Introduction

In a bold move to disrupt the social media landscape, Skylight, a promising new startup, has officially launched its mobile app as a fierce alternative to TikTok. Developed in just 10 weeks, this app is backed by billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban and aims to offer a more open and engaging platform for users. Skylight utilizes the cutting-edge AT Protocol, the same technology that supports Bluesky and a host of other emerging applications.

Key Features and Technology

Co-founded by Tori White (CEO) and Reed Hermeyer (CTO), Skylight delivers all the familiar features that users love in short-form video apps. The platform includes an in-app video editor, user profiles, commenting, liking, sharing options, and a robust community-building experience.

Connection to Bluesky Network

With the advantage of being built on the AT Protocol, Skylight connects users to Bluesky’s burgeoning network, boasting over 33.8 million users. This means videos shared on Skylight can gain visibility among Bluesky users and users of other AT Protocol-dependent platforms, like the visually-centric app, Flashes.

Funding and Support

Funding for Skylight’s development came from an initial pre-seed investment round led by Cuban, who has expressed his desire for a viable TikTok alternative built on this protocol. Leslie Feinzaig’s Graham & Walker Venture Fund also participated in the funding round, providing additional support and validation for the startup's vision.

Inspiration and Vision

The inspiration for Skylight struck White and Hermeyer amidst the looming threat of a TikTok ban in the U.S. Having once been a travel influencer, White backed up her TikTok content, but she feared losing her community and engagement. Recognizing the potential of AT Protocol, she and Hermeyer identified this moment as an incredible opportunity to create a platform that could withstand governmental pressures.

Stable and Innovative Future

"Our experience with Bluesky reassured us that the AT Protocol was stable," Hermeyer noted during the ATmosphere Conference in Seattle. He emphasized their decision to build a 'ban-proof' social app that wouldn’t suffer from technical instability like some earlier platforms had.

Building Buzz and Community

White leveraged her influencer background by documenting Skylight's development journey on TikTok, effectively building a following and generating buzz around the upcoming app. Her TikTok account @buildwithtori now has nearly 50,000 followers, many of whom have become early testers of Skylight.

Enhanced Features and Future Updates

The current version of Skylight supports video uploads of up to three minutes—a significant upgrade from the previous one-minute limit typical on competing platforms. However, White and Hermeyer envision Skylight evolving beyond just a decentralized version of TikTok. They are already planning features that would allow users to customize their feeds and interact with content using innovative gestures beyond the traditional swipe and scroll.

Looking Ahead

Future updates might include functionalities such as sound support, duet features, stitching capabilities, bookmarks, and playlists, ensuring that Skylight remains fresh and user-focused in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Launch and Invitation to Users

Currently available in beta on the Google Play Store, Skylight has just launched publicly on the Apple App Store, inviting users to take part in a new social media revolution. Will Skylight change the way we experience short-form videos? The answer may soon become clear as millions flock to discover this exciting alternative.