Top 10 Social Media Startups in India
Discover the top 10 social media startups in India revolutionizing the digital landscape with innovative platforms. Explore how these startups are transforming content creation, regional connectivity, and influencer marketing in the vibrant Indian market.
India’s digital landscape is booming, and social media startups are at the forefront of this transformation. With a growing number of internet users and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, Indian startups are creating innovative platforms that cater to diverse audiences. Here, we look at the top 10 social media startups in India that are making significant waves.
1. ShareChat
ShareChat is a social media platform founded in 2015, catering primarily to non-English speaking users in India. It supports 15 regional languages and offers a wide range of content creation tools and chat features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 by Ankush Sachdeva, Bhanu Singh, and Farid Ahsan |
| Languages Supported | 15 regional languages |
| User Base | Over 160 million active users |
| Main Features | Content creation tools, chat features, regional content library |
| Notable Aspects | Focus on non-English speaking users, significant growth in regional markets |
Overview: Founded in 2015 by Ankush Sachdeva, Bhanu Singh, and Farid Ahsan, ShareChat is a leading social media platform in India, particularly popular among non-English speaking users.
Unique Features:
- Supports 15 regional languages.
- Offers content creation tools, chat features, and a vast library of regional content.
- Active user base exceeding 160 million.
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2. Chingari
Chingari, launched in 2018, gained popularity as an Indian alternative to TikTok. It is a short-video sharing platform that supports multiple Indian languages and provides monetization opportunities for content creators.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Sumit Ghosh, Biswatma Nayak, Deepak Salvi |
| Platform Type | Short-video sharing |
| Languages Supported | Multiple Indian languages |
| Key Milestones | Over 50 million downloads on Google Play Store |
Overview: Launched in 2018 by Sumit Ghosh, Biswatma Nayak, and Deepak Salvi, Chingari is a short-video sharing platform that gained prominence as an Indian alternative to TikTok.
Unique Features:
- Supports multiple Indian languages.
- Offers monetization opportunities for content creators.
- Over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
Also Read:Top 10 TravelTech Startups in India
3. Koo
Koo, established in 2020, is a microblogging platform similar to Twitter but tailored for Indian audiences. It supports various Indian languages and focuses on local news, entertainment, and personal opinions.
| Name: | Koo |
|---|---|
| Founded: | 2020 |
| Founders: | Aprameya Radhakrishna, Mayank Bidawatka |
| Type: | Microblogging platform |
| Languages: | Supports multiple Indian languages |
| Unique Feature: | Tailored for local news and opinions |
Overview: Created by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka in 2020, Koo is a microblogging platform akin to Twitter but tailored for Indian audiences.
Unique Features:
- Available in multiple Indian languages.
- Focuses on local news, entertainment, and personal opinions.
- Rapid user growth, particularly after the Indian government endorsed it.
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4. Trell
Trell, founded in 2017, is a lifestyle social commerce platform where users share recommendations through short videos. It integrates with e-commerce for product purchases and emphasizes influencer marketing.
| Name | Trell |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Pulkit Agrawal, Bimal Kartheek Rebba, Arun Lodhia |
| Type | Social Commerce Platform |
| Features | Lifestyle recommendations through short videos, integration with e-commerce, influencer marketing |
| User Base | Over 45 million downloads |
Overview: Founded in 2017 by Pulkit Agrawal, Bimal Kartheek Rebba, and Arun Lodhia, Trell is a lifestyle social commerce platform.
Unique Features:
- Users share recommendations on fashion, beauty, travel, and more through short videos.
- Integration with e-commerce for product purchases.
- Strong focus on influencer marketing and user-generated content.
Also Read:Top 10 FashionTech Startups in India
5. Moj
Moj, launched by ShareChat in 2020, is another short-video platform that gained momentum after TikTok’s ban in India. It features multiple regional languages, AR effects, and editing tools.
| Name | Moj |
|---|---|
| Owned By | ShareChat |
| Launched | 2020 |
| Type | Short-video Platform |
| Features | Multiple regional languages, AR effects, editing tools |
| User Base | Over 100 million downloads |
Overview: Launched by ShareChat in 2020, Moj is another short-video platform that quickly captured a significant user base after TikTok’s ban in India.
Unique Features:
- Available in multiple regional languages.
- Features augmented reality (AR) effects and editing tools.
- Over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
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6. Mitron
Mitron, introduced in 2020, is a video-sharing social media platform designed as an alternative to TikTok. It focuses on simplicity, Indian content, and has garnered millions of downloads.
| Name | Mitron |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Shivank Agarwal, Anish Khandelwal |
| Type | Video-sharing Platform |
| Features | Simple interface, Indian content focus |
| User Base | Millions of downloads |
Overview: Developed by Shivank Agarwal and Anish Khandelwal in 2020, Mitron is a video-sharing social media platform designed as an alternative to TikTok.
Unique Features:
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
- Focuses on Indian content and creators.
- Rapid adoption with millions of downloads in a short time.
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7. Roposo
Roposo, founded in 2014, combines entertainment and social networking through channels focused on interests like fashion and cooking. It offers live streaming and has a substantial user base.
| Name | Roposo |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Mayank Bhangadia, Avinash Saxena, Kaushal Shubhank |
| Type | Video-sharing Platform |
| Features | Channels for various interests, live streaming, social networking |
| User Base | Over 100 million users |
Overview: Launched in 2014 by Mayank Bhangadia, Avinash Saxena, and Kaushal Shubhank, Roposo is a video-sharing platform that combines entertainment and social networking.
