This Social Media App Does Not Let You Post Photos or Follow Others

Mozi, an alternate social media platform, was recently launched on iOS. The founder of the platform claims that it is not really a media platform, as users cannot post photos or videos on it. The most unique feature of the platform is that users can use the app to connect with new people and those they know in a meaningful way. While the app is only available on iOS currently, the founder stated that a waitlist for Android users is already available, and an app might be released soon.

In a post on Medium, the founder of the app, Ev Williams, highlighted that he was trying to solve the problem of social media platforms not really catering to connecting people, instead of spreading content with those they do not know. He set out to provide an alternative platform that was private, did not support public profiles, follower counts, or strangers.

The result was Mozi, an alternative social app, that does not follow any of the fundamentals of traditional social media apps. Today, social media apps are focused on posting content in different formats and spreading the content among those who they do not know. On Mozi, users cannot post photos or videos, and it does not have any influencers.

“The primary value proposition of Mozi (today) is simple: It lets you know when you’re going to be in the same place (city or event) as someone you know. And the goal is straightforward: to connect more often — and in person — with the people you care about,” Williams said on Medium.

The platform also has other use cases. Williams explains that Mozi can be used to help users make decisions on which events to go to. For instance, if five or six events are happening on the same weekend, users can see which event will be visited by more of their friends. This way, they can decide the event they would prefer to attend.

Williams highlighted that the app was soft-launched a few months ago to a “relatively small community”. The reception to its features has been largely positive, and the founder received feedback that people were getting together as a result of the app.

Currently, users on Mozi cannot create public profiles, plans, or any other information that can be shared publicly. Anything a user posts can only be viewed by mutual contacts (verified using phone numbers). Users can, however, mark plans for “close friends” only. Users can also remove any contact they do not receive anything from.