Mobile social networks: MocoSpace steps up for MySpace buy-out

The history of social networks is one of dizzying heights followed by desperate lows. Friendster and Bebo may still be around, but Facebook is the undeniable lord of the realm. Now MySpace, which was once claimed to get more hits than Google, is now being sold off by current owners News Corp. And America’s biggest mobile social network, MocoSpace, has declared it’s interest.

What’s this now?

MocoSpace is the largest pure mobile social network in America – it has 16 million registered users. And it has not just been been expanding it’s audience – the actual business model has been growing. Along with social networking, MocoSpace sells plenty of virtual goods, and has been building a mobile social gaming platform.

It should be mentioned at this point that MocoSpace does have an on-line presence – it’s not just limited to mobile. But mobile is its main selling point, and where it’s greatest audience lies.

MocoSpace CEO, Justin Siegel (left) says “MySpace was a pioneer in the social revolution and we think their business could be paired synergistically with our offerings. MocoSpace and MySpace would be a powerful combo in the social networking world.”

What we think?

This is very interesting. Quite apart from the implications of a MySpace sell-out, it’s cool to see MocoSpace shooting for the moon. The registered users of MySpace number 66 million – roughly 4 times the registered users of MocoSpace. But I’m willing to bet that the vast percentage of those MySpace accounts are lying fallow at the moment, unupdated and unloved. I’m also willing to bet that the smaller audience of MocoSpace is far more enthusiastic about their service.

There’s potentially going to be a lot of interest in MySpace. It’s still the destination of choice for new and emerging artists to host their music – and that’s an area that MocoSpace also has a lot of interest in.