Ning Reviews

Ning is an online Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that enables individuals, organizations, and businesses to create their own custom social networks and online communities. Co-founded by Marc Andreessen (co-creator of the Mosaic browser and co-founder of Netscape) and Gina Bianchini, Ning initially launched in October 2005 as a free platform for developing and hosting open-source social applications. Over time, it shifted focus towards providing a more user-friendly, template-based system for building niche social networks without requiring coding skills. Ning's target audience includes creators, brands, businesses, non-profits, and groups looking to build engaged communities around specific interests or goals. Key features include customizable website design using a drag-and-drop interface (Design Studio), community tools (forums, blogs, photos, videos, groups, events), membership management (public/private access, member roles), social media integration, and importantly, monetization options like paid memberships, paywalled content, and e-commerce capabilities. While initially free, Ning transitioned to a paid subscription model in 2010. Its unique selling proposition lies in offering a dedicated platform for building highly customizable, branded social networks with integrated community management and monetization tools, empowering users to take full control over their online presence and member data.