Yope is a growing social network that combines elements of Instagram and WhatsApp, allowing users to share images within private groups. Its design prioritizes privacy and exclusivity, characteristics that have propelled its popularity among Gen Z, primarily in the United States. Currently, it boasts 2.2 million monthly active users, with a retention rate of approximately 40% one week post-registration.
The platform is based on the creation of closed groups where participants can share images and messages without algorithms prioritizing content or ad interruptions. The application also integrates an automatic collage function generated by artificial intelligence, which organizes the shared images into a visual wall. This format offers a visual experience more centered on group interaction rather than follower accumulation.
Another Social Network that emerges among university students
The origin of Yope dates back to 2021 when it was founded by Bahram Ismailau and Paul Rudkouski, two former students of the State University of Belarus. However, the current version of the application only arrived in September 2024, after several years of experimentation and pivots.
Before arriving at the current platform, Ismailaulos and Rudkouski launched Salo, a social chat app that then transformed into a multi-camera application similar to BeReal, and finally, into a platform for recording video podcasts. The concept of Yope, which has not yet reached its first anniversary, is a result of all these previous experiences (and is still under development).
How Yope Works
The social network is available for download from the Apple and iOS stores. Yope also has an official Instagram account where it shares news and features, in addition to many memes, a type of content that strongly connects with younger generations.
As we previously explained, Yope allows users to share photos in private groups, creating an intimate space where friends can exchange images and messages without the distractions of traditional platforms. Each group acts as a secret folder accessible only to invited members, ensuring that the shared moments remain among those experiencing them.
Among its features, we highlight:
- Lockscreen Widget: allows users to view the latest shared photos without needing to unlock their phone, providing quick and easy access to their friends’ updates.
- “Streak” System: similar to that of Snapchat, encourages continuous interaction between friends by counting consecutive days of message or photo exchange.
- Photo Presentations: collects shared images into a dynamic presentation, allowing users to relive special moments in an immersive way.
- The “endless wall”, or infinite screen, which allows for the creation and sharing of an endless wall of images represented in a scrollable collage.
The Ambassador System
To expand its reach, Yope has launched the App Ambassador Application program, aimed at users who wish to represent and promote the platform. Selected ambassadors receive early access to exclusive features and opportunities to collaborate directly with the Yope team.
The application process is simple and is conducted through an online form. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to the community and the ability to attract new users. This approach seeks to strengthen the user base through direct marketing and peer recommendation, a key strategy to consolidate the platform’s growth.
Yope captures the attention of investors
Since its launch, Yope has experienced exponential growth, especially in the United States. In the last six months, the platform has multiplied its user base by 30, reaching 2.2 million monthly active users and 800,000 daily users. This, coupled with high retention rates, has attracted the attention of investor groups, led by Goodwater Capital, which invested $4.65 million in an initial financing round. With this boost, the social network, which has already achieved a valuation of $50 million, aims to improve its infrastructure, add new features based on artificial intelligence, and expand its presence in markets outside the United States.
Moreover, the founders’ goal is to reach 50 million users by 2025 by incorporating features such as video integration, currently nonexistent, and a system of daily notifications to encourage interaction. Additionally, they aim to make the walls more dynamic, allowing users to add stickers and drawings. Another challenge is to expand their audience beyond the current average age of 18 years, with a format designed for family groups.
Photo: Yope
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Content Manager in Marketing4eCommerce
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