Ning and other White Label Social Network Hosts

Hey Guys,

Mostly you guys know me as either really into a music and art, or really into politics and economics. Although considering the plethora of Web 2.0 sites I use I guess you can infer I'm really into online technology as well. Of course your also familiar with my following Ning communities:

Fashionably Numb World - This network is more general hub for artsy types and other people who float in my social circles, though if you want i'd love to have you as a member.

4Gamers - A Gaming community I made, hasn't quite picked up yet, but I filled it up with plenty of content that if your gamer you should join and invite your local gaming buddies.

Liberty Independence Alliance - A social network for Ron Paul approving Libertarian/Paleo-Conservative types such as myself.

Shane&Shawn Worldwide - As an intern for Shane&Shawn footwear, I have created this network which has become the most content rich of my Ning Networks. Plenty to see and do.


It's been awhile since I've seen a quality list of White Label Social Network Hosts, a lot have already been acquired or past away, and a few new ones have appeared. So I though I'd make an updated list since I know plenty of people on the net like myself have been looking for one.

This first lists are sites that actually host the network, and offer true social networking/bookmarking sites.


White Label Social Network Hosts:

Ning - The Current kings in the Social Network host market, home to huge social networks for musical acts like 50Cent and Radiohead. Though it doesn't have a event module quite yet, which might be reason to use some of these others if your network is based around events. Ning also supports OpenSocial applications which is a BIG plus.

Kickapps - Probably Nings most fierce competition, Kickapps is free but it has some premium plans based on usage. It also includes feature to integrate your network into your existing site and some joomla compatibility. If you live and die by the Joomla CMS this might be you cup of tea for your social network needs. I think Drupal compatibility is being worked on if not already there.

Onesite - This is pretty looking enough to be in the same league as Ning and Kickapps, and has some bigger networks on it's roster but it's free package is lacking considering what you get with Ning and Kickapps for free. I've been a member of a couple of onesite networks, and some of the way it's features works are kinda neat but some of it is also clunky.

Flux - this is a newer entry to the market but the networks are very sleek looking and if they can catch up on the plethora of features of Ning/Kickapps it might be able to duke it out with the big boys. This already has some big brands like MTV in it's roster to contend with. Also has a revenue sharing program.

mixxt - this is a social network host that is pretty similar to appearance in Ning, but mainly features Forum, Wiki, and Events features for community interaction.

Crowdvine - This is as stripped down a Social network as you can probably have, there are only the ability to add friends and leave comments. Still fairly passable on aesthetics and useful if your looking for something super basic.

Six Groups - Again very basic and arbritary looking, but it has an activity feed and passed off comment as a chat feature which is unique, not sure if it's unique enough. Again, if you want something stripped down, why not.

Snapville - Has a pretty passable variety of media features and an events/calendar feature. Not super pretty but hosts some successful niche networks.

Webjams - This is probably more of a social network than a social network host. Although it has the correct features and facility to build a community that I'll let it slide. It has a pretty unique model that I'm sure find will find useful.

Spruz - This hands down the ugliest Social Network hosts... why do gamers gravitate to sites that look like old geocities homepages. It has a few pretty unique functions, but it's really really ugly and you can't really customize it enough to make it not ugly. If you miss old geocities homepages but love social networks, this might be for you.

BricaBox - Like Webjams, I really had to debate whether I'd consider this a social network host, but it's a bit closer than webjams so I'll put it in. It works in a very module way so what you make won't necessarily be social network, picture making a mashup with social network features... kinda cool.

People Aggregator - This ones been around along with some of the older ones and it looks fine, doesn't offer anything overly unique though.

CollectiveX - Again, it looks good and reasonable features just not the best free package when compared to competitors.

GoingON - It's basically what it saids it is, a network of networks, and that's how it functions. I guess it's up to you how cool that is.

CoRank - This one is pretty unique, it allows you host your own digg like site. Surprised none of the other social network hosts have incorporated similar features into their platforms yet.

WhiteLabelNetworking - Soon to go live apparently, the splash page is cool.

Other Useful Community Hosts:

Qlubb - This would probably be most useful to groups of people wanting to collaborate, or schools and daycare posting events and information for parents. Not a social network, but useful community platform.

BigTent - Wow, if you want some tried and true private groups, this will probably works out for you. It's free and it's so private I can't find any way to see an example of how this service works without signing up.

Yuku.com - Remember Ezboards, well looks like this is what they evolved into. They seem like basic forums, but they have some web 2.0 edge too them. It's old school enough for old schoolers with just enough spice to feel new.




If I'm missing any or you know of misc. awesome community hosts then feel free to post them in the comments. Or, inevitably, if your the owner of some random web startup and want to pimp your site and posing as a recommendation in a comment go ahead, your going to do it anyways. You do on every Mashable list.