Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on open-source technology, has seen a significant increase in user growth, surpassing 380,000 users following concerns surrounding TikTok’s U.S. ownership transition. The startup, founded by CEO Tori White and CTO Reed Harmeyer, offers a feature-rich experience with a built-in video editor, user profiles, interactive elements like likes and comments, and custom feed creation by community curators.
Launched last year and supported by notable investors including Mark Cuban, Skylight’s mobile app is underpinned by the AT Protocol, also utilized by Bluesky, a decentralized platform with over 42 million users. Over 150,000 videos have been uploaded to Skylight, with the app able to stream content from Bluesky due to its AT Protocol integration.
Notably, the app witnessed a surge in video views, user sign-ups, returning users, and post creation in response to TikTok’s ownership changes and technical issues. With TikTok establishing the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC to comply with regulatory requirements, Skylight’s rise underscores the shifting landscape of short-form video platforms, signaling a broader trend of users exploring alternative options amidst industry developments.
Source: TechCrunch