When it comes to online communities, there are a ton of websites popping up that single out niche networks. Appealing to a variety of groups and sub-groups so that the conversation remains as relevant as possible, these online communities ensure that people form lasting relationships, even if they only remain digital. It is a new age, after all.
Whether finding support and advice as a new mom or companionship as a recently retired senior, there are a ton of online communities that target different needs and wants. While some may believe that such social networks will erode real life relationships, others see it as keeping a growing world small and tight-knit. Online communities help ensure that no one feels alone as the population continues to rise.
25 Examples of Online Communities
25
Golden-Age Social Networking
The Stitch Service for Senior Citizens Helps Connect Older Folk
24
Collaborative Learning Social Networks
StudyBlue Provides a Different Approach Towards Studies
23
Motherhood Discussion Forums
CafeMom Allows Women to Join Meaningful Conversations
22
Healthy Online Communities
The Active Life Campaign Advocates Meeting on the Web & Playing Outside
21
Fashion-Hunting Platforms
The Hunt App Aims to Help Fashion Lovers Find their Desired Pieces
20
Transparent Crowdsourced Startups
Agora is a Democratic & Online Community-Based Beverage Company
19
Green Living Networks
The eEcosphere App Grows an Eco Community and Increases Accountability
18
Book-Based Online Communities
LitRate is a Social Network for the Book Lover and Favorite Reads
17
Student-Based Social Networks
Microsoft Socl is Focused on Learning
16
Community-Oriented Social Networks
Neighbourly Connects Projects, Charities and Engagement
15
Deceased Tribute Websites
LifeVU Helps People Share Memories and Photos of Deceased Loved Ones
14
In-Flight Networking Apps
Virgin America's Here on Biz App Connects Travellers in the Sky
13
Unabashed Online Confessions
Confesster Makes Personal, Anonymous Confessions Simple
12
Women in Business Web Platform
Young Female Entrepreneurs is a socially minded community
11
Senior Social Media Apps
This 7-In-1 App For Seniors Supports Facebook, Email & More
10
Video Confession Apps
The Awkward App Lets You Record Anonymous Video Confessions to Friends
9
Effacing Social Apps
Sobrr Encourages Living in the Moment by Deleting Content After 24 Hours
8
Expecting Mother Social Apps
Preggie Connects Expecting Mothers with Other Pregnant Women Nearby
7
Senior Social Networking Sites
SeniorMaze Helps Seniors Connects With Others Their Age
6
Green Social Networks
Project Dirt is an Environment-Focused Online Community
5
Emotional Outburst Apps
The Vent App Saves You from Having to Vent on Social Media
4
Extremely Exclusive Social Networks
Best of All Worlds is an Online Community for Top Influencers
3
Kid-Sourced Creation Sites
DIY.org is an Online Community for Crafty Children
2
Online Bike-Sharing Communities
Liquid is a Marketplace Connecting Bicycle Owners With Renters
1
Rewards-Based Environmental Causes
The Mutual Social Enterprise is an Online Charity Community
Related Ideas
Social Media-Integrated Paintings
Nastya Ptichek Reimagines Paintings with Social Networking
Pipe-Like Vaporizers
This Smart Vaporizer is Based on Induction and Inspired by Old Timey Pipes
Global Street Art Sneakers
BucketFeet Shoes Support Artists and Empower Children
Imaginative Children's Sleepers
The Tent Cabin Bed by Mathy by Bols Will Ensure They Never Wake Up
Texting Analysis Apps
The Texty Time App Shows When to Text Back or If You're Too Clingy
Internally Conflicted Photography
This Transformation Photo Series is Psychedelic and Intense
