Get ready to meet Neptune, the highly anticipated newcomer in the world of short-form video apps! As it gears up to rival giants like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, Neptune is already causing quite a stir.

Currently in beta, the app is attracting a wave of interest, boasting around 970 testers and an impressive 400,000 eager users on its waitlist. Exciting news just dropped—Neptune is set to launch on the App Store next week, with a Google Play Store rollout planned in about six months!

Founded by Ashley Darling, a former talent director at OPTYX who championed overlooked creators, Neptune aims to shift the focus from follower counts to pure creativity. "After years of working with independent influencers, I heard a consistent plea: we miss the days when social media was about fun and creativity instead of competition," Darling shared. And so, she decided to create a platform that truly listens to its users.

With the future of TikTok hanging in the balance, Neptune offers an appealing alternative for creators eager to monetize their content while fostering genuine connections. The app plans to introduce varied revenue streams such as tips, livestreaming, and subscriptions.

Neptune features a user-friendly discovery tool and a vertical video feed for seamless swiping through engaging clips. Users can even add eye-catching cover photos, similar to profiles on other social platforms.

What sets Neptune apart? The ability for creators to optionally hide their follower and like counts with its innovative "ghost metrics" feature. This approach aims to liberate users from the anxiety tied to public metrics while still allowing those who wish to showcase their stats the option to do so.

Neptune’s algorithm prioritizes content quality and user interests over mere popularity, empowering lesser-known creators and micro-influencers to shine. As CMO Timur Tugberk puts it, "We’re giving power back to the creators who built the internet—not the corporations or algorithms. Neptune is all about connection, not clout."

Another appealing feature is "Hop Back," which lets users resume watching videos right where they left off, making the experience all the more user-friendly.

While still in beta and currently offering a straightforward video feed and search function, Neptune has big plans on the horizon. Users can look forward to upcoming features like livestream capabilities, playlist creation, and music integrations!

With its unique focus on creativity, connection, and comprehensive features on the way, Neptune is poised to make waves in the social media landscape. Are you ready to jump on board?