Looking for a TikTok alternative? Neptune could be it

The post Looking for a TikTok alternative? Neptune could be it appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 15, 2025 - 11:30

Summary: Neptune is an upcoming TikTok alternative that allows creators to hide their follower and like counts. The app is still in beta, but the company has ambitious plans for it, including monetization options.

There’s a new TikTok alternative app in town called Neptune. What Neptune is trying to do is bring the fun back to short-form video by doing something radical: ignoring your follower count.

Meet Neptune, a TikTok alternative

Neptune was founded by Ashley Darling, a talent director at the OPTYX agency. Speaking to TechCrunch, Darling says, “I spent years working with independent creators, both as an influencer myself and later helping brands. I kept hearing the same thing from creators and users, ‘I miss when social media was fun. When it was about creativity, not competition.’ So, instead of waiting for a platform to listen, I built one.”

These days, many social media users gauge interest in their posts based on how many likes they get. They also determine how popular they are based on the number of followers. In some cases, seeing a drop in follower count can have a devastating effect on some. This is why, instead of chasing likes, Neptune creators can choose to hide them entirely. This optional “ghost metrics” feature reduces the pressure to perform and helps users actually enjoy making videos again.

Neptune also has built-in monetization tools, including tips, live streaming, and subscriptions. One of TikTok’s biggest problems is how difficult it can be for smaller creators to make actual money. Neptune can potentially address this issue.

That being said, some features are still missing. The app doesn’t have in-app editing tools or direct messaging yet, and right now, it’s just a feed and search bar. However, to be fair to its creators, Neptune is still in beta, so we should give it more time to develop fully before judging it.

More TikTok alternatives

There are no shortages when it comes to TikTok alternatives. Ignoring the impending ban for just one second, many TikTok clones popped up way before then. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube saw the potential in TikTok and launched versions of their own, such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

Now, with TikTok’s ban looming, the need for an alternative is greater than ever. US President Trump is trying to work out a deal for TikTok, but it still needs China’s blessing. This means the US could ultimately ban the app, making alternatives like Neptune more important and relevant than ever.

The post Looking for a TikTok alternative? Neptune could be it appeared first on Android Headlines.