10 Old Social Media Platforms You Forgot Existed

These days, social media has become so ingrained in our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine a world without it—whether you’re indulging in TikTok trends, sharing photo dumps on Instagram, posting family moments on Facebook, or staying updated on pop culture through Twitter. Social media not only keeps us interconnected with friends and family but has also transformed the way we engage with the world.

However, the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology means that while some platforms soar, others fade into obscurity. As we look back at the evolution of social media, you may find yourself reminiscing about a few old platforms that were once all the rage but have since been forgotten. Buckle up for a nostalgic journey as we revisit 10 old social media platforms you forgot existed!

1. MySpace

Once the king of social networking, MySpace was the platform where users customized their profile pages with HTML and shared their music preferences. Artists used the platform to connect directly with fans, and many remember the thrill of witnessing their “Top 8” friends. As Facebook rose to prominence, MySpace gradually faded out of the limelight, but it retains a special place in the hearts of its users.

2. Friendster

Launched in 2002, Friendster was one of the first social networking sites where users could connect with friends, meet new people, and share updates. It was popular in Asia during the mid-2000s but struggled with technical issues and competition. Eventually, it was repurposed as a gaming site before disappearing altogether.

3. Orkut

Google’s first foray into the social media world, Orkut was launched in 2004 and gained substantial popularity in Brazil and India. Users could create communities, post photos, and engage with one another on various topics. In 2014, due to the rise of other platforms like Facebook, Orkut was officially discontinued, leaving behind many fond memories of its vibrant communities.

4. Bebo

Bebo was a social networking site that gained traction in the UK, Ireland, and the US during the mid-2000s. Users created personalized profiles and shared videos, photos, and blogs. It introduced unique features like character creation and two-way commenting, but the rise of Facebook ultimately led to its decline. It has made sporadic comebacks since but has never regained its former glory.

5. Hi5

Launched in 2004, Hi5 allowed users to meet new people and share multimedia content. It became particularly popular in Latin America and was known for its “social gaming” features. Over time, it shifted focus toward online gaming and dating, but its heyday is long gone, with the platform now functioning more as a niche social network.

6. Xanga

Running strong in the early 2000s, Xanga was a blog-based social network where users could post entries, comment on others’ posts, and share personalized content. It was particularly popular among teenagers and college students. With the rise of platforms like Tumblr and WordPress, Xanga lost its user base and is often overlooked today.

7. LiveJournal

Founded in 1999, LiveJournal combined blogging with social networking elements. Users could maintain detailed personal journals while interacting with friends through comments and community discussions. Once popular among writers and fandoms, LiveJournal has largely transformed into a niche site primarily used by niche communities.

8. Vampirefreaks

Launched in 1999, Vampirefreaks was a social networking site targeted at goth and alternative subcultures. Featuring user-created profiles, forums, and chat rooms, it served as a gathering place for those with alternative lifestyles. Though it still maintains a loyal user base, it is not widely recognized in the mainstream social media landscape today.

9. Classmates.com

Before social media was about sharing life updates, Classmates.com aimed to connect former schoolmates. Users could find old classmates, share memories, and reunite. While it paved the way for many other social networks, changes in user preferences led to its decline as it became overshadowed by platforms like Facebook.

10. Second Life

Although not a traditional social media platform, Second Life offered users a 3D virtual environment where they could create avatars, explore, and interact with others. Launched in 2003, it offered an immersive experience that blurred the lines between social networking and online gaming. While it still exists today, its heyday has long since passed, and it remains a niche experience.