Nikita Bier, the visionary behind hit apps like the anonymous polling app tbh (acquired by Facebook) and the compliments app Gas (acquired by Discord), is back with another game-changing innovation. This time, he introduces Explode, an app designed to bring disappearing messages to Apple’s iMessage platform. With its unique features and bold mission, Explode promises to shake up the way people communicate in a digital age increasingly focused on privacy.
Explode: How It Works
Explode functions as a mini app integrated into Apple’s Messages app, allowing users to send disappearing texts and photos seamlessly. Here’s how it works:
- One-Time Viewing: Messages, whether text or images, can be viewed just once before they “explode” and disappear forever.
- Screenshot Protection: The app blocks recipients from taking screenshots, ensuring your messages remain private.
- Sender-Only Requirement: Only the sender needs to have the Explode app installed, making it easy to share disappearing messages with anyone on iMessage.
This innovative approach eliminates the barriers typically associated with ephemeral messaging apps, putting privacy and convenience at the forefront.
Exclusive Features for Explode+
While Explode is free to download and use, power users can subscribe to Explode+ for $39.99 per year or $7.99 per month to unlock premium features, including:
- Screenshot Alerts: Get notified if someone attempts to bypass screenshot restrictions.
- Replay Functionality: Revisit photos you’ve sent in the past.
- Enhanced Privacy: Block screenshots entirely or lock photo viewing after sending them.
These features cater to users who demand more control and security over their digital conversations.
Why Explode?
According to Bier, Explode is a “spite app”—a bold response to perceived setbacks and challenges posed by competitors. In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), Bier explained how Explode came to life, taking a direct jab at Snapchat.
“Two years ago, I met with Snapchat’s CEO to discuss acquiring my previous company,” Bier shared. “I openly shared how fast we were growing. Just a week later—over the Thanksgiving holiday—Snapchat kicked our app off the SnapKit platform, abruptly halting our growth.”
This move by Snap had a significant impact on Gas, which relied heavily on SnapKit as a growth driver. At the peak of its popularity, 23% of Snapchat’s U.S. user base had engaged with Gas stories. However, Snap’s decision to cut off access to its platform disrupted Gas’s functionality for an entire week. Despite these setbacks, Bier and his team forged ahead, eventually selling Gas to Discord in January 2023. Discord later shut down the app in November 2023.
Explode’s launch is a clear statement that Bier is determined to innovate and compete, even in the face of adversity.
A Bold Vision for Privacy
Explode’s launch reflects a growing demand for privacy-focused communication tools. By embedding its functionality within iMessage, Explode leverages a familiar platform while introducing powerful features that set it apart from traditional messaging apps. Whether you’re sharing a fleeting moment or sending sensitive information, Explode offers peace of mind by ensuring your messages disappear after a single view.
Bier’s bold move to take on Snapchat and redefine ephemeral messaging demonstrates his unwavering commitment to innovation. Explode is available now in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and Italy, with plans for further expansion.
The Future of Messaging
With Explode, Nikita Bier is once again proving his ability to create apps that resonate with users and disrupt established norms. By combining privacy, functionality, and a dash of competitive spirit, Explode is poised to carve out its place in the digital landscape.
Ready to experience messaging redefined? Download Explode today and see why it’s already making waves in the tech world.
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