Location Based Social Network Comparison Chart
The following table compares general information for a number of popular location-based social networks.
NOTE: Comparison chart was created based on available information and features are subject to change.
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Yelp
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Google Latitude
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Gowalla
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Description |
Allows users to share their location with their friends and collect points/badges. |
Allows users to share where they were, where they are now and where they’re going. |
Yelp is a large review site that includes location-based functions. |
Allows users to find their friends on a map. Also can check in to gain status and unlock offers. |
Allows users to check in, share reviews and get rewards from retailers. |
Estimated Number of Users |
10 million |
Unknown specifically, but Facebook boasts over 750 million users |
Not published, but received over 53 million visitors in June 2011 |
10 million (TechCrunch.com) |
Approx 600,000 in 2010 (Wikipedia.com) |
Geographic Availability |
Over 500,000 businesses worldwide |
Over 25 countries worldwide |
9 countries worldwide. |
Over 50 countries worldwide |
Available worldwide |
Rewards & Incentives |
Users can search for specials from participating retailers. Users gain a badge each time they check in and can gain statuses. They can even compete with their friends. |
There is no official rewards program, but some businesses offer their own rewards to individuals checking in. |
Users can search for deals from participating retailers. Active and upstanding members of the community may be invited to the Elite Squad. Users can also earn Badges, “Regular At†status and Dukedoms. |
Users gain status by checking in places repeatedly and can unlock special offers by doing so. Status levels are set by individual companies. |
Users earn stamps, pins and can collect items from retailers. |
Friend Functions |
Invite friends from Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, Yahoo or invite individuals by email |
Invite friends from Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, Yahoo or invite individuals by email |
Invite friends from Facebook, Windows Live, Yahoo, Gmail , AOL or invite individuals by email |
Invite friends from Google contacts or invite individuals by email |
Invite friends from Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or invite individuals by email. |
Mobile Apps |
iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Palm, Ovi Nokia |
iPhone, Android, Nokia, Palm, Blackberry, Windows, Sidekick, Sony and INQ |
iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, Palm Pre |
iPhone plus a widget for Android |
iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Palm, iPad |
Social Media Integration |
Facebook and Twitter |
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Facebook and Twitter |
None |
Facebook and Twitter |