Founding an Online Platform: 10 Successful Platform Examples in 2025

Successful Online Platforms are the role models for many entrepreneurs who want to take new paths with an unprecedented concept. Often, a successful platform does not emerge from the idea of founding an internationally operating company, but rather by entering a niche market. Over time, these platforms evolve into a nationally in‑demand website or even a platform that presents its offerings globally. There are various factors that favor success or put it on hold. To avoid this, those responsible should study the proven concepts of the market‑leading platforms closely.

The Most Important in Brief

Examples of Successful Online Platforms

Among the most successful examples of online platforms are, for instance, Immobilienscout24, Airbnb, Uber, Ebay, MyHammer as well as social networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and many more. There are several different online platforms that focus on a specific niche and have varying designs.

AirBnb

Airbnb is a platform for mediating guest accommodations in private apartments. Airbnb itself does not own any accommodations but merely acts as an intermediary. According to its own statements, it currently lists over 3 million accommodations in 65,000 cities and is represented in 191 countries. Airbnb connects guests with hosts, with Airbnb solely handling the booking process. The guest pays the price to Airbnb via credit card after booking, and the host is responsible for providing all types of services. The guest then leaves a review. There are five‑star accommodations that offer a particularly high standard. Both guests and hosts must set up a profile page on Airbnb. Hosts need to provide a photo and a telephone number. Guests must create a detailed profile for the platform. The accommodation is documented with photos and includes descriptions. The platform also features a calculator so that hosts can determine the income they might earn from their property.

Airbnb stands out due to its excellent usability and clear focus. The homepage is minimalist yet purposeful, featuring an appealing image and the option for immediate accommodation search for travelers seeking a rental.

Airbnb is a platform that facilitates the exchange between two business parties and provides an online system for handling bookings and payment modalities. Since it primarily deals with private apartments, certain security standards must be maintained, and therefore the platform must uphold a reputable and responsible image. Guests can choose their accommodation based on location, price range, neighborhood, and level of luxury. The reviews of the accommodation, which evaluate both the guest and the host, are meant to maintain the high standard. However, it is also evident that with a large supply, the prices for accommodations tend to drop.

Airbnb has expanded its offerings based on the psychological profile of its target audience. The online platform provides further differentiated services for individuals who consider themselves passionate travelers. Furthermore, Airbnb includes a section with personalized recommendations for each user.

Udemy

Udemy is an online platform for the professional delivery of online courses for further education. It even offers certificates—ranging from school diplomas to vocational training. Udemy follows the traditional course models found at universities of applied sciences or similar educational institutions. It offers a course design that, where possible, meets the standards required in Germany. Consequently, most courses have fixed requirements that must be met to maintain a nationwide standard. In 2018, Udemy offered around 65,000 courses. Initially, the company faced startup challenges, particularly since, before the startup, the idea of online courses was kept under wraps to avoid jeopardizing the launch. In addition, a functioning virtual classroom had to be developed for teaching. After a somewhat bumpy start, the platform’s popularity quickly soared, and participants can further their education in all kinds of courses. However, certain educational standards must be met for participation in some courses.

Udemy features a search interface so that every user can immediately find the courses they desire. The online learning platform also highlights three unique selling propositions that further increase the chances of conversion. Afterwards, several categories are presented in case the user does not yet have a specific idea.

There are various ways for an ordinary person to acquire additional qualifications on the platform, as the demands of the online courses on participants’ skills vary. Depending on the course’s requirements and objectives, Udemy’s certificates are either legally binding or tailored to individual needs. For many people, further education in the workplace has become important, and every training course is designed to enhance their chances in the job market.

The online learning platform Udemy displays popular courses currently in demand by other users. Even more interesting is the quiz that provides personalized recommendations based on a few questions.

