Skylight Surges to 380K Users Following TikTok U.S. Deal Completion

Skylight, an emerging social media platform and alternative to TikTok, has surged to 380,000 users. This significant leap in user numbers coincided with recent changes in TikTok’s ownership structure, which has raised concerns among its user base.

Skylight’s User Growth

Founded by CEO Tori White and CTO Reed Harmeyer, Skylight launched last year. The app, which operates on open-source technology utilizing the AT Protocol, has now surpassed 380,000 users after an explosive growth weekend. Notably, it has seen a 150% increase in sign-ups over the last few days.

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• Current Uploads: Over 150,000 videos uploaded by users.

Performance Metrics

Skylight reported impressive performance metrics following its recent user surge:

• 1.4 million videos were streamed in a single day, tripling viewership.
• Over 50% increase in returning users.
• 40% rise in average video plays.
• More than 100% increase in content creation.

This spike is likely driven by users seeking alternatives to TikTok due to concerns over new privacy policies and ownership changes within that platform. On January 22, TikTok announced the establishment of the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. This move responds to U.S. government demands for a sale of its operations to American investors.

Impact of TikTok’s Changes

As tensions escalate between the U.S. and China, many TikTok users express anxiety over the app’s new American stakeholders and their potential influence. Recent updates to TikTok’s privacy policy, which include tracking users’ GPS coordinates, have further fueled these concerns.

Tori White emphasized Skylight’s commitment to open standards, stating, “We wanted creator and user power to be guaranteed by the technology. Not an empty promise, but an irrevocable right.” Skylight aims to support creators more effectively, contrasting sharply with TikTok’s algorithm-driven content distribution.

Looking Ahead

While Skylight is still in its growth phase and lags behind TikTok’s estimated 200 million monthly active users in the U.S., its innovative approach offers unique opportunities for expansion. The team is optimistic that its customizable features will continue to attract a larger audience seeking more control over their content experience.

In conclusion, Skylight’s recent success illustrates a shifting landscape in social media, providing a promising alternative to TikTok amid rising concerns associated with privacy and corporate ownership.