# Hyper-Niche Networking As generic social media becomes passe, consumers turn to cult communities. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 19, 2014 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hyperniche-networking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Hyper-Niche Networking trend? **Hyper-Niche Networking:** The ubiquitous nature of social media in society has lead to the evolution of online networking to be as diverse and varied as the offline world with hyper-niche networks popping up to satisfy consumer desire for individualistic expression. Encompassing topics like healthcare and travel, the networks address the problem of online interaction causing disassociation amongst connected consumers by easing them back into socialization based on similar interests. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 9, 2013 to Jan 31, 2014 - Published: Feb 19, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Hyper-Niche Networking trend ### Hyper-Niche Networking Opportunity for businesses to create online communities catering to individualistic expression and similar interests. ### Social Dating Apps Idea for businesses to create social networking apps for dating that can incorporate group engagement and conversation. ### Photographic Discovery Apps Potential for businesses to create search engines that use photos as queries to engage users. ## What the Hyper-Niche Networking trend means for industry ### For Social Media Social media platforms can evolve into niche communities that cater to specific interests. ### For Travel and Tourism Apps and services that assist travelers with more customized and unique travel experiences. ### For Sexual Health Apps and services that promote discreet sharing and management of sexual health information. ## Trend signals for Hyper-Niche Networking Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 88%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 88% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Hyper-Niche Networking trend 6 featured examples from Sep 9, 2013 to Jan 31, 2014. - [Photographic Discovery Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jelly-app): The Jelly App is Like a Socially-Connected Search Engine (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use the power of social networks to create a new type of search engine that leverages user-generated content for queries. - [Social STD Health Histories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luhu): Luhu Uses Badges to Show a Person’s STD Status (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Luhu's low-cost and confidential STD testing partnership creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the healthcare industry to increase accessibility to testing. - [Globe-Trotting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlas-obscura): The Atlas Obscura App Takes You On an Adventure to Discover New Places (Category: World) Implication: The Atlas Obscura app disrupts the travel industry by highlighting lesser-known destinations and encouraging travelers to explore beyond mainstream tourist spots. - [Public Secret-Sharing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secret-sharing-apps): The Whisper App Lets You Share Your Deepest and Darkest Confessions (Category: Social Media) Implication: The rise of anonymous secret-sharing apps can revolutionize the social media industry by providing a platform for more authentic and meaningful connections. - [LGBT Event Exploration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaycities-app): The GayCities App Makes Exploring New Cities Much More Interactive (Category: World) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating technology and data analytics to create personalized travel experiences, tailored recommendations, and seamless navigation for trave… - [Social Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-dating-apps): The 'Avalable' Dating App is Like a Social Network for Those Looking for Love (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Social dating apps represent a potential disruption in the online dating industry as they provide a different approach to matchmaking. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Offline Pinboard Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-manifestival) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)