In an era dominated by media-sharing platforms, where giants like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok reign supreme, one founder dared to question the status quo. Motivated by necessity and curiosity, they set out to create a platform that not only addressed the limitations of existing services but also prioritized user empowerment, privacy, and inclusivity.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the mind behind this innovative platform, exploring their journey, the challenges they overcame, and their vision for the future of media sharing. From redefining upload limits to combating surveillance capitalism, this is a story of passion, resilience, and groundbreaking ideas.
What inspired you to start this platform, and how has your vision evolved over time?
I’d say necessity and curiosity—years ago, I needed a platform that allowed media sharing, and I didn’t like any of the existing ones due to various limitations or lack of certain features, and at the same time, I was curious how big of a challenge this could be.
Media-sharing platforms are everywhere—What differentiates yours from the rest?
First of all, we’re very relaxed about space: users can upload 100 items, each up to 200 MB, at one time. Then another hundred items, then another, and so on. Not sure if there’s anyone out there offering that—and we’re planning on removing or increasing the 100 items/200 MB limit too.Secondly, I’d say it’s the upload management system that provides anonymous users the same features as it does for registered users.
Did you face any significant challenges in the early days of building this website?
Oh yes, we faced a fair share of challenges. For example, for the content moderation system, we developed our own moderation AI, which took a while to train and refine. Another example would be our file compression system—making files smaller while maintaining quality is a bit more difficult than it sounds. I can keep going forever—but the important part, for me, is that we managed to overcome all the challenges we encountered so far.
What role do you think media-sharing platforms play in shaping culture and society today?
I think it’s the other way around, actually: culture and society shape media-sharing platforms. A media sharing platform is essentially an organisation providing a service—as time goes on, people’s needs change, so I think we need to do our best to adapt to their needs using the latest available technology.
Do you believe your platform empowers creators, or does it also carry risks of exploitation, like many others?
We were at one point in time creators who were unhappy with the platforms that were available at that time—we know how it feels being on the other side, so we do our best to empower creators, and we carry out extensive measures to protect them from any associated risks.
How do you navigate the tricky balance between free expression and the need for moderation?
There is definitely a need for moderation, and let me tell you: we don’t moderate stuff because we want to; it’s complicated, it’s costly, and the results are always a source for debates, but unfortunately the internet has plenty of stuff that no one should ever see. That’s why we moderate stuff—to keep our platform safe and respect legislation.On the other hand, I like this quote: “My freedom of speech stimulates your freedom to tell me I’m wrong.” – So for stuff that is considered legal but might be considered ‘controversial,’ we use our users feedback to constantly fine-tune our moderation systems.
What do you think about the current state of the creator economy? Is it sustainable?
The creator economy has grown rapidly, offering new opportunities for individuals to monetise their passions, but its sustainability remains a big concern. While it empowers creators with new income streams, many face challenges like inconsistent revenue, platform dependency, and even burnout from the pressure to constantly produce content.For the creator economy to be sustainable, platforms must prioritise fair revenue-sharing models, provide tools for creators to diversify income, and foster environments that support long-term growth and well-being. A better balance between innovation and creator support is essential for its future stability.
Do you see your platform as a tool for democratising content creation, or is success still skewed toward the privileged few?
Definitely a tool for democratising content creation—we don’t like the idea of a ‘privileged few’, so we won’t add a feature unless we can make it available to anyone equally. Everyone deserves equal chances.
How do you handle the pressure to attract advertisers while staying authentic to your mission?
We have a simple “WYSIWYG” offer, and we don’t really go a long way to attract advertisers—we always get emails, but if there’s anything implying a need for a change, the email gets deleted. This might be a limiting factor since we can’t just go crazy on our spending, but by focusing on advance planning, system optimisation, and keeping costs close to a minimum, we manage to stay authentic and financially viable.
How does your platform address concerns about user privacy and data security?
Our platform prioritises user privacy and data security by implementing robust measures to protect their information. We utilise encryption protocols to safeguard data during transmission and storage, ensure compliance with industry standards such as GDPR or CCPA (where applicable), and conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.And transparency is key—we do our best to provide clear privacy policies and give users control over their data, including options to manage, download, or delete their information at any time.
Do you believe media-sharing websites have a moral responsibility to combat misinformation?
Well, there is a fine line between combating misinformation and creating a ministry of truth. If there is a moral responsibility, it is to provide enough information and multiple points of view from multiple sources so users can make their own informed decisions.
How do you prevent your platform from becoming another tool for surveillance capitalism?
We’re not big fans of “surveillance capitalism”, so we are deeply committed to ensuring our platform does not contribute to it. We minimise data collection by only gathering what is absolutely necessary to provide our services; we prioritise transparency, and we do not sell user data or engage in intrusive practices like behavioural targeting or profiling for advertising—never did, never will!Additionally, we conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with privacy standards like GDPR and CCPA, holding ourselves accountable to our users through transparency reports.
What is your take on the role of media-sharing platforms in amplifying marginalised voices?
I think media-sharing platforms have a powerful role in amplifying marginalised voices by providing a space for under-represented communities to share their stories, perspectives, and creativity without traditional gatekeepers. By offering tools for self-expression and global reach, we can elevate important conversations and foster inclusivity.
Platforms often face backlash for promoting unhealthy comparison and toxic cultures—how does yours tackle this?
Our platform is designed to prioritise user well-being and foster a positive environment. We focus on meaningful interactions and content that adds value to users’ lives. Our goal is to create a space where users feel supported, inspired, and safe.
Have you seen any surprising or unintended ways your platform impacts users’ mental health?
Yes, we’ve noticed some surprising and positive ways our platform impacts users’ mental health. For example, many users have shared how the platform has helped them build supportive communities, find like-minded individuals, and express themselves creatively in ways they hadn’t before. These unexpected outcomes motivate us to continue enhancing features that contribute to a positive experience.
What trends do you think will dominate the future of media-sharing platforms?
I’d say AI-generated content will continue to get more and more realistic, and at some point, at least for a brief period, it will be dominant on most platforms. Might not happen, but it’s definitely something we’re preparing for.
How do you plan to adapt your platform in the face of growing competition and technological shifts like AI and VR?
As I said, our platform has an AI component used for moderation. We plan to expand our AI tools and provide our users more features as technology evolves, but we’ll do it in a gentle rhythm, constantly monitoring their feedback and making decisions based on it.
Do you see a future where platforms like yours give creators even more control, perhaps through decentralised or blockchain-based models?
Maybe! We want to give creators more control, but at the same time, we don’t want to force technology on them. Probably in a few years, when everyone has a basic understanding of the concept, we will integrate it within our systems.
If you could change one thing about the internet today, what would it be?
Advertising—Right now it’s everywhere, it’s irrelevant, it’s annoying, and it’s a waste of electricity.
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learnt from running this platform?
Yes, and it’s something we’ve all heard before: “One photo can change your life.” I’ve heard it so many times, but at one point in time, I realised it’s true by hearing the life-changing story behind a picture that someone uploaded on our platform. Hearing that story and knowing we host a few million images made me think about the stories behind each one of those.
