Know your social platforms
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The number and variety of social networking channels and platforms change constantly. Here is an introduction to the most popular social sites.
In one sentence: Currently, the largest and most influential social network, Facebook allows its users to create relationships with one another that would be difficult, if not impossible, to create or maintain otherwise.
In one sentence: In 140 characters or less (now 280), Twitter allows its users to send mass instant messages to their followers and the world in general.
Contrary to popular belief, Twitter is not just about sharing what you had for lunch; it is a robust community that binds people of similar interests, a source many trusts for the latest news, and as an ongoing professional development tool.
In one sentence: Instagram is a photo and video-sharing app that allows you to post images quickly from your phone and follow the visual feeds of your friends, brands, institutions, or celebrities.
Followers can “like” your photos, and reach and engagement on Instagram is often higher than on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
YouTube
In one sentence: YouTube is the dominant video-sharing site on the web.
Over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute. Users can subscribe to their favorite channels, leave comments on individual videos, and even post their video responses.
Snapchat
In one sentence: Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to create often visual content with fun filters like animal ears and flower crowns and send that content to groups of individuals, with the content then disappearing after it is viewed.
It is immediate and intimate rather than permanent and public.
In one sentence: Owned by Microsoft, LinkedIn is a social network focused on professional development, with people sharing business connections, resumes, and recommendations.
TikTok
In one sentence: Users of TikTok create 15-second videos that are often driven by memes, challenges, or musical trends.
It was the most downloaded app in the US in 2018 and has a total of 1.5 billion users worldwide. 40% of the app’s users are between the ages of 16 and 24.