noplace, a mashup of Twitter and Myspace for Gen Z, hits No. 1 on the App Store | TechCrunch

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses a new social media app called "noplace" that aims to bring back the "social" aspect of social media. The app is designed to appeal to a younger audience and offers a customizable profile experience similar to Myspace, allowing users to share their interests, activities, and more. The app focuses on text-based updates and a global feed, rather than photos and videos, and uses AI for curation and suggestions. The app has already gained significant traction and is seen as a potential alternative to Twitter under Elon Musk's ownership.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Overview of the noplace app

1. What are the key features of the noplace app?

• Customizable profiles where users can share their relationship status, interests, activities, and more
• "Stars" or tags that allow users to discover others with shared interests
• A "top 10 friends" section reminiscent of Myspace
• Text-based updates focused on current activities, rather than highlights
• Two feeds - one for friends and one global feed, both in reverse chronological order
• AI-powered curation and suggestions, but no algorithmic feed editing
• Moderation features for users under 18

2. How does noplace differentiate itself from other social media apps?

• Aims to bring back the "social" aspect of social media, unlike the current "media-focused" experience
• Focuses on text-based updates and shared interests, rather than photos and videos
• Offers a more customizable and nostalgic profile experience like Myspace
• Positions itself as a potential alternative to Twitter under Elon Musk's ownership

3. What is the target audience for noplace?

• Primarily targeting a younger audience, such as Gen Z
• Appealing to anyone who wants to connect with friends and share interests in a more social, less algorithmic environment

[02] Noplace's Founding and Funding

1. Who is the founder of noplace, and what is their background?

• The founder and CEO is Tiffany Zhong, who previously founded an early-stage consumer fund and worked at Binary Capital
• Zhong has a strong background in identifying and analyzing consumer social apps, having flagged the potential of Musical.ly in 2015

2. How much funding has noplace raised, and from whom?

• Noplace has raised over $19 million in funding, including a $15 million Series A1 round
• Investors include 776 (Alexis Ohanian), Forerunner Ventures, and others
• The company has a pre-money valuation of $75 million