I like to use the term “Steem ecosystem” to describe the vast array of projects currently using the Steem Blockchain. In absolute fairness, I believe it was a fellow Steemian who first used this term and opened my eyes to the big picture of Steem and Steemit.

We are seeing new projects developed everyday which have expanded the ecosystem of Steem.

DTube is Steem’s answer to YouTube. This new platform is expanding everyday. As more and more big names realize that they can be well compensated for their work on Dtube, I think we are going to see a mass exodus from YouTube. The fact that Youtube has begun to censor accounts and their content will only make Dtube grow faster. I’m sure most Youtubers will not even realize how stifled they were on Youtube until they experience the freedom of Dtube. Of course, the biggest incentive will be that these artists will finally be able to cut out the middleman and be paid directly for their content.

Dmania is another new platform on the Steem Blockchain which has garnered much attention in the last few months. This platform is primarily for Memes and short videos. I must admit, this platform is just plain fun. This reminds me of Facebook in the early days before it became so Corporate.

Zappl is another platform on the Steem blockchain. Zappl could be called Steem’s answer to Twitter. Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to share a quick thought, picture, or reference to a news article. If this is what you are looking for, Zappl is the perfect place for this. You may post videos, pictures, and limited text. Once again you have the opportunity to be paid for this.
Zappl is also currently voting up random comments and posts in an effort to attract newcomers to the platform.

All of these platforms contribute to the Steem ecosystem where Steem is being earned, rewarded, and ultimately used to power up accounts in order to achieve more Steem power.

According to Ned (one of the creators of Steemit) the goal is to have hundreds of companies using the Steem Blockchain in a variety of creative endeavors. As more and more users are introduced to Steem and use these platforms, what is the one thing they will all have in common? Almost everyone will have a vested interest in earning Steem and more importantly investing (powering up) with Steem.

In simple terms of supply and demand, Dan and Ned have created an ecosystem where the inclination of your average user is to collect more Steem and power up for a more powerful presence on all of these platforms. As a result more people are holding Steem which makes the price go higher and higher. We all have different ideas of what Steemit should be, but I believe we should welcome these new platforms which encourage a diverse community and strengthens both Steem and the Steem dollar.

I know I’ve not mentioned some of the other new Steem Platforms. Please feel free to add the platforms you enjoy in the comments.