by BASIC POINTS
- Hive Social was No. 1 on the App Store’s top social apps as of late Tuesday
- Hive allows users to add music to their profiles
- Some users have raised security concerns about non-unique usernames
Twitter alternative Hive Social has passed the 1 million mark in downloads and it appears interest in the app has grown significantly, especially after it spiked over the weekend when Twitter boss Elon Musk announced the reinstatement of former President Donald Trump.
As of Tuesday, Hive was listed in the top 20 apps in the US App Store, TechCrunch reported. It has crossed the 1 million download mark and continues to be a hot topic on Twitter.
According to TechCrunch, Hive saw a spike in new user signups starting Friday and throughout the weekend. At the same time, Musk’s Twitter reinstated Trump’s suspended account, although the former president said he saw no reason to return to the social media platform as he already has his own Truth Social app.
From No. 338 overall on the top list of iPhone apps in the US App Store, Hive has since made a huge jump into the Top 20. The platform was No. 24 in Canada as of Tuesday and was No. 17 in the United Kingdom, the agency reported, citing data from the Sensor Tower.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, Hive Social was No. 1 on the App Store’s list of top social networking apps, followed by Gas, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Twitter is not in the top 10.
On Monday, a Twitter user asked what Hive was, adding that social media users were “hot on the mastodon like two seconds ago.” Twitter’s new boss responded, “lmao.”
What the hell is the hive, we weren’t all hot on the mastodon like two seconds ago
— Arin Hanson, City Smasher (@egoraptor) November 21, 2022
Speaking about Musk noticing Hive, the app’s 24-year-old founder, Raluca Pop, told Insider it wasn’t a surprise since the app had been “trending for almost 4 or 5 days straight, and I figured he probably saw it. “
Pop said Hive has “created a safe and healthy community,” and while the team has yet to hire content moderators, “there’s not really toxicity there.”
Hive Social, which is operated by Pop and just two other developers, offers some features similar to Twitter in that it has a main feed and allows for the posting of images and text. However, it also allows users to add music to their profiles, as noted on the app’s website.
However, some users have raised concerns about Hive Social’s security, as the app lacks unique usernames, thus encouraging impersonation, TechCrunch reported.
Despite security concerns and allegedly vague privacy policies, some Twitter users are calling on other tweeps to make the big move.
It’s official, Hive is the best Twitter alternative. It’s 75% Twitter and 25% Instagram with editing mode. Super intuitive and easy to use. Now they just need to add a desktop version. Loving it so far. pic.twitter.com/m1zp9D5wCV
— The Dread Pirate Mark Brooks (@MarkBrooksArt) November 21, 2022
DC and Marvel artist Mark Brooks said: “Hive is the best alternative to Twitter.” He also posted a screenshot of his Hive account for his followers’ reference.
There’s no doubt that Hive is catching on as people look for an alternative to Twitter. Hive is easy to use and has a familiar feel.
But it is run by a very small team.
Can they move fast enough to seize the opportunity before the hype wears off?
— Lowco (@LowcoTV) November 21, 2022
Twitch streamer Lowco acknowledged that Hive is “catching on.” He said the app was easy to use and “feels familiar,” but questioned whether it can “move fast enough” to make the necessary improvements before interest fades.
Top Rope Nation podcast host Ryan Droste said he opened a Hive account as “it seems like all the cool kids are going for a potential Twitter alternative.”
I made a hive account if twitter really dies (high doubt) but just wanted to secure “Synume” just in case. It’s actually not a bad alternative to Twitter 👀 pic.twitter.com/2Oe5nvvHjZ
— Moonlight | Synume (@SynumeMVS) November 22, 2022
Moonlit eSports player Synume said Hive “wasn’t actually a bad alternative.”
I give a dose of HIVE. As it stands, it can’t realistically replace Twitter, but it’s a promising alternative if it can adapt to handle things like verification and privacy at scale. This is a huge question though. pic.twitter.com/cy7e4J5eh6
— Tay (@tay120n64) November 22, 2022
One user said that while Hive “can’t realistically replace Twitter,” he was willing to give the app a chance as it’s still a “promising” option for users looking for another similar platform.
Other users have posted similar comments about the app – that it’s a good alternative, but needs to fix the security and registration issues that could deter other social media users from jumping ship.
It’s really a case of a viable alternative that people can agree on. Tried a couple of Mastodon – has potential, Hive – could be better than twitter if it worked properly, but so far nothing seems to be the long term viable alternative.
— Josh (@TheJCube) November 23, 2022
I’m on Hive as andreanoel, for anyone interested. I have no immediate plans to quit Twitter, but I thought it best to have a backup plan if that becomes necessary. Still some ambiguities to be ironed out there, but it seems like a good alternative and worth checking out.
— 🌼Andrea Noël (@PobreNoel) November 23, 2022
Most of us are well aware of the concerns with hives and are wary. Personally, I choose to give it a chance because, despite the problems, I see that the current team has a very good idea and is actively listening to feedback to create a safe and accessible alternative to twitter.
— vapor💧 (@vaporbobble) November 23, 2022
I’m still not going anywhere, but I’ve created a Hive account as I continue to expand my presence to other places.
I don’t know how this will turn out, but hopefully it will become a decent alternative to Twitter. pic.twitter.com/slbflSuaTm
— DarkWolfAres (@TenebrousWolf) November 22, 2022
