Can new apps like Dazed Club replicate the explosive growth of platforms like TikTok?

Ziyi Ren
Marketing in the Age of Digital
4 min readFeb 29, 2024

Which social media platform is your favorite? Is it Facebook with its vast network, Instagram with its aesthetic charms, or TikTok with its boundless creativity?

My heart says TikTok!

Undoubtedly, social media has evolved into the predominant mode of digital engagement. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are reshaping the way we interact with others, express ourselves, and manage brands. Each of these platforms brings its own unique allure. TikTok, in particular, stands out, especially among Generation Z and Millennials. Its focus on self-expression, creativity, and ease of use has made it a favored choice in recent years.

According to this image, as one of the hottest social media choices, TikTok’s rise is remarkably vigorous, gradually narrowing the gap with Instagram. This notable increase signals a marked trend: social media is evolving in real time, reflecting and influencing our digital habits and preferences. While Facebook continues to hold a dominant position, it may be surpassed in the future. Whether it will be Instagram, TikTok, or another emerging social media platform remains an open question. Who knows?

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“The app will allow users to upload their portfolios, engage with mentors and join subject-matter groups to discuss upcoming projects.”

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“A space to share your work, build your network, meet other creatives, and be the first to hear about exclusive events and offers.”

The Rise of New Social Media Apps

New social media apps are emerging, attempting to carve out their niche. Dazed Club is an example. It is a networking platform aimed at creatives worldwide, offering collaboration opportunities, exclusive events, and additional perks for a monthly fee of £5. This approach reflects a clear market positioning, focusing on a specific user group and offering tailored services, aligning with the broader trend of personalized social media experiences. Also, under the leadership of editor Ibrahim Kamara, the Dazed editorial and creative teams will use the platform to discover and promote new talent for their online and print media, which can be attractive.

However, the question remains: Can new apps like Dazed Club replicate the explosive growth of platforms like TikTok? The answer lies in understanding the changing dynamics of social media and the factors contributing to an app’s success. Not all new social media apps like TikTok will blow up, but they reveal how social media is changing.

The Changing Dynamics of Social Media

The social media market is increasingly saturated, making it harder for new platforms to break through. However, innovation remains a critical driver of success. Platforms that offer unique functionalities or cater to specific interests or demographics can still attract a dedicated user base. That is why TikTok can be so successful; TikTok’s short-form video format and algorithm-driven content discovery have helped it carve out a distinct space in the social media landscape.

Then, user trust can be one of the most essential conditions. Modern social media users are more discerning and concerned about privacy and data security issues. New platforms should address these concerns from the outset to gain user trust. Also, with social commerce evolving, platforms can build trust by integrating secure technologies like blockchain.

Additionally, social media serves as distribution channels for our content, brand messaging, and marketing advertisements. The value of a platform increases with the number of users. Thus, new platforms need to reach a critical mass to thrive. Not only can effective marketing strategies accelerate user acquisition, but a high-quality user experience characterized by stability, ease of use, and engaging content is also required for maintaining growth.

The Road Ahead for New Social Media Platforms

Overall, new social media platforms face a complex landscape marked by fierce competition. To succeed, they must identify market positions to create uniqueness, build trust with their user base, and navigate the growth phase by balancing user acquisition.

While not every new social media app will become the next TikTok, each contributes to the ongoing evolution of social media. By addressing niche needs and offering unique value propositions, new platforms have the chance to find their space in the digital market.

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Ziyi Ren
Marketing in the Age of Digital

*Fashion & Marketing* Master's Degree: Integrated Marketing in NYU & Bachelor's Degree: Fashion Merchandising in UD