According to a social media report produced by Nielsen, Foursquare placed in 3rd place – behind Facebook and Twitter – in app usage, by the end of 2012. Since then, Foursquare’s user base has increased from 25 million to 33 million (as of April). While this is certainly not an indication of increased actual usage from the previous year, such growth shows that new users are joining current users in participating in the mobile app’s (arguably) best feature: badge collection.
For users old and new, here are some of the coolest Foursquare badges out there that you probably don’t have…and can’t have (because it’s nearly or completely impossible). Sorry for your loss.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm Badge
Why it’s cool:
It’s an androgynous clown channeling telepathic waves in the shape of the Austrian flag (that’s what’s happening, right?). Albeit the badge is kind of creepy, it’s unique nonetheless.
Why you probably don’t have it:
The badge is specific to the Saalbach-Hinterglemm municipality of Austria. After following them on Foursquare, you have to check in to three recommended venues (all of them located in this skiing community).
Last Degree Badge
Why it’s cool:
It’s a floating iceberg that commemorates your trip to the North Pole.
Why you probably don’t have it:
You’re not Santa Claus. You literally have to travel to the North Pole and check in using a SATELLITE PHONE (because, you know, your cell phone won’t even work up there). Oh, did I forget to mention that you have to provide Foursquare with your intention of traveling ahead of time, and then provide documentation and photos of your actually being there? Yeah…no.
Jobs Badge (old design)
Why it’s cool:
It’s the Apple logo. What more is there to say?
Why you probably don’t have it:
It’s actually a pretty standard badge, and the only thing you had to do was check-in to an Apple store three times. However, the first iteration of the badge was only active for a few months after Foursquare’s launch in March 2009, after which it was changed to the more standard (and trademark infringement-free) MacBook-esque design. Sorry to disappoint the Apple fanboys and fangirls out there, but there is no way in hell you’re getting this badge.
Chadge Badge
Why it’s cool:
Um…because Chad is Rad. It’s a badge commemorating Chad Stoller’s 40th birthday. Stoller is one of Foursquare’s early angel investors and thought of the idea for mayorships on the platform.
Why you probably don’t have it:
You definitely don’t have this badge. It’s a single-edition badge that could only be obtained by Chad himself. Lame-o, Chad-o.
Pee-Wee Herman Show
Why it’s cool:
The badge features the character’s signature outfit – little red bowtie included.
Why you probably don’t have it:
You had to participate in a ridiculous “Pee-Wee Parade” where you basically had to stalk Pee-Wee throughout the day and check in at corresponding stops until you reached the Sondheim Theatre. I mean, I guess there’s a chance that one of you has this badge, but the chances are Slim Jim.
Century Club Badge
Why it’s cool:
It’s a digital reminder of your loyal patronage to one particular venue. Either that or it’s digital proof of your suppressed lunacy.
Why you probably don’t have it:
While not impossible to attain, you have to check in to a venue 100 times. Check-ins only count once a day, and you can’t check in to “home,” “office,” or “school” categories. Now that I think about it, if I were to check in regularly at Popeye’s, I could easily get a hold of this.
So, Tech Cocktail readers — do you have any of these cool Foursquare badges? If not, what other brag-worthy badges have you snagged on Foursquare?