As the world embraces the decentralized nature of Web3, social media platforms are also undergoing a transformation. These platforms are shifting from the traditional Web2 model to Web3, where users have greater control over their data, content, and online interactions.
In this article, we will explore the different types of Web3 social media platforms that are paving the way for a more user-centric and decentralized social media marketing and networking experience.
Here’s the complete list of Web3 Social Media apps:
1. Steemit
2. Lifetoken
3. WUBITS
4. Minds
5. Mastodon
6. Peepeth
7. Lens Protocol
8. DiamondApp
9. Chingari
10. Taki
11. Mirror
12. SoMEE
13. Torum
14. Damus
15. DSCVR
1. Steemit
Started in 2016, Steemit is a pioneering Web3 social media platform built on the Steem blockchain. It is a social media platform in which users can communicate and interact through them in a similar way as in traditional social networks such as Facebook.
On Steemit, users earn STEEM tokens for participating in the social network. Activities and user-generated content like posting content, sharing, upvoting, or commenting all have a reward element to them.
On top of this, the platform’s decentralized governance system enables users to have a say in decision-making, fostering a democratic community-driven environment. Being one of the first Web3 social networks, they have set a precedent for other users on how Web3 social should work and how to break the mold of Web2.
2. Lifetoken
Lifetoken is a Tik-Tok-styled Web 3.0 social rewards platform launched in late 2022, with a new and improved version live on the app store released in early 2023.
On Web2 platforms like the social networking site Instagram, creators must spend on these social media sites and networks to increase their engagement and build their social media presence.
Yet the followers and viewers of this increased engagement gain no benefit from providing creators with the views, likes, and comments they seek other than watching cool content.
Lifetoken aims to flip this concept on its head by encouraging creators to spend on their community by rewarding them with LIFE. This model was developed to create value for what users pay on a social network.
LIFE is the in-app reward creators use to encourage active users to participate in activities on the platform. In the future, LIFE may be exchangeable for goods and services as well as exclusive events happening live in the Lifetoken application.
3. WUBITS
Wubits is a Web3 social platform for crypto enthusiasts. When studying the platform’s user demographics, you can see that its users are mainly crypto fans and traders who want to create a safe space free from bots and fake accounts. A key feature of WUBITS is the ability for users to earn cryptocurrency as they participate in the platform.
They share their best trading strategies, insights, or premium content and watch the digital rewards flow into their crypto wallet. With WUBITS, creators can monetize their knowledge and expertise while helping others on their crypto journey.
4. Minds
Minds is a Twitter-like Web3 social media platform that champions privacy, free speech, and user empowerment. It offers a decentralized and encrypted network where users have control over their data and can earn tokens for engagement and content creation.
In June 2021, Minds raised $10 million from Futo, a tech freedom organization owned by Yahoo Games founder and WhatsApp seed investor Eron Wolf. According to Fortune, the social media site currently boasts 5 million users and 300,000 monthly active users.
Minds leverage blockchain technology to create a transparent and censorship-resistant platform that promotes user privacy and freedom of expression. An example of this is the community moderation system known as the ‘Minds Jury System’ where users collectively contribute by reporting inappropriate content. The system then selects 12 random active users to vote for or against each case, and if 75% vote in favor of the decision then the verdict is made.
5. Mastodon
Mastodon is a federated social networking platform that operates on the principles of decentralization and user autonomy. It is built on open-source technology and allows users to create their own communities, called instances.
Each instance operates independently but can still communicate directly and interact with other instances, enabling users to curate their own experience while remaining connected to a broader network.
According to a new post from Mastodon founder and CEO Eugen Rochko, the number of monthly active users for his Twitter alternative has been steadily climbing over the past couple of months to have now reached 2.1 million — or, as remarked Rochko, “not far off from our last peak.”
6. Peepeth
Peepeth is a decentralized social media platform that runs on the Ethereum blockchain. It emphasizes authenticity, accountability, and transparency. Peepeth allows active users to post messages, follow others, and earn reputation points for positive contributions.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Peepeth ensures that content and interactions are immutable, promoting a culture of trust and accountability.
7. Lens Protocol
Lens Protocol is a web3-native decentralized application (DApp) that enables users to securely store and share personal data across multiple networks without centralized control or censorship from external entities.
It utilizes blockchain technology to store user data using encryption techniques that ensure maximum protection and privacy for all its active users. Lens Protocol also supports web3 wallets such as Metamask, allowing users to easily access their digital assets without relying on web2 services like PayPal or bank accounts.
According to TechCrunch, the web3 network recently raised $15 million to continue its development and expand the protocol ecosystem.
8. DiamondApp
DiamondApp is another web3-native social networking site developed by parent company Diamond Labs Inc., which is a subsidiary of Consensys Ventures LLC (a venture capital firm specializing in investing in blockchain projects).
Nader Al-Naji, the founder of DeSo, said:
DeSo is a new Layer 1 blockchain built from the ground up to decentralize social networking platforms and scale storage-heavy applications to billions of users around the world.
