Types of Social Media

There are generally 6 main web platforms that are identified as social media. Each one has it's own unique characteristics and uses. The 6 main forms of social media are:

Blogging is defined by a website or part of a website that is easily updated with new content and timestamped. Popular blogging platforms include Blogger and Wordpress websites.

Micro-blogging is a form of blogging where smaller snippets of information are shared, such as with Twitter. Micro-blogging typically focuses on more easily dated material such as “What are you doing right now?” instead of the typical blog, which can focus on more long-term content. Blogging is beneficial to marketing because it allows the sharing of news and information quickly and easily.

Social Bookmarking makes it easy for people to bookmark their favorite websites and resources online and share them publicly. Websites and content are usually rated by popularity and ratings can be additionally influenced by other users. The content creators dream is that their material will be shared publicly on social bookmarking websites and gain popularity.

Media sharing consists of the public sharing of media such as video, pictures, audio, etc. Websites
encourage users to upload media so that others may listen and view them.

Social Networking websites exist to help build social networks and facilitate relationships among groups of individuals. People use these websites to connect with other people for a variety of reasons including business, friendship, common interest, and romantic relationships. Social networks are commonly used connect with familiar people as well as meet new people, and to share ideas, events, activities, and interests.

Forums are websites or part of a website where people can post messages and sharing information, while others can come along and respond to the original message or to other people within the conversation. Forums usually revolve around common interests and hobbies.

Social Review sites allow users to add their own comments and reviews of products and services and share them publicly. There are social review websites for just about any product or service you can think of including sites that let users review local businesses.

Hybrids
Most social media platforms integrate several forms of social media into their websites. For instance, Facebook is a social networking website but it also uses elements such as micro-blogging (status updates), media sharing, forums, groups, and more.

Hybrid social media platforms are constantly evolving and we can expect to see new types of social media websites being utilized all the time.

In the future, if you have the time and expertise, you may wish to explore these options. Right now you should focus on the largest and most used platforms to place your efforts.

Top social media platforms


Blogging:
• Blogger
• Wordpress

Micro-blogging:
• Tumblr
• Twitter

Social Networking:
• Facebook
• Linkedin

Social Bookmarking:
• Delicious
• Digg
• Stumbleupon
• Reddit
• Mixx

Media Sharing:
• Youtube
• Flickr