Within these platforms, just ask yourself, “If a piece of content was created, and no one saw it, would the creator be disappointed?” If the answer is yes, then social feedback is a key value. The combination of tools, aggregation of audience, and a networked product is what is needed to unlock the hard side of these networks

For networked products, the curation of the network—who’s on it, why they’re there, and how they interact with each other—is as important as its product design. Starting with a deliberate point of view on who’s best for your network will define its magnetism, culture, and ultimate trajectory.

The mechanics of network effects provide a path for new products to break through, as they are often able to attract new users by word of mouth and viral growth, as well as increase engagement and decrease churn as the breadth and density of the network grows.