Yubo’s CEO on Transforming the Social Media Landscape for Gen Z

How Yubo, the Paris-based live social discovery app, fills a unique niche in the social media landscape for Gen Z users.

During an episode of the “DealMakers” podcast, Sacha Lazimi, CEO and co-founder of Yubo, unpacked how a live social discovery app became a phenomenon among Generation Z — an age group that comprises 99% of its users. Gen Z, born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has distinct expectations and preferences when it comes to social media. Understanding these preferences is crucial for anyone looking to engage with this digitally savvy and influential generation.

The app, distinguished by its unique approach to social media that eschews conventional metrics like likes and follower counts, offers a fresh perspective on online socialization. Lazimi’s observation of how teenagers shared their Snapchat usernames online to make new friends was the catalyst for the live social discovery app called Yellow.

He realized that nowhere in the social media market was there a platform that facilitated genuine social connections without the pressures of traditional social media metrics. Lazimi noted, “Millions of people were sharing their Snapchat usernames online [and] we wanted to understand why,” Lazimi told podcast host Alejandro Cremades. This curiosity led to the birth of Yubo.

“We are a leader in social discovery,” said Lazimi. The live social discovery app is a place where real people can connect and enjoy meaningful interactions. The CEO added, “Like you would do if you were going to a party and start speaking with new people, have fun, and just hang out with other people with the same interests from the same age group.”

​​Since 2015, the live social discovery app has grown into an active community of 80 million users in more than 140 countries worldwide. As a platform serving teens and young adults, safety is a cornerstone of the platform. Its user-education philosophy is to teach users about online safety best practices, respectful online behavior, and accountability.

It is the world’s first major social media platform to introduce real-time audio and video moderation for livestreams. All its features and policies are developed with guidance from a board of safety experts consisting of respected leaders and online safety experts from organizations including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Thorn, and The Diana Award.

Yubo Tailored to Gen Z: Beyond Likes and Follower Counts

Gen Z values authenticity and community building, aspects that are deeply embedded in Yubo’s design. Unlike traditional social media platforms that often encourage curated, highlight-reel presentations of life, Yubo offers a space for real-time, unfiltered interaction. This authenticity is crucial for Gen Z, a generation seeking genuine connections in an increasingly virtual world.

A survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 by the Pew Research Center highlights this shift, revealing that 71% say social media makes them feel like they have a place to show their creative side. And 67% say it makes them feel they have people who can support them through tough times. This statistic underscores the growing demand for platforms that facilitate genuine self-expression and community engagement, a space where the live social discovery app thrives.

The platform’s completely authentic approach aligns well with Gen Z’s preferences for a safe place to be themselves. Lazimi and his team recognized the need for a platform where users could engage in more authentic interactions, mirroring real-life social experiences. Lazimi elaborated, “Because most of our users were between 13 and 17 years old back in 2016, we understood their needs to socialize online. They are the most connected people in the world and have exactly the same need to socialize offline, and it hasn’t been answered by [any of the other] social networks.”

For Gen Z, social media isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about finding a space where they feel understood and accepted. Platforms like Yubo, prioritizing safety and inclusivity, resonate deeply with this generation.

The vision for the live social discovery was ambitious. Lazimi and co-creators Jérémie Aouate and Arthur Patora set out to create a platform for social discovery where users can instantly connect and engage in meaningful interactions. This vision is deeply rooted in understanding social needs, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The platform strives to be a space where users can “extend their social network and socialize with new people,” explained Lazimi.

The app connects users in real-time while they’re active on the platform, allowing them to interact immediately with others. The live social discovery model is inspired by how friendships form in the real world when people build conversations with those around them and build friends over shared interests or experiences.

Redefining Social Media for a New Generation

Yubo’s evolution underlines the importance of adaptation and resilience in the tech industry. Lazimi emphasized this approach on the podcast, stating, “We made all the mistakes that we could make, and we learned from those mistakes.” This mindset has been pivotal in the live social discovery app’s growth and success.

Another critical aspect that attracts Gen Z to platforms like Yubo is the desire for interactive and dynamic experiences. Gen Z doesn’t just want to consume content passively; they want to engage, create, and participate in digital experiences actively. The platform facilitates this through features like live streaming, gaming integrations, and group chats.

Its emergence is significant not just because of its growth but also due to its contribution to redefining social media norms. Its focus on genuine social discovery and interaction resonates strongly with Gen Z’s desire for authentic online experiences. Lazimi’s leadership and his team’s innovative approach have carved out a singular space for the live social discovery app, making it a preferred platform among younger users. Lazimi’s insights reveal the potential for platforms to prioritize genuine connections over traditional social media metrics, offering a new blueprint for online socialization.

Gen Z’s preferences are clear: They seek authenticity, inclusivity, and interactive experiences on their social media platforms — and they’re reshaping the social media landscape. Yubo, emphasizing real-time interactions, community building, and dynamic features, aligns perfectly with these desires. As this generation continues to influence the digital world, platforms must adapt and evolve to meet these changing needs and preferences. The live social discovery app’s success among Gen Z indicates where social media is headed in the future.