Key Highlights
- Friendster, Orkut, and Dubsmash paved the way for today’s giants
- These platforms succumbed to evolve in digital landscapes
In the archives of social media history, while many may recall Facebook or Twitter as the forerunners, some might recall the earlier, lesser-known platforms like Friendster, Orkut, Dubsmash, and many more. These often-forgotten networks played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of social media giants we use today.
If you’re a 90s kid, chances are you’ve had your fair share of experiences with the apps featured on this list. Although these apps have faded into the digital abyss, they were once integral parts of our online social lives. In this article, we’ll take a journey back in time to delve into the stories of these social media networks that have since been discontinued but are far from forgotten. Also Read | Best Apps to Watch Live TV on Android
Yahoo Messenger (1998-2018)
Among them was Yahoo Messenger, an instant messaging app that thrived until its demise in 2018. In its heyday, it stood as the go-to alternative for email and SMS messaging. However, as smartphones, Facebook, and eventually WhatsApp emerged, Yahoo Messenger lost its momentum, prompting users to migrate elsewhere.
Friendster (2002-2015)
Friendster emerged as an early pioneer of social networking, boasting many of the features that would become hallmarks of the genre, such as messaging and groups. Often described as a “simpler version of Facebook,” Friendster garnered relative popularity until Facebook burst onto the scene. In 2003, Google attempted to acquire the platform for $30 million, but plagued by technical issues and facing a challenging competitor in Facebook, it gradually faded into oblivion in the United States by 2006. However, Friendster continued to thrive in Asian countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, even evolving into a social gaming platform in 2011. By 2015, the company had suspended its services entirely.
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Orkut (2004-2014)
Orkut was a household name in India during the 20s era. However, the soaring popularity of Facebook led to a mass migration of users, ultimately forcing Orkut to shut its doors in 2014. Google, the platform’s owner, cited the outpacing growth of other networks as the reason for its closure. Following Orkut’s demise, Google pinned its hopes on Google+, but unfortunately, that platform met a similar fate in the subsequent years.
Google+ (2011-2019)
In 2011, Google+ entered the social media arena with high hopes but eventually succumbed to the competition, particularly from Facebook. The final blow came with the discovery of a significant security issue, leading Google to shut down Google+ in April 2019. The company also noted that user engagement and usage fell short of expectations, with most sessions lasting a mere 5 seconds.
Dubsmash (2014-2022)
Dubsmash made its debut in November 2014 and quickly gained popularity, amassing over 75 million downloads within nine months. Its unique lip-syncing feature captured the imagination of fans and brands alike, becoming a platform for engagement. However, Dubsmash failed to adapt to changing user behavior, organize fan meetups, or expand its marketing efforts, gradually fading into the recesses of internet nostalgia.
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