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# Open-Source Social
Social media platforms offer open-source functions for creativity.

By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 19, 2020 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/opensource-social

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 3.3/10
- Evidence articles: 6

## What is the Open-Source Social trend?

**Open-Source Social:** Social media platforms that are designed around or offer specific open-source functions are increasingly popular as brands look to empower their customers to create their own online experiences. These platforms and functions empower promote both creativity and autonomy in the digital space.

## The consumer insight behind the Open-Source Social trend

The growth of social media in the last decade has empowered a wave of consumers and created entire industries that revolve around the creative and influence-based powers of the internet. Now more than ever, consumers are in control of their personal brand and their arts-related interests. However, updated brand policies and regulations in these spaces have resulted in backlash and a push for more control in the digital sphere–and so consumers turn to brands that offer them more autonomy in their creative process.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 6 featured examples
- Articles from: Feb 15, 2018 to Apr 6, 2020
- Published: Feb 19, 2020
- Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration)
- Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [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 Open-Source Social trend

### Open-Source Social Platforms

Brands that offer open-source features to promote creativity and autonomy are gaining popularity.

### Direct-to-Creator Payment Systems

Browser-based payment features like Brave Payments empower creators by bypassing traditional ad revenue.

### Topic Discussion Social Networks

Social networks like WONDR allow users to connect with like-minded individuals over important topics.

### Open-Source AR Filters

Open beta programs like Spark AR allow developers to create and add their own AR filters to social media platforms like Instagram.

### Open-Source Cookbooks

Online cookbooks like Open Source Recipes to be Used in Quarantine During a Global Pandemic offer a free resource for consumers during global crises.

## What the Open-Source Social trend means for industry

### For Social Media

Open-source social platforms and new AR filters offer opportunities for innovation in the social media industry.

### For Fintech

Direct-to-creator payment systems provide new possibilities in payment and financial industries.

### For Food and Beverage

Open-source cookbooks provide a platform for chefs and restaurants to share recipes and build online communities.

### For Technology

Topic discussion social networks and the development of open-source software programs offer opportunities for disruption in the tech industry.

### For Media

Creator-focused browsers and topic discussion social networks have the potential to revolutionize the way we consume and interact with media.

## Workshop question

How could your brand prioritize customer creativity and/or autonomy?

## Trend signals for Open-Source Social

Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 37%, freshness 9%.

- Popularity: 53%
- Activity: 37%
- Freshness: 9%

## Examples of the Open-Source Social trend

6 featured examples from Feb 15, 2018 to Apr 6, 2020.

- [Open-Source Cookbooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-online-cookbook): Toronto Chefs and Restaurants are Contributing to a Free Online Cookbook (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the concept of open-source cookbooks to foster innovation, build brand loyalty, and engage with customers in a unique and interactive ma…
- [Social Media Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastodon): Mastodon Offers Unique "Instances" for Its Users (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the social media industry by introducing alternative platforms that offer unique experiences and cater to specific user needs.
- [Topic Discussion Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wondr): The 'WONDR' Network Helps Likeminded Individuals to Connect (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The technology industry can capitalize on the rise of niche social networks by creating new platforms that cater to targeted audiences.
- [Open Source AR Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-ar): Facebook Will Open the Spark AR Beta Program to All Instagram Users (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The integration of open source AR filters on Instagram opens up new possibilities for businesses and marketers to create engaging and immersive AR experiences to connect with thei…
- [Creator-Focused Browsers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brave-web-browser): The 'Brave' Web Browser Allows For Direct Funding Support to Creators (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The rise of creator-focused browsers like Brave opens up opportunities for innovation in the web browser industry, catering to specific user needs.
- [Search Result Stories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amp-stories): Google's AMP Stories Hope to Change the Way Users Search On the Platform (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Publishers can leverage AMP Stories to revolutionize the way their content appears in search results and attract more audience engagement.

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All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)
