By Jules 
The question “when was the social media invented” takes us back to the late 1990s, marking the beginning of a digital revolution that would transform global communication, relationships, and business. Social media, as we know it, began with the launch of SixDegrees.com in 1997. While it looked quite different from today’s platforms, SixDegrees was the first to introduce the concept of user profiles and connections, setting the stage for future platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In this article, we’ll explore the milestones that defined social media, examining how it has evolved over time and the influence it has had on our lives.
The Birth of Social Media: SixDegrees and Early Platforms
1997: The Launch of SixDegrees
SixDegrees is widely considered the first recognizable social networking platform. Founded by Andrew Weinreich, it allowed users to create profiles, connect with friends, and expand their network through mutual connections. This innovation laid the foundation for what social media would become, offering users a way to build and visualize online communities.
Early Platforms and Messaging Services
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of various social networking platforms, along with messaging services like AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ. Platforms such as LiveJournal and Open Diary introduced a more personal angle to digital communication, enabling users to blog and connect over shared interests. While these early platforms focused on niche communities, they helped establish the habits and expectations that would later define social media.
For more on the early stages of social media, check out our article on how network effects create barriers to entry in the social media industry.
The Early 2000s: The Rise of Friendster, MySpace, and LinkedIn
As the internet became more accessible, new platforms emerged, each offering distinct features that contributed to the rapid expansion of social media.
- Friendster (2002): Friendster allowed users to share photos, videos, and updates, helping it quickly gain popularity. Though it ultimately failed to sustain its user base, Friendster was a significant step in the evolution of social networks.
- LinkedIn (2003): Unlike Friendster, LinkedIn focused on professional networking. Its emphasis on career-building and professional connections marked a new use case for social media.
- MySpace (2003): MySpace introduced customizable profiles, music sharing, and an emphasis on pop culture, making it the most popular social platform for a period. At its peak, MySpace had millions of users worldwide, creating a bridge to the more personalized experience that Facebook would later refine.
These early networks shaped user expectations for social media, with profiles, connections, and media sharing becoming essential features. For a closer look at how MySpace paved the way for future platforms, see our post on why social media influences society.
2004-2008: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter Redefine Social Media
The mid-2000s marked the arrival of the platforms that would dominate the social media landscape.
Facebook (2004)
Founded in Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room, Facebook quickly expanded beyond college campuses. By 2008, Facebook had surpassed MySpace as the most popular social networking site, thanks to its user-friendly interface and emphasis on real identities and connections. Facebook introduced the News Feed in 2006, a feature that would become central to its success and change how users interacted with content online.
YouTube (2005)
YouTube brought a new dimension to social media by creating a platform entirely dedicated to video content. It allowed users to upload, share, and discover videos, making it a popular space for entertainment and creativity. Today, YouTube’s influence on digital media remains unparalleled, with billions of active users and diverse content spanning all genres.
Twitter (2006)
Twitter introduced the concept of “microblogging,” allowing users to share short updates (originally limited to 140 characters). The platform gained popularity for real-time information sharing, especially during events and breaking news. Twitter’s impact on public discourse and its use as a tool for activism made it a unique player in the social media sphere.
For insights on how these platforms grew into cultural and social phenomena, check out our article on the biggest challenges social media practitioners face.
The Mobile Revolution: Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
With the rise of smartphones, social media became even more accessible, allowing users to interact with content on the go. This shift also led to the emergence of mobile-first platforms that prioritized visuals and instant sharing.
Instagram (2010)
Instagram revolutionized photo-sharing by focusing on mobile access and easy-to-edit photos. Its simple interface, filters, and later features like Stories and Reels made Instagram a favorite among users looking for a visually-driven experience. In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram, further cementing its influence on digital media.
Snapchat (2011)
Snapchat introduced disappearing content and Stories, making real-time sharing more intimate and fleeting. Its popularity among younger demographics led to innovations like filters, Bitmoji integration, and augmented reality.
TikTok (2016)
TikTok’s rise marked the next phase in social media’s evolution, with short-form videos that leveraged AI-driven feeds for personalized content discovery. TikTok became a cultural force with its dance challenges, trends, and virality, shaping social media’s future and appealing to a global audience.
The Future of Social Media: Where Are We Headed?
As of now, social media has become integral to nearly every aspect of modern life, from personal relationships to business strategies. Emerging trends suggest a continued focus on short-form video, live streaming, and artificial intelligence to tailor experiences to individual users.
Data Privacy Concerns
As social media grows, so does scrutiny over data privacy. Companies are now tasked with balancing user privacy with personalization, a trend likely to shape the future of digital networks.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have already integrated AR into their filters, but the next wave of social media could see more immersive experiences through VR.
To stay updated on the latest trends, read our article on the evolution of social media monitoring.
Conclusion: Social Media’s Journey from SixDegrees to TikTok
The answer to “when was the social media invented” takes us back to the late 1990s, but the journey has been one of constant innovation and adaptation. From simple profile pages on SixDegrees to today’s immersive, AI-driven experiences on TikTok, social media has evolved into a powerful tool that shapes how we interact, learn, and communicate. As new technologies emerge, the future of social media remains dynamic, with potential for even greater influence on our lives.