How to get started on Path, the mini-social network for your phone

If Facebook is a walk-in closet, then Path is a small but pretty drawer where you keep only your most precious possessions. Think of Path as a mini-social network for your phone or tablet, meant for your close friends and family. In fact, you can only connect a max of 150 accounts, so you can't thoughtlessly add people... or feel forced to accept requests from those whom you're not really friends with.

Make an account and get started
You have two ways to create a Path account. Either point your browser to Path's website, or register in-app after downloading and installing it. The Path app is currently available for Android (download Path for Android) and Apple devices (download Path for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch). Because you can only update your Path on a mobile device, your network of friends is also limited to people who use either operating system.

When you first access the Path app, you'll be prompted to register or log in on an existing account. After you register, you'll be forwarded to a screen where you can input a name and upload an avatar. You can also upload a banner image (which is very similar to Facebook Timeline's cover photo) straight from your mobile device.

Add friends and change settings
Once you're done setting up your account, you'll see the main Path interface. All your Path updates are private by default, so if you want your friends and family to see them, you have to add them to your list. Click the button at the top right corner of the app to add friends one of three different ways: from your device's contacts list, through email or text, or via Facebook connections. You can also see who among your contacts already have Path accounts; all you have to do is click the Add button next to their names.

To access your settings, click the top left button opposite the Add Friends section. On your settings page, you can change your name, phone number, birthday, avatar, cover picture, and notification options. You can also uncheck Neighborhood, which is a feature that automatically posts your location Path whenever you step outside your city or state.

Share your moments on Path
Your updates on Path, called moments, are very similar to Facebook status updates. The home screen on your Path app also shares the same aesthetic as the Timeline, except it's more streamlined and even easier on the eyes. When you press the plus button at the bottom left corner of the home screen, new buttons will pop up. Each button corresponds to a different type of moment you can post.

• Share Photo The camera icon lets you share photos and videos. You can either snap a picture on the spot or choose an existing image or video from your gallery. If you're using an iPhone or an iPad, you can even layer your photos with various Instagram filters.
• People Tapping the second icon leads you to your contacts list, where you can tag people you're currently with. You can even tag friends who don't use Path, as long as you have their contact details.
• Place Share your current location with your friends and family using this option. Or use it to keep track of the most memorable places you've been!
• Music If you want to share what you're currently listening to, click the music note icon. It'll detect what's playing on your device if you're currently using iTunes, or it will lead you to a search function of the iTunes store if you're using another player.
• Thought This is probably the simplest moment you could post. "What's on your mind?" is written on the Thought screen before you type, and answering that question is the purpose of the option.
• Sleep Use the last button that shows a crescent moon if you want your friends to know when you're asleep or awake. When you click Go to Sleep, the Path interface changes to a dark screen showing what time you went to bed and how long you've been sleeping. In the morning, just access the app again and click Awake — this will automatically post a moment on your home page that will notify your friends that you're available.

Your home screen functions similarly to the Facebook news feed. It shows you not just your own moments, but those of your friends as well. Each moment has a function similar to but more robust than Facebook's Like button. Instead of a single button, it has a heart and several emoticon options. If you want to see all the posts you've been tagged in, click the same button, where you can access your settings, and choose Activity. Another interesting thing about Path is that it shows you the names of people who have looked at your profile and your moments. 

Social network integration
You can tag the person you're with as well as add your location to each type of moment listed above, aside from Sleep. You may also notice the Sharing section at the bottom of the screen whenever you post a moment. Your Path account can be integrated with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Foursquare. You have to log in to each account the first time you click their icons, but after the initial setup, you merely need to tap on their icons whenever you want to cross-post a moment. If you want to post something for your eyes only, click the padlock icon instead.

Do you need a Path account?
At this point in time, you may already have more social networking accounts that you know what to do with. It's easy to dismiss Path and declare it superfluous or redundant at first glance — after all, you can always adjust your Facebook privacy settings to post updates only for close friends and family. Of course, you first have to convince your friends to join so it can actually be useful. But once they do, you'll see that Path could be a good, intuitive, and elegant alternative to your overpopulated Facebook account.

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