As social media continues to reign over the online lives of users, the growing Internet cosmos gives life to alternative social media. These alternative social networks have now started to gain traction.
Some Facebook and Twitter users, for example, have growing concerns about privacy, tracking and security breaches. Competing social media platforms, regardless of the slightly dialed-down features, tend to have fewer of these issues simply because they haven’t had a wide stage to stand on yet.
If you’re looking to introduce another dimension to your social media presence, partnering with expert social media marketing agencies is a great idea. Alternatively, feel free to try these growingly popular alternative social media platforms.
Table of Contents
What Is Alternative Social Media?
Alternative social media websites are, as the name implies, alternatives to mainstream platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. But what are the reasons for their existence and what do they bring to the table?
We introduce you to this list of the best platforms that are helpful for casual and commercial use – and whose time is coming to the extent that they will become part of services by social media marketing companies.
9 Alternative Social Media Platforms
1. Ello
The most interesting alternative social media platform at the moment is Ello. It in a way similar to Facebook, but it sets itself apart by being an ad-free alternative and guarantees data security to all its users. sets itself apart from Facebook by being an ad-free alternative and guarantees data security to all its users.
The platform is yet to hit the mainstream picture but drew plenty of interest in 2014 when Facebook enforced measures that demanded the real names of its users. The minimalist approach of the designers and added emphasis on content make Ello an attractive alternative to a particular crowd, including artists, photographers and specific creatives.
There’s a bright future for this alternative social media page that boasts functional user-to-user chat and other tools commonly seen on mainstream social media sites.
This platform has gained popularity among artists, photographers, and designers and has attracted big names in the industry, such as Warner Bros, N26, Durex, and Mastercard.
2. NextDoor
NextDoor is another great alternative social media.
Think of NextDoor as a close-knit Facebook group for homeowner associations, schools and other local crowds. You can communicate socially without the overwhelming feeling that comes with larger social groups.
Furthermore, NextDoor requires a name and address verification to complete the sign-up process. That information is needed so the platform can connect you with people in your community.
Local businesses, service providers, and real estate agents have found Nextdoor to be an effective platform to connect with potential community customers. Notable brands and companies that use Nextdoor include Costa Coffee, Thesis, and Feeding America.
3. Minds
Feeling anti-establishment and have tendencies to veer away from the mainstream? Then Minds is for you. The network officially encourages free speech and is limited to no censorship. New users have the option to migrate their data from Facebook, which is a function that makes the transition more seamless.
Also, users can generate income through their social networking function by receiving monthly support (cryptocurrency) for monetized posts and ad sharing. The platform therefore also helps content creators get their material out.
This platform has gained popularity among activists, journalists, and free speech advocates, such as the activist collective Anonymous.
4. MeWe
Following a similar framework to that of Facebook, MeWe started as an alternative social media medium in 2016.
It also boasts greater data security that eliminates concerns usually associated with social media giants. With a handful of features that resemble Facebook, it manages to remain intuitive for old and new social media users alike.
With just six years in the space, its user base is not as packed as its counterparts. Joining early will be an advantage to users aiming to establish their name on the platform.
One of the most notable users on MeWe include the group QAnon, the anti-vaccine movement.
5. BitChute
BitChute’s goal is to prioritize video content creators and build a stage that can be used to express their ideas without restrictions.
The site offers a video-based platform similar to YouTube and Vimeo but without filters. You can deliver your desired message on BitChute and leap over bottlenecks you would encounter on traditional social media platforms.
Censoring the extreme commenters, BitChute has something interesting going on that makes allowance for news, current events and a host of topics that usually go with multiple standpoints.
Popular users on BitChute include the far-right conspiracy theory channel InfoWars, and alt-right video creators Stefan Molyneux, Millennial Woes, Lauren Southern, and Paul Joseph Watson.
6. EyeEm
EyeEm makes use of German technology that equips photography-related services. It puts together a community of people creating and sharing images. It’s a platform and a social media channel to work with others, collect feedback, gather inspiration, or simply appreciate the images of other photographers.
7. Dribbble
Creatives rejoice! If you are looking for a community to share work and get constructive responses from like-minded individuals, Dribbble is a great option.
Introduced in 2010, the platform puts together over half a million creatives through its invite-only membership structure that sustains professionalism and keeps spammers away. The site also has special paid features like portfolio hosting services and a chance to connect to stores and sell products with your designs.
8. Letterboxd
Film buffs are in for a treat in this alternative social media space. Letterboxd is all about the nitty-gritty details of a certain movie or series. Launched in 2011, the site lets you compile and review all the films you’ve seen, find individuals with similar preferences and share insights. It has quickly matured into a practical way of finding new titles and getting together with a community of film lovers.
9. Wayn
Wayn is a social network geared toward getting people to travel. Content is built around tourist destinations and areas for activities. Users can share pictures and recommendations for places they’ve visited and serve as a guide for future travelers. It resembles Yelp without the rating feature and dissentient feedback. Wayn is also a photo-oriented page, letting you peek through places you want to visit before planning a trip.
Social Media Alternatives Final Thoughts
Whatever social network you go for, you should always consider its features, accessibility and security.
Don’t get too caught up in being just with the trendy social media giants. It’s okay to go for lesser-known platforms sometimes, especially if these websites let you cut down the noise and focus on your interests without paying a hefty price.
The giants of social media can be fun to use to an extent. However, there’s a point where it crosses a line and starts to become destructive on a personal, national and global level. These mediums brought people together in a way other platforms could. Creating an account on Facebook or Twitter is no more than a few clicks away.
But after all, it’s all about execution and having something unique to present. Influencer management plays a huge role here, where managers handle end-to-end operations of marketing campaigns.
The mainstream platforms gave most people their first opportunity to voice out their thoughts and concerns. However, moving forward for the better can also mean leaving behind mainstream social media sites for something new and more future-proof.
Outsourcing the services of some of the social media marketing agencies and specialized digital marketing companies can help you with this.
