On TikTok, Daze’s most popular video has been viewed 8 million times. Across TikTok and Instagram, the launch of a new messaging app aimed at Gen Z, we saw a combined 48 million views. Before the launch, the app’s waiting list is already full with about 156,000 people registered.
Driving the demand for this next-generation alternative to iMessage and WhatsApp is not a well-spoken promoter or paid advertising, but simply the application’s product demo videos, which appeal to a younger audience.
In addition, the app currently uses AI to help power some of its creative tools; plans to deeply integrate more AI-based technologies in the future.
“Our goal with Daze was to create a complete messaging feature that competes with iMessage, WhatsApp, etc., while still having fun and classic features,” Simons told TechCrunch. “You can quickly type a message and press send, or drag the message anywhere within the conversation. It’s easy to use and useful, but it’s also free and unlimited. “
This is not the first time Simons has tried this idea. For several years, ending in 2022, he has been working on an app with a similar vibe called Muze. Like Daze, Muze has redesigned mobile messaging as a free-form canvas for creativity with a similar set of tools. But while Muze was co-founded by Simons and Douglas Witte with Grant Davis and Fenner Stevens as CEOs, Daze is Simons’ only project.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25728924/STK133_BLUESKY__B.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "Bluesky now has a chat tab in your notification area")