Koo (social network) - Revision history

imported>Badassboy 63637: fixed typo

2021-08-20T05:17:51Z

fixed typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 20 August 2021
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	*[[Social networking service]]		*[[Social networking service]]
	*[[News]]}}		*[[News]]}}
	\| native_clients = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)\|Android]],~~<br />~~[[Internet\|Web]]		\| native_clients = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)\|Android]], [[Internet\|Web]]
	\| language = [[Multilingual]]		\| language = [[Multilingual]]
	\| traded_as =		\| traded_as =
	\| founded = {{~~start~~ date and age\|~~2020\|03\|01~~}}		\| founded = {{Start date and age\|14 November 2019}}
	\| location = [[Bangalore, Karnataka]], [[India]]		\| location = [[Bangalore, Karnataka]], [[India]]
	\| country_of_origin = [[India]]		\| country_of_origin = [[India]]
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	\| subsidiaries =		\| subsidiaries =
	\| url = {{url\|https://www.kooapp.com/\|kooapp.com}}		\| url = {{url\|https://www.kooapp.com/\|kooapp.com}}
	\| registration = ~~Required~~		\| registration = Optional
	\| num_users = {{increase}} 6 million (~~May~~ 2021) ~~<ref name="TH"/>~~		\| num_users = {{increase}} 10 million+ <br> (August 2021)
	\| launch_date = 2020		\| launch_date = 2020
	\| current_status = Active		\| current_status = Active
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	}}		}}

	'''Koo''' is an Indian [[microblogging]] and [[social networking service]] based in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]].<ref name="TH">{{Cite news\|others=PTI\|date=2021-05-09\|title=Will double headcount; lot of headroom for growing user base: Koo\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/will-double-headcount-says-koo/article34519400.ece\|access-date=2021-05-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="ET">{{Cite news\|date=2021-02-12\|title=Indian entrepreneurs back Koo app as Chinese investor exits\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/indian-entrepreneurs-back-koo-app-even-as-chinese-investor-exits/articleshow/80851086.cms\|newspaper=The Economic Times\|access-date=2021-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/talking-points/story/desi-microblogging-platform-koo-will-have-to-cover-a-lot-of-ground-to-be-twitter-alternative-1767717-2021-02-10\|title=Desi microblogging platform Koo will have to cover a lot of ground to be Twitter alternative\|date=10 February 2021\|access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref> Formerly known as '''Ku Koo Ku''',<ref>{{cite news \|title=Chingari, YourQuote and Koo are the winners of the Aatmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge \|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/gadgets/2020/aug/31/chingari-yourquote-and-koo-are-the-winners-of-the-aatmanirbhar-app-innovation-challenge-27791.html \|work=Indulge Express \|date=31 August 2020 \|language=en}}</ref> it won the [[government of India]]'s [[Atmanirbhar Bharat\|~~Aatmanirbhar~~]] App Innovation Challenge in August 2020.<ref name="moneycontrol">{{cite news \|title=Koo Has A Chinese Investor Who Is Exiting, Says Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna \|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/koo-has-a-chinese-investor-who-is-exiting-says-founder-aprameya-radhakrishna-6488541.html \|work=Moneycontrol \|date=11 February 2021}}</ref> As of 2021 it ~~was~~ valued at over $100 million.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news\|last=Mishra\|first=Digbijay\|date=26 May 2021\|title=~~Koo’s~~ valuation rises five times in three months in new funding round\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/amid-twitter-india-turmoil-koo-app-raises-30-million-at-six-times-valuation/articleshow/82946443.cms\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref>		'''Koo''' is an Indian [[microblogging]] and [[social networking service]] based in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]].<ref name="TH">{{Cite news\|others=PTI\|date=2021-05-09\|title=Will double headcount; lot of headroom for growing user base: Koo\|language=en-IN\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/will-double-headcount-says-koo/article34519400.ece\|access-date=2021-05-27\|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="ET">{{Cite news\|date=2021-02-12\|title=Indian entrepreneurs back Koo app as Chinese investor exits\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/indian-entrepreneurs-back-koo-app-even-as-chinese-investor-exits/articleshow/80851086.cms\|newspaper=The Economic Times\|access-date=2021-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/talking-points/story/desi-microblogging-platform-koo-will-have-to-cover-a-lot-of-ground-to-be-twitter-alternative-1767717-2021-02-10\|title=Desi microblogging platform Koo will have to cover a lot of ground to be Twitter alternative\|date=10 February 2021\|access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref> Formerly known as '''Ku Koo Ku''',<ref>{{cite news \|title=Chingari, YourQuote and Koo are the winners of the Aatmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge \|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/gadgets/2020/aug/31/chingari-yourquote-and-koo-are-the-winners-of-the-aatmanirbhar-app-innovation-challenge-27791.html \|work=Indulge Express \|date=31 August 2020 \|language=en}}</ref> it won the [[government of India]]'s [[Atmanirbhar Bharat\|Atmanirbhar]] App Innovation Challenge in August 2020.<ref name="moneycontrol">{{cite news \|title=Koo Has A Chinese Investor Who Is Exiting, Says Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna \|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/koo-has-a-chinese-investor-who-is-exiting-says-founder-aprameya-radhakrishna-6488541.html \|work=Moneycontrol \|date=11 February 2021}}</ref> As of 2021, it is valued at over $100 million.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news\|last=Mishra\|first=Digbijay\|date=26 May 2021\|title=Koo's valuation rises five times in three months in new funding round\|work=The Economic Times\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/amid-twitter-india-turmoil-koo-app-raises-30-million-at-six-times-valuation/articleshow/82946443.cms\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref>

