Koo (social network): Difference between revisions

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(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}}...")
 
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{{short description|Indian microblogging and social networking service}}
{{short description|Indian microblogging and social networking service}}
{{for|other uses or company named Koo|Koo (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox website
{{Infobox website
| name = Koo
| name = Koo
| logo = Kooapp_new.png
| logo = Koo Logo.svg
| logo_size = 120px
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_caption =  
| logo_caption =  
| screenshot = Koo (app) screenshot.png
| screenshot = Koo (app) screenshot.png
| caption = Koo App Homepage on desktop version
| caption = Koo's homepage on desktop version
| collapsible = no
| collapsible = no
| company_type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| company_type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
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| native_clients = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<br />[[Internet|Web]]
| native_clients = [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<br />[[Internet|Web]]
| language = [[Multilingual]]
| language = [[Multilingual]]
| language_count = 22
| traded_as =  
| traded_as =  
| founded = {{start date and age|2020|03|01}}
| founded = {{start date and age|2020|03|01}}
| location = [[Bengaluru]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| location = [[Bangalore, Karnataka]], [[India]]
| country_of_origin = [[India]]
| country_of_origin = [[India]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| owner = Bombinate Technologies Pvt Ltd.
| owner = Bombinate Technologies Pvt Ltd.
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap| Aprameya Radhakrishna|Mayank Bidawatka}}
| founder = {{plainlist|
| key_people = [[Aprameya Radhakrishna]]<br>([[CEO]])
*Aprameya Radhakrishna
*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>
| key_people = Aprameya Radhakrishna<br/>([[CEO]])
| industry = {{plainlist|
| industry = {{plainlist|
*[[Internet]]
*[[Internet]]
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| assets =  
| assets =  
| equity =  
| equity =  
| num_employees = 11-50 (As of 2021)
| num_employees = 11–50 (As of 2021)
| subsidiaries =  
| subsidiaries =  
| url = {{url|https://www.kooapp.com/|kooapp.com}}
| url = {{url|https://www.kooapp.com/|kooapp.com}}
| registration = Required
| registration = Required
| num_users = {{increase}} 6 Million<small> (May 2021) </small><ref name="TH"/>
| num_users = {{increase}} 6 million (May 2021) <ref name="TH"/>
| launch_date = 2020
| launch_date = 2020
| current_status = Active
| current_status = Active
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}}
}}


'''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>
'''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>


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>
== 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>  


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


=== Format, interface and features ===
=== 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>
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", 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 ===
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>
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 ===
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>
[[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 ==
== 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>
[[Venture capital|Venture capital firms]] such as [[Tiger Global Management|Tiger Global]], Kalaari Capital, and IIFL have invested in the app.<ref name=":0" /> [[Shunwei Capital]] sold its whole stake in Koo by March 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 March 2021|title=Koo's Chinese investor sells entire stake|work=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/chinese-investor-shunwei-leaves-koo/articleshow/81554716.cms}}</ref>


== Most-followed accounts ==
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, 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>
{{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==
==References==

Revision as of 16:29, 10 July 2021


Koo
File:Koo Logo.svg
Screenshot
File:Koo (app) screenshot.png
Koo's homepage on desktop version
Type of businessPrivate
Type of site
Available inMultilingual
FoundedMarch 1, 2020; 5 years ago (2020-03-01)
HeadquartersBangalore, Karnataka, India
Country of originIndia
Area servedWorldwide
OwnerBombinate Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Founder(s)
  • Aprameya Radhakrishna
  • Mayank Bidawatka
[1]
Key peopleAprameya Radhakrishna
(CEO)
Industry
Employees11–50 (As of 2021)
Websitekooapp.com
RegistrationRequired
UsersIncrease 6 million (May 2021) [2]
Launched2020
Current statusActive
Native client(s) oniOS, Android,
Web

Koo is an Indian microblogging and social networking service based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.[2][3][4] Formerly known as Ku Koo Ku,[5] it won the government of India's Aatmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge in August 2020.[6] As of 2021 it was valued at over $100 million.[7]

History

Koo was first launched in Kannada[8] and supports Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Assamese[9] and Marathi. In February 2021, a cybersecurity expert showed a data breach on the app, but the company rejected the claim.[10]

