The February 2016 social media trends reveal a change in the way that consumers are using social platforms. Not only are consumers exploring more niche social networks, but they are also engaging with the kinds of advertisements that are becoming increasingly common on different platforms.
While larger platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter remain popular among users, there is also a growing interest in niche social networks. Unlike mainstream platforms, these targeted social networks provide a more intimate space for like-minded individuals to connect. Some of these niche social platforms include fitness-focused photo apps, sports commentary platforms and female friend-finding networks.
Another major theme apparent among the February 2016 social media trends is the use of social platforms as an advertising tool. For example, athletic dress shirt brand Mizzen + Main used social media endorsements to grow the fan base for its products. Even bigger brands such as McDonald's have turned to platforms such as Instagram to advertise seasonal offerings and increase brand engagement.
Top 50 Social Media Ideas in February
From Live Podcasting Apps to Sports Commentary Platforms:
Katherine Pendrill — Feb 28, 2016 — Social Media
50
Female Friend-Finding Apps
The 'Hey! VINA' App Helps Women Expand Their Social Circle
49
Festive Fast Food Illustrations
McDonald's Organzied a Creative Instagram Feed for Christmas
48
Mobile Video-Editing Apps
The 'Vizmato' App Was Unveiled at CES 2016
47
Hilariously Photoshopped Model Shots
Kirby Jenner Includes Himself in Kendall's Fabulous Life
46
Underwater Social Adventures
Oris' Social Media Experience Takes Instagram Users Underwater
45
Athlete-Approved Shirt Campaigns
Mizzen + Main Uses Athlete Endorsements Instead of Big-Budget Ads
44
Sleep-Focused Social Accounts
This Bed Inspiration Instagram is Full of Alluring Sleepy Images
43
Convenient Cannabis Service Apps
Blazenow is a New App That Helps Users Find Dispensaries
42
Elderly Roommate-Finding Platforms
Room2Care is a Miami Sharing Economy Service for Eldercare
41
Competitor Selfie Apps
The Microsoft Selfie App is Developed for iOS Devices Instead of Windows
40
Slimmed-Down Chat Apps
The Peach Chat App Focuses On the Bare Chatting Essentials
39
Video Storytelling Apps
Andrew Jarecki's KnowMe App was Inspired by a Murderous Docu-Series
38
Relationship-Tracking Apps
The 'Tigli' App Helps Users Maintain Relationships Over Time
37
Exclusive Influencer Apps
Celebrities are Helping to Boost Twitter Moments with New Social Tools
36
Dating App Catwalk Livestreams
J.W.Anderson Will Livestream Its F/W 2016 Fashion Show on Grindr
35
Edible Social Media Logos
These Homemade Brownies are Transformed into the Instagram Logo
34
Online Job Profile Guides
This Infographic Shares Tips on Creating an Attractive LinkedIn Account
33
Social Media Font Generators
The Type to Design Creates Text Using Letter Posts from Instagram
32
Incognito Messaging Apps
The Blindspot App's Investors Include Nicki Minaj and Will.i.am
31
Connected Personal Shopping Services
This Service Recreates the Social Shopping Experience
30
Fitness-Focused Photo Apps
The 'GymSelfie' App Helps Consumers Visually Track Their Progress
29
Humorous Six-Second Commercials
These Six-Second Ads for Trident Feature Popular Vine Stars
28
Teen Festival Communities
The DigiTour Fan Club Shares Social Media and Music Festival Updates
27
Newsfeed-Free Social Networks
This New Social Media App Offers a Unique Way for Friends to Connect
26
Parking Spot-Locating Apps
JustPark is the Best Way to Find a Vacant Parking Spot in Europe
25
Personalized Digital Gift Wrap
The Burberry WeChat Account Was Launched Ahead of Lunar New Year
24
Dog Vacation-Planning Apps
DogVacay is a Platform for Canine Owners to Find Pet-Sitters
23
Digital Pop Star Communities
The Bieber Fever Fan Club is a Place for Beliebers to Connect Online
22
Dispensary-Connecting Platforms
GreenRush is a Mobile Platform Connecting Patients to Dispensaries
21
Video Clip-Sharing Apps
The Yarn App Moves Beyond Gifs to React With TV, Film & Music Video CLips
20
Safe Space Social Networks
Tutlub is a Nigerian-Based Platform Serving as a Safe Space for Muslims
19