	== History ==		== History ==
	Koo was first launched in [[Kannada]]<ref>{{cite news\|date=24 September 2020\|title=Koo is now the largestmicro blog in Kannada\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/koo-is-now-the-largestmicro-blog-in-kannada/article32687332.ece\|access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref> and supports [[Hindi]], [[Indian English\|English]], [[Tamil language\|Tamil]], [[Telugu language\|Telugu]], [[Assamese language\|Assamese]]<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-06-16\|title=Nomoskaar Assam! Koo launches app in Assamese as Twitter comes under fire\|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/nomoskaar-assam-koo-launches-app-in-assamese-as-twitter-comes-under-fire-2369591.html\|access-date=2021-06-17\|website=Zee News\|language=en}}</ref> and [[Marathi language\|Marathi]]. In February 2021, a [[Computer security\|cybersecurity]] expert showed a data breach on the app, but the company rejected the claim.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-02-11\|title=French cyber expert shows data leak on Koo app, company denies any breach\|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/french-cyber-expert-shows-data-leak-on-koo-app-company-denies-any-breach-949976.html\|access-date=2021-05-09\|website=Deccan Herald\|language=en}}</ref>		Koo was first launched in [[Kannada]]<ref>{{cite news\|date=24 September 2020\|title=Koo is now the largestmicro blog in Kannada\|work=The Hindu\|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/koo-is-now-the-largestmicro-blog-in-kannada/article32687332.ece\|access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref> and supports [[Hindi]], [[Indian English\|English]], [[Tamil language\|Tamil]], [[Telugu language\|Telugu]], [[Assamese language\|Assamese]]<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-06-16\|title=Nomoskaar Assam! Koo launches app in Assamese as Twitter comes under fire\|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/nomoskaar-assam-koo-launches-app-in-assamese-as-twitter-comes-under-fire-2369591.html\|access-date=2021-06-17\|website=Zee News\|language=en}}</ref> and [[Marathi language\|Marathi]]. In February 2021, a [[Computer security\|cybersecurity]] expert showed a data breach on the app, but the company rejected the claim.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-02-11\|title=French cyber expert shows data leak on Koo app, company denies any breach\|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/french-cyber-expert-shows-data-leak-on-koo-app-company-denies-any-breach-949976.html\|access-date=2021-05-09\|website=Deccan Herald\|language=en}}</ref>

