The terms community software and community platform are one in the same. They both essentially describe a virtual space where an online community comes together.

At present, most community software comes with a few standard features, including:

• The ability to create polls and ask questions.
• A robust activity feed.
• Direct messaging between members.
• The ability to create and host live events.

Modern community software platforms offer even more ways to make running a community even easier. Think online courses that help members get that much closer to their goals; private or premium groups where people can focus more deeply on a specific topic; and a native mobile app that lets members check in from wherever they may be.