Location-Based Photo Apps
IceCream's App Now Lets Users Discover Photos on Their Friends' Phones
18
Statistical Liking Apps
The BestBuddies Platform Shares Who the User's Top Instagram Likers Are
17
Roommate-Finding Platforms
The 'NestMates' App Makes It Easier to Find Compatible Roommates
16
Social Accountability Apps
Partners in Grind is a Matchmaking Platform for Self-Improvement
15
Inclusive Presidential Social Accounts
The White House Officially Launched its Own Snapchat Story
14
Pop Punk Fan Clubs
The All Time Low Fan Club Refers to Members as "Hustlers"
13
Sports Commentary Platforms
The 'Facebook Sports Stadium' Application Helps Fans Connect
12
Grandma-Centered Social Networks
The GaGa Sisterhood is a Community Social Network for Grandmas
11
Newsfeed-Bundling Apps
This App Bundles Different Social Media Feeds into One Central Hub
10
Livestreamed City Tours
'Play Melbourne Live' Provides a Peek at the City Through Periscope
9
Conversational Sports Platforms
Facebook's Sports Stadium Lets Users Discuss Athletic Games
8
Temporary Photo-Sharing Apps
The Upshot App Allows Users to Share Photos from Different Events
7
Shoppable Comedic TV Episodes
Bravo Launched 'The Lookbook' with 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'
6
Early Countdown Streaming Services
Netflix Offers an Advance New Year's Eve Countdown for Kids
5
Budget Baking Videos
This Shaquille O’Neal Celebrity Campaign Raises Money for Toys for Tots
4
Live Podcasting Apps
The ZCast App Lets Listeners & Followers Interact With Podcasts in Real Time
3
Charitable Video Features
YouTube is Introducing Donation Cards so Creators Can Give Back
2
Sporty Rapper Talk Shows
Adidas and Snoop Dogg Teamed Up to Create 'Coach Snoop's Turf'd Up'
1
Charitable Vertical Videos
'Donate the Bars' Makes Good Use of the Black Bars on a Video
Related Ideas
Avatar-Based Social Apps
Metadream Launches Bondee, a Next-Generation Social Media App in Asia
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Dedicated Social Media Devices
The Conceptual Twitter 3D Gadget Features Mechanical Buttons
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Social Podcast Exploration Platforms
'Podiscover' Helps Listeners Find Their Next Favorite Show
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Verified Social Media Accounts
Meta Verified Launches in Canada to Help Creators Build Community
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Decentralized Social Media Platforms
Meta Launched Threads, a Decentralized Alternative to Twitter
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Digital Wellness Inniaitives
Pinterest Focuses on the Digital Well-being of Gen Z
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Text-Based Social Medias
'Artifact' is an Upcoming Article-Focused Social Media Service
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Personalized Podcast Platforms
The 'iListen' Platform Turns Articles into Audio Content
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Gen Z Sports Apps
Stadium Live is Aiming to Entice Gen Z Consumers with Immersive Experiences
TikTok-Inspired Music Features
Spotify Showcased a Redesigned Homepage for its Mobile App
Meme-Like Social Platforms
Social Platform Spill Launches its Beta with a ‘Meme-Forward’ Aesthetic
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Connective Music Platforms
Musicat.fm Offers a Dynamic Community for Music Lovers
Social Media Music Festivals
TikTok 'In the Mix' is a First-of-Its-Kind Music Festival
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
AI Social Media Management
From Discovery to Post Scheduling – Storefries Does it All
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Social Podcast Video Apps
Algo for Podcasts Helps Podcasters Create Engaging Content
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Positivity-Focused Social Medias
SLAY is a Social Media App with Gamified Positive Experiences
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Celebrity Social Feeds
BeReal Introduces the Celeb-Exclusive 'RealPeople' Feed on its App
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Parental Social App Controls
Meta Debuts a Series of New Features Across its Social Media Apps
