Google has announced that there are 500 million profiles on its social network, 235 million of which were active this month.
The news means that Google+ is now rivalling Twitter in terms of user numbers, but still faces doubts over the engagement levels on the social network. Of those 235 active users, Google said 135 million are active in the core social network, rather than just using Gmail and other services linked to Google+.
To co-incide with the announcement, Google is rolling out a Communities feature, letting users set up communities about their interests.
Among the diverse communities going live today are groups centred around Call of Duty, parenting, fashion, photography, Liverpool FC, cookery and Star Wars.
Google SVP Vic Gundotra said: “From photography to astronomy (and everything in between), Google+ has always been a place to crowd around common interests and meet new people. What’s been missing, however, are more permanent homes for all the stuff you love: the wonderful, the weird, and yes, even the things that are waaay out there. With Google+ Communities there’s now a gathering place for your passions.”
Communities can be set as either private or public, and Google boasts that users can start hangouts from within them.
Watch a video explaining how the service works below:
The new feature also comes with the ability to share with your community from any +1 button across the web.
The feature is available only in preview right now and it can’t be accessed via Google’s mobile applications, but the firm promises this feature is coming soon.
Commenting on the user numbers, Gundotra said: “Today Google+ is the fastest-growing network thingy ever. More than 500 million people have upgraded, 235 million are active across Google (+1’ing apps in Google Play, hanging out in Gmail, connecting with friends in Search…), and 135 million are active in just the stream.”
