In the ever-evolving world of social media, where text-based and image-obsessed platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter continue to dominate, a new challenger has emerged – Airchat. Founded by tech veterans Naval Ravikant (founder of AngelList) and Brian Norgard (former Tinder product executive), Airchat takes a radical approach, prioritising audio for a more natural and personal communication experience.
We are seeing that the industry is in need of audio tech platforms as well. Back in January, we reported about Wondercraft, a company which drives AI-powered audio content, which secured $3 million in seed funding.
This invite-only app has already generated significant buzz, ranking 23 in social networking on the Apple App Store despite being in beta testing. But can audio truly change the way we connect online and what exactly sets Airchat apart? Let’s take a deeper look at five key aspects of this novel platform:
Voice-based communication
Unlike traditional social media platforms where text reigns supreme, Airchat flips the script. Here, users record voice messages – their thoughts, opinions, and stories – which are then transcribed by the app. While photo and video sharing remain options, the core experience revolves around listening to and responding with audio messages. This shift towards voice-based communication is a central tenet of Airchat’s philosophy.
What is asynchronous communication
Airchat ditches the pressure of real-time interaction. It embraces an asynchronous communication style, meaning conversations don’t have to happen live. Users can record and post audio messages at their own pace, and replies can be made at any time.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of live audio chat formats found on platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. With Airchat, users can participate on their own terms, potentially reducing the anxiety associated with speaking on the spot.
How can it help introverts interact
The founders believe Airchat offers a unique space for introverts and those who may feel less comfortable expressing themselves through text. In one of the reports online, Norgard suggests the asynchronous format alleviates the “stage fright” often associated with live audio platforms. Users can refine their message before hitting post, allowing for more thoughtful and articulate communication.
Furthermore, Ravikant champions the power of voice to convey nuance and emotion that can be lost in text-based interactions. Vocal inflections, hesitations, and laughter can all add layers of meaning that text often fails to capture.
2 major challenges: Speed and discoverability
While Airchat prioritises listening and speaking, there are some user experience aspects to consider. The app defaults to playing audio messages at double speed, a setting some find unnatural. While the speed can be adjusted, navigating content and absorbing information efficiently might require users to adapt their listening habits.
Additionally, the current focus seems to be on user-generated content, with limited features for content discovery beyond following specific users. This might make it challenging for new users to find engaging content or connect with like-minded individuals within the platform.
Monetization and keeping the conversation safe
According to Techcrunch report, Ravikant emphasises that Airchat is not currently driven by monetization. There are no immediate plans for advertisements, a refreshing departure from the profit-driven models of many social media platforms. However, the question of content moderation remains unanswered.
While Ravikant mentions “complex rules” for managing spam and inappropriate content, details regarding specific features and the app’s approach to user safety are yet to be revealed. As Airchat progresses beyond the invite-only stage, robust content moderation strategies will be crucial to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users.
What we think about the new app
Airchat presents a thought-provoking alternative to the text-dominated social media landscape. Whether its audio-first approach and asynchronous communication style will appeal to a broader user base remains to be seen. Its focus on meaningful conversations and a departure from the image-obsessed social media world makes it an intriguing prospect. Whether it becomes a niche platform or a mainstream favourite, Airchat offers a unique space for those seeking a more authentic way to connect online.
As the platform evolves, key areas to watch include the development of content discovery features, the implementation of effective content moderation strategies, and the potential introduction of monetization methods that don’t compromise user experience.
