With safety and user experience at the forefront, Yubo connects 80 million users worldwide, focusing on safety and real-time social discovery.
The digital age has gone full throttle. With 5.45 billion internet users worldwide in 2024, it’s no surprise that over 5.17 billion are hanging out on social media, seeking ways to connect. But the real question is: Are those connections even real anymore?
Yubo, a Paris-based live social discovery app, says no and is here to change that by offering young adults a fresh, authentic way to meet new people.
Social discovery isn’t a term thrown around as often as social media, but it sets Yubo apart. Unlike most apps where users spend time consuming premade content or interacting with people they already know, Yubo offers users a chance to meet new people in the moment.
Think of it as the online equivalent of striking up a conversation at a music festival or sharing a laugh with a stranger at a local cafe. The app’s live features create an environment where spontaneity thrives and meaningful connections can emerge.
Most social apps feel like branded billboards, with few opportunities for actual human interaction. This platform, however, shifts the focus to real-time engagement, allowing users to break free from the noise. Its strength lies in fostering authentic connections, setting it apart from the rest.
Yubo isn’t about growing your follower count or curating the perfect profile. It’s about talking, laughing, and meeting with new people. With no influencers and no big-name brands pushing products, it’s just you and other people who like what you like. And with 80 million users across 140 countries, there’s always someone new to meet on Yubo.
Imagine walking into a room full of people you’ve never met, but they all vibe with the same things you do. Maybe it’s anime, gaming, or tanghulu street snacks — it doesn’t matter. You’re there to chat, hang out, and create real-time connections.
Yubo: From Teen Space to Young Adult Hub
Initially launched in 2015, Yubo was a teen-centric platform. The founders — Sacha Lazimi, Jérémie Aouate, and Arthur Patora — wanted to build something that gave Generation Z a new kind of online experience, far from the curated, picture-perfect versions of reality seen elsewhere. Back then, the app’s primary users were 13-17-year-olds.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the app’s user base has grown up. Now, 80% of the app’s users are between 18-25. To keep pace with this shift, Yubo recently rebranded with a fresh, more mature look. The new tagline — “Chat. Stream. Vibe.” — perfectly captures what the platform is all about real-time, no-filter interactions.
Lazimi said, “The eldest of the generation are now in their early and mid-20s. We are growing up with them and evolving to meet their changing needs.” That’s why Yubo has undergone a visual transformation, moving away from a teen-centric aesthetic and leaning into a more polished and relatable style.
Yubo isn’t like other social platforms where you post a pic and wait for the likes to roll in. It’s all about engaging in the now. The app’s live streaming feature puts users face-to-face (well, screen-to-screen) in small, manageable groups where they can actually talk, like real conversations.
There’s no lurking behind a screen waiting for someone to notice your post. It’s more like hanging out with friends at a cafe or a low-key house party where everyone can vibe in real time. That’s the beauty of Yubo’s live social discovery. Whether hosting or joining a livestream, you’re always part of the conversation.
Safety First: Keeping It Real and Secure
Yubo takes its users’ safety seriously. The app uses a mix of artificial intelligence and human moderators to keep things cool and ensure that conversations stay respectful. Whether flagging suspicious behavior or offering users tools to report issues in real time, the platform’s safety team works around the clock to create a safe space.
The platform also provides easy-to-use tools for blocking or muting people if their vibe feels off. The app has age verification systems to help protect younger users, and its privacy settings are straightforward and clear.
Lazimi explained, “We want our users to feel like they are part of an inclusive environment where community guidelines are enforced, and they can just focus on hanging out.” The app’s multilayered safety protocols back that up, providing peace of mind for young adults who want to connect.
A Business Model That’s All About You
The live social discovery app has figured out a way to keep things running without bombarding users with ads. Instead, the app’s revenue comes from in-app purchases that let users boost their profiles, grab extra features, or customize their experience. No pressure to buy anything — you can fully enjoy the platform without ever spending a dime.
The lack of ads means fewer distractions, keeping the focus on connecting with people. This business model not only puts the user first, but it’s also a big reason the platform has been able to grow so quickly. In 2020, the company raised $47.5 million, and that funding has gone into making the app safer, faster, and better at bringing people together.
Where Social Media Is Headed?
Yubo is tapping into what young adults want from social media — a chance to step away from the noise of endless content and actually hang out with people. While many platforms are doubling down on influencer-driven feeds and algorithm-controlled experiences, Yubo is taking a different route.
Lazimi said, “We are building the social network of the future, one that is safe, authentic, and truly social.” The app’s focus on live social discovery paves the way for a more genuine, less commercialized digital experience. Yubo is exactly what’s been missing in the social media landscape for young adults looking to make real connections.
Forget the endless scrolls. Yubo gives users something tangible — a place where friendships are made, conversations happen, and everyone’s welcome to vibe out. It might be your next digital hangout spot if you’re ready to shake off the social media routine.
