# Activity-Based Local Communication Networks Google is Creating the Shoelace Social Media Platform By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-07-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoelace-social-media-platform References: [9to5google](https://9to5google.com/2019/07/11/google-shoelace/) & [shoelace.nyc](https://shoelace.nyc/) [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-find-my-device) is developing its new Shoelace social media platform, which will aim at [making friends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strangely) as opposed to connecting with existing ones. The network will also facilitate face-to-face interactions. The service works by matching a user with others who share interests or hobbies. Users are able to create a listing for activities or events and are then able to invite others, either strangers or friends, to partake. Currently, the Shoelace social media platform only allows for invite-only inclusions. The network is undergoing an initial launch in New York City, as well as a few other locations. The launch will bring Shoelace to iOS and Android app stores. Image Credit: Shoelace ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Local Networking Platforms:** Developing hyperlocal social media platforms could provide opportunities for targeted advertising and community building, disrupting traditional social media platforms. - **Activity-based Social Media:** Creating social media platforms based on shared interests and activities, as opposed to existing connections, could provide opportunities for niche communities and social engagement. - **Event-based Networking:** Designing social media platforms that facilitate event planning and activity-based meetups could disrupt the event planning industry and encourage in-person interactions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Social Media:** Creating hyperlocal and activity-based communities could provide a disruptive alternative to existing social media platforms and advertising models. - **Advertising:** Developing platforms that allow for targeted advertising to niche communities could disrupt traditional advertising models. - **Event Planning:** Facilitating event planning and in-person meetups through a social media platform could disrupt traditional event planning and networking industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hyperlocal Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperlocal-social-networks.md) - [Travel Networking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floo.md) - [Localized Networking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/presence.md) - [Customizable Profile Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noplace-app.md) - [Endurance Athlete-Specific Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/front-pack.md) - [Meetup-Encouraging Social Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mozi-private-social-network.md) - [Event-Based Social Networking Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plus-1.md) - [Local Social Chats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/local-social-chats.md) - [AI Social Networking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-social.md)