Wearable Banking Apps
Wallaby's Mobile Wallet App is Developed For the Samsung Gear 2 Smartwatch
Solar Light Bulbs
Nokero Aims to Rid the World of Dangerous Kerosene
Buying Assistant Apps
The Fetch E-Commerce Platform Makes Online Shopping a Simpler Process
Entrepreneurial Fashion Bloggers (INTERVIEW)
Marta Tryshak Founded & Directs WithLoveGabrielle.com
3D-Printed Family Portraits
DoubleMe3d Creates Figurine Portraits for Loved Ones
Selfie Sharing Branding
Olapic Uses Selfies to Explain Customer Purchasing Habits to Clients
Kid Coding Classes
Code.org's Studio Code Curriculum Teaches Computer Programming for Kids
Interactive Entrepreneurial Business Hubs
The SXSW Startup Village Brings New Age Entrepreneurship
Web Shopping Stylist Services
ASOS Now Lets You Chat with an Online Personal Stylist for Free
Inspired Altruistic Vino Brands
Cultivate Wines is a Nonprofit That Gives Back
Friend-Tracking Apps
The Closely App Lets Your Friends Know Where to Meet You
Discount Food Delivery Programs
The Munchery Plus Plan Aims to Cut Courier Fees for Meals
Sustainable Business Incubators
Gone Adventurin' is a Social Enterprise Based in Singapore
Afterlife Sharing Websites
DeadSocial Posts Videos & Messages to Social Media Long After You Die
Location-Based Communication Apps
Slight App is an Anonymous Chat Room Connecting People Nearby
Golden-Age Social Networking
The Stitch Service for Senior Citizens Helps Connect Older Folk
Thought-Based Social Networks
Blopboard Illustrates the Thinking of People in Realtime
Selfie-Taking Seniors
This 'Instagram-Pa' is Sharing his Vintage Photos Online
Secret Social Chat Apps
This Exclusive Social Network App Only Works In Applebee's Restaurants
Accessible Internet Apps
The Facebook Internet.org App Brings Free Web Services to South Africans
Social Shopping Apps
The Fun Feature on Alibaba's Tmall App Tags Visible Brands in Photos
Creative Crowdsourced TV Shows
HitRECord on TV Premieres January 18th on pivot (SPONSORED)
Coupled-Up Communication Apps
The New You&Me Messaging App is Content Comprehensive
Agricultural Information Technologies
eKutir is a Social Innovation Helping Smallholder Farmers
Social Change Supporters
The Engine Room Takes Entrepreneurs to the Next Level
Hairily Masked Faces
Big Head Poetry by Maia Flore is Quirky and Creepy
Hipster Entrepreneurial Tests
Your Future Startup Answers 'What Kind of Entrepreneur Are You?'
Interactive Digital Art Pieces
The ‘Portrait of America’ is the First Google Glass Art
Collaborative Learning Social Networks
StudyBlue Provides a Different Approach Towards Studies
Simple Reservation Apps
Yo Lineup Sends You a 'Yo' When Your Wait for a Restaurant Table is Over
Life-Changing Coffee Deliveries
Vega Connects Farmers and Consumers Directly
Pro-Bono Design Companies
'verynice.' is a Consultancy Social Business Based in Los Angeles
Crowdfunding Mobile Apps
The Indiegogo App Helps the Social Platform Expand Its Reach
Early Riser Infographics
Funders and Founders' Graphic Highlights Execs That Wake Up Early
Emoji-Only Social Networks
Emojli is a Social Network Where You Can Only Communicate in Emoticons
Neighborhood Crowdfunding Websites
Spacehive is a Fundraising Platform for Public Space Projects
Galactic Social Networking Guides
This LinkedIn Infographic is Full of Contact Mind Tricks
Humanitarian Shopping Sites
SOCO Marketplace Attempts to Raise Awareness on Social Causes
Close-Knit Community Brands
Granny's Finest Community Knitting Project Creatively Bridges Age Gaps
Personalized Education Technologies
The Digital Learning Alliance is an Awesome Social Enterprise
Cry-Inducing Notebooks
Like an Onion, This Personal Notebook Releases Compounds to Make You Cry
