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Zigazoo, the startup recognized for its TikTok-style video-sharing app for youths, is launching a separate app focused at Gen Z customers.
The brand new app will take the flagship identify and is supposed for ages 13 and older, whereas the unique kid-focused app is for Technology Alpha (3-12) and has been rebranded to “Zigazoo Youngsters.” Earlier customers within the youthful age vary will probably be mechanically migrated to Zigazoo Youngsters.
Zigazoo is invite-only and launches on Saturday, March 25.
Like Zigazoo Youngsters, the brand new Gen Z-focused app is a video thread-style platform that doesn’t enable customers to kind feedback on posts. As an alternative, customers can solely reply to one another through short-form movies, which the corporate believes reduces detrimental feedback and trolling. Customers also can reply video-driven prompts like, “What are your favourite sports activities?” or “What’s in your thoughts?”
Picture Credit: Zigazoo
Along with prohibiting negativity on the platform, the app consists of different security measures, comparable to non-obligatory personal accounts, human-in-the-loop moderation and an algorithm that promotes positivity, the corporate stated.
Nonetheless, in contrast to Zigazoo Youngsters, the Gen Z product doesn’t require parental consent and could have a direct messaging characteristic, which makes use of auto-moderation software program. In the meantime, TikTok has disabled direct messaging for customers underneath 16 years outdated. From what we perceive, nonetheless, TikTok solely moderates messages which have been reported by customers.
Different new options obtainable on the Gen Z app embody searchable music and trending sounds, in addition to permitting all customers to make a “Vibe,” which is a video that customers can reply to. On Zigazoo Youngsters, solely verified creators and types could make a Vibe video.
To begin, there will probably be a choose group of creators on Zigazoo, together with the forged of the Netflix reboot “That ‘90s Present,” an array of fashionable TikTokers like Hype Home member Jack Wright, Alana Clements, and Nick Bencinvengo, in addition to varied Gen Z actors like “Lady Meets World” actress Ava Kolker and “Walker” star Kale Culley.
The content material ranges from dance and music to style, gaming, memes and extra.
Moreover, Zigazoo will launch leisure channels the place creators will lead the content material. As an illustration, TikTok creator Hannah Kosh, recognized for her popular culture and celeb gossip movies, could have a channel devoted to leisure information. Wright will even get a channel, as will Callie Haverda, who performs Leia Forman on “That ‘90s Present.”
“I used to be drawn to Zigazoo as a result of they’re making a optimistic neighborhood,” Haverda stated in a press release. “I really like the concept of with the ability to add natural content material to a platform whose final focus is to create a secure house for my era. A giant aim for me is to have enjoyable and make entertaining artwork with out the concern of detrimental feedback or trolling, and Zigazoo supplies simply that! I’m so excited to be a part of the preliminary launch, and might’t wait so that you can see all of the enjoyable we’ve got!”
Picture Credit: Zigazoo
Zigazoo claims to offer a “unhazardous” setting for Gen Z customers as many customers turn into delay by different social media platforms the place toxicity thrives, infested with unrealistic magnificence requirements, cyberbullying and content material that might not be age-appropriate.
In keeping with a research by the buyer and enterprise insights analysis group ORIGIN, 48% of Gen Z contributors stated social media makes them really feel anxious, unhappy or depressed. Sixty-one % of respondents admitted to doing a social media detox.
So, launching a Gen Z-focused app within the present local weather, particularly given yesterday’s TikTok Congressional listening to, is definitely notable. Whereas TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew tried to reassure representatives in regards to the app’s impression on minors, referring to a number of options just like the ineffective display screen time controls, Chew was additionally clear on his stance that oldsters are principally accountable for how their youngsters use the app.
Talking with TechCrunch, Zigazoo co-founder Zak Ringelstein stated, “We think about this second a significant social media reset, the place clearly TikTok may get banned, but in addition Snapchat and Meta are struggling main losses. I believe there’s loads coming into view for everybody the place perhaps there ought to be a extra vital eye [around social media], and there ought to be a spot the place individuals can go and be ok with themselves… We wish to see a greater social media, much less poisonous social media, and I believe the time is admittedly ripe for this second. So we’re actually enthusiastic about our launch.”
Ringelstein added that another excuse why Zigazoo noticed a gap for the Gen Z app was that there are a ton of 12- to 14-year-olds (and older) already on Zigazoo Youngsters, making up about 31% of its customers.
“We determined to launch this new platform after seeing that so many Gen Z-ers, in search of a extra optimistic and genuine social media setting, had already been organically migrating to Zigazoo. We needed to create a social media oasis that was specifically tailor-made for this viewers,” he stated.
Zigazoo launched in 2020 as a “more healthy” social media platform that lets children browse or create 30-second movies based mostly on challenges or instructional prompts like, “Can you discover one thing that’s symmetrical?” or “Are you able to educate us how one can play your favourite sport or bodily exercise?”
An grownup should join their little one on Zigazoo Youngsters utilizing both a Fb, Google or Apple account. Dad and mom determine if they need their child’s movies to be printed publicly or set to non-public. It’s additionally value noting that Zigazoo Youngsters is kidSAFE COPPA licensed.
The corporate has raised a complete of $20 million from large traders like Jimmy Kimmel, Serena Williams, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, the NBA, in addition to pocket.watch founder Chris M. Williams, MasterClass head of expertise Matthew Rutler, and extra. It’s additionally endorsed by celebrities like Christina Aguilera, LeBron James, Matt Damon and Dolly Parton.
The app presently has over 3 million installs and greater than 250 verified creators and types, together with Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Paramount, Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, WWE (World Wrestling Leisure) and Mattel.
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