Strava and Venmo: How They're Getting Way More Social

In case you haven’t noticed, some of the apps we use every day are turning into mini social networks. It’s not just Facebook or Instagram anymore—apps like Strava and Venmo are becoming way more social, and people are loving it. These two apps started out with very clear, practical purposes—Strava for tracking workouts and Venmo for paying people—but now they’re all about connecting with others. Let’s dive into how they’ve evolved and why that matters.

Strava: From Tracking Workouts to Connecting with Your Fitness Crew

If you’re into running, cycling, or any kind of exercise, you probably know about Strava. It launched as a simple way to track your activities—how far you ran, what route you took, how fast you were—but it’s morphed into something way bigger. These days, it’s like a social network for athletes.

What’s So Social About Strava? On Strava, you can follow friends, give them “kudos” (basically a high-five for their workouts), and even comment on their activities. It’s no longer just about hitting a personal best—it’s about sharing it with your crew and cheering them on. They’ve also added features like clubs and challenges, so you can team up with others or compete in fun fitness goals together.

During the pandemic, Strava really blew up. They reported a massive jump in social interactions, like kudos and comments. It’s not just about logging workouts anymore; it’s about being part of a fitness community that’s all about supporting each other.

Venmo: More Than Just a Payment App

Now, let’s talk about Venmo. It started off as an easy way to send money to friends—like paying someone back for coffee or splitting a dinner bill. But what really makes Venmo stand out is its social feed. Yep, you read that right: Venmo has a social feed where you can see what your friends are paying for, complete with emojis and little notes.

How Venmo Became Social Instead of just making your payments and moving on, Venmo lets you add a fun twist by sharing the details with your friends (or everyone, if you want). People use emojis to explain what the payment was for, and you can even like or comment on transactions. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to stay connected—turning something as basic as sending rent money into a social moment.

Believe it or not, most people on Venmo check the app at least once a week, not just to pay someone, but to see what their friends are up to. It’s like a casual way to stay connected, even if you’re just paying someone back for pizza.

Why Apps Are Becoming More Social

So why are apps like Strava and Venmo adding social features? Honestly, it’s because people want to stay connected, and they’re looking for more ways to do that beyond traditional social media. Whether it’s cheering on a friend’s workout or having a laugh over a Venmo payment, these apps are giving us new ways to bond over everyday moments.

Why It Matters We’re starting to see more apps blending their original purposes with social features. It’s a cool shift because it makes these apps more than just tools—they become a part of how we stay in touch with people. And as users, we get more ways to connect with our friends, whether it’s through fitness or finance.

The Bottom Line

Strava and Venmo are proof that people crave social interaction in almost everything they do, even things like working out or sending money. These apps are no longer just about tracking miles or transferring cash—they’re about connecting with others in a fun, laid-back way. So, next time you give someone a kudos on Strava or see a funny Venmo transaction pop up, just know that these apps are part of a bigger shift towards making all of our interactions a little more social.