	According to statistics provided by analytics provider Sensor Tower, the Koo saw 2.6 million installs from Indian app stores in 2020, compared to 28 million installs observed for [[Twitter]]. From February 6 to February 11, the installations of Koo increased rapidly. The app increased in popularity after a weeklong standoff between Twitter and the Indian government over Twitter's refusal to block accounts the government had flagged for spreading disinformation during the [[2020–21 Indian farmers' protest]].<ref name="twitterclash">{{cite news\|date=17 February 2021\|title=Twitter's clash with India government gives boost to local rival\|publisher=[[Japan Times]]\|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/17/business/koo-india-twitter/}}</ref> Following this standoff, many [[Union Council of Ministers\|Cabinet Ministers]] such as [[Piyush Goyal]] and various government officials moved to Koo, which saw a surge in user base.<ref name="twitterclash" /> In April 2021, [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] became the first minister with 1 million followers on Koo.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=9 April 2021\|title=Ravi Shankar Prasad becomes first minister with 10 lakh followers on domestic Twitter "Koo"\|url=https://gadgets.techly360.com/ravi-shankar-prasad-becomes-first-minister-with-10-lakh-followers-on-koo/\|newspaper=Gadgets Techly360}}</ref>		According to statistics provided by analytics provider Sensor Tower, the Koo saw 2.6 million installs from Indian app stores in 2020, compared to 28 million installs observed for [[Twitter]]. From February 6 to February 11, the installations of Koo increased rapidly. The app increased in popularity after a weeklong standoff between Twitter and the Indian government over Twitter's refusal to block accounts the government had flagged for spreading disinformation during the 2020–21 Indian farmers' protest.<ref name="twitterclash">{{cite news\|date=17 February 2021\|title=Twitter's clash with India government gives boost to local rival\|publisher=[[Japan Times]]\|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/17/business/koo-india-twitter/}}</ref> Following this standoff, many [[Union Council of Ministers\|Cabinet Ministers]] such as [[Piyush Goyal]] and various government officials moved to Koo, which saw a surge in user base.<ref name="twitterclash" /> In April 2021, [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] became the first minister with 1 million followers on Koo.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=9 April 2021\|title=Ravi Shankar Prasad becomes first minister with 10 lakh followers on domestic Twitter "Koo"\|url=https://gadgets.techly360.com/ravi-shankar-prasad-becomes-first-minister-with-10-lakh-followers-on-koo/\|newspaper=Gadgets Techly360}}</ref>

	Koo became an alternative to Twitter in [[Nigeria]] after the country indefinitely banned Twitter for deleting a tweet by Nigerian President [[Muhammadu Buhari]].<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Mukul\|first=Pranav\|date=14 June 2021\|title=Explained: Nigerian govt joins Koo; what this means for ~~Twitter’s~~ India-made rival\|work=The Indian Express\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/nigeria-twitter-ban-koo-app-7352292/\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref> The [[Federal government of Nigeria\|government of Nigeria]] created their official account on 10 June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Alawadhi\|first=Neha\|date=10 June 2021\|title=Koo expands its wings, govt of Nigeria joins microblogging platform\|work=Business Standard\|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/koo-expands-its-wings-govt-of-nigeria-joins-microblogging-platform-121061001199_1.html\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref>		Koo became an alternative to Twitter in [[Nigeria]] after the country indefinitely banned Twitter for deleting a tweet by Nigerian President [[Muhammadu Buhari]].<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Mukul\|first=Pranav\|date=14 June 2021\|title=Explained: Nigerian govt joins Koo; what this means for Twitter's India-made rival\|work=The Indian Express\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/nigeria-twitter-ban-koo-app-7352292/\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref> The [[Federal government of Nigeria\|government of Nigeria]] created their official account on 10 June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Alawadhi\|first=Neha\|date=10 June 2021\|title=Koo expands its wings, govt of Nigeria joins microblogging platform\|work=Business Standard\|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/koo-expands-its-wings-govt-of-nigeria-joins-microblogging-platform-121061001199_1.html\|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref>

	== Interface and features ==		== Interface and features ==
	=== Logo ===		=== Logo ===
	Koo's logo is a yellow bird. The design of the bird was streamlined on 14 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=13 May 2021\|first1=Anam\|~~last~~=Ajmal\|agency=TNN\|title=Koo App: Homegrown social media app Koo launches new logo\|work=The Times of India\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/homegrown-social-media-app-koo-launches-new-logo/articleshow/82600617.cms}}</ref>		Koo's logo is a yellow bird. The design of the bird was streamlined on 14 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=13 May 2021\|first1=Anam\|last1=Ajmal\|agency=TNN\|title=Koo App: Homegrown social media app Koo launches new logo\|work=The Times of India\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/homegrown-social-media-app-koo-launches-new-logo/articleshow/82600617.cms}}</ref>

