As a response to the growing demand for a healthier online environment, Zigazoo, a video-sharing app originally designed for kids, has expanded its reach to target the Gen Z audience.
Starting March 25th, Zigazoo will split into two distinct apps: Zigazoo Kids, designed for Generation Alpha (ages 3-12), and the flagship Zigazoo app, aimed at users aged 13 and older. Both apps maintain the same video thread-style format that encourages users to engage with one another through short-form videos instead of typed comments. This unique approach is believed to significantly reduce negative comments and trolling on the platform.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Zigazoo incorporates features such as optional private accounts, human-in-the-loop moderation, and a positivity-promoting algorithm. While Zigazoo’s Gen Z app does not require parental consent and offers direct messaging, the platform continues to prioritize user safety by employing auto-moderation software for messages.
New features on the Gen Z app include searchable music and trending sounds, as well as the option for all users to create a “Vibe” video. On Zigazoo Kids, only verified creators and brands have the ability to make a Vibe video.
Zigazoo has partnered with a select group of creators, including Netflix’s “That ‘90s Show” cast members, popular TikTokers, and various Gen Z actors, to deliver content that spans dance, music, fashion, gaming, memes, and more. The platform will also introduce entertainment channels led by creators, such as TikTok’s Hannah Kosh, who will have a channel dedicated to entertainment news.
The introduction of Zigazoo’s Gen Z app comes at a time when many users are questioning the impact of social media on their mental health. A study by research group ORIGIN revealed that 48% of Gen Z respondents reported feeling anxious, sad, or depressed due to social media use, with 61% admitting to taking a social media detox.
Zigazoo co-founder Zak Ringelstein sees the launch as an opportunity for a “major social media reset” in the face of potential bans and losses for other platforms. He emphasizes the importance of providing a space where users can feel good about themselves and enjoy a less toxic social media experience.
With a growing number of Gen Z users, Zigazoo aims to create a welcoming online oasis tailored specifically for this audience. The company has already received $20 million in funding from high-profile investors and celebrities, and boasts over 3 million installs and 250 verified creators and brands.
Will Zigazoo’s Gen Z app succeed in providing a refreshing alternative to traditional social media platforms? Only time will tell, but it certainly offers a promising opportunity for users seeking a more positive and authentic online experience.