Yelp

Yelp is perhaps the best‑known recommendation platform for restaurants as well as shops. Founded in 2004 by Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmon, the website quickly rose to prominence thanks to user‑generated reviews. Yelp even went public in 2012. The platform generates its revenue through advertising placed on its pages. Yelp was rapidly embraced by the public because it functioned as a social network. Members register with a profile and involve friends and acquaintances, setting the stage for rapid growth. Moreover, the recommendations come not from experts but from ordinary people in the local area.

Like the two previous examples, Yelp’s homepage is targeted and features an advanced search interface with multiple filtering options. What is particularly notable about Yelp is its strong focus on community, which is evident at first glance.

People love sharing tips about the best Italian restaurant around the corner. The Yelp platform started locally and initially focused on San Francisco in the USA. Yelp’s next step to success was rewarding its active members—those who frequently provided especially helpful reviews, cool remarks, or funny comments—with Elite status, which serves as a great incentive for high‑quality, well‑readable reviews. Another strength of Yelp is its knack for understanding what users do not want. However, Yelp also experimented with ideas that did not work out, such as paid content for reviews, which unexpectedly led to a decline in text quality.

Uber

The service provider Uber deals with the logistics of passenger transportation and is based in San Francisco. It now offers global mediation services for passenger rides. UberX and UberBlack assign orders to drivers with rental cars, while UberPop assigns orders to drivers using their own vehicles. The UberTaxi division mediates traditional taxis. Most customers order an Uber via a smartphone app. Originally, Uber started as a service for luxury cars and is now present in 35 cities worldwide. Uber takes on the challenges faced by drivers, especially in cities where a taxi monopoly exists. Taxi licenses are very expensive and difficult to obtain. Uber exploits a loophole in transportation laws by offering contracted rental cars that are much cheaper than local taxis. Note that Uber rental cars without a taxi license are not permitted to pick up street hails.

Clear, concise, and to the point – Uber is the perfect example of how to successfully address two user groups simultaneously.

In contrast, Uber rental cars can only accept rides that have been pre‑ordered. Uber also works to make itself more attractive to customers by using better vehicles, eliminating the need for tips, and providing drivers with individual ratings. In addition, Uber drivers accept credit cards and other payment methods. To generate buzz as an alternative ride service, Uber initially relied heavily on its presence on social media channels, blogs, and similar high‑traffic websites. This savvy marketing approach helped Uber quickly become known as a trendsetter in the taxi system. They even rewarded customers with robust social networks with free rides, resulting in positive reviews and rapid customer growth. This word‑of‑mouth was crucial for Uber’s growth.

Development of an Online Platform

Immobilienscout24

The online platform Immobilienscout24 offers a variety of complementary services important for those looking for housing. This includes the option of a premium profile that increases success rates, SCHUFA services, and much more.

The internet platform Immobilienscout24 is one of the most visited websites in Germany, recording over 7 million visitors per month. The Berlin‑based company offers 1.5 million real estate listings and employs over 500 people. At launch, the company focused on robust technology and invested in the necessary software. The website was designed to be user‑friendly while offering ample space and an excellent presentation of the properties. The goal was to provide a high‑quality search engine for real estate, which proved to be a successful concept. Immobilienscout24 quickly became the market leader in the industry. Additionally, the website can be easily managed via apps, which were downloaded 11 million times shortly after release, giving Immobilienscout24 a market share of over 65 percent. In addition to its diverse listings, the platform offers numerous services such as virtual property tours and analytical tools for users. Its focus on technological innovation benefits visitors by combining advanced technology with an intuitive search engine.

MyHammer

MyHammer has illustrated the entire process in just three steps.

MyHammer is an online platform addressing both private and commercial users to facilitate all types of craft tasks. The MyHammer platform mediates orders for craftsmen and service providers. Local companies can apply to submit their cost estimates. In 2017, the platform had more than 3.1 million contractors and nearly 20,000 registered companies. MyHammer AG generates approximately 95 percent of its revenue from craftsmen and service providers. Additionally, craftsmen receive monthly orders if they submit the best bid. This means that the craftsman controls his own earnings by setting his offer for the job, with commercial and private providers competing while the client selects the accepted offer.

Conclusion

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