The latest market data published shows that the social media platform raised $200 million and is backed by Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, Social Capital, Polychain Capital, Winklevoss Capital, Pantera, and others.
9. Chingari
Chingari is a popular social network for short video-sharing that originated in India. Launched in 2018, Chingari gained significant traction in 2020 after the Indian government banned TikTok and several other Chinese apps in the country. It provided Indian users, especially younger users, with an alternative platform for creating and sharing short videos.
One notable feature of Chingari is its focus on localized content and regional languages. It supports several Indian languages, making it accessible to users across diverse linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, Chingari provides a platform for creators to monetize their own content, through partnerships and brand collaborations.
Social media site Chingari recently expanded its community by bringing on Aptos as its preferred layer-1, moving on from Solana. According to the company, Chingari’s user base has sprouted to more than 2.2 million social media users in 2022 and subscription revenue came to $700,000 in January this year alone.
10. Taki
Built on Solana, Taki is a tokenized social network that aims to create a community by rewarding users with an active stake in itself per token.
Regular users can earn social crypto tokens (TAKI) simply by posting content and interacting with others through posts or commenting. TAKI can then be used to purchase user coins, representing the value and influence creators bring to the platform.
While the monthly active user number is not publicized, the platform has more than 820,000 active users and a similar amount of unique user coins, according to statistics on its website.
11. Mirror
At its core, Mirror is an online writing ecosystem that operates on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing active users to publish their work and be rewarded with cryptocurrency rather than traditional cash payments.
Authors on Mirror benefit from a wallet subscription model, enabling them to create exclusive newsletters based on their readers’ wallet addresses. This approach enhances the relationship between creators and their target audience, providing a more personalized and direct form of communication.
Moreover, Mirror supports Ethereum Name Service (ENS), enabling authors to associate their profiles with their ENS names. This feature enhances discoverability and credibility, as authors can be easily identified through their unique ENS names.
Collaboration is encouraged on Mirror through its co-authoring features, allowing multiple creators to collaborate on a single piece of content. This opens up exciting opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects and collective creativity.
12. SoMEE
SoMee, on the innovative Hive blockchain, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where users can freely express themselves while maintaining the utmost privacy. By actively participating in the platform, active users are rewarded with valuable $SME tokens, empowering them to have a stake in the ecosystem they contribute to.
The prominent dollar button prominently displayed on the feed page provides real-time insights into their token earnings, which can be conveniently managed through their secure Web3 wallets.
Additionally, SoMee offers a plethora of exciting features such as exchange options, cutting-edge AI services, seamless streaming voice chat capabilities, private inbox and instant messaging,, and a lucrative affiliate program, all of which collectively enrich the user experience and solidify SoMee’s position as a leading Web3-powered social media platform.
13. Torum
Torum, a Web3-based social network, unites NFT and crypto enthusiasts, facilitating discussions, networking, collaborations, and knowledge sharing.
Launched in 2018, it thrives as a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. XTM, its token, empowers users through compensation, value transfer, staking, and marketplace transactions for NFTs and digital assets. With familiar social media features and gamification, active engagement is rewarded with badges.
14. Damus
Nostr, a venture supported by Jack Dorsey, has recently introduced its decentralized social media protocol named Damus. This groundbreaking platform facilitates secure end-to-end private instant messaging only among its users. Its main objective is to revolutionize the conventional social media landscape by establishing a censorship-resistant global network where user identities are linked not to their names or handles but to a unique public key.
Based on data provided by Nostr, the network currently boasts an impressive count of over 524,000 active users, each equipped with a user bio. Additionally, it experiences substantial growth with more than 30,000 new users joining daily, as of early February.
15. DSCVR
DSCVR (pronounced “discover”), established by three friends, made its debut on the Internet Computer platform in 2021. Positioned as akin to Reddit, DSCVR stands out due to its distinctive development approach guided by a select group of devoted users. The project aspires to emerge as a viable alternative for Reddit’s user base, as articulated in a Medium blog.
The platform’s decision to adopt the Internet Computer protocol was driven by the blockchain’s capacity to deliver web speeds essential for bridging the divide between users accustomed to centralized product experiences and the potential of decentralized technology.
Presently, DSCVR boasts an impressive user count, approaching approximately 200,000. Notably, all users possess control not only over the content but also the entire platform, providing them with a significant say in its evolution.
Web 3 Social media apps: a paradigm shift in social Interaction
The rise of Web3 social media platforms signifies a paradigm shift in the way we engage and interact online. These platforms prioritize user control, privacy, and decentralization, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional Web2 social media giants.
Steemit, Minds, Mastodon, and other platforms mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the platforms that are reshaping the social networking landscape.
Popular social media platforms like TikTok enjoy millions of daily active users every day, especially younger users. Imagine a world where all those TikTok users or Facebook users are rewarded for the time they spent on the platform.
Or a world where their data isn’t sold to the next highest bidder. That is what companies like Taki, Lifetoken, and Mastodon are trying to build.
As we embrace the decentralized future, these platforms provide exciting opportunities for users to connect, express themselves, and earn rewards in a more empowered and transparent digital environment.