	=== Format, interface and features ===		=== Format, interface and features ===
	Koo's interface is similar to that of [[Twitter]], allowing users to categorize their posts with [[hashtag]]s and tag other users in mentions or replies. Koo uses a yellow and white interface.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/made-in-india-twitter-alternative-koo-wins-governments-app-innovation-challenge-in-social-category/2048084/\|title=Made in India Twitter alternative Koo wins ~~government’s~~ app innovation challenge in social category\|date=7 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/twitters-clash-with-government-gives-boost-to-koo-app-101613517083858.html\|title=~~Twitter’s~~ clash with government gives boost to Koo app\|date=17 February 2021}}</ref>		Koo's interface is similar to that of [[Twitter]], allowing users to categorize their posts with [[hashtag]]s and tag other users in mentions or replies. Koo uses a yellow and white interface.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/made-in-india-twitter-alternative-koo-wins-governments-app-innovation-challenge-in-social-category/2048084/\|title=Made in India Twitter alternative Koo wins government's app innovation challenge in social category\|date=7 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/twitters-clash-with-government-gives-boost-to-koo-app-101613517083858.html\|title=Twitter's clash with government gives boost to Koo app\|date=17 February 2021}}</ref>

	On 4 May 2021, Koo introduced a new feature called "Talk to Type" which allows its users to create a post with the app's voice assistant.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Koo Launches New 'Talk To Type' Feature For Indian Languages\|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/koo-launches-new-talk-to-type-feature-for-indian-languages-6852741.html\|access-date=2021-05-16\|website=Moneycontrol}}</ref>		On 4 May 2021, Koo introduced a new feature called "Talk to Type" which allows its users to create a post with the app's voice assistant.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Koo Launches New 'Talk To Type' Feature For Indian Languages\|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/koo-launches-new-talk-to-type-feature-for-indian-languages-6852741.html\|access-date=2021-05-16\|website=Moneycontrol}}</ref>

	Koo gives a [[Check mark\|yellow tick]] when an account is verified.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Talakokkula\|first=Karthik\|date=2021-02-11\|title=How to get Verified Account on Koo (Verified Account)\|url=https://www.androidnature.com/how-to-get-verified-account-on-koo/\|access-date=2021-06-25\|website=Android Nature\|language=en-US}}</ref>		Koo gives a [[Check mark\|yellow tick]] when an account is verified.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Talakokkula\|first=Karthik\|date=2021-02-11\|title=How to get Verified Account on Koo (Verified Account)\|url=https://www.androidnature.com/how-to-get-verified-account-on-koo/\|access-date=2021-06-25\|website=Android Nature\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=28 July 2021\|title=Like blue tick, Now Koo App will give Yellow Tick to verified users!\|url=https://gadgets.techly360.com/like-blue-tick-now-koo-app-will-give-yellow-tick-to-verified-users/\|newspaper=Gadgets Techly360}}</ref>

			On August 4 2021, [[Light-on-dark color scheme\|Dark theme]] was introduced for the app.

	== Funding ==		== Funding ==

>Valereee: uncap government

2021-07-10T10:59:16Z

uncap government

Show changes

WikiDwarf: Created page with "{{short description|Indian microblogging and social networking service}} {{for|other uses or company named Koo|Koo (disambiguation)}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}..."

2021-06-11T06:33:57Z

Created page with "{{short description|Indian microblogging and social networking service}} {{for|other uses or company named Koo|Koo (disambiguation)}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}..."

