Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms are the most widely used social media around the world. However, were you aware that in Russia and the CIS countries, there are other social media platforms that serve as substitutes or alternatives to the ones I mentioned earlier?
Apart from advanced war technology, Russia has also developed several social media applications to compete with American-made social media. It is worth noting that there are more than three popular Russian-made social media applications in the country.
Russia has officially blocked access to one of the worldʼs largest social media platforms, Facebook, and has also restricted its citizensʼ access to Twitter. The Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor (Роскомнадзор) stated that the ban was imposed because Facebook was accused of discriminating against Russian media.
Curious? Scroll down!
VK (VKontakte)
Based on the Statista Global Consumer Survey data, VK (VKontakte/ВКонтакте, meaning: InContact) is the most popular social media platform in Russia, with 73% of Russians using social media. Similar to other social media networks, VK can be utilized to send public or private messages between users, create groups, public pages, share music, images, videos, and games as well as play browser-based games. VK is accessible in 86 languages, including English, Ukrainian (Українська), Japan (日本語), Korean (한국어), and Indonesian.
OK (Odnoklassniki)
Odnoklassniki is a Russian social media platform that enables its users to send animated e-cards and virtual gifts. Users generally exchange e-cards during New Yearʼs and Easter.
Odnoklassniki was originally designed as a way to help people find long-lost schoolmates, which is why it was named “Odnoklassniki,” which means 'Classmate'.
Odnoklassniki only supports 16 languages, including English, German (Deutsch), Ukrainian (Українська), Turkish (Türkçe), and Belarusian (Беларускі).
Telegram
Who isnʼt familiar with Telegram? Created by Pavel Durov, this application allows users to send instant messages and offers a number of other features.
Telegram is a strong competitor to WhatsApp, which is a messaging application made in the US. Telegram offers both security and confidentiality for conversations.
“People donʼt want to trade their privacy for free services. They donʼt want to be held hostage by tech monopolies that seem to think they can do anything as long as the app has many users,” said Durov, explaining Telegram rapid growth.
Yandex Zen
This is the new ‘favorite’ platform of Russian bloggers, which allows users to monetize their posts. It looks like an endless news feed.
Interestingly, Yandex Zen only displays articles that have been approved by Yandexʼs recommendation and popularity algorithm. The platform filters out posts that contain profanity, insults directed towards individuals, and advertisements for gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
In addition, all types of negative content, such as sensational news stories or current events that feature sadistic or mutilation images, are filtered out and will not appear on the platform. Furthermore, pornographic content and content that displays real-life violence, in the form of both text and images, will not have any opportunity to appear on this platform created by Yandex.
Elitsy
This social media platform is unique because it is aimed at Orthodox Christians. Here, you can meet other members of the community, including pastors, who are ready to answer questions and give advice. The site also offers a map showing the nearest location of a church. Additionally, you can listen to various religious music and watch live streaming of services. However, this social media platform is only available in Russian.
“This platform is not a standard social media platform, as free speech is not allowed. If someone starts commenting on politics, for example, their account will be deleted.”Valeriy Chepukhalin, founder of Elitsy, in an interview with Meduza.
Moi Mir
Moi Mir (My World/Мой Мир) is a social network similar to Google+ but with richer features. You can share music, photos, and videos, as well as play online games. The platform also allows you to make friends with other users who share the same interests.
LiveJournal
LiveJournal is one of the popular blogging platforms, although it is not as widely used as WordPress, Blogger, TypePad, and others. The platform was designed by Brad Fitzpatrick in 1999, and he uses it to keep in touch with his friends.
LiveJournal remained operational from California, USA until December 2016, when operations began moving to servers in Russia. In April 2017, LiveJournalʼs terms of service began to be adjusted according to Russian law.
ICQ
ICQ is a software used for sending instant messages, developed and popularized by the Israeli company Mirabilis. However, the patent rights for this software were later purchased by the American company AOL. Since April 2010, ICQ has been owned by Digital Sky Technologies, a Russian company. The name ICQ is a homophone of the phrase in English, ‘I seek you.’ On June 8, 1998, AOL paid $407.6 million to Mirabilis for ICQ. However, in April 2010, AOL sold ICQ to Digital Sky Technologies for a nominal value of $187.5 million. DST bought this software because almost 25% of ICQ users are from Russia.
- Popular global social media includes Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; however, Russia and CIS countries use local alternatives.
- Russia has developed various social media applications to rival American platforms, with several notable Russian-made apps available.
- Facebook is officially blocked in Russia, and Twitter access is restricted due to allegations of discrimination against Russian media by Roskomnadzor.
- VK is Russia's most popular social media, used by 73% of Russians for messaging, groups, and media sharing, available in more than 86 languages.
- Odnoklassniki focuses on reconnecting classmates and exchanging animated e-cards, supporting 16 languages.
- Telegram, created by Pavel Durov, emphasizes security and confidentiality, competing with WhatsApp.
- Yandex Zen is favored by bloggers for monetization, displaying content approved by Yandex’s algorithms.
- Elitsy filters out all negative content, including sensational news and real-life violence, ensuring a safe space for Orthodox Christians.
- Users can connect with community members and pastors, access church locations, listen to religious music, and watch live services.
- Elitsy is exclusively available in Russian and enforces strict content rules, prohibiting political discussions to maintain focus on community values.
- Moi Mir is a feature-rich social network that allows users to share multimedia content and connect with similar-interest individuals.
- LiveJournal, a longstanding blogging platform, moved operations to Russia and adapted its terms to Russian law after 2016.
- ICQ, an instant messaging software, has changed ownership over the years and is now under Russian company Digital Sky Technologies.
Global vs Local Social Media
Russian Social Media Development
Social Media Restrictions in Russia
VK (VKontakte)
Odnoklassniki
Telegram
Yandex Zen
Elitsy
Moi Mir
LiveJournal
ICQ
