What Is Social Discovery? Yubo’s Way of Changing How We Connect
Generation Z — individuals born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s — have been raised in a highly digital world from a very young age. As some of the first to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of social media, including access to platforms via smart devices such as cell phones and tablets, Gen Z values authenticity, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Gen Z also favors short-form video content and is highly active on social media.
However, social discovery is gaining traction on newer platforms despite the traditional discovery methods of finding others online, including through algorithms and shared connections. This emerging approach aims to foster genuine connections and facilitate meaningful interactions between users who are strangers. Yubo, a Paris-based platform, is a part of this movement.
Yubo’s CEO Sacha Lazimi stated: “Social media has changed so much since its early days, and you’re more likely to find a new shirt than a new friend when you log onto social platforms today.”
This observation focuses on the fundamental issues Yubo seeks to address, including the lack of authentic human connections in an increasingly commercialized social media landscape.
Yubo’s mission is simple: to revitalize the social aspect of online interactions by creating real-time connections between individuals who share common interests, regardless of geographical boundaries.
“The next wave of online networking will reflect a growing demand for fulfilling human connections on a one-to-one basis or within small groups,” said Lazimi.
Lazimi added on the “Big Technology” podcast that “Yubo is a social discovery platform that enables anyone to just hang out and have fun with people they don’t know and just have meaningful interactions anywhere in the world at any time.”
In other words, the live social discovery app is designed to foster user friendships. It’s not a dating platform that is becoming increasingly popular as dating and friendship apps are meshed together. Yubo is simply a place to hang out and connect with like-minded people.
The Essence of Social Discovery
Social discovery is a departure from the traditional social media model, which usually revolves around maintaining existing connections or consuming content from influencers with large followings. Instead, Yubo fosters an environment where users can hang out online whenever and wherever they desire.
Similar to how an event like a music festival creates a sense of community among attendees, social discovery platforms such as Yubo aim to replicate this by fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among users who meet and interact in real-time. The unexpected and memorable encounters that arise make the experience unique. Yubo strives to create similar memorable and meaningful interactions for its users.
“The chances you’ll have something in common with someone you meet at a music festival are pretty high, and while liking live music doesn’t guarantee you’ll become best friends, that shared interest is likely to lead to a fun interaction and chat, however brief,” Lazimi said.
Yubo’s social discovery model aims to replicate these organic moments of connection and, as a result, transcend geographical boundaries while enabling users to meet like-minded individuals from around the globe.
Central to Yubo’s approach is the emphasis on real-time engagement and interactivity. Unlike passive content consumption on traditional social media, the live social discovery app ensures that users remain actively engaged and connected with others through livestreaming and direct messaging. This dynamic environment fosters community and belonging, addressing a void often felt on more established platforms.
Yubo’s live streaming rooms are characterized by a high level of user participation, with an average of four or five people actively engaging in discussions and co-hosting streams. This contrasts with the one-to-many broadcasting model prevalent on other platforms, where users often passively consume content as mere spectators while only occasionally offering input in chat channels.
Along with a commitment to fostering user interactions, Yubo has implemented safety measures and moderation protocols to keep the experiences on the platform as safe as possible. Yubo employs a combination of artificial intelligence and human moderators to keep its users protected.
“Safety is our top priority,” Lazimi stressed. “We want our users to feel like they are part of an inclusive environment where community guidelines are enforced, and they can just focus on hanging out.”
The live social discovery app’s dedication to safety is reflected in its design choices. It empowers users with intuitive tools to report suspicious behavior, providing moderators valuable context through screenshots, video imaging, and detailed descriptions. This approach to content moderation showcases Yubo’s commitment to fostering a respectful and safe online community.
Yubo: Catering to the Evolving Needs of Gen Z
While Yubo’s initial user base upon launch was composed of teenagers between 13 and 17, the platform has evolved along with its audience as Generation Z has matured. The platform now adopts a more mature aesthetic, which includes a refined color palette and genuine imagery.
Yubo’s new tagline — “Chat. Stream. Vibe.” — captures its essence.
Lazimi has said, “The eldest of the generation are now in their early and mid-20s. We are growing up with them and evolving to meet their changing needs.”
Yubo’s approach to social networking has garnered significant attention from investors, who have recognized the platform’s sustained growth and potential. To date, Yubo has raised substantial funding, including a $47.5 million Series C round in 2020, enabling the company to expand its team, enhance its technology, and grow its user base, which currently stands at over 80 million users across more than 140 countries.
An aspect that sets Yubo apart from others is its monetization strategies. Rather than relying on advertising revenue, Yubo generates income from paid features, such as those that come from in-app enhancements and customizations.
As social media continues to evolve, platforms like Yubo that prioritize genuine connections, safety, and authentic experiences are poised to thrive. Lazimi’s vision for Yubo continues to come into focus.
This story originally appeared on https://gothammag.com/what-is-social-discovery-yubos-way-of-changing-how-we-connect