |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120034027/https://www.pcmag.com/news/tumblr-traffic-plummets-after-porn-ban |archive-date=2022-11-20 |website=PCMag }}

|Defunction

|AIM is discontinued as a service.{{cite web |last=Albers |first=Michael |date=October 6, 2017 |title=One Last Away Message |url=https://aimemories.tumblr.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006144753/https://aimemories.tumblr.com/ |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |access-date=October 5, 2017 |work=AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) on Tumblr |publisher=Oath Inc.}}

|Defunction

|Beme shuts down on January 31, following its acquisition by CNN in 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://beme.com/|title=beme|date=2016-12-22|access-date=2018-04-19|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222222612/https://beme.com/|archive-date=2016-12-22}}{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/cnn-casey-neistat-beme-acquisition-1201927533/|title=CNN Acquires Social-Video Startup Beme, Co-Founded by YouTube Star Casey Neistat|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2016-11-28|work=Variety|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en-US|archive-date=2016-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206035307/http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/cnn-casey-neistat-beme-acquisition-1201927533/|url-status=live}}

|Defunction

|Yahoo! Messenger shuts down on July 17, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://help.yahoo.com/kb/messenger/SLN28776.html?impressions=true|title=Yahoo Messenger will be discontinued|access-date=2019-09-28|archive-date=2018-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165417/https://help.yahoo.com/kb/messenger/SLN28776.html?impressions=true|url-status=dead}}

|Defunction

|Musical.ly shuts down and migrates its users to TikTok.

|Defunction

|Path announces the termination of its service on September 17, 2018.{{Cite web|url=http://blog.path.com/post/178172780707/the-last-goodbye|title=The Last Goodbye|website=Path|language=en|access-date=2018-09-17|archive-date=2018-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105158/http://blog.path.com/post/178172780707/the-last-goodbye|url-status=dead}} Its closure takes place nearly a month later, on October 18, 2018.

|Launch

|Parler launches, an alt-tech social media billing itself as an unbiased and free speech alternative to larger social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

|Defunction

|Google+ shuts down in April 2019 due to low user engagement and an API flaw.{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/plus/answer/9195133?hl|title=Shutting down Google+ for consumer (personal) accounts on April 2, 2019|date=January 30, 2019|website=Google+ Help|access-date=February 1, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515081435/https://support.google.com/plus/answer/9195133?hl|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/01/google-shuts-down-april-2-all-data-will-be-deleted/|title=Google+ shuts down April 2, all data will be deleted|last=Amadeo|first=Ron|date=January 31, 2019|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131163203/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/01/google-shuts-down-april-2-all-data-will-be-deleted/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.blog.google/technology/safety-security/expediting-changes-google-plus/|title=Expediting changes to Google+|last=Thacker|first=David|date=December 10, 2018|website=Google: The Keyword (company blog)|language=en|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210233906/https://www.blog.google/technology/safety-security/expediting-changes-google-plus/|url-status=live}}

|Acquisition

|Verizon Media announces it will sell Tumblr to Automattic, owner of WordPress.com and backer of WordPress for less than $3 million.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=August 12, 2019 |title=Verizon is selling Tumblr to WordPress' owner |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/12/20802639/tumblr-verizon-sold-wordpress-blogging-yahoo-adult-content |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}

|Launch

|Clubhouse, an audio-chat social networking app, launches.{{cite web |last1=Burch |first1=Sean |title=Behind Clubhouse, the Invite-Only App Connecting Hollywood and Silicon Valley During the Pandemic |url=https://www.thewrap.com/behind-clubhouse-the-invite-only-app-connecting-hollywood-and-silicon-valley-during-the-pandemic/#:~:text=Since%20launching%20in%20April%2C%20the,valuing%20Clubhouse%20at%20%24100%20million. |website=The Wrap |date=23 December 2020 |access-date=2021-01-10 |archive-date=2021-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118154343/https://www.thewrap.com/behind-clubhouse-the-invite-only-app-connecting-hollywood-and-silicon-valley-during-the-pandemic/#:~:text=Since%20launching%20in%20April%2C%20the,valuing%20Clubhouse%20at%20%24100%20million. |url-status=live}}

|Launch

|BeReal, a messaging application that encourages users to share a photo or video of their lives once a day during a two minute window, launches.Davis, Wynne (2022-04-16). "[https://www.npr.org/2022/04/16/1092814566/bereal-app-gen-z-download BeReal is Gen Z's new favorite social media app. Here's how it works]". NPR. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220416183500/https://www.npr.org/2022/04/16/1092814566/bereal-app-gen-z-download Archived] from the original on 2022-04-16. Retrieved 2022-11-20.