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Decentralized Social Apps
Meta is Developing a Decentralized Text-Based App Codenamed "P92"
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
MENA-Focused Influencer Platforms
Mitgo Group Debuts the Takefluence Platform for Content Creators
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
AI Social Media Generators
Snowball FATG Can Help Create Viral Social Moments in Seconds
Automated Social Media Posting
PosterGPT Uses AI to Post the Latest News Stories to Your Feed
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Outdoor Activity Challenges
L.L.Bean is Inviting People Outside for Mental Health Awareness Month
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Design Showcase Platforms
todays.design Creates a Community of Artists Showing their Best Work
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Connective Foodie Apps
Letslicious is a Foodie Social Media App Connecting Likeminded People
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
Media-Based Music Expansions
DistroKid Users Now Have Access to TikTok Music for Promotion
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Transparent Paid Partnership Features
LinkedIn Is Releasing a New Feature for Brand Partnerships
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Social Media Silencing Features
Instagram Quiet Mode Helps Users Take a Scheduled Break
Music Content Campaign Tools
Spotify Presents the Showcase Tool for Artists to Promote
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Social Media Expansive Features
Twitter Blue Adds New Perk Features Through Uploads
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
AI Podcast Transcribing
Podnotes Can Create Blogs, Summaries, and Social Posts for Podcasts
Influencer-Focused Ad Platforms
Pearpop Helps Brands Find Creators to Sponsor in an Easier Way
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Food-Focused Travel Guide Platforms
'FoodieTrip' Connects Hungry Travelers to Experienced Guides
Categorized Podcast Genres
Apple's Podcasts App Launches a New Organized Update Feature
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Interactive Challenge Platforms
Join and Witness Online Challenges in One Place, at Tigbar
Social Media-Connected Links
Instagram Expands its Amount of Links on User Profiles
Privacy-Enhancing Social Features
Pinterest Launches the New Safety Features for Young Users
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Long-Form Content Social Platforms
X Allows Premium+ Subscribers to Create Long-Form Articles
Paid Verification Social Services
Meta is Preparing to Launch Meta Verified Subscription
Multiview Streaming Platform Services
YouTube TV Adds New Multi-Viewing Features for March Madness
Professional Networking Platforms
Peerlist Helps Individuals and Businesses Create Profiles
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Dynamic Online Music Communities
Hearit is a Vibrant Platform for Aspiring Artists
Social Posting Musical Features
Instagram Allow Users to Add Music to Photo Carousels
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Content-Focused Map Features
TuneIn Launches an Immersive Map Feature for Global Content Searches
Social App-Sourced Tickets
TikTok Launches its New Live Event with Ticket Sales by Tickets.com
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Notification-Silencing App Features
Instagram Debuts 'Quiet Mode' to Encourage Users to Disconnect
Social Platform Song Detection
Shazam is Broadening its Services to Identify Songs on Other Apps
Online Poker Engagement Features
Stretch Network Confirms the Launch of Three New Features
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Social-Platform Live Sport Features
Threads is Rolling Out Live Sports Scores with the NBA
Live Shoppable Streams
CommentSold Introduces a New Shopify Feature for Live Shopping
Organized Listed Article Platforms
The Pocket Service Unveils a Plethora of New Features
Creator-Focused Messaging Features
Instagram Launches 'Broadcast Channels' for US Creators
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Food-Based Video Platforms
FoodVid Describes Itself as "The TikTok for Food"
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it