Connyct: Students Get Social

As discussions about a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. continue, a new contender has entered the social media arena specifically for college students. Connyct, an exclusive app designed to connect students within their campus communities, is now available to a wider audience after an early access launch. With features similar to TikTok and additional tools catering to college life, Connyct is positioning itself as a safe and engaging platform for younger users.

A TikTok Alternative With a College Twist

Connyct offers familiar functionalities like personalized content feeds, video creation tools, and editing options with music, filters, and stickers. What sets it apart are features tailored for college life, such as an event discovery section and community channels where students can bond over shared interests like music, sports, or hobbies.

The app requires users to sign up using their .edu email address, ensuring a gated network exclusive to students from the same institution. This feature provides a sense of privacy and security, allowing students to share content without concerns about unwanted attention from parents, employers, or strangers.

“Being a college kid, TikTok and Instagram can be a really scary experience,” said co-founder and CEO Matthew Berman in an interview with TechCrunch. “You have creeps sliding into your DMs... You’re worried about posting things your parents might see or what future employers are going to say.”

Event Discovery and Enhanced Social Connections

One of Connyct’s standout features is its event discovery page, enabling users to organize or attend college events such as parties, club meetings, and Greek life activities. The app’s dedicated video tab allows students to post content showcasing events they’ve attended, further fostering a sense of community.

Connyct is also developing tools to let users enhance event pages with music and playlists, bolstered by its partnership with Warner Music Group. This collaboration ensures access to top-charting songs, enriching the multimedia experience.

Ambassador Program: Monetization for Students

To drive engagement and incentivize content creation, Connyct offers an Ambassador program. Through this initiative, students can earn money and receive perks like free merchandise, event access, gift cards, and cash bonuses for sign-ups via personalized promo codes.

Berman explained that earnings vary based on roles, with ambassadors focusing on tasks like on-campus promotions, social media posts, or event coordination. The program offers flexibility and income opportunities comparable to other student-focused programs.

Strong Industry Backing and Collaboration

Connyct’s founding team comprises industry veterans with notable experience. Berman previously scaled the Chunnel.TV network to 500,000 monthly users, while chief music officer Bill Campbell has advised Spotify and TikTok during its rebranding from Musical.ly. Chief marketing officer Simmy Kustanowitz has a background in entertainment as a producer for Impractical Jokers. Additionally, Connyct is working with Nikita Bier, the founder of Gas, a social networking app acquired by Discord.

Although not directly created by students, Connyct collaborated with around 50 college students from institutions such as Louisiana State University, Purdue University, and the University of Texas. Four-time NCAA gymnastics champion Ian Gunther also contributed insights during his time as a student.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Competitive Market

College-focused social media apps are not new but have struggled to gain traction. Facebook’s attempt to relaunch “Campus” in 2020 failed after just two years. Meanwhile, platforms like Fizz, which launched in 2022, have found success, operating on over 240 college campuses and raising $41.5 million in funding.

Connyct hopes its unique combination of privacy, exclusivity, and college-centric features, paired with its experienced leadership team, will set it apart in a crowded market.

What’s Next for Connyct?

Currently available only on iOS, Connyct plans to roll out Android and desktop versions soon, expanding its reach. With TikTok’s future uncertain, the app is positioned to attract college students seeking a safer, more tailored social media experience. Whether it can sustain momentum in a historically challenging niche remains to be seen, but its innovative approach and strong backing give it a promising start.