|Launch

|Gettr, an alt-tech social media platform aimed at conservatives, is launched by Jason Miller, a former aide to U.S. President Donald Trump.Panetta, Grace (July 1, 2021). "[https://www.businessinsider.com/gettr-trump-new-social-media-platform-2021-7 Trump's former top aide launches GETTR, a new conservative social media platform]". Business Insider. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210701212833/https://www.businessinsider.com/gettr-trump-new-social-media-platform-2021-7 Archived] from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2022.

|Defunction

|NK.pl was shut down on 27 July ending a near-15 year history of once the most popular social media in Poland. Arrival of Facebook to the Polish market being cited as one of the reasons for the departure of users and eventual closure.

|Launch *

|Yik Yak relaunches on the App Store.{{Cite web|last1=Franklin|first1=Jonathan|date=2021-08-17|title=Yik Yak, The Anonymous App That Tested Free Speech, Is Back|website=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/17/1028402237/yik-yak-anonymous-app-free-speech-returns|access-date=2023-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418110524/https://www.npr.org/2021/08/17/1028402237/yik-yak-anonymous-app-free-speech-returns|archive-date=2023-04-18|url-status=live}}

|Launch

|Truth Social, an alt-tech social media platform, is launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump."[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58990330 Trump to launch new social media platform TRUTH Social]". BBC News. October 21, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211021025919/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58990330 Archived] from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2022.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-21 |title=Donald Trump's social media app launches on Apple Store |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/21/donald-trumps-social-media-app-truth-social-launches-on-apple-store |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501042949/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/21/donald-trumps-social-media-app-truth-social-launches-on-apple-store |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-29 |work=The Guardian}}

|Acquisition

|Twitter is acquired and taken private by businessman Elon Musk in a $44 billion deal.{{Cite news |last1=Conger |first1=Kate |last2=Hirsch |first2=Lauren |date=2022-10-28 |title=Elon Musk Completes $44 Billion Deal to Own Twitter |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/27/technology/elon-musk-twitter-deal-complete.html |access-date=2022-11-20 |issn=0362-4331}}

|Launch

|Nostr, decentralized network protocol for a distributed social networking system, launches.{{cite web |title=basic server relay code. · nostr-protocol/nostr@6158017 · GitHub |url=https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nostr/commit/6158017db0b12686218113232fff175a45953e2f |website=GitHub}}

|Launch

|Bluesky, a decentralized microblogging platform, launches in closed beta.{{Cite news |last=Lopatto |first=Elizabeth |date=April 27, 2023 |title=They're 'skeets' now |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/27/23701551/bluesky-skeets-now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428000244/https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/27/23701551/bluesky-skeets-now |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |work=The Verge |language=en-US}}

|Milestone

|2023 Reddit API controversy, in which Reddit announced they would begin charging for use of its API{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

|Launch

|Threads, a platform that uses a user's Instagram account to create an account in a format similar to Twitter, is launched by Meta. More than 30 million accounts were made in the first 24 hours of the platform's existence.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

|Milestone

|Bluesky opens its platform to public registration.{{Cite news |last=Oremus |first=Will |date=2024-02-06 |title=Bluesky, a trendy rival to X, finally opens to the public |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/06/bluesky-launch-public-jay-graber/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407045433/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/06/bluesky-launch-public-jay-graber/ |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-06 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-GB}}

