In a time of pervasive digital presence from brands and consumers alike, there are plenty of examples of digital communities that highlight them as a tool for brand's to cultivate communities around online.
When brand fans connect online, consumers are empowered to cultivate a deeper community around the products and services in question. Popular examples of such branded communities include Nike's global Run Club and Audi's car-sharing program in Sweden, which connects individuals interested in co-owning a vehicle with someone who lives nearby.
These digital communities can help consumers understand a product or service and its potential role in the individual's daily life. A great example of this executed efficiently is the McCain #MODIFRY campaign, which connects customers on its blog by encouraging them to contribute the ways in which they integrate McCain's frozen fries with fresh ingredients at home.
16 Examples of Digital Communities
From Blossoming Emoji Gardens to Luxury Car-Sharing Platforms:
Rebecca Byers — Nov 18, 2015 — Marketing
16
Workout Partner-Seeking Apps
The Sprinter App Helps Björn Borg Consumers Find Fitness Partners
15
Branded Workout Challenges
Nike's Better For It Challenge Gets People Fit in 90 Days
14
Branded Fitness Communities
The Nike Training Club Connects Like-Minded People in a Healthy Way
13
Social E-Commerce Sites
Facebook is Introducing a Shopping Section to Connect Users with Brands
12
Global Run Clubs
Nike Elevates Its Running Program to Offer a Variety of Training Options
11
Member-Only Gamer Communities
The Rockstar Games Social Club Enhances and Extends the Experience
10
Peer Marketplace Apps
'Mercari' is a Free Way to Buy and Sell Items in Japan
9
Open-Source OS Communities
HP's 'OpenSwitch' is a Full-Featured Community-Based System
8
Recipe Discovery Platforms
This Website Supplies Users with Exciting Recipes from Top Bakers
7
Hybrid Retail Platforms
eBay's Retail Associate Platform Aims to Increase Brand Engagement
6
Secondhand Exchange Marketplaces
'Yerdle' Lets Its Users Earn Credits from Items They Give Away
5
Online Gardening Communities
Soil Mate is a Social Media Platform for Eco Enthusiasts
4
Branded Personal Trainer Apps
The N+TC Nike Training Club App Helps People Stay on Track
3
Photography Community Apps
The Revamped '500px' App Gives Photographers a Space to Share Their Art
2
Global Matchmaking Apps
This App Helps Strangers in Different Countries Connect with One Another
1
Locals-Connecting Apps
The Inlope App Unites Like-Minded People in a Local Social Network
Related Ideas
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
AI-Generated Beauty Images
Elizabeth Arden Uses Generative AI to Enhance Archival Images
Woman-Owned Eco Totes
Digital Avenue is a Woman-Founded Spunky Tote Bag Brand Based in Toronto
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Bag-Modeling AR Mirrors
Coach's Digital Experience Lets Shoppers Digitally Try Its Tabby Bag
Virtual Beauty Storefronts
The Clinique Lab is a Next-Gen Digital Retail Concept
Dedicated Social Media Devices
The Conceptual Twitter 3D Gadget Features Mechanical Buttons
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Digital Celeb Shopping Experiences
This Walmart Digital Shopping Experience Has Customized Carts
Anti-Filter Beauty Campaigns
Dove is Inviting Social Media Users to Fight Digital Distortion
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Cinematic Fashion Campaigns
Norse Projects Partners with Mikkel Karstad for Its New Campaign
AI Travel Campaigns
Away's Extraordinary Is Out There Uses AI to Show Real-World Destinations
Customer Loyalty Partnerships
tokenproof and adidas Announce a Strategic Long-Term Partnership
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
NFC-Enabled Face Stickers
Shu Uemura's Limited-Edition Stickers Create Digital Content
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond Dropped Three Hoodies with Physical & Digital Elements
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards
This 3D Coca-Cola Billboard Dispenses Real, Cold Drinks
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Creative-Focused Sportswear Campaigns
adidas Celebrates Creativity with Ama Qamata and Dee Koala
Plush Footwear Pop-Ups
The Monster Den by On Shares the Joy of Running
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Interactive Metaverse Branding Experiences
Slim Jim Launched a New Web3 Destination
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Phygital Fashion Platforms
Macy's and Journee Debut the mstylelab Platform for Users
Communication-Based Immersive Exhibitions
Intuit Mailchimp and Design Museum Present Email is Dead
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Unfiltered Beauty Campaigns
#NoFilterJustMilani Champions Beauty Online and in Real Life
