We hear so much about social media –– who’s remixing who, who comments what, and which latest app is trying to challenge the big players in the online world. With more features, plugins, and additions to your usual networks, there are some times when new apps emerge to challenge that status quo: what if you could connect with your loved ones in a new way? These “anti-establishment” applications are a gamble – they could either rise to the top or (belly) flop to the bottom.
This past week, I explored these “alternative” or lesser-known social networks to see what potential they had, if any, and whether they may be the next big thing within the coming year. So, ICYMI, here is a round-up of the most underrated social media apps – all Metter Media Intern approved.
1. Peach
Most Like: Twitter
Price: Free
Rating: 🌟🌟
Created by Vine co-founder Dom Hofmann, the app is “a fun, simple way to keep up with friends and be yourself” that everyone was temporarily obsessed with. After downloading, I was intrigued; right off the bat you can see it’s fairly user-friendly –– it gives you a walk-through on what the app itself offers. At this point, none of my friends had downloaded Peach so I was within my own little world attempting to navigate the “Magic Words” it came with. I kept experimenting with them and recorded my journey to NYC. However, this app eventually lost its luster and got old pretty quick… possibly due to the fact that I was solely interacting with myself. I felt that Peach had potential but did not entirely fill my expectations. Until next time, Peach.
2. Blab
Most Like: Periscope
Price: Free
Rating: 🌟🌟
I had only ever heard about Blab by exploring the social media domain and reading about it in articles. Imagine if Periscope and video-chat service ooVoo had a baby: this is exactly what Blab is. It looks like a fantastic platform to host a digital conference, but users must be cautious of being left out of the video chat if they are only participating within the “chat” portion rather than the video.
3. Shots
Most Like: Instagram
Price: Free
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
This app is extremely similar to Instagram, except it is built on the idea of the #selfie. Shots is riding on the wave of #unedited social media, where it wants to give insight on everyday life rather than a “picturesque” life like some have criticized. It’s very easy to use, and it also includes the heart button to like all of your friends pictures. With the right amount of marketing and features, this app could skyrocket to be one of the best social media apps out there.
4. Ello
Most Like: Twitter
Price: Free, but invite-only
Rating: 🌟
Ello was a new social media craze that came out 2015, but it was a definite flop. After being invited to try out the new network, I realized immediately that it was no competition for Facebook – especially after seeing all the features Facebook launched this January. For social media apps that want to challenge the “establishment,” beware – there’s a reason why so many people are still on Facebook.
5. Hyper
Most Like: Instagram
Price: Free
Rating: 🌟🌟
Once again, this app is a spin-off of Instagram, but instead you must subscribe to a hashtag in order for your picture to be published. After investigating the multitude of hashtags, it appears that this app is dominated by generation Z, which can be amusing from time to time. In comparison to Shots, I prefer the other app more; however, the user interface of this app is still fairly new and still has room for improvement. Definitely a ⅔.
Bonus: Kimoji
Most Like: Twitter
Price: $1.99
Rating: 🌟🌟
Okay, first of all this app isn’t exactly emojis –– it’s actually mini photos you copy and paste within your iPhone’s keyboard. At first, I wasn’t very keen because I thought the keyboard was more along the lines of being actual emojis. However, after a week’s use, I found the app to be somewhat entertaining – it includes a bacon emoji, which is nice. Clearly, Kim understands supply and demand. However, I can’t wait to see where the app will go within the coming year – it still has immense potential, but is not entirely there yet.
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Have you downloaded any of these apps? What are you opinions, if you have? Let us know below in the comments!
Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.