|Acquisition

|Digital World Acquisition Corp. acquires Truth Social.{{cite news |last1=Harwell |first1=Drew |date=15 February 2024 |title=Truth Social merger deal wins key approval, a victory for Trump |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/15/truth-social-trump-merger-sec/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post}}{{cite news |title=DWAC Stock Jumps After Regulators OK Plan to Merge With Truth Social's Parent |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-02-15-2024/card/dwac-stock-jumps-after-regulators-ok-plan-to-merge-with-truth-social-s-parent-company-EM4VEqel3lApKuQpMdwJ |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=WSJ}}{{cite news |last1=Anastasio |first1=Ryan |date=15 February 2024 |title=DWAC shares soar as merger with Trump social media company appears closer |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/15/trump-social-media-merger-with-dwac-appears-closer.html |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=CNBC}}

|Milestone

|US president Joe Biden joins the fediverse as @potus@threads.net.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Wes |date=2024-04-02 |title=President Biden is now posting into the fediverse |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/2/24119353/joe-biden-threads-mastodon-activitypub-fediverse |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

|Milestone

|First post on Twitter (now officially known as X) through the Neuralink brain-computer interface{{Cite news |last=Choudhury |first=Rizwan |date=2024-03-23 |title=First, tweet through Neuralink, now Musk's Blindsight aims for sight |url=https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/another-neuralink-breakthrough-man-tweets-with-his-mind |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Interesting Engineering |language=en-US}}

|Milestone

|The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was signed into law.{{Cite news |last=Huynh |first=Anjali |date=2024-03-26 |title=Biden’s TikTok Challenge: Reach Gen Z, Without Drawing Its Wrath |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/us/politics/biden-tiktok-voters.html |access-date=2024-04-11 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

|Milestone

|Xiaohongshu reaches $1b in sales.{{Cite news |last=Olcott |first=Eleanor |date=2024-10-13 |title=China’s Instagram-like Xiaohongshu hits $1bn in quarterly sales |url=https://www.ft.com/content/81d4324a-1137-4c32-935f-bfb3f2b84a1a |access-date=2024-11-18 |work=Financial Times}}

|Milestone

|Australia becomes the first country to have an age ban for under 16 on social media.{{Cite web |last=AFP |title=Australia plans to hit social media companies with $30 million fines if they fail to keep kids off their platforms |url=https://fortune.com/asia/2024/11/21/australia-plans-fines-social-media-companies-fail-keep-kids-off-platform/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Fortune Asia |language=en}}

|Milestone

|TikTok voluntarily suspends its services in the United States only for 12 hours, leaving a large amount of users migrating to RedNote. This was due to uncertainty over whether the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which took effect on January 19, 2025, would be enforced by President Joe Biden. Biden did not enforce the ban and neither did his successor Donald Trump, who took office the day after the ban legally went into effect. TikTok was the first social media app to suspend its services in the United States and the first to be legally banned in the United States.{{Cite web |title = US TikTok users flock to Chinese app Xiaohongshu in protest with TikTok ban looming |url = https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/14/tiktok-ban-update-red-note/ |access-date = January 15, 2025 |website = opb |language = en |archive-date = January 15, 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250115003441/https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/14/tiktok-ban-update-red-note/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite news |last1 = Shepherd |first1 = Christian |last2 = Chiang |first2 = Vic |last3 = Northrop |first3 = Katrina |date = January 14, 2025 |title = 'TikTok refugees' flock to another (heavily censored) Chinese app |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/14/tiktok-refugees-rednote-censorship/ |url-access = registration |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250115134959/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/14/tiktok-refugees-rednote-censorship/ |archive-date = January 15, 2025 |access-date = January 15, 2025 |newspaper = The Washington Post }}{{Cite web |last1 = WANG |first1 = Tommy |last2 = LOW |first2 = Zoe |title = 'Take My Data': US 'TikTok Refugees' Flock To Alternative Chinese App |url = https://www.barrons.com/news/take-my-data-us-tiktok-refugees-flock-to-alternative-chinese-app-f9d644ae |access-date = January 15, 2025 |website = www.barrons.com |language = en-US |archive-date = January 15, 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250115012409/https://www.barrons.com/news/take-my-data-us-tiktok-refugees-flock-to-alternative-chinese-app-f9d644ae |url-status = live }}

|Acquistion

|xAI X.AI Corp acquired X, X Corp $33 billion{{Cite web |last=Zeff |first=Maxwell |date=2025-03-29 |title=Elon Musk says xAI acquired X |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/29/elon-musk-says-xai-acquired-x/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}