TikTok’s days in the US might be numbered, with the deadline for the company to either sell the app to a US company or shut down entirely coming up this Friday, Jan. 19. As a result, many US TikTokers are taking to the app to post videos with the overwhelming sentiment of “what’s next?”
A TikTok user posted a video, that has since garnered 10.5 million views, asking people what app they will use as a TikTok replacement. To my surprise, many comments didn’t suggest China-owned platforms Lemon8 or RedNote, currently ranked #1 on the App Store. Rather, users recommended Neptune, an app that isn’t even out yet.
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Neptune has a unique approach to social media. The biggest standout is its customizable algorithm, unlike YouTube, TikTok, and most other social media platforms, which have proprietary algorithms that users can’t control. It also has ghost metrics, meaning it doesn’t prioritize or showcase followers and prefers quality.
Since the app is not yet out, you need to fill out a form and join a Discord server to get on the waitlist to become a beta tester, which could be an intimidating process if you’ve never done it before. I will walk you through how to do so below, and you’ll see it’s much simpler than you may think. The biggest perk is that you can reserve your username before the app even rolls out — a huge boon for content creators.
How to get started on Neptune
You can learn more about Neptune, and the app’s mission, on its website. If you decide to move forward and join the waitlist, you can click on the “Follow us” tab on the site and click on “Beta test the revolution”.
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Once you do, you’ll be taken to this Google form for the waitlist. To become a beta tester and fill out the form, you must join the Discord server linked in the form. As a result, the next steps are about getting yourself set on Discord.
If you are new to Discord, this process may seem daunting, but it’s easier than it looks. First, you will be asked to enter your Display Name, which is just your Discord username (not what will be used on Neptune), birthday, and email and password. You’ll want to keep this username handy for the form.
Once you are in, the user interface may seem a bit overwhelming. All you have to do is click on the left-hand bar on the Neptune logo, the octopus. Once you do, you will be asked some questions about yourself.
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After you go through those questions, you are in. There will be detailed instructions in the “Welcome” channel that tell you everything you can do to set up your account to your liking and connect with other users. A fun way to explore is to click on the different pre-made channels, including pet pics, selfies, photography, and more.
If you are like me, you will want to reserve your handle to get dibs on your username just in case the platform blows up. To do so, click on FAQs, which can be found underneath the Neptune Core section on the sidebar.
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Then, click on Handle Reservations, and follow the detailed instructions. The steps entail visiting this link, entering the password they give you, and typing in the username you want. Once you find an available username, enter your email and submit.
Once you are done setting up your Discord account and joining Neptune, it’s time to revisit the Google form. Enter the required information, including your Discord username (not to be confused with the Neptune one you made, which was optional), and submit. If you are selected to join the beta test pool, you will be notified.
What is Neptune?
Neptune is a new social media app that takes a different approach, with the biggest standout being that it has a customizable algorithm. It also has ghost metrics, meaning it doesn’t prioritize or showcase followers but prefers quality.
Is Neptune free?
Yes, signing up for the Neptune waitlist and using the app is free.
Do I have to be on Discord to get started on Neptune?
Yes, to get on the Neptune waitlist you must join the Neptune Discord. However, don’t let that fact intimidate you. The steps are easier than they seem and you can find a detailed step-by-step guide above.