Meet Neptune, an alternative to Tiktok where the creators can hide likes and the number of followers

Neptune is one of the latest short-shaped video applications that strives to compete with big players like Tiktok, Instagram reels and shorts on YouTube.

The application, which is currently in Beta, has attracted the attention of hundreds of thousands of users, with 970 testers and 400,000 people in the waiting list, according to the company.

Neptune announced on Monday that he was preparing to launch the App Store app next week, planning to unfold on the Google Play Store in about six months.

The launch was founded by Ashley Darling, who has experience as a talents director at Optyx, where she works with “underestimated” influencing. She was thinking of developing a platform that emphasizes creativity instead of the number of followers the creator has.

“I spent years working with independent creators, as if influencing, and later helping brands,” Darling said with TechCrunch. “I continued to hear the same thing from the creators and users:” I miss when social media were fun. When it came to creativity, not competition. ” So, instead of waiting for a platform to listen, I built one. “

Since the future of Tiktok is not yet certain, Neptune hopes to attract creators who are looking for an alternative way to earn revenue while promoting an environment that gives priority to the quality of videos and links instead of the number of followers. The application plans to offer different streams of revenue, including tips, live streams and subscriptions.

Like its competitors, Neptune has a tool for detecting and a vertical issue for users to spend your finger through short videos and engage in comments. In addition, users can add a cover photo to their profiles, mimicking what X and other job applications offer.

The main distinguishing feature of Neptune is that it allows creators to hide their common followers and likes. However, this Ghost Metrics feature is optional and is intended to help users avoid the pressure associated with the number of followers, but still take care of creators who may want to show their indicators.

According to the company, Neptune’s algorithm emphasizes the consumer interests and quality of content, not the popularity of the creators. Usually, social media algorithms give priority to the highest engagement content, often leaving less known creators or “micro-inflammatory”, in a disadvantageous position.

“We brought the power back into the hands of (the creators) who have actually built the Internet. Not corporations, not algorithms. Neptune is for connection, not for intervention,” said Chief Marketing Director Timur Tugberk.

Another remarkable feature is Hop Back, which allows users to resume watching video exactly where they are left, preventing them from losing their place when the application is refreshing.

Neptune is in beta and still does not offer all its intended functions. It is currently on the simple side, providing only a video broadcast and search function. When we tested the app, we also noticed that it lacked tools to edit in the application and direct messages.

The company says it works on the addition of live ability, the ability to create playlists and musical integration.