Online Communication Platforms: Formats and Types

In the vast digital landscape, the options and opportunities for online communication have seen remarkable evolution over the last 20 years. From changes in formats to shifts in communication standards, the diversity and functionality of communication platforms have expanded significantly. Let’s explore the main types of communication services popular today and their unique features.

Social Networks

Social networks, with their emergence, sparked a true revolution. It’s now commonplace for people to share photos and personal information online, a concept that was foreign not so long ago when reconnecting with old acquaintances, classmates, or former colleagues seemed like a challenge. 

At the height of their popularity, social networks raised concerns about their impact on face-to-face interactions, as more people opted for digital communication over personal meetings. However, this shift merely reflected an adjustment period. Today, the emphasis has shifted to the act of communication itself – maintaining connections, sharing news, and supporting each other, regardless of the medium.

Over time, social networks have morphed into informational and media platforms where users can read news, subscribe to groups and channels, watch movies, and much more, with sites like Facebook and Twitter leading the charge. They continue to evolve by offering a broader range of services and functionalities.

Messengers

Messengers emerged as a modern alternative to traditional SMS messaging, gradually incorporating additional features beyond text messages and calls. Group chats have become a staple in messengers, used for both professional and personal communication. Some messengers even feature information channels. Nonetheless, their primary function remains communication, with additional features enhancing user convenience, including voice message transcription and unique sticker packs. Some apps have ambitiously expanded their functionalities, evolving into what are known as super apps. WhatsApp is one such popular example.

Claire Dohetry, the head of external communications at mobile app developer iDoit DV, believes messengers paved the way for the communication industry: “Messengers laid the groundwork for the development of communication apps. Though they now seem a bit outdated, there’s a general trend towards expanding functionalities.”

Super Apps

Many modern super apps originated from communication apps, with others evolving from banking apps or social networks. Their defining feature is the extensive range of functions and services available to users, with each section of the app functioning as an independent application. Super apps allow users to communicate, follow channels, shop, and create thematic communities all in one place. Examples include WeChat and Gem Space.

Vage Zakaryan, Head of Development at Gem Space, mentions, “Super apps were last year’s main trend in app development. The current challenge is whether an app will evolve into a super app within its niche or become obsolete. Users demand convenience and diverse functionality all in one place.”

Blog Platforms

Blog platforms can be standalone or integrated within social networks or messengers. YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram channels are notable examples. Bloggers produce content in various formats: videos, articles, short posts, photos, etc. The growing blogger audience reflects a desire for interaction with content creators, commenting, and expressing opinions.

A trend is emerging where different content formats blend and complement each other, potentially leading to entirely new products. This evolution signifies the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of online communication platforms, illustrating how technology continuously adapts to meet human connectivity needs.