The Conversation Prism is a visual map of the social media landscape. Click on the image below for a large version to zoom in (and print if you want).
If you want to focus on a particular area, you can use the “digital wheel of fortune” (web conversation prism) to help you decide which social platforms to focus on first, based on your industry and prospects.
Once you know your domain, find out by clicking on the corresponding item in the list of social media types below.
Social media infographic: here is version 5.0 of the online conversation prism
Launched in 2008 by Brian Solis and JESS3, The Conversation Prism (Prism of Conversation) is a visual map of the landscape of social media and conversational platforms where Internet users can communicate with each other.
It is an ongoing digital ethnography study that tracks dominant and promising social networks and organizes them according to their use in everyday life.
Social media have democratized information and changed the structures of influence.
The last update of The Conversation Prism was in 2013; we, therefore, do not find the previous social networks released in the meantime, such as TikTok or Clubhouse for example.
History of Conversation Prism
In 2008, Solis and JESS3 published the first iteration of the Conversation Prism. It was the year social media would explode and change everything about how we learn and communicate with others, brands, and the government.
Version 1.0 was a visual map of the relevant network. The first edition of Prism was an important exploration of digital ethnography. Then, they documented all established and emerging social networks.
Version 2 is organized based on how people use each in everyday life. Fast forward to 2017, and we have Conversational Prism 5.0.
Breaking the “Prism”
The Conversation Prism is a visualization of the cycle of renewal. It consists of four concentric circles (halo), each building on the other.
Prism is designed to help marketers understand and appreciate the state of social media and how it’s evolving.
The prism helps marketers understand how some of the newest and latest social media platforms and trends play a defining and productive role in engaging people, educational organizations, businesses, and governments to build and engage mutually beneficial communities.
center of the Prism
First, the center of the conversation prism is the user, or “you.” it reminds us that people and their online experiences are at the center of the social landscape. We are the ones who shape our online lessons as well as the experiences of others. Social media is much more than a series of online networks.
Halo 1
The first halo shows how to add value to social networks and other people’s online experiences. We do this by listening, learning, engaging, and co-creating.
Halo 2
The second ring helps us understand how to think about the impact of meaningful engagement. It is measured by Reach, Relevance, and Resonance (3Rs). It also includes social capital, popularity, and influence.
Halo 3
The third aura is an expression of your engagement. How you engage and what others engage becomes the foundation of your personality, brand, and community.
What can the Prism of Conversation be used for?
- Creating conversations on social media goes beyond Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
- Brainstorm new channels and ways to leverage social media.
- Use it as a tool to create content and relay it.
- Study the landscape of social interaction platforms when planning your next social media strategy.
- Show your expertise, and don’t neglect niche social media.
What is at the center of the conversational prism? What does that mean?
The “You” / “You” is at the center of the conversational prism.
It means to remind the reader that social media is about the people at the center of their online experiences.
Social media is more than a series of information dissemination and sharing networks.
All of these platforms shape online experiences.
Who is the creator of the Prism of Conversation? Who is Brian Solis?
Brian Solis is a digital analyst, anthropologist, futurist, and creator of the Prism of Conversation.
In his Altimeter Group work, Solis studies disruptive technologies’ effects on business and society.
He is also a passionate speaker and award-winning author recognized worldwide as one of the foremost thought leaders in digital transformation.
Social Media Isn’t Helping Marketers
- Organic posts are reaching an average of 1% of your followers. Mad
- Marketers work hard to build audiences on social media platforms they don’t even own.
- Marketers cannot transfer their hard-earned followers to their CRM or any other platform.
- The cost of customer acquisition from social media ads goes through the roof.
Solution: I provide specific marketing strategy training and workshops that will teach your team how to:
- Low customer acquisition cost.
- Reduce dependence on paid media.
- Build a marketing engine with marketing assets and channels that you own entirely.
- Create the best digital marketing and social media strategy to drive sales and CLTV.
Conversation Glasses Categories – List
Some of the companies listed on Conversation Prism no longer operate. Conversation Prism 5.0 includes 28 categories:
- Connecting IRL
- Social Network
- Blog/Microblog
- Expert Q&A
- Comments
- Social Commerce
- Social Currents
- Location
- Niche working
- Enterprise Messaging
- Vicky
- Discussion and Forum
- Business Networking
- Service Networking
- Reviews and Ratings
- Social Curation
- Video
- Content Networking
- Events
- Music
- Livestreaming
- Imagery/Album
- Social Bookmarking
- Effect
- Self-quantify
- Message
- Crowdfunding
- Travel and Hospitality
