Top 10 New Social Media Apps Thriving in Africa

The use of new social media apps has increased dramatically over the years.

Initially, social media apps were more popular among younger generations than older generations. 

However, technological advancements have changed all of that; social media platforms are now the most popular mode of communication. 

According to Statista’s 2024 figures, there were 41.19 million active internet users in South Africa, with 28 million active on social media, accounting for almost 46% of the entire population. 

Females aged 35 to 44 accounted for 7.2% of social media usage, while males accounted for 7.5%.

These apps are not only connecting people but also driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and amplifying voices.

Here’s a look at the top 10 new social media apps that are thriving in Africa.

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Top 10 New Social Media Apps Thriving in Africa

There are so many new social media apps out there, and it seems like more are being launched every year, so it’s easy to overlook a platform that may be a tremendous success. 

Whether you want to make sure you’re using all of the new social media apps or you want to venture out to new platforms, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten new social media apps thriving in Africa.

 1.TikTok

Although a global platform, TikTok has seen explosive growth in Africa, particularly among younger users. 

Its short-form video content, music, and creative filters have made it popular for entertainment, education, and activism. 

Local creators use TikTok Platform to showcase their talents, share stories, and connect with wider audiences.

2. Koo (Nigeria)

Koo, an Indian-origin microblogging platform, has made significant inroads in Africa, especially Nigeria.

 It allows users to express their thoughts in local languages, making it accessible and appealing to a diverse user base. 

Koo’s emphasis on local content and languages has resonated well with African users seeking alternatives to global giants like Twitter.

3. Vskit (Nigeria)

Vskit, a video-sharing app similar to TikTok, has gained popularity in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. 

It allows users to create and share short videos on entertainment and creative expression. 

Vskit has become a platform for aspiring influencers and content creators to reach a broader audience.

4. Ayoba (South Africa)

Ayoba is a messaging app developed by MTN Group, tailored for African users.

 It offers free messaging, local content, music, and channels for news and entertainment. 

Ayoba’s integration with local services and MTN’s extensive network has made it a popular choice for communication and content consumption.

5. Bumpa (Nigeria)

Bumpa is a social commerce app designed to help small businesses in Africa sell their products and services online. 

It combines social media features with e-commerce tools, enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings, engage with customers, and manage sales seamlessly. 

Bumpa supports business growth and digital transformation in Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

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6. Zulzi (South Africa)

Zulzi is a social commerce platform that connects consumers with local retailers for on-demand grocery and food delivery. 

While primarily an e-commerce app, Zulzi incorporates social features that allow users to share recommendations and reviews. 

It enhances the shopping experience by leveraging social connections and community feedback.

7. Mookh (Kenya)

Mookh is a social commerce platform that enables artists, creators, and entrepreneurs to sell digital and physical products online. 

It integrates social media elements, allowing users to share their stores and products across various social networks. 

Mookh supports the creative economy by providing a seamless way to monetize content and reach new audiences.

8. TrotroTrends (Ghana)

TrotroTrends is a social media app focused on Ghanaian trends, news, and entertainment. 

It provides a platform for users to share content, engage in discussions, and stay updated on local happenings. 

TrotroTrends emphasizes community engagement and local culture, making it a go-to app for Ghanaians seeking relevant and relatable content.

9. Kandua (South Africa)

Kandua is a social platform connecting users with local service providers, such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.

 It allows users to review and recommend professionals based on their experiences. 

Kandua enhances trust and reliability in the gig economy by leveraging social proof and community ratings.

10. Mwananchi (Tanzania)

Mwananchi, meaning “citizen” in Swahili, is a social networking app tailored for Tanzanians. 

It focuses on community building, news sharing, and local content. 

Mwananchi allows users to connect, share stories, and engage in meaningful discussions about issues affecting their communities.

Does anyone have access to these new social media apps?

Anyone with a compatible device and internet access can use these new social media apps. 

These apps are designed to be inclusive and accessible to a broad audience.

Being available on both iOS and Android platforms, they cater to nearly all smartphone users, regardless of whether they have an iPhone or an Android device.

This ensures that no one is excluded based on their device type.

Moreover, the increasing availability of internet services across Africa is crucial in expanding access. 

Many of these apps are optimized to use minimal data, and some even offer data-free usage options, making them viable for users in regions where internet data is expensive or limited. 

This is particularly important in Africa, where data costs can significantly hinder internet use.

