The startup Zigazoo is launching a separate app targeted at Gen Z users in addition to its TikTok-style video-sharing app for kids.
Zigazoo Kids, the original kid-focused app has been rebranded as “Zigazoo Kids.” Users in the younger age range will be automatically migrated to the new app which will take the flagship name and be meant for ages 13 and up.
Launching on Saturday, March 25 Zigazoo is an invite-only service.
The new Generation Z-focused software is a video thread-style platform, similar to Zigazoo Kids, and does not enable users to enter comments on posts. As a result, users can only converse with each other via short-form videos reducing trolling and negative comments. Video-driven prompts will also allow users to answer questions like, “What sports are you passionate about?” or “What are you thinking about?”
According to the business, the app not only forbids negativity but also provides optional private accounts human-in-the-loop moderation and an algorithm that encourages positivity.
In contrast to Zigazoo Kids, the Generation Z product won’t need parental permission and will include an automatically monitored direct messaging option. TikTok on the other hand has disabled direct messaging for users under 16. According to what we understand TikTok only moderates messages reported by users.
Only verified creators and brands are allowed to create Vibe videos on Zigazoo Kids. On Generation Z all users can search for music and trending sounds as well as make their own Vibe videos.
A select group of creators will be featured on Zigazoo including the cast of Netflix’s reboot “That’90s Show,” as well as Hype House members Jack Wright, Alana Clements, and Nick Bencinvengo as well as young talents from the new and next-generation like “Walker” actor Kale Culley and “Girl Meets World” actress Ava Kolker.
In addition to dance and music, there is also fashion, gaming, and meme content.
Zigazoo will also launch entertainment channels with content created by creators. Hannah Kosh the creator of the popular TikTok app known for her pop culture and celebrity gossip videos will debut a channel devoted to entertainment news and Callie Haverda who played Leia Forman on “That ’90s Show,” will also receive a channel.
In a statement, Haverda said, that I was drawn to Zigazoo because it creates a positive community. I love the idea of contributing organic content to a platform that creates a safe space for my generation. As an artist, I’m very passionate about having fun and making entertaining art without the fear of criticism or trolling, and Zigazoo offers just that! I’m so excited to be a part of the initial launch and I can’t wait to show you all the fun we’ll have!
It offers a “nontoxic” environment as many users are put off by other social media platforms with unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.
In a study by the consumer and business insights research group ORIGIN, 48% of Generation Z participants reported feeling anxious sad or depressed after using social media. Sixty-one percent admitted doing a social media detox.
Launching a Generation Z-focused app in this environment is certainly noteworthy, especially given yesterday’s Congressional hearing on TikTok. Although TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew tried to reassure representatives about the app’s impact on minors he was also clear that parents are ultimately responsible for how their children use the app citing several features such as the lack of effective screen time controls.
Zak Ringelstein the co-founder of Zigazoo recently commented on the potential ban of TikTok and the declining user base for Snapchat and Meta. He believes there should be a more critical eye on social media, emphasizing on creating a positive experience for users. For this reason, Ringelstein is optimistic about its launch and hopes to see a less toxic environment in the near future.
The fact that 31% of Zigazoo Kids users are 12 to 14-year-olds (and older) was another reason Zigazoo saw an opening for the Gen Z app.
We decided to launch this new platform because we saw that so many Generation Zers have already been organically migrating to Zigazoo in search of a more authentic and positive social media environment. “Our intention, he said, was to “create a social media oasis tailored especially for this audience.”
In 2020 Zigazoo launched as a “healthier” social media platform that lets kids create or browse 30-second videos based on challenges or educational prompts such as “Is there anything that’s symmetrical?” Alternatively “Could you show us how to play your favorite sport?”
Parents can choose whether their child’s videos are published publicly or privately on Zigazoo Kids using their Facebook, Google or Apple accounts. Zigazoo Kids is kid-safe COPPA certified.
Watch founder Chris M. Williams, and Matthew Rutler, director of talent at MasterClass. In addition to pocket, the business has raised $20 million from notable backers like Jimmy Kimmel, Serena Williams, Charli, and Dixie D’Amelio. In addition to Christina Aguilera, LeBron James, Matt Damon, and Dolly Parton, it is also endorsed by many celebrities.
It currently has over 3 million installs and more than 250 verified creators and brands including Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Paramount, Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), and Mattel.
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