Social media offers easy ways to connect, from liking an Instagram post to sharing a TikTok video. But new Baltimore-based social media app Hive is taking connection in a different direction.
Hive, created by 23-year-old entrepreneur Allen Stallings, launched on Sept. 7. and aims to unite people together through shared interest subgroups, called “hives.”
Users can join pre-made hives or create their own hive based on a topic such as music, sports, food and more.
Partly inspired by Reddit, Stallings said Hive is for “posts, events, connections, collaboration, and actual participation.” He said they’re for both small and large groups. The app also has a built-in event feature for ticketed events.
When creating the platform, Stallings knew he wanted it to be based on human connection, unlike some of the other apps he’s downloaded.
“I’ve used Instagram and Twitter and TikTok and Pinterest and I think all of those left me with something missing,” Stallings said.
After noticing friends and peers also felt the same about traditional social media apps, Stallings made the jump to create something different.
“I felt like we were juggling a lot of different apps and a lot of different platforms to do something that I thought was fundamentally simple, which is connect with each other and talk and discuss things,” Stallings said.
The two-year journey to create the app was challenging, but Stallings said it’s been the most rewarding project he’s tackled.
“I dropped out my junior year to make the app because I felt like I could do it…I didn’t have any development experience. I didn’t have any team. I didn’t even have a blueprint for what it is I was trying to do,” he said.
Stallings said the app did not cost much to start, but keeping the company running does. To generate revenue, the built-in ticketing system takes 6% of sales.
After opening the app, users are prompted to make an account or sign in. Once logged in, a feed appears. The feed consists of posts from accounts the user follows and “hives” the user is a part of. Stalling said there is no algorithm to the app which allows users to control what they see at all times.
“I think what’s special about Hive is the emphasis on community, while still catering to the needs of each individual,” says Sean Simms, a Hive user. Simms said he enjoys being able to curate a feed of his own.
Users are able to post events, programs, and make comments under the “hives” they are a part of. In addition to connecting virtually, Stalling said the app promotes community events and actually meeting in person to enjoy common interests. The app is not designed to keep users in a constant loop, he said.
“We would prefer if you actually left the app. We want you to go to an event or find people that you want to collaborate with. Our app is really about getting you to talk to people more and use the app less,” he said.
Hive user Dexter Young said the flexibility of the app is what drew him in.
“This app could be used for anything: book clubs, house parties, protests, town halls, tailgates, meet-and-greets. The possibilities are endless. It’s not just an events app, it’s a tool for bringing people together in ways that actually matter,” said Young.
Currently, the app is based in Baltimore, with local hives like “Orioles” and “Ravens” already created. Stallings is looking forward to gaining user feedback to improve the app and expand the geographic regions of users.
“I want Hive to be the central place for really all connections on the internet. We have this idea that we want this to be the collaborative, creative, commercial space,” Stallings said.
Hive is currently available on the iOS app store.
What a great mission-driven idea. I wish you the best.