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Do we really need another social media app for college students? With the TikTok ban looming in the US, a new app called Connect I seem to think so.
Connyct is very similar to the popular short video app, offering all the features you’d expect, like a personalized content feed, private chat, as well as video creation and editing tools, including the ability to add music, filters, stickers, and more. It also has an event discovery section and community channels to help students stay connected and bond over common interests.
Starting today, the new app is available to more college students after initially only offering early access.
Connyct’s launch comes on the heels of a recent unanimous decision by a federal appeals court to uphold a law that could ban TikTok in the United States unless it is separated from Chinese ownership. Connyct appears to be taking advantage of the possibility of a ban to boost its growth as younger users look for alternatives.
The app’s main draw is that it has portaled access, requiring users to register with a student .edu email to join. Each institution has its own network for students to chat and share content with their peers. The advantage of using the exclusive app is that students can post content knowing that it is only being viewed by fellow students, without worrying about “crawling” or hovering from parents viewing it on major social media platforms.
In a conversation with TechCrunch, co-founder and CEO Matthew Berman said: “Being a college kid, whether you’re a man or a woman, TikTok and Instagram can be a really scary experience because you have people creeping into your direct messages. You have all these messages and comments that are very threatening. You Worried about posting things your parents might see…or what future employers will say.
Another highlight is the Events Discovery page, where users can organize and participate in nearby college parties and other events, such as small hangouts, clubs, and Greek life activities. The app includes a dedicated video tab where students can post content highlighting events they attended.
The platform is also developing a feature that will allow users to enhance event pages by adding songs and custom playlists. In September, Connyct secured Warner Music Group as a launch partner to ensure users have access to music from major artists for their content.
Additionally, there are community channels that users can join to connect over common interests, such as favorite artists, sports teams, and more.
To promote the platform and enable college students to earn money from their content, Connyct also offers an Ambassador program. This allows students to monetize their content and provides rewards for signing up with a unique promo code. Participants will also receive rewards such as free merchandise, event concessions, gift cards, cash, and exclusive access to Connyct events.
While Berman did not disclose the specific potential earnings for students, he did mention that it varies and is not a fixed amount, depending on the different roles the ambassadors take on.
“Some people will work specifically on campus interviews. There will be different ambassadors who will focus more on social posting. There will be those who will focus more on events,” Berman explained, noting that the revenue potential is similar to that of many other businesses. existing.
Although many college-focused social apps have emerged frequently, few have gained much popularity. Facebook tried to return to its college-focused roots by launching “Campus” in 2020, but it was shut down two years later due to lack of traction. But successful applications already exist. Fizz, which launched in 2022, now operates on 240 college campuses and 60 high schools, and has raised $41.5 million in total funding.
Connect’s potential advantage over smaller competitors is its founding team of industry veterans and accomplished consultants.
For example, Berman previously founded Chunnel.TV, which has reached half a million monthly users with support from Martin Sorrell and WPP. Bill Campbell, chief music officer at Connyct, has advised both Spotify and TikTok during the latter’s transition from Musical.ly and its expansion into the US market. Additionally, Simi Kostanovitz, Chief Marketing Officer, is a former executive producer of “Impractical Jokers.” Connect revealed that it is also working with Nikita Bier, founder of the social media app Gas, which was acquired by Discord.
Although the app was not developed directly by students, the team collaborated with about 50 undergraduate students from various institutions, including Louisiana State University, University of California, University of Maryland, Purdue University, University of Texas, University of Wisconsin, and others. . Connyct touts its discussions with four-time NCAA gymnastics champion Ian Gunter during his time as a student.
Connyct is currently only available on App Store. Android and desktop versions are in the works.
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