Animalistic Social Network Depictions
Blonde 2.0's Funny Graphic Imagines Social Media Animals
Athletic Art Advertising Blogs
#BecauseFutbol Lets Fans Share Their Branded World Cup Art Online
Healthy Prenatal Beverages
Bump Water is a Vitamin and Mineral Drink for Women Who Are Pregnant
Disruptive Social Change Centers
The Young Foundation is Determined to Create Equal Societies
Development-Focused Dental Gum
This Xylitol Chewing Gum Will Improve Slum Dweller Dental Health
Migraine-Preventing Headbands
This Electric Headband Zaps Your Migraines
Mark Hillen, Co-Author of Social Enterprise Unraveled (INTERVIEW)
Book on the Dutch Landscape
Social Site Ad Infographics
Wishpond's Infographic Breaks Down Online Social Advertising Stats
Newsfeed-Improving Updates
Ads on Facebook are Judged by Users to Make Browsing Better
Kid-Specific Smartphones
My Touch Smart Line Friends Phones for Kids Keep Youth Safe & Connected
Marijuana-Ordering Apps
The Eaze App Provides Users with Easy Access to Medical Marijuana
Book-Based Online Communities
LitRate is a Social Network for the Book Lover and Favorite Reads
Donor-Fueled Web Communities
GivingSomeThing is an Online Platform Getting Goods to Nonprofits
Breaking News Social Apps
HereFeed is a Social Media App That Tracks Breaking News
In-Flight Flirting Services
Virgin America Makes Canoodling Easier by Joining the Mile-High Club
Search Engine Smartwatches (UPDATE)
More Information was Leaked on the Smartwatch from Google
Shark Attack Apps
The Release of Sharknado: the Video Game Ties in with Syfy's Sharknado 2
Post-Paying Social Networks
Bubblews Offers Paid Status Updates For People Who Post Frequently
Deceased Tribute Websites
LifeVU Helps People Share Memories and Photos of Deceased Loved Ones
Dialogue-Oriented Shopping Platforms
The Dreslyn E-commerce Site Promotes Conversational Retail
Social Crowdfunding Platforms
The Buzzbnk App Helps Ventures Gather Support and Raise Funds
Infectious Illness Information Apps
The 'About Ebola' App Provides Information On the Deadly Virus
Blunt Greeting Cards
Good Luck With That by Creativity Cards is Hilariously Ill-Mannered
Emotional Messaging Apps
The Xpress App Uses Replaces Emojis with Your Own Expressive Selfies
Sweaty Selfie Contests
MapMyFitness Wants You to Prove You Can Sweat by Posting a Workout Selfie
Wireless Social Networking Printers
LifePrint Introduces a Wireless Printer for Social Networkers
Minimalist Sharing Bicycles
Vilamoura Public Bikes by And-re Returns the City to Its People
Unabashed Online Confessions
Confesster Makes Personal, Anonymous Confessions Simple
Social Good Performance Venues
Creative Common is a Place Where Community Comes Together
Crowdsourced Microjournalism Sites
Onpublico Turns Citizens with Smartphones into Photojournalists
Posthumous Tweeting Apps
The LivesOn App Will Tweet for You After You Kick the Bucket
Literature Loving Tables
This Glass-Topped Sculptural Table Pays Homage to Your Inner Bookworm
AR Money Management Apps
The Pocketbook Google Glass App is a Powerful Expense Tracker
College Discovery Apps
Reachy Hopes to Connect Students with Potential Schools
Ad-Aware Rolling Displays
Kate Spade's Clickable Ads Feature a Convenient Down Bar for Shoppers
Peace-Promoting Airlines
The S7 Flights Moscow-Peace-Kiev Banners Promote Conversation
Senior Social Media Apps
This 7-In-1 App For Seniors Supports Facebook, Email & More
Social Dating Apps
The 'Avalable' Dating App is Like a Social Network for Those Looking for Love
Video Soundtrack Apps
The Zoe Social Networking App Lets You Add Soundtracks and Filters to Videos
Fashion-Focused Purchasing Apps
