Meet Neptune, a TikTok alternative where creators can hide likes and follower counts

Summary

Neptune is one of the newest short-form video apps on the block seeking to compete with major players like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The app, currently in beta, has attracted attention from hundreds of thousands of users, with 970 testers participating and 400,000 people on the waitlist, per the company. Neptune announced Monday that it’s preparing to launch the app on the App Store next week, with plans to roll out on the Google Play Store in about six months. The startup was founded by Ashley Darling, who has a background as a talent director at the OPTYX agency, where she worked with “underestimated” influencers. She set out to develop a platform that emphasizes creativity instead of the number of followers a creator has. “I spent years working with independent creators, both as an influencer myself and later helping brands,” Darling shared with TechCrunch. “​​I kept hearing the same thing from creators and users, ‘I miss when social media was fun. When it was about creativity, not competition.’ So, instead of waiting for a platform to listen, I built one.” With TikTok’s future still uncertain, Neptune hopes to attract creators looking for an alternative way to earn revenue while fostering an environment that prioritizes the quality of videos and connections instead of follower counts. The app plans to offer various revenue streams, including tips, livestreams, and subscriptions. Like its competitors, Neptune features a discovery tool and a vertical feed for users to swipe through short videos and engage through comments. Additionally, users can add a cover photo to their profiles, imitating what X and other networking apps offer. Image Credits:Neptune (Image has been modified) A key distinguishing feature of Neptune is that it lets creators hide their total followers and likes. This “ghost metrics” feature is optional, however, and is designed to help users avoid the pressures associated with follower count, yet still caters to creators who ma...