Whee–Tiktok’s Friendsta
By Sherlene Hiu
TikTok has surged as a leading force in social media, celebrated for its seamless algorithm and user satisfaction. Since gaining prominence in 2019, TikTok has remained highly popular, fostering a burgeoning community of influencers and users. Responding to the ongoing demand for social platforms, Bytedance, TikTok’s creators, have launched a new app called Whee. Whee enters the scene with features reminiscent of competitors like Instagram and Bereal, generating anticipation and curiosity among users.
The app, designed for sharing photos exclusively with close friends, connects users through these images. Integrated with TikTok, it emphasizes real-time, unedited photos. Users can capture images using the app’s camera, post them, and send them directly to friends who can comment or react. It functions as a personal archive for memories, resembling Instagram in appeal and visuals but focused on privacy. When you first open the app, there is a feed, message list, and photo finder. Getting started with Whee requires manually adding friends from your contacts or TikTok connections, though the app also suggests accounts you may know. Unlike other platforms, it operates as a gated community, limiting expansion beyond accepted friend requests from existing contacts.
In the store, the app aims to connect friends closely and capture authentic moments, offering a unique proposition compared to others. In comparison to Bereal, it emphasizes sharing unfiltered photos with close peers rather than sending one-on-one selfies and pictures. Whee focuses on social networking among close friends, enhancing mutual connections while minimizing online presence. It is ideal for sharing photos within specific friend groups and for those who prefer a more private setting, emphasizing closer relationships. I could imagine that the app is not used on a social basis but catered to the idea of spamming photos and taking any pictures without the need for a certain aesthetic. Currently, Whee is available exclusively on iPhone and Android and in select global markets; however, it does not appear in the US Play Store.
There is constant debate over the best app for sharing photos with the public, which remains subjective, depending on individual preferences. Despite similarities in tools and concepts among social media platforms, users often explore different apps to assess any distinctions or superior features. While the landscape of photo sharing and peer influence may appear repetitive across these platforms, there remains a persistent demand for mass media communication. As of 2024, social media thrives on interactive and engaging content, driving continual innovation in how users consume and create content. As for Whee, its future direction remains uncertain and there are limited features, but it appears to be in an experimental phase, open to future improvements and updates.
References:
Adhikari, S. (2024, June 18). Tiktok launches whee, an Instagram-inspired social app for Friends. Android Headlines. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/06/tiktok-launches-whee-instagram-social-app-for-friends.html
Whee, TikTok’s new friends-only photo sharing app, launches in select countries. Lowyat.NET. (2024, June 19). https://www.lowyat.net/2024/324789/tiktok-quietly-launches-whee-app/