Airbuds: The Music Social Network Apple and Spotify Missed Out On
A new social networking app called Airbuds is rapidly gaining popularity among Gen Z and younger users, distinguishing itself from established platforms like Meta. Based in San Francisco, Airbuds allows users to share their music streaming activities with friends through a mobile widget compatible with various streaming services. Recently, the startup announced a successful funding round, securing $5 million from early-stage venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Rapid Growth and User Engagement
Airbuds has experienced impressive growth, with over 15 million downloads and 5 million monthly active users, including 1.5 million who engage with the app daily. The platform provides a unique space for users to socialize, express themselves, and discover new music. Unlike major music providers such as Apple and Spotify, which have struggled to create a cohesive social experience, Airbuds has successfully integrated social features that resonate with its audience. Apple’s previous attempts at social integration, such as the failed Ping and Connect, highlight the challenges of building a successful social music platform. Spotify has made strides with features like collaborative playlists and artist stories, yet it has not fully captured the essence of a social network.
Innovative Features and User Experience
Airbuds co-founders Gilles Poupardin and Gawen Arab have leveraged their backgrounds in consumer product development to create an engaging user experience. Poupardin, who has previously developed various music-related products, recognized the potential of iOS widgets to facilitate effortless sharing of music. Users simply connect their Spotify accounts, and the app automatically shares their listening activity in real time. Currently, Airbuds supports multiple streaming services, including Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Amazon Music, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.
The app’s core functionality revolves around its widget, but it also offers a variety of social features. Users can react to friends’ music choices with emojis, stickers, or selfies, and they can chat through a built-in messenger. A “ghost mode” allows users to listen privately without sharing their activity. Additionally, Airbuds provides personalized features, such as a Weekly Recap of streamed music and the ability to connect with friends who have similar tastes.
Focus on Self-Expression and Community
Self-expression is a crucial aspect of Airbuds’ appeal, with around 30% of users engaging with features beyond simply viewing friends’ streams. The app allows users to customize their profiles, or “Spaces,” by adding favorite artists, songs, and images. This focus on identity and self-expression has resonated particularly well with high school and college students in the U.S., as well as users in the U.K., Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Airbuds employs a feature-gating strategy, encouraging users to invite friends to unlock additional functionalities. For instance, users must invite friends to view more than their top three artists in the recap. While this approach aids in user growth, Poupardin emphasizes that the app’s true value lies in connecting with friends.
Future Plans and Funding
With the recent funding, Airbuds is poised for further expansion. The startup aims to enhance its app by integrating additional streaming services, fostering artist-to-fan connections, and developing features to attract older users. The team is also exploring the possibility of introducing a subscription model. To date, Airbuds has raised a total of $10 million from various investors, including a16z and SV Angel. The app is currently available on both iOS and Android platforms, positioning it for continued growth in the competitive social networking landscape.
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