# Invite-Only Network Invite-only online communities connect those with niche interests. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published May 1, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/inviteonly-network ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Invite-Only Network trend? **Invite-Only Network:** Individuals with specific interests, professions and skills are connecting via online communities that are invite-only. This ensures that people who are swapping information and ideas have the same level expertise as other participants. ## The consumer insight behind the Invite-Only Network trend With networking increasingly being digital and existing within online platforms, users are looking to connect with others who specialize in their niche interests, professions or hobbies. By creating communities online that are invite-only, the value and transfer of knowledge among members is seen as a key resource. This trend speaks to the larger ways in which traditional professional activities, such as hiring and training practices, are increasingly coming to life online. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 29, 2017 to May 1, 2019 - Published: May 1, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Invite-Only Network trend ### Invite-Only Networking Invite-only online communities are a growing trend for people with specific interests or professions to connect and exchange ideas. This trend presents opportunities for businesses to create exclusive online communities for their customers or employees to share knowledge and improve engagement. ### Social Collection-Oriented Apps Social platforms that cater to collecting and curating physical objects are gaining popularity as users look to connect with like-minded individuals. This trend presents opportunities for businesses to create platforms that allow customers to showcase their products and connect with other enthusiasts. ### Membership-Based Community Apps Membership-based community apps that connect individuals based on shared interests or passions are becoming more popular, offering real-world events and networking opportunities. This trend presents opportunities for businesses to create online communities for their customers that offer exclusive events and experiences. ## What the Invite-Only Network trend means for industry ### For Retail Retailers can leverage invite-only networking to create exclusive communities of their most loyal customers, providing a forum for these customers to share ideas and feedback. ### For Entertainment Social collection-oriented apps can provide a platform for entertainment companies to connect with their audiences and create communities of passionate fans. ### For Technology Membership-based community apps offer opportunities for technology companies to connect with their users, offering exclusive events and opportunities for users to provide feedback on products and services. ## Workshop question Conceptualize an invite-only platform that your brand could use to connect its customers. ## Trend signals for Invite-Only Network Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Invite-Only Network trend 5 featured examples from Apr 29, 2017 to May 1, 2019. - [Invite-Only Community Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squad-app): The Squad App Helps Millennial & Gen Z Users Make Real-Life Connections (Category: Tech) Implication: The Squad app provides a unique approach to social networking by focusing on invite-only community connections based on shared passions. - [Retail Collaboration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-connect): Target's Invite-Only 'Studio Connect' Has Members Collab with Designers (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a platform that allows retailers to collaborate with customers and designers to create products that meet customer needs. - [Social Collection-Oriented Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ownetic): 'Ownetic' Connects Those with a Passion for Collecting (Category: Tech) Implication: The rise of social collection-oriented apps like 'Ownetic' presents opportunities for social media platforms to integrate specialized features for collectors. - [Joke-Writing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comedy-writing-app): 'Pitch' is a Comedy Writing App That Lets Clever Writers Get Paid (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Media and entertainment companies can leverage Pitch to discover and acquire fresh comedic content that resonates with today's audience. - [Private Musician Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jammcard-music-network): The Invite-only Jammcard Music Network Connects Industry Pros (Category: Tech) Implication: The Jammcard music network demonstrates potential opportunities for exclusive online communities and networking platforms within the music industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)