Neptune is among the latest short-form video apps on the block looking for to compete with main gamers like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
The app, presently in beta, has attracted consideration from a whole lot of 1000’s of customers, with 970 testers collaborating and 400,000 folks on the waitlist, per the corporate.
Neptune introduced Monday that it’s making ready to launch the app on the App Retailer subsequent week, with plans to roll out on the Google Play Retailer in about six months.
The startup was based by Ashley Darling, who has a background as a expertise director on the OPTYX company, the place she labored with “underestimated” influencers. She got down to develop a platform that emphasizes creativity as an alternative of the variety of followers a creator has.
“I spent years working with unbiased creators, each as an influencer myself and later serving to manufacturers,” Darling shared with TechCrunch. “I stored listening to the identical factor from creators and customers, ‘I miss when social media was enjoyable. When it was about creativity, not competitors.’ So, as an alternative of ready for a platform to pay attention, I constructed one.”
With TikTok’s future nonetheless unsure, Neptune hopes to draw creators in search of another technique to earn income whereas fostering an surroundings that prioritizes the standard of movies and connections as an alternative of follower counts. The app plans to supply varied income streams, together with ideas, livestreams, and subscriptions.
Like its rivals, Neptune encompasses a discovery instrument and a vertical feed for customers to swipe by means of quick movies and interact by means of feedback. Moreover, customers can add a canopy picture to their profiles, imitating what X and different networking apps supply.
Picture Credit:Neptune (Picture has been modified)
A key distinguishing function of Neptune is that it lets creators disguise their complete followers and likes. This “ghost metrics” function is non-compulsory, nonetheless, and is designed to assist customers keep away from the pressures related to follower depend, but nonetheless caters to creators who could wish to showcase their metrics.
In keeping with the corporate, Neptune’s algorithm emphasizes consumer pursuits and content material high quality fairly than creator reputation. Sometimes, social media algorithms prioritize content material with the very best engagement, usually leaving lesser-known creators, or “micro-influencers,” at an obstacle.
“We put the ability again within the palms of (the creators) who truly constructed the web. Not the firms, not the algorithms. Neptune is for connection, not clout,” chief advertising officer Timur Tugberk mentioned.
One other notable function is “Hop Again,” which permits customers to renew watching a video proper the place they left off, stopping them from shedding their place when the app refreshes.
Neptune is in beta and doesn’t supply all of its meant options but. It’s presently on the easy facet, offering solely a video feed and a search operate. When testing the app, we additionally seen it lacks in-app modifying instruments and direct messaging.
The corporate says it’s engaged on including a livestream functionality, the power to create playlists, and music integrations.
