https://www.mindstick.com/articles/324027/how-to-build-a-community-platform-with-chat-video-and-voice-calling-featuresIs it time for Community Platforms to build an In-App Chat, Video-Voice Calling
A digital connection has become inevitable. In an era where almost every interaction is in binaries, it is important to understand the dynamics of how online communities function. The world has moved on to intense tweet and debate culture – including Dwayne ‘the rock’ Johnson memes. In this massive global digital phenomenon, connecting online with individuals who share the same interest is the new dating.
Social community platforms are often a place for people to exchange, discuss, or debate ideas. It is not the platform itself but the niche interest-based communities that make it even more attractive and welcoming. But they are facing a major pitfall. It has been observed that Online community platforms lack an important feature for interpersonal or one-on-one chat which proves to be crucial.
As for recent times of the Pandemic, it has become even more important for individuals to connect on chats and have real-time intraction. Inevitably, online communities are now moving forward to integrate a real-time chat solution for community platforms.
Why are online communities failing to connect people on a personal level?
There are tonnes of apps out there those launch individuals into a world full of interesting communities and circles. One such app is Reddit. An experiment was carried out on Reddit on April 1. Communities on the platform were invited to contribute color pixels towards a 1000 x 1000 blank canvas which will later become an image. The end result, after 72 hours of intense experimentation and group exercises, was a chaotic mosaic of paintings, patriotic symbols, flags, and loads of other stuff.
Interestingly, Reddit observed a strange pattern in user behavior. This project needed subcommunities to constantly communicate and ideate with each other. However, people were storming off to other real-time chat platforms to have discussions about the same. It gave Reddit an upfront conclusion of this user behavior pattern that an In-App messaging in social community platforms is a must. The chat feature in these websites keeps people together rendering in more user activity which is centered within the community itself. This gives Reddit more activity, engagement, and real-time interaction.
