Yope: The new social network that focuses on privacy

We're here to talk about Yope: The new social network that focuses on privacy and has quickly gained popularity in the United States. It's an innovative proposal that combines the privacy of WhatsApp groups with the visual experience of InstagramHow does this new platform work and why is it so appealing?

What is Yope? The new social network that focuses on privacy

Yope is a new social network that's making inroads among giants like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. What's its appeal? Among other things, does not collect user data to monetize with personalized ads or contentThis creates a safe and private space where you can post photos, send messages, and interact with others without feeling like algorithms are watching your every move.

But let's start from the beginning. How did Yope come about? Who created it and when? This platform was founded in 2021 by Bahram Ismailau and Paul Rudkouski, two former students of the Belarusian State University. Initially, they started with an app called Salo, which was like a social chat. They then continued experimenting with a video podcast recording platform and a multi-camera app similar to BeReal.

Finally, They released the final version of Yope in September 2024, as a platform focused on privacy and closed-group interactions. In such a short time, the app already has approximately 2,2 million monthly active users and a 40% retention rate. It is especially popular in the United States, primarily among members of Generation Z.

What is your approach to privacy?

Most social networks operate under a simple logic: The more information they collect from the user (likes, location, habits), the more effective their ads will be.To achieve this, they rely on questionable practices such as tracking activity outside the social network, using addictive algorithms, and even data leaks. Yope, on the other hand, focuses on privacy:

• Use end-to-end encryption in all communications and interactionsOn WhatsApp or Messenger, metadata (who speaks to whom and when) remains visible to the platform. Yope encrypts even the most basic interactions (messages, comments, calls, etc.).
• Does not track or store dataYope doesn't collect any unnecessary information; it only asks for an email address (optional), phone number, and username.
• No personalized adsOn this social network, monetization doesn't rely on advertising, but rather on a free model with premium subscriptions (€4.99/month). The free version includes all the basic features, while the paid version adds unlimited storage and priority support.
• The user has full control. The platform offers options similar to those of Signal or Telegram to control content, but adapted to social dynamics and without predefined settings.

How does Yope work?

In essence, Yope is a social network in which You can create or join private groups to share photos and interact. with friends and family. Groups are similar to WhatsApp groups, but with a visual interface and options similar to those on Instagram. Within each group, you can chat, share images, and react and comment on photos uploaded by others.

In addition to the chat, in each group there is a section called Wall, which displays an infinite collage of shared images. A minimum of ten photos are required for the app's Artificial Intelligence to crop and combine them. And in the Recapitulation section, the app uses photos to generate a dynamic slideshow to relive special shared moments.

Another striking feature of Yope is its system of gusts, which counts the consecutive days of photo or message sharing. It's a simple and non-invasive way to encourage interaction between users and keep them engaged within the app. It's also possible to activate a widget on lock screen to see the latest photos shared without having to unlock your phone.

As you can see, Yope combines the best features of other apps and services, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Photos, etc., and adds new and striking elements. It also offers an intimate and safe space for interaction. free from social pressure to make everything look perfectIn fact, its founders insist that the platform is designed to share unfiltered, authentic content.

How to use the new social network?

To use Yope, all you have to do is Go to your mobile's app store and download the app. It is available in the Play Store for Android and in the iPhone App StoreOnce the app is installed, just open it and follow the process to log in. After the platform presentation, you can log in with your Google or Facebook account.

Once that's done, it's time to start using the app. You won't see any photos, videos, or content of any kind, like you would when you log into Instagram or TikTok. If you received a link to join a group, just tap it and the app will open it. If not, you'll need to create a group by assigning it a name and a profile photo. You can then invite your contacts to join the group using an invitation link.

I pe allows you to create as many groups as you want, each with a different theme and membersAs group members share photos and interact, the app becomes more dynamic and functional. After 10 shared photos, the app will create collages and dynamic slideshows that can also be commented on and shared.

In a short time, Yope has managed to make its way into a sector heavily dominated by traditional social media. Its privacy-focused approach has been very appealing for a growing number of conscious users and companies looking to invest. Furthermore, the app is very easy to use and has an attractive, well-designed interface, comparable to its rivals. For many, Yope could mark the beginning of a new era for social media, where privacy and security aren't a perk, but rather the very essence that defines them.