The Best Social Networking Sites

These are the absolute best social networks on the Web, including niche social communities as well as those divided by language, nationality or specialty interest. Note that this list does not include dating sites that aren't about building online social communities. If you’ve used any of these social media networks before and liked them, then vote them up. Also add any social networks you’re using that aren’t already on the list.

So what defines a website or service as a social network? It is typically an online service, platform, or website which is focused largely around uniting individuals and allowing them to communicate and interact. Facebook currently is the world's largest and most popular social networking platform, having supplanted previous champions such as MySpace and Friendster.

Initially, like Facebook, many of these services were designed around offline interpersonal relationships—allowing you to hang out with friends online when you couldn't be present in person. However, social networking has exploded as a pastime and form of entertainment in recent years. In fact, 23% of Americans' total time spent online is now spent on social networks of some kind. This drastic increase in traffic and interest in has led to the development of a vast variety of online social networks.

This list gathers together major players in the social networking Web, including the top 100 social media sites in the world. It is an open list, so if you have a favorite social network that isn't featured, enter it below to make sure it's included.