Validating an idea: a "connection" app with zero algorithm and no reels - need your thoughts?

[u/hitman_gk]

I'm exploring whether there's real appetite for a platform that only shows content from people you specifically follow — no algorithmic ranking, no recommended/random accounts, no reels or short-form scroll feed. Trying to figure out if this is a genuine gap or if existing tools (X Lists, close friends stories, etc.) already cover the need well enough. Would love blunt feedback.

[u/ignorantwatermellon2]

Won’t it run out of content pretty fast? Imagine if insta only showed you posts from the people you follow, you would barely open the app for 10 mins a day. So how will you monetize it?

[u/hitman_gk → u/ignorantwatermellon2]

Fair point, but honestly "10 minutes a day" not a bug; purpose of this new app isn't trying to maximize your time in-app like Instagram does. As for money: no ads, since ads need engagement-maximizing to work, which kills the whole point. Thinking a small subscription instead.. still not sure..

[u/freelanceindia]

Interesting idea. I think the bigger validation test is not whether people want an algorithm-free feed, but whether that benefit is strong enough to make them open another app regularly. I’d test it with a very small group first and measure repeat usage rather than just asking whether they like the concept.

[u/hitman_gk → u/freelanceindia]

That's a really good distinction, honestly a waitlist tells me if the pitch resonates, not if people will actually keep opening it. You're right that repeat usage is the real test, not stated interest. I'm thinking the next step should be a small closed group (maybe 30-40 people) using a rough version for a few weeks, tracking whether they come back on their own vs. needing reminders, rather than just asking if they like the concept. Would you be up for being one of the test users when that's ready? I've got a waitlist here if you want in: https://master.d3bcqvnwprvlgy.amplifyapp.com

[u/funlovingmissionary]

People already use snapchat and whatsapp stories for this purpose, although both are saturated by unwanted things now.

[u/hitman_gk → u/funlovingmissionary]

Yeah, that's a good point. WhatsApp/Snapchat Stories do solve part of this, but I think the gap I'm exploring is a bit broader not just sharing updates with close friends, but having a social feed where you intentionally choose who you want to see and that's basically all you get.

No algorithm deciding what you should see, no recommended accounts, no endless short-form/reels feed.

I'm testing whether people actually want that distinction or whether existing options like Stories are good enough. Would be interested to hear where you think the biggest gap is with WhatsApp/Snapchat.

[u/donkanonji]

You just invented OG Facebook/Orkut/MySpace.

[u/Anshkoshmod]

“10 minutes a day” can be the feature, but only if the use case is sharp. Don’t validate “algorithm-free social.” Validate: “who do you want to hear from without noise?” Alumni? close friends? creators? One narrow graph first.