Subcontinental Twitter alternative
Twitter is one of the most extensive micro-blogging services available. Developed for the Indian market, Koo was modeled on similar principles. By providing a localized blogging version of the blue giant, India strives to drive market share and create an Indian experience for social communications. The creation of this software was prompted by political tensions exacerbated by differences on the Indian and Chinese border.
What is the point
You can find this TikTok variant on both iOS and Android app stores. If the distracting yellow background looks familiar, it’s because you’re looking at an icon of a bird resembling the logo of the market leader.
As mentioned by the Prime Minister of India, the software aims to stimulate the population to converse in the local dialect. A number of celebrities, icons, and politicians have joined the platform, in solidarity with the president’s request.
You can expect to have all the functionality that is offered by Twitter and TikTok with topical changes. Although it is a reskinned version of another platform, all the features work well. This is not simply a cheap imitation.
The subcontinent is one of the most populous countries in the world. Of the more than 1 billion people living there only 10% speak English. The economic ties also warrant that competition exists in these virtual worlds.
User Interface
Dominated by the yellow background and cartoon bird, the app goes out of its way to make you feel comfortable using it. The usual buttons and a profile page are the normal things you will find.
Our take
This app is fun and can provide a change from the usual blueness of Twitter. If it was not for the ridiculous numbers of fans tweeting, Koo gives you a truly nostalgic experience. For the diehard fans of Twitter, this may not seem like a worthy endeavor.
Should you download it
No. Unless you are actually living in India, there is no need to download it. It works great if you want to communicate in Hindi or any of the other Indian languages. However, Twitter also has a ‘translate’ function, making the need for a language-specific program virtually moot. You can also try WeChat and TikTok.
