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Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

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Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#1

Post by thunderstruck »

Hey HN,

I'm planning to launch a privacy-first social network in 2025, inspired by platforms like Instagram. Success for this platform means reaching a sustainable level of recurring revenue, without relying on an ad network.

One challenge I'm anticipating is attracting celebrities and influencers who are already established on Instagram and TikTok. How could I persuade them to use this platform as well? For those with experience or insights, how would you approach building and promoting such a network to reach this revenue goal?

Thanks for any advice or ideas!

Re: Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#2

Post by codingdave »

Why would you build it?

That isn't being snarky, it is the question you need to answer. Why would people join it? What problem are you solving for them? Why are celebrities and influencers on those platforms to begin with?

When you can detail out those answers, those answers tell you what you need to do to launch. You have to match the table stakes of existing platforms, which means you need to know not only what those are, but why they are important to the userbase.

I suspect you'll find that your drive for privacy-first is going to be well-received in theory, but not a match for why people join such platforms. But you'll need to do the research to figure out such things.

Re: Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#4

Post by exe34 »

codingdave wrote: post #2

Why would you build it? That isn't being snarky, it is the question you need to answer. Why would people join it? What problem are you solving for them? Why are celebrities and influencers on those platforms to begin with? When you can detail out those answers, those answers tell you what you need to do to launch. You have to match the table stakes of existing platforms, which means you need to know not only what tho…

> Why would you build it?

he already told you, revenue goals.

Re: Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#5

Post by thunderstruck »

codingdave wrote: post #2

Why would you build it? That isn't being snarky, it is the question you need to answer. Why would people join it? What problem are you solving for them? Why are celebrities and influencers on those platforms to begin with? When you can detail out those answers, those answers tell you what you need to do to launch. You have to match the table stakes of existing platforms, which means you need to know not only what tho…

Thanks for your comment! Honestly, I didn’t expect anyone to respond to such a vague post.

The reason I’d build this platform is to help people connect without the distractions of sponsored content or random memes. I stopped using Facebook about seven years ago because I wanted a space where I could simply engage with the people in my network and their thoughts. AdBlock helped for a while, but eventually, my feed filled with random posts from pages I hadn’t followed. I understand that Facebook’s goal is to keep users engaged, but the constant noise led me to switch to Instagram. Unfortunately, Instagram went down a similar path, especially with the rise of Reels.

Now, I mainly use WhatsApp groups to stay connected.

Why are celebrities and influencers on those platforms to begin with?

I considered a model where users could pay to access celebrity posts. It sounds similar to OnlyFans, but I see it as a potential revenue stream or, alternatively, a way to support a fixed monthly fee in exchange for privacy.

Re: Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#6

Post by JohnFen »

As a new service, I think you'll struggle to attract celebrities and influencers. You'd need to have some really compelling reason for them to use the service, and the only compelling reason they'd care about is audience size, which you won't have.

If I were attempting this, I'd design and aim the network for a niche audience of some sort and once that's established, begin expanding to wider audiences.

Re: Ask HN: How would you launch a privacy-first, Instagram-like social network?

#8

Post by zadler »

I’ve built a social network that has an influencer -> audience model in order to not rely on advertiser revenue. Im trying to figure out the getting users but now.

I’d suggest that the answer is not how to attract celebrities but in the first instance how to attract any users. My platform is novel and interesting and even then it’s not easy.

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