Summary of Key Points
Recently, two slow-socializing apps that feature the concept of "birds delivering messages" (Roost and Carrier Pidge) have become popular overseas. These apps deliberately make the delivery of messages slower (the flight time is calculated based on the distance), even introducing elements of uncertainty such as the possibility of the messages getting lost, which resonates with users' fatigue from the constant bombardment of instant messages. Both apps were developed quickly with the help of AI (by small teams or individuals) and are currently exploring commercialization options (such as subscriptions and in-app purchases). However, they also face challenges related to user retention, privacy, and long-term operation after the initial novelty wears off.
Why Has Slow Socializing Suddenly Become Popular? — A Counterattack to the Fatigue of Instant Messaging
People are constantly bombarded with messages from apps like WeChat, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Responding to messages instantly feels like a chore, and the red dots in group chats never go away, leading to a sense of numbness from constantly checking their phones. Slow socializing apps, on the other hand, slow down the communication process, providing users with a much-needed sense of ritual and anticipation.
For example, in Roost, the message you send is carried by a bird, and the farther the bird has to fly, the longer it takes (it might take several days to cross the ocean). Waiting for a message isn't as stressful as waiting for a response on WeChat; instead, it's reminiscent of waiting for letters from pen pals when you were younger. You start to wonder, "Where has my bird gone?" and "How will the recipient respond?" Additionally, features like raising birds and collecting stamps from different countries turn the act of waiting into a enjoyable experience rather than a burden.
Carrier Pidge takes this concept to another level: there's a 0.2% chance that the pigeon could get lost, and the delivery speed is also variable, mirroring the unpredictability of real letters. You never know if the message will be delivered or when it will arrive, adding a more personal and emotional touch to the communication.
The Differences Between the Two Apps
Although both apps use the concept of "birds delivering messages," their approaches are quite different:
- Roost: It turns "slowness" into an opportunity for various activities. You can choose different types of birds (snails, penguins, fast birds with speeds ranging from 2 to 97 km/h), find pen pals based on interests and languages, play mini-games (avoiding obstacles, shooting), raise birds (feed them, pet them), and collect stamps from different countries. Recently, they added a dual-player chess feature, combining slow communication with social interaction and gaming to keep users engaged.
- Carrier Pidge: The focus is on making the slowness itself more engaging. There's only one pigeon, and the app's interface resembles parchment paper. The delivery speed is fixed but fluctuates (75%-125%), and there's a risk of the pigeon getting lost. Sending a message is like buying a lottery ticket—you never know if it will be delivered or when. This sense of uncertainty is closer to the real experience of traditional letters but also tests users' patience.
AI Has Played a Key Role: Small Teams or Even Individuals Can Create Successful Apps
Both apps utilize AI to reduce development costs significantly. Logan, the founder of Roost, started this as a casual project for friends, writing the code using Claude Code and completing the development and maintenance alone. Noah, the founder of Carrier Pidge, used Vibe Coding, an AI-assisted coding tool, to create the app in just three weeks. In the past, developing an app required a large team and hundreds of thousands of dollars, but AI has lowered the barriers, allowing anyone with an idea to launch a product quickly.
How Can These Apps Make Money?
Slow socializing apps are not just charitable projects; they are also generating revenue:
- Roost: It offers a subscription ($6.99/month) and in-app purchases of bird-themed items ($0.99-$19.99). Subscriptions unlock additional features, and items can be used to acquire rare birds.
- Carrier Pidge: Pigeons can be purchased for $0.99 each, as they might get lost, so users need to buy new ones to continue sending messages.
- Learning from Predecessors: Apps like Slowly provide free basic features (finding pen pals, sending messages) and offer paid subscriptions ($7.99) and coins for purchasing stamps and avatar customization. Slowly even introduced a stamp-collecting feature, which has attracted users who are willing to spend money on it.
Challenges Ahead: Retaining Users Beyond the Initial Novelty
The success of slow socializing apps is largely due to their novelty, but to sustain their popularity, they need to address three key issues:
1. User Retention: Users may find the initial concept interesting, but what about after a few months? Roost uses additional features like games and bird-raising to keep users engaged, but whether this will be sustainable in the long run is uncertain.
2. Privacy and Quality: Apps like Carrier Pidge require access to location data to calculate flight times, which raises concerns about data breaches. AI-generated code may also contain bugs that affect the user experience.
3. Community and Content: While AI can help create products quickly, managing user communities and creating meaningful content (such as Roost's Art Challenge) are essential for long-term user engagement.
The demand for slow socializing apps is genuine, as users are tired of the pressure from instant messaging. However, whether these apps can become a long-term habit depends on whether developers can continuously provide value to users.
In Conclusion
Slow socializing apps represent a gentle rebellion against the fast-paced lifestyle. AI has made it easier for such apps to emerge, but to succeed, they need to offer more than just a fun experience—they need to build strong communities, create emotional connections, and provide unique value that encourages users to pay for their services. Will we see more such apps in the future? It's something worth looking forward to.