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond's Phygital Fashion Capsule Can Be Tried on with AR
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Digital Fashion Designer Incubators
The SYKY Collective Represents the Future of Luxury Fashion
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Digital Activewear Apparel
Alo Yoga Unveils a Digital Collection for Multiple Metaverses
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
Phygital Luxury Sneakers
The Dior B33 Sneakers Use NFC Tech to Link to a Digital Twin
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
AI-Generated Model Tests
Levi's is Experimenting with AI-Generated Models for E-Commerce Channels
Conversational Campaign Creators
Creating Google Ads Campaigns is Simpler with AI Chat Features
Web3 Loyalty Programs
Wow Bao Created a Next-Gen Loyalty Program with Digital Collectibles
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Community-Supporting Business Models
Ben & Jerry's' 'Linked Prosperity' Model Drives Positivity
Car-Free AR Lenses
Bolt's Feels Like Home Campaign Uses AR to Envision Car-Free Spaces
Recycled Ad Campaigns
Mars is Reusing Fan-Favorite Ads to Bring Attention to Climate Change
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Whimsical Virtual Beauty Shops
The Laneige Virtual World is an Experiential Beauty Shop
Digital Haircare Activations
Amika's Roblox Debut Invites Players into the 'Amikaverse'
Branded Customer Resale Marketplaces
Relove Enables Businesses to Launch C2B2C Storefronts
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Connective Pet Communities
Petigo Connects Pet Owners So They Can Share Photos, Engage, and More
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
AI Email Marketing Campaigns
Emotsy Creates Personalized Campaigns for Stronger Digital Connection
Specialty Drink Community Hubs
The Oatbox FOAMO Club Shares Exclusive Events, Pro Tips and More
Anonymous Workplace Review Features
Glassdoor Communities Allows Employees to Post Candidly
Beauty NFT Programs
Shiseido Launches the First AI-Powered NFT Community Beauty Program
Revamped Freshness Platforms
Mars Announces a New Brand Identity for Its Gums and Mints Brands
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Automotive Parking Lot Pop-Ups
Mercedes-Benz Turned Parking Lot Spaces into a Mini Showroom
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Youth Culture Telecom Campaigns
Deutsche Telekom's Summer Campaign Connects with Gen Z
Empowering Visual Content Campaigns
Getty Images and Hiki Launches #AutisticOutLoud
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Review-Based Marketing Campaigns
These Amazon Campaigns Bring Real Reviews To Life
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Online Vehicle Owners Communities
OMMT is an online community for like-minded car lovers
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Sporty Digital Apparel
Roots & Stadium Live Launched a Digital Experience for Gen Z
Circularity-Centric Fashion Platforms
Gucci's 'Circular Hub' Aims to Curb Carbon Emissions
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Creator Content Hubs
TikTok Launches a New World Hub to Help Brands Connect with Audiences
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Virtual Countryside Experiences
L'Occitane's Virtual Experience Transports Visitors to Provence
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Tycoon-Style Beauty Games
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a Digital Tycoon World on Roblox
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Community-Oriented Audio Apps
The 'Waffly' Audio Platform Offers a Holistic Experience
Private Influencer Social Groups
CNDO Offers Private Social Rooms for Influencers and Their Fans
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Influencer-Focused Ad Platforms
Pearpop Helps Brands Find Creators to Sponsor in an Easier Way
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Highly Customizable Marketplace Platforms
McFadyen Digital Partners with Nautical Commerce
Social Media-Connected Links
Instagram Expands its Amount of Links on User Profiles
Expansive Emoticon Libraries
Amicons Offer 300 Friendly and Personality-Filled Emoticons
Urban Communal Dining Events
Toronto's Weekly Communal Table Program is Hosted Under a Highway
Community-Building Social Features
OpenChat Debuts the 'Communities' Feature for Group Management
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Connective Daily Email Groups
Glory Morning Connects Like-Minded People Via Email
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Community-Oriented Aging Apps
Melissa Gilbert Debuts the Modern Prairie Lifestyle App for Women
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Joyfully Curated Homepages
Curations.club is a Digital Platform to Share What You Love
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it