Do we really need another social media app for college students? With the looming TikTok ban in the U.S., a new app called Connyct seems to think so.
Connyct closely resembles the popular short-form video app, providing all the features you would expect, such as a personalized content feed, private chatting, as well as video creation and editing tools, including the ability to add music, filters, stickers, and more. It also has an event discovery section and community channels to help students stay connected and bond over common interests.
Starting today, the new app is available to more college students after initially only offering early access.
The launch of Connyct follows a recent unanimous decision by a federal appeals court to uphold a law that might ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it separates from Chinese ownership. Connyct appears to be capitalizing on the possibility of a ban to fuel its growth as younger users seek alternatives.
The main draw to the app is that it has gated access, requiring users to register with a student .edu email to join. Each institution has its own private network for students to chat and share content with their peers. The advantage of using an exclusive app is that students can post content knowing they are only viewed by fellow students, without concerns about “creeps” or hovering parents watching them on mainstream social media platforms.
In a conversation with TechCrunch, co-founder and CEO Matthew Berman said, “Being a college kid, whether you’re a man or a woman, TikTok and Instagram can be a really scary experience because you have creeps sliding into your DMs. You have all of these messages and comments that are very threatening. You’re worried about posting things that your parents might see… or what future employers are going to say.”
Another differentiator is the event discovery page, where users can organize and participate in nearby college parties and other events, such as small hangouts, clubs, and Greek life activities. The app includes a dedicated video tab where students can post content highlighting the events they’ve attended.
The platform is also developing a feature that allows users to enhance event pages by adding songs and dedicated playlists. In September, Connyct secured Warner Music Group as a launch partner to ensure users have access to music from top artists for their content.
Additionally, there are community channels users can join to connect over shared interests, such as favorite artists, sports teams, and more.
To promote the platform and enable college students to earn money from their content, Connyct also offers an Ambassador program. This allows students to monetize their content and provides bonuses for sign-ups using a unique promo code. Participants will also receive rewards such as free merchandise, event perks, gift cards, cash, and exclusive access to Connyct events.
While Berman did not disclose the specific earnings potential for students, he mentioned that it varies and is not a fixed amount, depending on the different roles ambassadors take on.
“Some people will be working specifically on on-campus interviews. There’ll be different ambassadors who’ll focus more on social posting. There’ll be those who’ll be focusing more on events,” Berman explained, noting that the earning potential is comparable to that of many other companies that exist.
Although various college-focused social apps frequently emerge, few have gained significant popularity. Facebook tried to go back to its college-focused roots with the launch of “Campus” in 2020 but shut down two years later due to a lack of traction. Successful apps do exist, though. Fizz, which launched in 2022, is now operating at 240 college campuses and 60 high schools, having raised $41.5 million in total funding.
A potential advantage that Connect has over smaller competitors is its founding team of industry veterans and notable advisors.
Berman, for instance, previously founded the Chunnel.TV network, which scaled to half a million monthly users with backing from Martin Sorrell and WPP. Connyct’s chief music officer, Bill Campbell, has advised both Spotify and TikTok during the latter’s transition from Musical.ly and its expansion into the U.S. market. Additionally, Simmy Kustanowitz, the chief marketing officer, is a former executive producer of “Impractical Jokers.” Connect revealed that it’s also working with Nikita Bier, founder of the social networking app Gas, which was acquired by Discord.
Although the app was not developed directly by students, the team collaborated with around 50 college students from various institutions, including Louisiana State University, the University of California, the University of Maryland, Purdue University, the University of Texas, the University of Wisconsin, and others. Connyct touts its discussions with NCAA four-time gymnastics champion Ian Gunther during his time as a student.
Connyct is currently only available on the App Store. Android and desktop versions are in the works.
