In today’s world, having hobbies can enrich one’s mental health and also broaden the skill set. If you’re thinking of picking up a new hobby or just want to connect with like-minded individuals, you can always turn to groups and communities on social media platforms. Here are some of the best ones to check out!
Facebook Groups
Facebook, founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates, is a popular social media platform. It is more than a place where you can share your pictures or statuses. There are many groups and communities that connect online on this platform, across various age groups, particularly among those aged 25 to 44. As the user base is extensive, you can generally find groups for all kinds of hobbies like cooking, gardening, and photography etc. While chances are you already have an account, if you don’t you can sign up in minutes. For finding these groups, just use the search bar. Some groups may be private, requiring you to send a request.
Reddit is especially popular with a younger demographic, primarily users aged 18 to 34. The platform’s structure of subreddits enables users to join specific discussions, ask questions, and share their work on various topics. It was created in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian and has been popular ever since. If you’re into gaming, technology, crafts, and DIY projects, this might be the best place to join a community. The app also features a voting system; it helps the most relevant content rise to the top, making it a valuable resource for hobbyists.
Discord
Discord was initially created for gamers. It has rooms that enable multiplayer games and conversations. However, it has since expanded to include communities focused on music, art, coding, and more. It is particularly popular among younger users aged 13 to 30, and offers real-time chat capabilities along with voice and video features. If you’d like to join a community where you can not only collaborate but share multimedia content, discord groups are a great platform. Not only can you find interactive and dynamic hobbyists here, you will be able to collaborate on projects easily.
Forums and Message Boards
Online forums have existed since the early days of the internet, with platforms like phpBB and vBulletin. These forums attract a broad age range, but they are particularly popular among users aged 30 and above. They provide a structured environment for in-depth discussions on specific hobbies, such as automotive interests or pet care, and are often moderated by experts in the field.
YouTube
In today’s time, we all know about YouTube. Founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, it is a widely used platform across all age groups. Statistics reveal that there is a particularly strong engagement among users aged 18 to 49. While mainly a streaming platform, many channels and content creators enable community interactions through live streams. It isn’t great for proper conversations, but you can see videos on a wide range of ideas. Some people also just like watching shows and movies; with youtube, you can watch media and listen to songs across borders. You can also turn your hobby into a side-hustle by making your own content.
Specialized Websites and Blogs
Specialized websites and blogs are often created by hobbyists for hobbyists. For example, there are hundreds of blogs and websites on gardening, photography, exercise, and more. Such online platforms can provide tailored content and community interaction focused on specific niches. Through these, you can access articles, tutorials, and forums to engage in.
Usenet
Developed in 1980 by Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis at Duke University, Usenet is one of the oldest online platforms to exist. Although not as widely used today, it contains a plethora of information and articles on different topics. It is a decentralized network, organized into several newsgroups that are like forums. To access UseNet servers, you need a UseNet service provider. You can have a look at reviews from Top10Usenet for some popular options to choose one that fits your needs.
With over 2.4 billion active users, Instagram is one the biggest social media platforms out there. From influencers to common people, everyone can access this app for free. As a visual platform, it is great for you if you like photography, art, fashion, and DIY projects. Using hashtag and comment features, users can connect with others who share their interests. All you have to do is find creators or pages that cater to your hobby.
Launched in 2010, Pinterest is especially popular among women aged 25 to 54. It acts as a visual discovery engine where users can find and save ideas for various projects and interests. Many hobbyists engage with it for crafts, cooking, and home decor. Pinterest’s format is ideal for sharing and exploring creative projects, making it a go-to platform for inspiration.
Conclusion
Hobbyists today have a variety of online platforms at their disposal. These platforms help them share ideas, projects, and tips. From traditional places like UseNet, blogs, or message forums to modern social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, these spaces offer a way to explore new interests.
It is always a good idea to join more than one online community as different demographics reign on different platforms. This means there is more room for opportunities!
