There are many services that allow you to create lists to track and discover new books, movies, and songs, but these lists often end up in silos. Former Squarespace employee Alfonso Cobo wants to combine all kinds of lists into one, and he's using Hyperist to do just that.
Cobo said the ethos behind the creation of Hyperist is that people online often ask for recommendations on everything from skin care routines, books, restaurants to movies.
“People on social media were asking for all kinds of recommendations, but suggestions were hard to keep track of and there was no way to share or create different types of lists in one place.” Cobo said in an interview. “They were using a variety of ad hoc solutions such as WhatsApp, Sheets, and Notes apps. We thought there had to be a better way to get recommendations.”
Essentially, Hyperist aims to be a topic-agnostic app that allows you to create any kind of list.
Image credit: Hyperlist
The app's home screen displays a list of different categories created by other users. You can also filter featured listings, listings created near you, or create your own listings according to your suggestions and ideas. You can also invite friends to collaborate on lists.
A few weeks ago, the app added a commenting feature that allows users to join lists and provide feedback.
The app also features an AI chatbot that can answer questions like “Where's a good burger restaurant in Brooklyn?” or “What are the best movies of 2024?” If you're viewing your own list, the AI assistant will make suggestions based on the topic and items already added to the list. The company said that over time, the bot will analyze your list of users and your preferences to show you better suggestions.
Cobo launched the app in January and has seen “good traction,” with users creating an average of three listings, he said.
Image credit: Hyperlist
The company is considering launching a $2.99 monthly subscription plan called Hyperist Ultra in the coming months. This plan allows for unlimited AI assistant calls, private lists, and better customization for paid users. Cobo noted that the company wants to rely on subscriptions and brand partnerships for revenue rather than displaying ads.
Cobo will have to contend with other startups in the space, including France-based Memorizer and India-based Openvy, which are creating social experiences around lists and recommendations. Additionally, Linktree CEO Alex Zaccaria said in a podcast spotted by TechCrunch earlier this year that the company is considering building curation tools on top of the platform.