1.Facebook
Although it hasn’t always been in the mainstream, in recent months Facebook has come head to head with Twitter. Facebook is more stable technically and offers many features that Twitter doesn’t.

2.Twitter
Twitter has received a lot of media coverage lately, however, it still has some work since it’s in its infancy. Luckily for avid users, the creators are continually working on new features and better functionality… much needed I think, as some of the basics are still not right, the other day for example I was trying to invite people via email from a Twitter account and it sent messages to some domains and not others – now I have no idea who received an invite from me and who didn’t.

3.LinkedIn
Many business professionals use LinkedIn. It’s a great resource for posting your CV and highlighting your business skills, plus the groups functionality is particularly good to help promote campaigns, issues and causes.

4.Myspace
Up until this last year or so, Myspace was easily the number one social network. However, Myspace is falling behind — some might say it’s been left in the dust. Although it’s in decline, Myspace still holds value for musicians and artists.

5. Ning
Although Ning has millions of users, it’s little known or used by most people. Ning has revolutionalised social media in a lot of ways in how it boasts thousands of niche networks within itself – it’s a great easy way to set up your own social network for no cost – apart from lots of time!

6.Bebo
One of the better known social network sites among the smaller sites, Bebo, like Myspace, gives users the option to customise their profile. Bebo has recently increased traffic because of new features that let users see their friends’ activity.

7.Orkut
Although less known in the U.K. Orkut is extremly popular in countries, including Brazil and India. Most suprisingly is that its owned and operated by Google.

8.Hi5
Hi5 has been floating around as a social network for a while, but has never been able to keep up with the competition of Facebook, Myspace and others. It has most of the same features as Myspace and Facebook, but is more popular in Central America

9. Friendster
Many people think that social networking began with Myspace, but it really originated with Friendster. It remains a top-notch social network similar to Myspace and Facebook, despite being overtaken by them a few years ago.

10. Xanga
Of the ten listed here, probably one of the lesser known, although its been around for more than 10 years. Xanga is different in how it focues on photo, video and weblogging.