Swsh Unveils Photo App for Gen Z, Excluding Red Solo Cups and Alcoholic Beverages
Swsh Unveils Photo App for Gen Z, Excluding Red Solo Cups and Alcoholic Beverages
Blog Article
When Swsh debuted last year, it was primarily a social app designed as a polling game, akin to the Most Likely To game, allowing users to answer five daily questions with friends. However, the company has shifted its focus entirely, entering the competitive arena of photo album-sharing platforms. These apps have been around for over a decade, with recent competitors like Dispo, Lapse, and Sunshine. Swsh believes it can differentiate itself by catering to Gen Z.
One standout feature is the option to filter out images featuring alcoholic beverages and Solo cups, appealing to young users, especially those in high school and college, who want to project a pristine image on social media. Another useful tool is the ability to hide specific photos, such as those where someone looks intoxicated or has their eyes closed.
Furthermore, the app includes an AI facial recognition tool, enabling users to locate their images among many. Participation in this feature is optional, and hosts can limit access so users see only their photos.
Recently, Swsh added an automatic tagging feature for easier searching. If users forget a name of someone from an event and wish to reconnect, they can browse through the tagged names. Each user has a personal profile and can form collaborative groups with friends.
Focusing on Gen Z is a strategic choice for Swsh, targeting a demographic that has always shared their lives online. The app also caters to college fraternities and sororities, assisting presidents with managing events and the multitude of photos taken.
Notably, the minds behind Swsh are Gen Zers — CEO Alexandra Debow, CTO Nathan Ahn, and COO Weilyn Chong — who possess a keen understanding of their audience.
“We often heard, ‘Hey, can you send me those photos? And who was that cute guy?’ after parties,” Debow shared with TechCrunch. “There’s always an exchange after social events, a kind of social contract.”
Recognizing this need, she expressed, “There’s a strong demand for the best-shared photo album.”
Swsh plans to introduce customized albums, allowing users to create themed collections for special occasions, holidays, and concerts. Additionally, a feature called “Recaps” will showcase photos from previous events, helping users reminisce. These updates are expected to launch later this fall.
Swsh’s relaunch occurred in February, and while it still has much to achieve to rival its competitors, it has seen growth, with Sensor Tower estimating approximately 3,093 installs and a 47% monthly increase in users.
Despite its gradual expansion, notable investors have expressed confidence in Swsh’s potential among younger audiences. The latest funding round raised $700,000, led by BoxGroup, with contributions from investors like Alexandra Burbey (Sound Ventures), Amy Moussavi (ex-Apple), David Rosenberg, Krish Jayaram (former Snap director), and Sergei Sorokin (former Discord VP of product), among others.