In 2017, Jack Dorsey stirred up disappointment when he decided to shut down Vine, a platform beloved for its short, engaging videos. Users were heartbroken as the app, much like the bite-sized content that ByteDance later popularized globally, felt like a vibrant part of the social media landscape at the time. But it appears Dorsey is now on a mission to bring Vine back in a new form.
Dorsey’s non-profit initiative, and Other Stuff, is stepping in to resurrect the spirits of Vine by launching an archive featuring around 100,000 vintage videos. According to TechCrunch, this collection will be accessible through an app called deVine, built on the innovative Nostr open-source protocol.
What Is Nostr and How Does It Empower Developers?
Nostr is designed to allow developers to create applications that operate without heavy reliance on venture capital or traditional business models. Dorsey stated, “The reason I funded the non-profit, and Other Stuff, is to allow creative engineers like Rabble to show what’s possible in this new world, by using permissionless protocols.” This opens the door for a fresh wave of creativity in app development.
The Vision Behind deVine
The project is spearheaded by Evan Henshaw-Plath, a former Twitter employee known as “Rabble.” He sees this revival as a fun opportunity to bring some nostalgia back into social media. “Can we do something that takes us back, that lets us see those old things?” he said. The aim is to create an environment where users can have greater control over their feeds and engage with genuine content creators.
How Many Vine Videos Will Be Available?
Although not every video will make a comeback, Rabble has successfully reconstructed around 150,000 to 200,000 videos from approximately 60,000 creators. Each user will have a new profile on this open network, helping to rekindle the essence of Vine.
When Will deVine Be Available?
The beta version of the iOS app launched recently and quickly filled its slots with eager users. If you’re curious to experience it, you can check it out on the web at this link.
What impact did Vine have on social media? Vine shaped the way short-form video content is consumed today, paving the way for platforms like TikTok that continue to thrive. The community created around Vine was self-sustaining, fostering countless memes and cultural phenomena.
Will deVine replace TikTok? While deVine’s focus is on nostalgia and its original video content, TikTok has established itself with its unique algorithm and features. However, deVine may find its niche with those looking for a genuine and nostalgic user experience.
Can I expect new features in deVine? Although the initial focus is on providing archived content, the open-source nature of Nostr means that developers can continually build upon it, potentially offering new features and experiences over time.
Will there be any monetization on deVine? No clear monetization strategy has been disclosed yet. The emphasis seems to be on community and user engagement rather than profit.
In conclusion, Dorsey’s initiative to revive Vine through deVine represents a fascinating intersection of nostalgia and groundbreaking technology. It encourages users to rediscover the simple joys of social media while harnessing cutting-edge development methods. If you’re eager to explore the new era of social media, dive into these updates and keep an eye on the world of innovation. For more insights and updates, stay connected with Moyens I/O.