
Social media platforms have grown in popularity, and individuals all over the world prefer to spend their time on them for entertainment, self-expression, information gathering, and other purposes. However, we have seen examples such as Koo which have indicated that the social media business is not straightforward, and keeping consumers engaged is even more difficult.
In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Hunch CEO Ish Goel offered some insights about the social media application, industry, and features that users are interested in.
1. How has Hunch been received in the market since its launch?
Since our launch in December 2022, Hunch has quickly established itself as the leading social app for almost 2 Mn+ users. Users seem to be resonating well with a secure online environment for genuine expressions and a place to establish connections with like-minded people. Hunch is on a mission to build the most authentic and genuine place on the internet.
2. How does Hunch contribute to the larger social media landscape?
We believe that curiosity should be celebrated and that authenticity builds true connections. On Hunch you can ask the questions that are really on your mind, through the engaging format of polls. We transform ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ into connections based on shared questions, opinions, and curiosities. By fostering an environment that is authentic and interactive, we allow users to express themselves freely and make like-minded friends without the looming cloud of judgement or societal expectations. With Hunch, you don’t just find followers; you find your people.
Our app’s unique approach of matching users based on shared interests facilitates more profound and relevant relationships compared to the broader, less targeted strategies employed by other social networking sites. You could say that we are more about the social, and less about the media.
3. Can you explain the core concept of social discovery that Hunch is built around?
Hunch leverages the wisdom of the masses through the form of polls, ensuring that any question is answered honestly by its audience so that the user gets to see exactly how the general audience thinks, and eventually meet like-minded people. Hunch activates the voice of the people over any single individual through polling on various topics.
4. What tools or features does Hunch provide to help users express their opinions openly and safely?
The cornerstone of our app is the polls feature, where users can create polls on a wide spectrum of topics. These polls act as a bridge, allowing users to validate their opinions through votes and comments, and connect with like-minded users on the app.
Goss, is an ephemeral chat feature where conversations disappear within 24 hours, fostering dynamic and spontaneous idea exchanges. You connect with someone through Goss if you like their views on the app through polls and comments. You can initiate a conversation only if the other user accepts your request.
5. What role do you see Hunch playing in fostering open and honest discussions online?
Gen Z’s relationship with social media is complex, marked by a strong desire for authenticity, meaningful connections, and privacy. They value transparency and genuine content and are more cautious about sharing personal information online compared to previous generations. This demographic is drawn to platforms that prioritise user privacy and data security.
Hunch addresses these needs by offering an intimate digital space that fosters authentic conversations. On Hunch, users can ask the questions that truly matter to them, moving beyond the superficial ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ that often define connections on other social media platforms. Hunch empowers its users to express themselves freely, without fear of judgement or cancellation, thereby creating a safe and genuine environment for meaningful interactions.
6. How does anonymity work on Hunch, and what measures are in place to protect user identities?
We take user privacy very seriously at Hunch. We’ve implemented robust security measures, including an advanced reputation system and two-factor authentication, to ensure a safe and reliable environment for our community. We leverage AI and ML technology to moderate content. We also address any user complaints immediately. These measures allow our users to maintain sufficient anonymity while also safeguarding them against misuse.
7. How does Hunch handle data security, especially given the anonymity feature?
We’re securing the data with strong encryption so all the personal info (like birthdate, phone number, and email) is stored in a way that makes it unreadable without the right key, ensuring that users’ privacy is protected. We’ve added extra security measures for our database and use a trusted service to keep chat messages safe.
8. What strategies are you using to grow your user base?
We are currently focused on our next avatar, which will significantly enhance our users’ ability to connect with like-minded individuals. This new version of the app is slated for release in two months. Additionally, we are actively working to strengthen our presence in the US market, aiming to reach a broader audience while steadfastly upholding our core values of authenticity and curiosity. We are continually refining our growth strategies to ensure sustainable and meaningful expansion.
9. What are your plans for the future development of the app?
We are currently focused on our next avatar, which will significantly enhance our users’ ability to connect with like-minded individuals. This new version of the app is slated for release in two months. Additionally, we are actively working to strengthen our presence in the US market, aiming to reach a broader audience while steadfastly upholding our core values of authenticity and curiosity. We are continually refining our growth strategies to ensure sustainable and meaningful expansion.
10. What to expect from the platform beyond anonymity and poll-based content?
At Hunch, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant community where our users can forge genuine connections. In today’s digital era, forming new friendships and relationships often hinges on superficial criteria. Hunch is revolutionising this landscape by facilitating meaningful interactions based on shared interests. Our unique approach allows users to meet and match through the types of polls they answer, ensuring that connections are truly interest-based. We believe that by prioritising substance over surface-level attributes, Hunch is paving the way for more authentic and lasting relationships.