New page

{{short description|Indian microblogging and social networking service}}
{{for|other uses or company named Koo|Koo (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Koo
| logo = Kooapp_new.png
| logo_size = 120px
| logo_caption =
| screenshot = Koo (app) screenshot.png
| caption = Koo App Homepage on desktop version
| collapsible = no
| company_type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| website_type = {{plainlist|
*[[Microblogging]]
*[[Social networking service]]
*[[News]]}}
| native_clients = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<br />[[Internet|Web]]
| language = [[Multilingual]]
| language_count = 22
| traded_as =
| founded = {{start date and age|2020|03|01}}
| location = [[Bengaluru]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| country_of_origin = [[India]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| owner = Bombinate Technologies Pvt Ltd.
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap| Aprameya Radhakrishna|Mayank Bidawatka}}
| key_people = [[Aprameya Radhakrishna]]<br>([[CEO]])
| industry = {{plainlist|
*[[Internet]]
*[[Social networking service|Social media]]}}
| revenue =
| net_income =
| operating_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| num_employees = 11-50 (As of 2021)
| subsidiaries =
| url = {{url|https://www.kooapp.com/|kooapp.com}}
| registration = Required
| num_users = {{increase}} 6 Million<small> (May 2021) </small><ref name="TH"/>
| launch_date = 2020
| current_status = Active
| programming_language =
| footnotes =
}}

'''Koo'''<ref name="TH">{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2021-05-09|title=Will double headcount; lot of headroom for growing user base: Koo|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/will-double-headcount-says-koo/article34519400.ece|access-date=2021-05-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> is an Indian [[microblogging]] and [[social networking service]] based in [[Bengaluru]], India.<ref name="ET">{{Cite news|date=2021-02-12|title=Indian entrepreneurs back Koo app as Chinese investor exits|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/indian-entrepreneurs-back-koo-app-even-as-chinese-investor-exits/articleshow/80851086.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=2021-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/talking-points/story/desi-microblogging-platform-koo-will-have-to-cover-a-lot-of-ground-to-be-twitter-alternative-1767717-2021-02-10|title=Desi microblogging platform Koo will have to cover a lot of ground to be Twitter alternative|date=10 February 2021|accessdate=5 March 2021}}</ref> Formerly known as '''Ku Koo Ku,'''<ref>{{cite news |title=Chingari, YourQuote and Koo are the winners of the Aatmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/gadgets/2020/aug/31/chingari-yourquote-and-koo-are-the-winners-of-the-aatmanirbhar-app-innovation-challenge-27791.html |work=Indulge Express |date=31 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref> the app was developed by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Malhotra |first1=Vanshika |title=Koo app: India's Twitter alternative will help you express views in your local language |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/apps-indian-app-koo-is-twitter-s-alternative-what-is-it-how-to-download-on-android-ios-and-more-640268 |work=India TV News |date=7 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref> It won the [[Government of India]]'s [[Atmanirbhar Bharat|Aatmanirbhar]] App Innovation Challenge in August 2020.<ref name="moneycontrol">{{cite news |title=Koo Has A Chinese Investor Who Is Exiting, Says Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/koo-has-a-chinese-investor-who-is-exiting-says-founder-aprameya-radhakrishna-6488541.html |work=Moneycontrol |date=11 February 2021}}</ref> The app is currently valued at over $100 million.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mishra|first=Digbijay|title=Koo’s valuation rises five times in three months in new funding round|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/amid-twitter-india-turmoil-koo-app-raises-30-million-at-six-times-valuation/articleshow/82946443.cms|access-date=2021-06-02}}</ref>

It was first launched in [[Kannada]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/koo-is-now-the-largestmicro-blog-in-kannada/article32687332.ece|title=Koo is now the largestmicro blog in Kannada|date=24 September 2020|accessdate=12 May 2021|work= The Hindu}}</ref> and now supports [[Hindi]], [[Indian English|English]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]. In the future it plans to provide support for [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Malayalam]], [[Meitei language|Meitei]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Sanskrit]] and [[Urdu]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's Everything You Need to Know About Koo|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/features/koo-app-how-to-download-koo-features-everything-you-should-know-indian-alternative-twitter-2367632|access-date=2021-02-16|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|language=en}}</ref> Investors in the app include [[Shunwei Capital]], [[Kalaari Capital]], 3one4 Capital, and Blume Ventures.<ref name="moneycontrol"/> Shunwei Capital sold its whole stake in Koo by March 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/chinese-investor-shunwei-leaves-koo/articleshow/81554716.cms|title=Koo's Chinese investor sells entire stake|date=18 March 2021|work=Times of India}}</ref> In February 2021, a [[Computer security|cybersecurity]] expert showed a data breach on the Koo app, but the company rejected the claim.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-11|title=French cyber expert shows data leak on Koo app, company denies any breach|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/french-cyber-expert-shows-data-leak-on-koo-app-company-denies-any-breach-949976.html|access-date=2021-05-09|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>

