When discussing the various social networks and platforms today's internet users visit, we forget that it is the web browser that ties it all together. Most browsers allow plugins, extensions that allow direct connections to platforms, to be installed. There are a variety of Chrome extensions that enhance the way users use social media. Here are a few worth checking out.
Post To Tumblr - Whether reading an article or discovering an animated GIF worth sharing, this extension allows users to Tumbl it without leaving the page. If the user selects text on a page, the extension will post it as a quote — other options are links, photos or text. Users also have access to Tumblr blogs to send page content to Drafts.
Instagram For Chrome - While it doesn't support Instagram videos, the Instagram extension checks a user's stream without opening it a new window. Users have access to all the interactions but need a phone to post a picture.
Buffer - Buffer is a tool for queuing Tweets and Facebook posts. Users can post immediately or "buffer" to post later. When a user composes a tweet they can buffer directly from the Twitter.com homepage. When they retweet, they'll have the option to buffer. It allows users to do all their tweeting in condensed chunks, without dominating the stream all at once.
Evernote Web Clipper - Evernote is a great tool. The Web Clipper tool allows users to use it remember notes however, instead of formatting a news article, this tool saves and organizes content. Use it for a research project or to save recipes. The content of the web page saves to one of a user's notebooks.
GChat Pix - With this extension, users can drag and drop an image from their desktop into the chat field and send it. It will appear as a link and preserves its original size.
Bitly Shortener for Chrome - Bitly started as a link shortener, but now it provides analytics on shortened links. If used when posting to social media, it can keep track of what was successful. The extension is more intuitive than relying on various sites' share buttons. It allows users to customize their post.
Reddit Enhancement Suite - This extension can personalize a Reddit experience, including background, or info about a user when moused over his or her username.
Hover Zoom - Hover Zoom will open a larger version of thumbnail images when a user mouses over them. This includes Twitter profile pictures, Google search images and GIFs on Facebook.
