Topic overview
In brief
- Myspace has been in decline for nearly two decades, losing its popularity to Facebook.
- The Vanderhook brothers plan to relaunch Myspace with a focus on user experience rather than algorithms.
- They are committed to trying again if their next attempt does not succeed.
Summary
Myspace, once a leading social media platform, has been in decline for nearly two decades. Founded in the early 2000s, it reached its peak popularity between 2005 and 2008, attracting around 115 million visitors per month. However, by 2009, Facebook surpassed Myspace in global website traffic and unique US visitors, leading to a significant decline in Myspace's user base. The platform has since struggled to regain its former status, with a major exodus of users occurring in 2010. Despite its diminished presence, Myspace remains accessible, though it is a shadow of its former self.
The current owners, brothers Tim and Chris Vanderhook, have announced plans to relaunch Myspace with a new vision aimed at differentiating it from existing social media giants. They expressed their desire to create a platform that does not rely heavily on algorithms and endless scrolling, which many users find unappealing. In a recent documentary titled 'Myspace,' the Vanderhooks reflected on their previous attempts to modernize the platform, acknowledging that their efforts were hindered by changes in management and company structure.