'Trendabl' Allows You to Find and Buy Your Dream Wardrobe
Handheld Food Analyzers
The ConsumerPhysics SCiO Scanner Inspects the Content of Sustenance
Senior Social Networking Sites
SeniorMaze Helps Seniors Connects With Others Their Age
Encounter-Based Dating Apps
Happn is a Missed Connections App Based on Real Life Interactions
Mobile Burger Collages
Burger King France Displays One of the Creative Uses of Instagram
On-Demand Beauty Apps
The PRIV App Provides Cosmetic & Wellness On-Demand Beauty Services
Privacy-Focused Social Networks
The Anomo App Encourages You to Reveal Only What You Want To
Manipulative Social Media Extensions
Facebook's Mood Manipulator Allows You to Screen for Selfies
Personified Floral Illustrations
Hilde Koenders ‘Faces’ Series Uses Dried Tulips to Build Faces
Property Guardian Social Enterprises
'Dot Dot Dot' Focuses on Housing and Community Building
Indoor Navigation Apps
The Inside App Makes Directories a Thing of the Past
Catty Social Networking Apps
The MeowChat App Combines Social Networking, Dating and Cartoon Cats
Charming Bookstore Illustrations
Bob Eckstein Sketches Some of His Favorite New York Bookstores
Catchy Airplane Safety Musicals
The Virgin America New Safety Video Will Get You Dancing
Surgery Sponsoring Web Donations
Watsi is Making Medical Care Affordable for the Developing World
Worker-Reported Health Apps
FwdHealth Helps Companies Cut Insurance Costs With Their Workers' Data
Expressive Emoji Cookies
These Emoji Happy Face Cookies Will Make Stomachs Equally as Elated
Extremely Exclusive Social Networks
Best of All Worlds is an Online Community for Top Influencers
Musical Messaging Apps
The La-La App Allows You To Chat Via Song
Online Hyper Funding Collectives
PleaseFund.Us Does Crowdfunding for Creative Community Projects
Infectious Safety Music Videos
Virgin America's Safety Video Will Get You Into the Groove
Communal Soccer Apps
Brazil National Team Fans Can Showcase Their Pride Through Nike Football App
Newborn Safety Auto Ads
Mitsubishi's 'First Ride Home' Gives Babies a Safe Ride from the Hospital
Brand-oriented E-commerce
The Avenue 32 Website Invites Designers to Form Personal Pages
Social Media Afterlife Platforms
The '_LIVESON' App Keeps Your Twitter After You're Gone
Fashionable E-Commerce Tools
The Pose Application Allows Users to Shop Via Images
Ultra-Secure Calling Apps
The Signal App is Encrypted for Increased Security
Search Engine Burial Charts
Mourn the Death of Google Reader at the Google Graveyard
Playdate-Finding Children Apps
The Tindergarten App Helps you Find a Play Date
Social Media Reality Shows
@SummerBreak Will Broadcast Only Through Online Platforms
Timeless Maternity Clothing Collections
Hatch’s Pregnancy Fashion is Designed for Changing Bodies
Time-Lapse Pregnancy Videos
This Video Shows Time-Lapse Pregnacy Pictures of a New Mother
Rewards-Based Environmental Causes
The Mutual Social Enterprise is an Online Charity Community
Encrypted Recording Apps
Have Peace of Mind with the Disckreet App
Private Picture Posting Apps
The Cluster App Lets People See What You Want Them to See
Disco Revival Couture
Armida Ascano Shares Her Favorite 70s-Inspired American Hustle Styles
Eco Video Hosting Sites
The 'Skilly' Website Aims to Specialize in the Environmental Area
Scenic Route Map Apps
Yahoo Labs Creates a Digital Map that Encourages People to Smell the Roses
Gratuitous Ebook Apps
The BitList App Gives Free Ebooks to Accompany Your Physical Literature
Sporty Contortionist Typefaces
This Soccer Font by Gustavo Veiga Commemorates the World Cup Games
Personified Avatar Apps
The 'Pocket Avatars' App from Intel Can Turn You into Quirky Characters