Member Article

World-first emoji-only social platform launches on Android

World-first emoji-only social platform launches on Android

International success of Emojicate on iOS places it one of Denmark’s top app downloads

A first-of-its-kind emoji-led social network has been released on Android, following an iOS debut which prompted almost 10,000 downloads and placed it as one of Denmark’s top ranked apps within days.

Emojicate, which allows users to post updates using only custom-made emojis, was an instant hit when it was released in August 2014 by developers Clicksco Labs.

Denmark quickly took the top spot for downloads, followed by the UK and US. According to Nick Kendal, director of Clicksco Labs, the Denmark spike is due to the heavy penetration of iOS within the country, which gave impetus to the development of an Android version.

He explains: “Like any first-of-its-kind, you need to demonstrate there’s a hunger for it and the iOS debut proved that. But to truly make it a global success, we recognise it has to be available on Android too. Unsurprisingly, the app was most popular with youngsters and teens, so with lower cost handsets operating Android, we believe the launch on Google Play will see user numbers surpass 25,000.”

Technology start-up accelerator Clicksco Labs is based in Teesside, UK and began work on Emojicate in April 2014. Its release on iOS saw the app reach seventh in the App Store in Denmark, second only to Facebook Messenger in the social networking category.

Kendal adds: “There is huge potential to replicate the demand in Denmark in other countries, and for Emojicate to become a widespread tool to communicate by picture and symbol rather than the written word. As well as tapping into the teen trend, this platform offers the potential to break down language barriers, and help those who struggle with literacy. Yet while it can be inclusive, Emojicate can also be used within groups of friends to essentially create a private language. The possibilities are endless.”

Further updates to the network are in the pipeline, to allow users to share photographs and locations. These functions are expected to be available from November.

Clicksco Labs has so far created 454 different emojis, including the dynamic clock emoji which allows users to create an emoji of virtually any time.

Kendal concludes: “We want Android users to have a go and tell us what they like about Emojicate and what they want to see more of – the development of the app doesn’t stop here.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clicksco Labs .