According to statistics provided by analytics provider Sensor Tower, the Koo App saw 26 [[lakh]] (2.6 million) installs from Indian app stores in 2020, compared to 2.8 [[crore]] (28 million) installs observed for [[Twitter]]. From February 6 to February 11, the installations of Koo App increased rapidly. The Koo app shot to prominence after Twitter got into a week-long standoff with the Indian government over their refusal to block accounts that the latter had flagged for spreading misinformation during the 2020-21 Indian farmers' protest.<ref name="twitterclash">{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/17/business/koo-india-twitter/|title=Twitter's clash with India government gives boost to local rival|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|date=17 February 2021}}</ref> Following this standoff, many [[Union Council of Ministers|Cabinet Ministers]] such as [[Piyush Goyal]] and various government officials moved to Koo, which has since then seen a surge in user base.<ref name="twitterclash"/> In April 2021, [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] became the first minister with 1 million followers on Koo.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://gadgets.techly360.com/ravi-shankar-prasad-becomes-first-minister-with-10-lakh-followers-on-koo/ |title = Ravi Shankar Prasad becomes first minister with 10 lakh followers on domestic Twitter "Koo" |newspaper = Gadgets Techly360 |date=9 April 2021}}</ref>

Koo made its debut in [[Nigeria]] following an indefinite ban on [[Twitter]]. The [[Government of Nigeria]] ([https://www.kooapp.com/profile/nigeriagov @nigeriagov]) created their official account on 10 June 2021.<ref> https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/nigeria-joins-indias-koo-after-it-bans-twitter/768611 </ref>

== Interface and features ==
[[File:Koo's transformation from old to new.png|left|thumb|245x245px|Koo's original logo (left) and current logo (right)]]

=== Logo ===
Koo's logo is a [[yellow]] bird. The design of the yellow bird was changed on 14 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 May 2021|first1=Anam|last=Ajmal|agency=TNN|title=Koo App: Homegrown social media app Koo launches new logo|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/homegrown-social-media-app-koo-launches-new-logo/articleshow/82600617.cms}}</ref>

=== Format, interface and features ===
Koo's interface is similar to that of [[Twitter]] where users can categorize their posts with [[hashtag]]s – words or phrases prefixed with a "<code>#</code>" sign. Another similarity is that the "<code>@</code>" sign followed by a [[username]] is used for mentioning or replying to other users. Koo uses a yellow and white interface.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/made-in-india-twitter-alternative-koo-wins-governments-app-innovation-challenge-in-social-category/2048084/|title=Made in India Twitter alternative Koo wins government’s app innovation challenge in social category|date=7 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/twitters-clash-with-government-gives-boost-to-koo-app-101613517083858.html|title=Twitter’s clash with government gives boost to Koo app|date=17 February 2021}}</ref>

On 4 May 2021, Koo introduced a new feature called "Talk to Type", where Koo allows its users to write a post by speaking while using the app's voice assistant. The feature will be available in all languages supported by the app, including [[English language|English]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Hindi]], [[Kannada]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koo Launches New 'Talk To Type' Feature For Indian Languages|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/koo-launches-new-talk-to-type-feature-for-indian-languages-6852741.html|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Moneycontrol}}</ref>

=== Trending topics ===
A word, phrase, or topic that is mentioned at a greater rate than others is said to be a "trending topic". Trending topics become popular either through a concerted effort by users or because of an event that prompts people to talk about a specific topic. When a certain amount of users talk about a single topic it appears on the trending page in Koo. The trending topic appears in the form of a hashtag.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koo App is the Voice of India, in Indian Languages. Welcome to Koo, India's Aatmanirbhar App.|url=https://www.kooapp.com/|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Koo|language=en}}</ref>

=== Verification ===
[[File:Screenshot of official account of koo app.jpg|thumb|363x363px|Official account of Koo app on Koo]]
Koo gives a [[Check mark|Yellow tick]] when an account is verified. The verification is done by the verification team of the Koo app. The person should be a [[Notability|notable personality]] to be verified as per the guidelines of the Koo app.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koo App - Faq|url=https://www.kooapp.com/faqs?language=en|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Koo|language=en}}</ref>

