Meebo

Content Based Social Network

Published 12/27/2011 and rated 5 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor

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Meebo is a social platform that lets users share content and their opinions. The user can explore the web and share items they find interesting through Meebo’s check in system. Others can view shared items and comment. Items shared on Meebo can also be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Other users can click on the user’s check in links, allowing the original contributor to gain a following as their link gains popularity. The site also offers an instant messenging service. Users can log in to their Meebo instant messenger or log in to Facebook, Yahoo, Windows Live and AIM messengers through the website. A live feed on the homepage displays recent stories along with who shared them, related comments and how many times the item was shared on Twitter and Facebook.

Meebo was founded in February of 2005 by Sandy Jen and Seth Sternberg. The application began its life as an instant messenger service that supported Windows Live, AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, Facebook chat, MySpace IM, Google Talk and Café Mom chat applications. Meebo received Sequoia Capital funding on December 15th, 2005. The “Meebo Me” widget was introduced on August 2nd, 2006. By November of 2011, Meebo was receiving 250 million visitors on a monthly basis.

Meebo encourages users to share what they find on the web. The user can check in, providing a link that other users can see and access. The more users that access the link, the more the original user’s following can grow. The application also provides instant messenging services that work with four of the most popular third party IM applications on the web today. Users can sign in to Meebo, Facebook, Yahoo, AIM or Windows Live to begin chatting.

Meebo has a very tidy appearance that includes friendly blue and gold hues. The design favors whimsical clouds and an organized layout that lets the user navigate seamlessly from one feature to the next. Each shared link gives the user a few details and a snippet of content, just enough to entice them without overwhelming the user with information. Meebo is very easy to use and feels very smooth and streamlined.

A new user can join the Meebo community by filling out the form presented in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. The form asks for a username, password, email address and date of birth. After clicking the gold button below the form, the user is invited to connect to their Facebook account. This step is not required and can be skipped. The last step asks the user for their full name and a photo to go with their new Meebo profile. The user is automatically logged in after submitting the last part of the form.

Meebo is available to all users for free. Charging a fee for this service would be counterproductive. The application offers a number of enticing features, but nothing that most users would be willing to shell out cash for. Anyone can create an account and share links or utilize the instant messenging features for free. There are no purchase requirements and all users are given the same level of access.

Meebo is an enticing application for fans of social networking and online chat rooms. The user can share content, gain a following and log in to an instant messenger service to chat with friends. The application is very easy to learn and gives the user a number of ways to interact and entertain themselves through shared content and interactions. Meebo also supports an enormous user community, providing newcomers with plenty of content to browse and new people to meet.

• Users can chat online through Meebo, AIM, Facebook, Yahoo or Windows Live
• Content can be shared and viewed within the user community
• Users can be followed or follow others
• Facebook and Twitter sharing tools are built in
• Invisible sign on option is available for instant messengers
• Chat logs let users access previous conversations
• Android and iPhone versions are available for mobile users

Meebo video

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