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Yope, a photo-sharing app designed for private groups, is rapidly gaining traction among Gen Z users, drawing significant attention from venture capitalists. The app, which allows users to share still images in closed groups, has achieved impressive growth, boasting 2.2 million monthly active users and 800,000 daily active users. The platform’s usage has increased by 30x in the preceding six months, and 40% of its users remain on day seven, indicating long-term success in the congested social media firms.
The business that runs Yope received $4.65 million in early funding as its valuation surpassed $50 million. Goodwater Capital is the lead investor in this investment round, with Inovo VC and Redseed also contributing, as well as famous angel investors. The list includes Jean de La Rochebrochard and Greg Tkachenko, who acquired AI Factory through SnapChat in 2020, as well as Dima Shevts, co-founder of Reface app, and former Google researcher Andrei Tkachenk.
“Yope is driving people/VCs a bit crazy,” a source said, adding that some have optimistically referred to it as “the new Instagram.”
A Unique Approach to Social Media
Yope’s interface is simple yet engaging. Users can capture a photo within the app or select one from their gallery and share it within their private groups. Members have access to a machine learning algorithm-generated continuous photo collage via the “wall” interface, as well as post reactions and engage in real-time conversations.
The software includes social media features similar to those found in other popular networking systems. The platform includes a lock screen photo widget that displays recent group photographs, streaks to encourage frequent sharing, and a recap tool akin to Google photographs and Apple Photos. Users find it tough to avoid picking numerous options during the initial setup process.
Yope accelerates its growth with an ambassador program that incentivizes influential users to promote the app on TikTok and Instagram. Yope ambassador-generated content has topped 56 million views, and platform acquisition is predominantly driven by 70-80% of new members who were invited.
Yope’s CEO, Bahram Ismailau, anticipates the company to have 50 million monthly active users the next year. The app’s forthcoming version will include video capabilities, interactive group walls that can be personalized with stickers and drawings, and a check-in function that urges users to stay active. The company plans to expand beyond its present demographic by offering family group choices. Yope’s user base is primarily made up of people under the age of 18.
A Journey of Pivots Leading to Success
Yope’s path to success has been fraught with hurdles as it strives to establish itself as a brand. Ismailau and Paul Rudkouski, who were classmates at Belarusian State University Minsk, co-founded Yope in 2021. Salo and the multi-camera app followed each other as the company developed social networking apps before launching Yope in September 2024. Since 2023, the business has moved away from its earlier asynchronous video podcasting efforts until launching Yope in September 2024.
Yope’s private-group photo-sharing approach distinguishes it from WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat, which all provide group communication but do not identify its fundamental function. Instagram’s Flipside feature was discontinued within five months of its inception, despite its attempt to create such capability.
“Instagram and Snapchat have become platforms for curated content. While Gen Z users take a lot of photos, only 1% of them are shared,” said Ismailau. Yope aims to counter this trend by encouraging the sharing of “unfiltered content.”
The Challenge of Sustained Growth
Despite its rapid rise, Yope faces a familiar challenge: maintaining momentum. Similar apps, such as BeReal, have seen strong initial adoption but struggled with long-term engagement. BeReal, for instance, experienced a decline in growth before being acquired by gaming company Voodoo.
“At Goodwater, we invest in category-defining consumer apps, and Yope is a prime example of an important new social behavior,” Goodwater’s co-founder and managing partner, Chi-Hua Chien, said in an email. “Yope is making it easy for everyone to share their daily lives with close friends. Their explosive growth speaks volumes about the strength of their product and team.”
While the startup has yet to prove it can sustain long-term user retention, its innovative approach and strong early traction suggest it may have a shot at becoming the next major player in the social media space. Whether Yope can defy the fate of its predecessors remains to be seen, but for now, its rapid rise is capturing the interest of both users and investors alike.
