Ten ten, a walkie-talkie app developed by French startup, has quickly gained popularity among teens. The app allows users to send voice messages to their close friends, even when their phone is locked. While some may view this as a recipe for disaster, others see it as a cool and innovative way to communicate. With 6 million downloads since its launch, including 1 million in France alone, ten ten has quickly climbed the rankings.
The concept of walkie-talkie communication is not new, but ten ten puts a modern spin on it for the year 2024. The app’s name, ten ten, is derived from the CB code 1010, which means “Transmission completed, standing by.” According to the CEO of ten ten, Jule Comar, this name reflects the app’s values and concept. The app’s current user experience suggests a limit of 9 friends, but Comar clarifies that there is no friend limit. Users are already sharing their PINs on social media, prompting the company to work on a better friend management system.
To find each other on the app, users can use PINs or grant access to their contacts. However, no one is added to the user’s contacts without their action. This aspect of the app adds a viral quality to it, and TikTok has played a significant role in its growth. Although the app has received significant attention in the French media, not all coverage has been positive. There have been concerns raised about the app’s usage among teenagers, leading to rumors and fake news about the app’s origins and intentions.
To address these concerns, ten ten emphasizes its commitment to privacy and data security. The company is based in France and subject to GDPR regulations. Its privacy policy ensures that all conversations are ephemeral and not stored by the app. Additionally, it states that user data will never be sold. Despite not having a clear monetization strategy yet, ten ten’s success is likely to attract venture capital investment to support its growth.
French VC Hugo Amsellem suggests that ten ten is part of a larger trend among French startups. He believes that France excels in “status game plays” where individuals seek to increase their social status. Whether through software, such as BeReal, Yubo, or Zenly, or through luxury hardware devices, French entrepreneurs are capitalizing on this trend. However, the longevity of ten ten’s cool factor remains to be seen, and its CEO acknowledges that the startup is still in its early stages.
Sleepless nights and server issues have plagued the co-founders of ten ten, but their dedication is evident. The app’s primary user base consists of teenagers, which has raised concerns among teachers. However, there have been no major incidents reported so far, and some teachers have implemented strategies such as requesting students to put their phones on airplane mode. Rather than panicking, ten ten could be seen as a cultural artifact making a comeback, much like cassette tapes or Dungeons & Dragons.
The inspiration behind ten ten was to create a seamless communication experience among close friends. The CEO wanted users to be able to communicate as if they were all living under the same roof. In a world where friction often exists across different communication platforms, ten ten aims to provide a convenient and instant way to connect. Perhaps parents can also see the value in this app, using it to inform their teens that dinner is ready, assuming their teen is willing to accept them as a contact.
In conclusion, ten ten has become a viral sensation among teens, offering a modern take on walkie-talkie communication. With its user-friendly interface and emphasis on privacy, the app has gained millions of downloads in a short period. While concerns have been raised, the company is committed to ensuring data security and user privacy. The success of ten ten reflects a larger trend in the French startup scene, where entrepreneurs capitalize on the desire for increased social status. Ultimately, the future of ten ten relies on its ability to retain its cool factor and navigate the challenges that come with catering to a young and tech-savvy user base.
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