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.[11] Following this standoff, many Cabinet Ministers such as Piyush Goyal and various government officials moved to Koo, which saw a surge in user base.[11] In April 2021, Ravi Shankar Prasad became the first minister with 1 million followers on Koo.[12]

Koo became an alternative to Twitter in Nigeria after the country indefinitely banned Twitter for deleting a tweet by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.[13] The government of Nigeria created their official account on 10 June 2021.[14]

Interface and features

Koo's logo is a yellow bird. The design of the bird was streamlined on 14 May 2021.[15]

Format, interface and features

Koo's interface is similar to that of Twitter, allowing users to categorize their posts with hashtags and tag other users in mentions or replies. Koo uses a yellow and white interface.[16][17]

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.[18]

Koo gives a yellow tick when an account is verified.[19]

Funding

Venture capital firms such as Tiger Global, Kalaari Capital, and IIFL have invested in the app.[7] Shunwei Capital sold its whole stake in Koo by March 2021.[20]

As of May 2021, Koo has investors including Accel Partners, Kalaari Capital,[6] Blume Ventures, Dream Incubator, 3one4 Capital, Blume Ventures, 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.[21][22][23] After raising $30 million from Tiger Global, Koo's valuation increased, reaching over $100 million, up from about $25 million in February.[24]

References

  1. ↑ Malhotra, Vanshika (7 August 2020). "Koo app: India's Twitter alternative will help you express views in your local language". India TV News.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Will double headcount; lot of headroom for growing user base: Koo". The Hindu. PTI. 9 May 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. ↑ "Indian entrepreneurs back Koo app as Chinese investor exits". The Economic Times. 12 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "Desi microblogging platform Koo will have to cover a lot of ground to be Twitter alternative". 10 February 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  5. ↑ "Chingari, YourQuote and Koo are the winners of the Aatmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge". Indulge Express. 31 August 2020.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Koo Has A Chinese Investor Who Is Exiting, Says Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna". Moneycontrol. 11 February 2021.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Mishra, Digbijay (26 May 2021). "Koo's valuation rises five times in three months in new funding round". The Economic Times. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "Koo is now the largestmicro blog in Kannada". The Hindu. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  9. ↑ "Nomoskaar Assam! Koo launches app in Assamese as Twitter comes under fire". Zee News. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "French cyber expert shows data leak on Koo app, company denies any breach". Deccan Herald. 11 February 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Twitter's clash with India government gives boost to local rival". Japan Times. 17 February 2021.
  12. ↑ "Ravi Shankar Prasad becomes first minister with 10 lakh followers on domestic Twitter "Koo"". Gadgets Techly360. 9 April 2021.
  13. ↑ Mukul, Pranav (14 June 2021). "Explained: Nigerian govt joins Koo; what this means for Twitter's India-made rival". The Indian Express. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  14. ↑ Alawadhi, Neha (10 June 2021). "Koo expands its wings, govt of Nigeria joins microblogging platform". Business Standard. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  15. ↑ Ajmal, Anam (13 May 2021). "Koo App: Homegrown social media app Koo launches new logo". The Times of India. TNN.
  16. ↑ "Made in India Twitter alternative Koo wins government's app innovation challenge in social category". 7 August 2020.
  17. ↑ "Twitter's clash with government gives boost to Koo app". 17 February 2021.
  18. ↑ "Koo Launches New 'Talk To Type' Feature For Indian Languages". Moneycontrol. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  19. ↑ Talakokkula, Karthik (11 February 2021). "How to get Verified Account on Koo (Verified Account)". Android Nature. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Koo's Chinese investor sells entire stake". Times of India. 18 March 2021.
  21. ↑ "Koo raises $30mn funding led by Tiger Global". The Hindu. PTI. 26 May 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  22. ↑ "Twitter under fire, Koo announces $30 million fundraise: why it's significant". The Indian Express. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  23. ↑ "Koo raises $30 million funding led by Tiger Global". India Today. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  24. ↑ "Tiger Global leads $30 million investment in Indian Twitter rival Koo". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2 June 2021.

External links

Template:Microblogging Template:Online social networking

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