It usually looks very tough to think of a new social media app development idea in the presence of big names who seemingly have captured the market. So, will the recent frequent outages create the necessary demand for new social networking mobile apps? Let’s explore this idea.
The Recent Instagram Outage
Around 3 p.m. EST, the outage began to affect customers. Probably the second big blackout after the 4th of October’s FB, Insta, and WhatsApp outage.
More than half of users said they had problems with the app, while 26% said they had troubles with the website.
A lot of users have vowed to delete Instagram after the frequent interruptions. They might not delete it. However, we need to realize that Instagram, and other social media, are prominent tools for businesses to connect with their target audience. And, for other people, it is a way to find things they may like to buy, the food they might order or even services they can avail.
There is something for almost all kinds of audiences on these juggernauts of social media applications. However, too much reliance on a few media for a business, like retail, has become inconsistent recently; especially, if these businesses are running paid ads on the platforms.
Does that mean there is scope for a new social media application in the market? The answer is yes!
Should they be targeting a broad range of audiences in the beginning? The answer is maybe no.
How to Start with a Social Networking App Idea?
Instagram started as a photo-sharing app for people who love photography, and Zukerberg and the team developed Facebook for college students to communicate.
The idea behind all social networking apps starts with a specific audience in mind. Like any other application development strategy, you need to start with a minimum viable product (MVP). And eventually, add features to attract new sets of users.
Wondering which type of social media app should you venture into? We’ve listed some ideas for you:
1. Social Discussion and Community Forums
Imagine a social media application that is trying to appeal to independent artists all around the world. Some individual musicians might collaborate and form a band, and some existing bands may find new members. Sounds useful?
People will love a medium specifically designed for their unique needs. Ideas like a platform for single parents to share their experiences and suggestions can make you stand out.
A social discussion forum like Reddit or Quora can be the next big app idea.
You can hire a renowned application development firm to get more interactive graphical elements and better user experience design for your social discussion and community forum.
2. Social Platform for Gig Workers to Connect
You can plan an app for freelancers to interact with each other. It is different from gig platforms, like Fiverr and Upwork, where they connect with their clients or find work.
Freelancers on platforms like LinkedIn are creating and sharing content to help their community. There is a camaraderie among the gig community where they help one another to grow because each one’s experience helps another and vice versa.
However, LinkedIn is for all kinds of professionals, not just Freelancers. And the clients of these gig workers are also present there, which might make them hesitant to share certain types of content.
Gig workers would love to have a social networking app to create and share content, media files, podcasts, and courses with other freelancers.
The more experienced ones can become mentors to the newbies and monetize their skills and experience, while the emerging freelancers can upskill themselves through mentorship.
3. Interest-based Social Networks
Several social network mobile applications made for people of common interest to connect. Like Rooster for sports enthusiasts, Roposo for fashionistas, and similar apps.
You can also plan for a social media app for solo travellers or a platform for bachelors to share food recipes, find room partners and more.
A dating app for a specific audience, like romantic asexuals, is also a great idea. Even an app for aromantic people where they can find their community and feel empowered can do wonders.
Identify a small but underrepresented group and give them what other social platforms fail to provide them. With the right application design and digital marketing strategy, you can create a big brand for a specific niche audience.
Final Thoughts
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp going down for hours, and now the frequent outages are pointing out opportunities to decentralize social networking.
If you need a team to develop social media websites and mobile applications, Advantal has the resources for you. We have proficient engineers for native and cross-platform mobile app development to help you achieve your business goal.