13 Social Media Platforms That Burned Bright, Then Died

Before Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok became giants, the internet was filled with social media platforms that had their moment in the spotlight. Some of them built passionate communities, only to vanish just as quickly as they rose.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 4 min read
13 Social Media Platforms That Burned Bright, Then Died
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Social media has gone through countless waves of platforms, many of which saw huge success before collapsing. Whether due to poor management, stronger competition, or changing trends, these platforms couldn’t maintain their momentum. They helped define early digital culture and left a legacy that still influences today’s online spaces. These 13 platforms once ruled the internet and then quietly disappeared.

1. MySpace

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MySpace was once the most visited social networking site in the world. It allowed users to customize their profiles with music, backgrounds, and HTML tweaks. It was also a launching pad for emerging musicians and bands. Despite its dominance, it was overtaken by Facebook’s cleaner design and usability. Eventually, MySpace faded into the background, remembered more for its nostalgia than functionality.

2. Vine

Vine Labs, Inc. on Wikimedia Vine Labs, Inc. on Wikimedia

Vine revolutionized short-form video with its six-second format. Creators used it to craft skits, music loops, and viral content that spread across the web. It introduced stars who would later move to YouTube and Instagram. Despite a massive following, Vine was shut down after Twitter failed to monetize it effectively. Its influence can still be felt in the rise of TikTok.

3. Friendster

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Friendster was one of the very first social networks, launching before MySpace or Facebook. It allowed users to connect through profiles, messages, and friend lists. Although it grew quickly, technical issues and slow updates frustrated users. Many migrated to newer, smoother platforms. Friendster later tried to relaunch as a gaming site but never regained popularity.

4. Google+

Google on Wikimedia Google on Wikimedia

Google+ was Google’s ambitious attempt to take on Facebook. It featured Circles, Hangouts, and content sharing tools with tight Google integration. While it had potential, engagement never met expectations. Users found it confusing and redundant alongside existing services. Google eventually pulled the plug, citing security issues and low usage.

5. Orkut

Pablodiego15 on Wikimedia Pablodiego15 on Wikimedia

Orkut gained massive popularity in countries like Brazil and India. It offered basic social networking features with a heavy focus on community groups. Users enjoyed sharing testimonials and participating in public discussions. However, it struggled with spam, moderation issues, and newer platforms emerging. Google shut it down in 2014 to focus on other projects.

6. Yik Yak

Joseph Albanese on Wikimedia Joseph Albanese on Wikimedia

Yik Yak allowed anonymous posting based on location, which quickly caught on with college students. It became a hotspot for gossip, confessions, and memes. However, anonymity also led to bullying and inappropriate content. Schools and communities raised concerns, leading to a drop in usage. The app eventually shut down after failing to control its user base.

7. Bebo

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Bebo was popular in the UK and Ireland, offering profile customization, blogging, and sharing media. It competed with MySpace by focusing on a friendlier and more visual interface. The platform thrived for a few years but couldn’t keep up with Facebook’s growth. It was sold, rebranded, and later closed completely. A revival attempt was made but never reached its past success.

8. Ello

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Ello launched as an ad-free alternative to Facebook, promising a minimalist, user-focused experience. It gained rapid traction among artists and creatives seeking a more curated and private platform. However, its slow feature development and lack of a clear purpose caused users to lose interest.

9. Peach

Peach.com on Wikimedia Peach.com on Wikimedia

Peach debuted in 2016 with a quirky interface and unique “magic words” for posting content. It combined elements of messaging and social networking in a playful, whimsical design. Despite early buzz, it lacked longevity and faded as users returned to more robust platforms.

10. Path

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Path aimed to offer a more personal and intimate social network. It limited users to 150 friends to encourage deeper connections. The app had a beautiful design and unique sharing features like music, location, and sleep updates. Despite early praise, it failed to maintain user interest. Eventually, Path was sold and shut down by its parent company.

11. Club Penguin

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Though aimed at kids, Club Penguin was a full-fledged social network inside a virtual world. Users could chat, play games, and decorate igloos with friends. It became a cultural phenomenon for a generation. Over time, changing tech and Disney’s shift in focus led to its closure. A few fan remakes surfaced but were later taken down.

12. Xanga

Owner, 犯得上 on Wikimedia Owner, 犯得上 on Wikimedia

Xanga started as a blogging and community platform where users shared journal-style posts and photos. It built a loyal following in the early 2000s, especially among teens. Eventually, it struggled to modernize and was overshadowed by platforms like Tumblr and Facebook.

13. Chatroulette

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Chatroulette connected users randomly through webcam for short, anonymous chats. It became famous almost overnight for its unpredictable encounters. Unfortunately, it was plagued with inappropriate behavior and limited moderation. Many users left due to uncomfortable or offensive experiences. The platform still exists but never regained its early popularity.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

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