Koo app is supposed to be another Indian version of the Twitter application. Just as you tweet on Twitter, you can Koo on the Koo application. You can even edit Koo which is not possible on Twitter.
Koo app was launched last year in March but it garnered attention after winning the government’s Atmanirbhar App Innovation Challenge. If you notice the trend of launching the Indian version for applications is been followed since last year the government banned 58 Chinese applications.
The Indian applications Zoho and Chingari – the local version of Tiktok, also won the Innovation Challenge. Another application Tooter somewhat like Twitter lost its way before getting any success.
From the stats, it is known that Twitter has over 290 million users by 2019 while Koo reached 3 million users in a year.
What Is The Koo App?
Koo application is a microblogging platform developed and designed for Indians; by the entrepreneur Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bhardwaj in March 2020.
The application’s idea is to bring all the Indians speaking different languages on a single platform where they can share their ideas and opinions. The focus public is the Indians who cannot understand English and are more comfortable in their vernacular language.
Does It Support All Indian Languages?
Well, in the company’s word Koo is the “voice of India in Indian languages.” Including English, it supports five other Indian languages namely, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. Koo application first launched in the Kannada language and the company is planning to bring other languages on the stage soon.
Koo App Features
If you have been a Twitter user, you may find it similar in use. To sign up on Koo you can either use your mobile number or an e-mail address. As soon as you create an account, you can Koo i.e. post your ideas or opinions, follow other accounts, send messages, and browse trending hashtags. This application also lets you re-Koo (like re-tweet) directly or with a comment.
Moreover, the word limit on Koo is 400 characters compared to 280 characters on Twitter. However, the former does not offer service like tweetstorm that means you cannot continue your post as a thread without leaving the interface. Besides, there is no such option to view all the quotes and replies as of now which may come with an updated version later.
To create a new Koo you have two options; First- tap on the floating button and second-use the box on the home page. In any case, if you don’t want to write, you can opt to post an audio or video file in less or equal to sixty seconds.
Set Profile
To change your profile,
- Open Koo application.
- Tap on the Profile icon.
- Now tap on Edit Profile.
Set your name/username, bio, and you can even link other social media accounts such as Facebook, YouTube, Linked In, and Twitter. You also have options to show or hide other personal details like gender, date of birth, phone number, and marital status.
How To Edit A Koo?
The most striking feature is that you can edit a Koo but it has some limitations. You can edit unless it gets a like or comment. It preserves the original timestamp but no way to let somebody see if it’s an edited Koo.
To Edit A Koo
- Tap on the down arrow of the posted Koo.
- Select Edit Koo and here you go.
In case, you are unable to edit, the only option left is to delete the post and re-post it. Sadly, you will lose existing likes, comments, and engagement with the public. And you cannot like your own Koo.
Concerns Over Privacy
There have been allegations over having investors from a Chinese company and the data leaking concerns. Earlier, the co-founder Radhakrishna founded an online cab-booking service named, TaxiForSure, sold to Ola Cabs eventually; and an application ‘Vokal’ (said to be the Indian version of Quora) had Shunwai Capital as its investors.
However, in the case of Koo, the company denied the allegation. As claimed by the company; the Koo application is the product of Bombinate Technologies Private Limited, Bangalore; and raised funds from Indian companies like Blume Ventures, Kalaari Capitals, and Accel Partners India in 2018. Recently, 3one4 also has its name in the list of investors from Bangalore.
In respect of data leak, according to the French Security Robert Baptiste (Elliot Alderson), Koo is leaking user’s data such as e-mail address, DOB, marital status, and gender till the second week of February. Soon after, it was said to be fixed by the company.
Will it worth switching to Koo?
Well, there are two sides to this question, which might help you decide if it’s worth switching or not.
You should,
- If you want to use the Indian language and support this Indian application.
- If you are looking for a platform just like Twitter.
You should not,
- If you don’t want to miss out the global connectivity.
- If you don’t want to create another Twitter-like account.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, all the eyes are now on the performance of the Koo application. Being new in the market the company has to put a lot of effort to stand equivalent to Twitter in terms of usefulness and features. Until now, only two features; the word limit and edit Koo stand out but that is not enough to compete with a giant like Twitter.
Yes, it is free and available on App Store and Google Play Store.
To edit a Koo, go to the Koo you posted, tap on the Down arrow on the right side of Koo and then, tap on Edit Koo.
To edit profile, open Koo application, tap on Profile icon on the top left corner and then, tap on Edit Profile.