Unique Features:
- Features channels based on different interests like fashion, cooking, and comedy.
- Offers live streaming capabilities.
- Over 100 million users.
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8. Plixxo
Plixxo, established in 2016, is an influencer marketing platform connecting brands with social media influencers. It provides data-driven insights and tools for campaign management.
| Name | Plixxo |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Pankhuri Shrivastava |
| Type | Influencer Marketing Platform |
| Features | Network of influencers, campaign management tools, data-driven insights |
| Focus | Brand collaboration, content creation |
Overview: Founded by Pankhuri Shrivastava in 2016, Plixxo is an influencer marketing platform connecting brands with social media influencers.
Unique Features:
- Wide network of influencers across various social media platforms.
- Data-driven insights and campaign management tools.
- Strong focus on brand collaboration and content creation.
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9. BharatMatrimony
While primarily a matrimonial site, BharatMatrimony has expanded to include social networking features. It facilitates matchmaking based on regional and community-specific preferences.
| Name | BharatMatrimony |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Murugavel Janakiraman |
| Type | Matrimonial and Social Networking Platform |
| Features | Regional and community-specific matchmaking, integrated chat and video calling |
| User Base | Over 6 million active members |
Overview: Although primarily a matrimonial site, BharatMatrimony has expanded its services to include social networking features for connecting singles.
Unique Features:
- Regional and community-specific matchmaking.
- Integrated chat and video calling features.
- Over 6 million active members.
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10. Kutumb
Kutumb, launched in 2020, is a community-focused social media platform enabling users to connect with their local and regional communities. It supports multiple Indian languages and offers community management tools.
| Name | Kutumb |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2020 |
| Type | Community-focused Social Media Platform |
| Features | Supports multiple Indian languages, community management tools |
| Focus | Connecting people with their local and regional communities |
| User Base | Growing user engagement in regional and local communities |
Overview: Launched in 2020, Kutumb is a community-focused social media platform designed to help people connect with their communities.
Unique Features:
- Supports multiple Indian languages.
- Offers tools for community management and engagement.
- Focuses on regional and local communities.
Also Read:Top 10 Social Media Startups in India
FAQs and Answers for Top 10 Social Media Startups in India
1. What are the top social media startups in India?
The top social media startups in India include ShareChat, Chingari, Koo, Trell, Moj, Mitron, Roposo, Plixxo, BharatMatrimony, and Kutumb. These platforms cater to various user needs, from short videos and microblogging to community networking and influencer marketing.
2. Which Indian social media platform is known for short videos?
Chingari, Moj, Mitron, and Roposo are popular Indian social media platforms known for their short video content. These platforms gained significant traction after the ban of TikTok in India.
3. What is ShareChat, and what makes it unique?
ShareChat is a social media platform founded in 2015 that supports 15 regional languages. It is particularly popular among non-English speaking users in India, offering content creation tools, chat features, and a vast library of regional content.
4. How does Koo differ from other social media platforms?
Koo is a microblogging platform similar to Twitter but is tailored for Indian audiences. It supports multiple Indian languages and focuses on local news, entertainment, and personal opinions.
5. What is Trell, and how does it combine social media with e-commerce?
Trell is a lifestyle social commerce platform where users share recommendations on fashion, beauty, travel, and more through short videos. It integrates e-commerce by allowing users to purchase products directly from the app, leveraging influencer marketing and user-generated content.
6. Which Indian social media startup focuses on community networking?
Kutumb is a community-focused social media platform designed to help people connect with their local communities. It supports multiple Indian languages and offers tools for community management and engagement.
7. How has BharatMatrimony expanded its services beyond matchmaking?
BharatMatrimony, primarily a matrimonial site, has integrated social networking features to help singles connect. It offers chat and video calling features, providing a more interactive and social experience for its users.
8. What opportunities do Indian social media startups offer for content creators?
Indian social media startups like ShareChat, Chingari, Trell, Moj, and Roposo provide various opportunities for content creators, including monetization options, influencer marketing, and tools for creating and sharing engaging content. These platforms support multiple languages and cater to diverse audiences.
9. How has the ban of TikTok impacted Indian social media startups?
The ban of TikTok in India created a significant opportunity for Indian social media startups like Chingari, Moj, and Mitron. These platforms quickly gained millions of users looking for alternatives to TikTok, leading to rapid growth and increased adoption.
10. What is Plixxo, and how does it support influencer marketing?
Plixxo is an influencer marketing platform founded in 2016 that connects brands with social media influencers. It offers data-driven insights, campaign management tools, and a wide network of influencers across various platforms, focusing on brand collaboration and content creation.
Conclusion
India’s social media landscape is diverse and dynamic, with startups continuously innovating to cater to the varied needs of its vast population. From short-video platforms to community-centric networks, these startups are not only fostering digital connectivity but also creating new opportunities for content creation and engagement. As the internet continues to penetrate deeper into rural areas, these social media platforms are set to play a crucial role in shaping the digital future of India.
Also Read:
Top 10 Edutech Startups in India
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Top 10 FashionTech Startups in India
Top 10 HRtech Startups in India
Top 10 AdTech Startups in India
Top 10 BeautyTech Startups in India
Top 10 ConstructionTech Startups in India