These apps often support multiple local languages, allowing users to interact in their native tongues.

This linguistic inclusivity breaks down language barriers and makes the apps more user-friendly and culturally relevant. 

Additionally, some apps integrate features like mobile money services, which are widely used across Africa, enhancing their functionality and making them more accessible to users who rely on these services for financial transactions.

In essence, these new social media apps are accessible because of their cross-platform availability, data optimization, multilingual support, and integration of widely used financial services, ensuring they can be used by a diverse and extensive user base.

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Why are Social Media apps Important in Africa

Social media apps holds significant importance in Africa for several compelling reasons, driving both social and economic transformations across the continent.

1. Driving Economic Opportunities and Entrepreneurship

Social media plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses.

 By providing accessible platforms for marketing and customer engagement, apps like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp enable businesses to reach wider audiences, showcase products, and facilitate transactions. 

This digital marketplace supports economic growth and innovation.

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2. Enhancing Education and Knowledge Sharing

Educational institutions, organizations, and individuals use social media to disseminate educational content, promote e-learning, and share knowledge. 

Platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer tutorials and educational videos accessible to a broad audience, contributing to informal and formal education across the continent.

3. Cultural Expression and Global Reach

Social media enables Africans to showcase their rich cultural heritage, art, music, and traditions to a global audience. 

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become stages for African creators to share their talents and stories, gaining international recognition and fostering cultural exchange.

4. Facilitating Disaster Response and Crisis Management

During emergencies, social media is critical for disseminating information, coordinating relief efforts, and connecting affected individuals with support services.

 It has proven invaluable during health crises, natural disasters, and political unrest.

5. Improving Access to News and Information

Social media provides access to real-time news and information, especially in regions with limited traditional media. 

It empowers citizens to report on events and share news, contributing to a more informed and engaged populace.

6. Building Communities and Support Networks

Social media platforms help build virtual communities and support networks around shared interests and causes. 

These communities provide emotional support, resources, and information, enhancing social cohesion and solidarity.

Are New Social Media Apps Necessary in Africa?

New social media apps are critical for meeting varied populations’ specific requirements and preferences, particularly in Africa. 

Global platforms frequently fail to address local languages, customs, and challenges.

New apps, such as Koo, which supports local languages in Nigeria, address this gap by providing localized information and features. 

These apps promote innovation and competition, causing established platforms to develop. They also support local companies.

For example, Bumpa and Mookh offer tools to help small firms reach a larger audience and handle sales more successfully. This contributes to economic growth and digital change.

Furthermore, new social media apps encourage digital inclusion by providing accessible platforms tailored to local communities. 

Ayoba, which combines messaging with local content, shows this strategy. 

Locally oriented applications, such as TrotroTrends and Mwananchi, promote community involvement by highlighting local news and cultural material, building a sense of belonging. 

Providing alternatives to big worldwide platforms eliminates monopolies, increases consumer choice, and promotes a healthier digital ecosystem. 

Localized apps may efficiently broadcast information and coordinate relief operations during calamities, making them crucial in crises.

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Are these new social media apps available on both iOS and android

Certainly! The availability of new social media apps on iOS and Android platforms is crucial for their success and adoption in diverse regions like Africa.

 By catering to both major mobile operating systems, these apps ensure inclusivity and accessibility to a broader user base. 

Users with iOS or Android devices can seamlessly download and use these apps, regardless of their smartphone preferences. 

This cross-platform availability also facilitates social connectivity and communication among users from different backgrounds and demographics.

 It enables individuals to engage in meaningful interactions, share content, and participate in online communities regardless of their device type.

Moreover, offering apps on both iOS and Android platforms maximizes the reach and impact of these social media platforms. 

It allows developers to tap into the vast user populations of both operating systems, thereby increasing their potential for growth and expansion.

In essence, the availability of new social media apps on both iOS and Android platforms plays a pivotal role in fostering connectivity, inclusivity, and user engagement in the dynamic digital communication landscape.

FAQs

Conclusion

These top 10 social media apps are transforming how Africans connect, communicate, and conduct business.

 By catering to local needs and preferences, these platforms are fostering digital inclusion, empowering entrepreneurs, and amplifying voices across the continent. 

As Africa continues to embrace digital innovation, these social media apps are set to play a crucial role in shaping its social and economic landscape.

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References

• Six African Social Media Apps Making Waves
• statista.com

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