According to Google, their Google+ network is continuing to pick up steam. With over 500 million total accounts, over half – 235 million – are active, making G+ the fastest growing social network around.

To help continue the traffic growth, Google has now announced Google+ Communities, and it’s exactly what you think it is. According to Google:

With Google+ Communities there’s now a gathering place for your passions, including:

• Public or private membership to support all kinds of groups—from topics and interests to local neighborhoods to regular poker nights
• Discussion categories to find the conversations you care about most
• The option to start hangouts and plan events with community members
• The ability to share with your community from any +1 button across the web

A new “Communities” icon will be rolling out on a G+ page near you starting today. All you have to do is click on it and either start or join a community.

Be sure to let us know what you think!

via google