Noplace is a new social media platform that aims to bring back true social networking, which has ranked no.1 on the App Store over growing popularity.
Do you often feel that the top social media apps you use have more or less disconnected you from actual socializing? According to Zhong, the owner of Noplace, a GenZ social media app, the mainstream social media platforms have become algorithm-based displays of whatever someone might want to watch. They are no longer focused on promoting actual socializing factors like conversations over interests, discussions, and healthy engagement.
Zhong launched Noplace as an app that aims to bring back social in social media. The app that launched just this Wednesday has already gone viral and currently ranks No.1 on the App Store.
“I’ve always loved social” Zhong said, adding that today’s social apps don’t feel social enough. “Everything is just media. It feels very disconnected.” Looking at Zhong’s professional experience, she might have the best eye to look for the next big thing in an oversaturated social media marketplace.
In terms of User Interface and Experience, Noplace feels like a mashup of Myspace and Twitter. The platform does not allow images or videos to be uploaded, which makes socializing through text the only option. However, unique ways of text-based socializing on the app have attracted a huge consumer base of new generations. It is more colorful, provides customizable profiles, and facilitates sharing current activities instead of past ones.
Noplace aims to break the uniformity that has made social media monotonous and repetitive. Something that someone sees on Instagram is already seen by their friends or is shared in ways that do not promote conversational engagement. Most of the inboxes are now filled with shared posts, on which most users leave a reaction or a double tap.
Zhong has prioritized facilitating ways to express current interests, activities, relevant personal details, and relationship status. The app acts like an open global community, as there are no private profiles. However, the company has ensured the safety of children by adding strict moderation for all under-18 users.
Instead of algorithms, Noplace uses AI to identify suggestions and curations for its users. The app does not edit the feed but provides AI-powered summaries of interesting topics someone may have missed. The overall feed is open and globally accessible, making it a literal thought board. The new engagement methods have attracted enough users to rank it as No.1, but the longevity of the app will be revealed as it grows.