== Funding ==
As of May 2021, Koo has investors including Accel Partners, [[Vani Kola|Kalaari Capital]],<ref name="moneycontrol" /> Blume Ventures, Dream Incubator, 3one4 Capital, Blume Ventures, [[India Infoline|IIFL]] and Mirae Assets. On 26 May 2021, Koo said in a statement that it has raised $30 million (about ₹218 crore) in Series B funding, led by [[Tiger Global Management|Tiger Global]].<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2021-05-26|title=Koo raises $30mn funding led by Tiger Global|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/koo-raises-30mn-funding-led-by-tiger-global/article34647225.ece|access-date=2021-05-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-26|title=Twitter under fire, Koo announces $30 million fundraise: why it's significant|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/koo-app-fundraise-tiger-global-twitter-social-media-it-rules-7330989/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-27|title=Koo raises $30 million funding led by Tiger Global|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/koo-raises-30-million-funding-led-by-tiger-global-1807626-2021-05-27|access-date=2021-05-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> After raising $30 million from [[Tiger Global Management|Tiger Global]], Koo's valuation increased, reaching over $100 million, up from about $25 million in February.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tiger Global leads $30 million investment in Indian Twitter rival Koo|url=https://social.techcrunch.com/2021/05/25/tiger-global-koo-app-twitter/|access-date=2021-06-02|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Most-followed accounts ==
{{As of|2021|6|5}}, Koo's [https://www.kooapp.com/profile/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80 official account (@कू_हिंदी)] is the most-followed account on Koo with nearly {{Up}}32 lakh (3.2 million) followers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=कू - के विचार कू पर फ़ॉलो करें|url=https://www.kooapp.com/profile/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80|access-date=2021-06-05|website=Koo|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ravi Shankar Prasad - Follow their thoughts on Koo|url=https://www.kooapp.com/profile/ravishankarprasad|access-date=2021-06-05|website=Koo|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Anupam Kher - Follow their thoughts on Koo|url=https://www.kooapp.com/profile/anupampkher|access-date=2021-06-05|website=Koo|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Piyush Goyal - Follow their thoughts on Koo|url=https://www.kooapp.com/profile/piyushgoyal|access-date=2021-06-05|website=Koo|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mayank - Follow their thoughts on Koo|url=https://www.kooapp.com/profile/mayank|access-date=2021-06-05|website=Koo|language=hi}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of five most-followed accounts on Koo
!Rank
!Change
(Monthly)
!Account Name
!Owner
!Followers
!Activity
!Country
|-
|{{Center|1}}
|{{Center|{{up}}}}
|[https://www.kooapp.com/profile/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80 @कू_हिंदी]
|{{Center|Koo}}
|{{Center|3.2 Million}}
|[[Social networking service|Social Networking Service]]
|{{Flag|India}}
|-
|{{Center|2}}
|{{Center|{{up}}}}
|[https://www.kooapp.com/profile/ravishankarprasad @ravishankarprasad]
|{{Center|[[Ravi Shankar Prasad]]}}
|{{Center|1.5 Million}}
|[[Politician]]
|{{Flag|India}}
|-
|{{Center|3}}
|{{Center|{{up}}}}
|[https://www.kooapp.com/profile/anupampkher @anupampkher]
|{{Center|[[Anupam Kher]]}}
|{{Center|1.1 Million}}
|[[Actor]]
|{{Flag|India}}
|-
|{{Center|4}}
|{{Center|{{up}}}}
|[https://www.kooapp.com/profile/piyushgoyal @piyushgoyal]
|{{Center|[[Piyush Goyal]]}}
|{{Center|879K}}
|[[Politician]]
|{{Flag|India}}
|-
|{{Center|5}}
|{{Center|{{up}}}}
|[https://www.kooapp.com/profile/mayank @mayank]
|{{Center|Mayank Bidawatka}}
|{{Center|620K}}
|Co-Founder of Koo
|{{Flag|India}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{url|www.kooapp.com|Official site}}

{{Microblogging}}
{{Online social networking}}

[[Category:Internet properties established in 2020]]
[[Category:Indian social networking websites]]
[[Category:Microblogging services]]
[[Category:Multilingual websites]]