Best way to start a social network?

Is there a pre-made platform to start a social network with? Much like there is phpbb and vbulletin for forums?

If so, which ones are the best?

 

There are actually quite a few out there. Do a search in Google for social network script or social networking script. I have read about a bunch of them but have yet to use one myself. If you happen to find one you like please let me know!

 

You can also use Ning, which is a hosted social network platform.

 

You can do a search at sourceforge.net

 

This list of white social network platforms may help. I found it while I was researching social networks.

http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2007/02/12/list-of-white-label-social-networking-platforms/

 

Hello!
We run a search engine specifically set up to help find and promote niche social networks, blogs and other social media.
There's been a huge growth in niche social networking sites and this is set to continue thanks sites such as Ning et al.

The goal of Find A Social Network is to make it easier for users to find sites and communities related to their particular interests while helping niche sites grow their user base and monetize their web property.

Please feel free to register and submit your website to our database!

http://findasocialnetwork.com

 

You can try www.thevillage.com as well, it's free to use and you don't have to pay for hosting.

 

found this at hotscripts. you should try find what you want here:

http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_and_Programs/Virtual_Communities/index.html

Code (markup):