A startup called Skylight takes a different approach to short form videos. Instead of limiting users to the main feed of algorithms, as is common in social apps, Skylight builds a community around human curators who post and repost videos to build their own custom feeds that others can subscribe to.
The option launched on Monday with the app's version 2.0 release will appeal to users who feel increasingly uneasy about traditional social media platforms and their algorithmic manipulation, as well as those suffering from an increase in the low-quality AI-generated content that is filling these feeds.
Based on Bluesky's social network and its underlying protocols, Skylight was first launched in April and offered an open alternative to video apps like Tiktok. Since then, the app has uploaded around 240,000 downloads and 100,000 videos to the platform. Skylight received early funding from Mark Cuban and others.
Like others in this field, Skylight's ability to authenticate users using blueski credentials can be advantageous to build your own user base. Today, BlueSky is used by over 38.4 million users and allows you to install, run and log in an ecosystem of open social apps such as Skylight, built for Skylight, photos, blogs, Wiki and more.
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With the launch of Skylight's 2.0, the company is focusing on improved curation. Users can now create their own “curator” feeds by posting and reposing videos or building their own custom feeds using third-party tools.
Soon, the company will integrate technology from its custom feed building platform Graze, allowing Skylight users to create these custom feeds within their own apps.
To access the curated feed, swipe left from the main page and browse to other selections. If you find a curator you want to follow, tap the plus (+) button to add it to your set of feeds. Curators you already follow are included in this experience.
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The update also includes other integrations with services built for the open social web. Skylight is partnering with LiveStreaming Platform Streamplace, another service built with the protocols used by Bluesky and Skylight. By leveraging StreamPlace's technology, Skylight was able to add live streaming capabilities to its apps without having to build the functionality itself.
Additionally, Skylight's app offers a redesigned player in full screen mode, allowing users to watch videos in the split screen window while continuing to browse profiles and search for other content.
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With a team of co-founders Tori White (CEO) and Reed Harmeyer (CTO), built by a team of two, Skylight generates much of that topic via Tiktok. Here, you'll be sharing the latest information on app progress on your White account.
These videos can sometimes help you with spike installation of apps. In the past week alone, White tells TechCrunch that Skylight has pulled out another 20,000 downloads, even before the new version arrives. We believe this is partly due to the interest of consumers in leaving established social platforms to join the open source social community.
Skylight is a free download for iOS and Android, with a roadmap that includes support for other features such as music, bookmarks, and account switcher.