# Virtual Collaging Consumers drawn to image-based social networks & sites. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published May 1, 2012 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-collaging ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Virtual Collaging trend? **Virtual Collaging:** With the popularity of blogs like Tumblr, apps like Instagram and social networks like Pinterest, it's clear that consumers love to look at images and often prefer visual content over written. Pinterest adequately illustrates the extent to which virtual collages and bold imagery has on online users -- the social site has skyrocketed in just one year to become "the" social network, with 10.4 million registered users (its daily users have increased by over 145 percent since the start of 2012, says Mashable). Thus, appealing to the consumer love for pretty pictures is one effective way brands, online galleries and other sites can gain and capture attention in the extremely competitive virtual arena. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 15 to Apr 23, 2012 - Published: May 1, 2012 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Virtual Collaging trend ### Visual-based social networks The popularity of image-based social networks like Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram indicates that consumers prefer visual content and brands can capture attention by appealing to this preference. ### Online organizing tools The success of platforms like Clipix and Loverly demonstrate a need for private, organized, and visually-oriented online tools that help people keep track of information and plan events. ### Interactive online galleries The rise of online art galleries and museums like the Google Art Project demonstrates a need for virtual sharing and cultural conversation platforms that enable people to experience and discuss art from around the globe. ## What the Virtual Collaging trend means for industry ### For Social media The emergence of musician social media platforms like Fandalism and Pinterest Facebook apps like PinView illustrate the need for online spaces that enable more interactive, visual, and organized social experiences. ### For Wedding planning Platforms like Loverly demonstrate a need for more comprehensive and organized online tools that make wedding planning more manageable and efficient. ### For Art and culture The popularity of online galleries and museums like the Google Art Project indicates a need for more inclusive, interactive, and socially-oriented digital platforms that enable people to experience and engage with art and culture from around the world. ## Trend signals for Virtual Collaging Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Collaging trend 7 featured examples from Mar 15 to Apr 23, 2012. - [Pinterest Facebook Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-design-facebook-timeline): 'PinView' Makes FB Visually Stunning (Category: Tech) Implication: Social media companies have the opportunity to develop new features that merge the best aspects of different platforms. - [3D Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gifpumper-website): The 'Gifpumper' Website Embeds Online Content into Rotatable Environments (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity to incorporate 3D design and immersive experiences into website development projects. - [Interactive Online Galleries (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-art-project-expansion): The Google Art Project Expansion Incorporates Social Media (Category: Tech) Implication: The growth of online art galleries like the Google Art Project creates opportunities for new platforms and technologies to enhance the virtual art experience. - [Online Organizing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clipix): Clipix Saves Juicy Finds on the Web (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop personal organization software focused on privacy, catering to individuals who want to maintain control over their online collections. - [Celebrity-Crazy Collaging Blogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thepinpop-virtual-pinboard): ThePinPop Virtual Pinboard Promotes Papparazzi-Esque Photo Sharing (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Incorporate pop culture pinboards into existing social media platforms to attract and engage celebrity-crazy users. - [Nuptial Planning Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loverly-online-bridal-scrapbook): The Loverly Online Bridal Scrapbook Helps Organize the Big Wedding Day (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: E-commerce platforms have the opportunity to integrate wedding planning features and offer personalized product recommendations to cater to engaged couples. - [Musician Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fandalism): 'Fandalism' Lets Music Makers Connect (Category: Social Media) Implication: Opportunities for streaming services to add social media features for their artist users and fans ## Recent trend clusters - [Protein Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-personalization) (Lifestyle) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Countertop Craft](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/countertop-craft) (Lifestyle) - [Inclusive Formulas](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/inclusive-formulas) (Fashion) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Y2K Water Shoe Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pw-water-moc) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Shoppable Swimwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoppable-swimwear-campaign) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)