(Relaxnews) - While Facebook remains the most influential social network and continues to boast impressive user numbers of 1.35 billion and counting, this year many on the web sought out something that offered more intimacy, more privacy or less advertising, either in addition to the ubiquitous site or as an alternative.

2014 saw a whole host of new social networks and apps launched in a bid to challenge Mark Zuckerberg. Here are some of the ones that caused a stir.

Netropolitan

Could this be the new Facebook for millionaires? Netropolitan is an "online country club," charging an initial member fee of a cool $9,000 for the first year and $3,000 each year after. Launched in September by James Touchi-Peters, it has been designed to let members "talk about fine wine, fancy cars and lucrative business decisions without judgement."

Ello

Positioning itself as the "anti-Facebook" when it was launched this fall, "Ello" was originally created as a private social network, but changed its strategy this year to allow members of the public to join on an invitation-only basis. The concept is based around simplicity and a total lack of advertising.

Cuddlr

In an attempt to kick the habit of digital socializing, new app "Cuddlr" lets users in the same area arrange to meet up for some good old-fashioned platonic body contact. The free app, which aims to take the pressure off intimacy, lets users rate cuddles and any problematic incidents can be listed on the cuddler's public profile. It was launched this September.

Happn

French startup dating app "Happn" is driven by real-life interaction with strangers. Launched in the UK in July, it operates within a 250 meter radius to find matches and bring people together.

Emojli

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when thousands signed up to Emojli following its launch this summer, they seemed to agree. The network functions purely via emoji, with even members' usernames made up of graphics.

AllPaws

Billed as "Tinder for pets", "AllPaws" is an animal adoption site whose app borrows its interface concept from the world of online dating, asking users to swipe left or right to find the puppy (or other furry creature) of their dreams. Humans looking to adopt can send direct messages to shelters and get match alerts to help them find the perfect furry friend.