Hive Snaps: A simplified gateway into Hive's Ecosystem

27 days ago

How it all began

Some of my fellow Hiveans might know this, but a few months ago I began building a mobile front end based on Peakd's Snap feature. Having focused for the better part of this year on onboarding people, I saw a dire need for simplicity and an opportunity for Hive to thrive, to attrack users from Web2 communities.

The Team

Cryptocurrencies are complex—too complex. Most people are intimidated by them and stay away out of caution. Hive, as we know, might be the easiest cryptocurrency to get involved with, but that doesn’t make it easy for beginners.

We may be a decentralized community, and rules may not be written in code, but the culture of this platform has made it so that most people feel overwhelmed and confused by them.

Don’t post too much, don’t post too short, don’t copy memes, don’t reply too simply, etc. This friction makes Hive hostile to a big swath of users who are not looking to invest a lot of time in becoming “full-blown citizens” of Hive, but who wouldn’t mind being occasional users, consumers of content.

Reading a short news snippet, laughing at a meme, sharing a picture of the meal they just ate. These are not just commonplace in Web2, they are the very bricks that built Web2.

Economies emerged where people gathered, and they were simply a consequence of friendly environments that welcomed them in. I mean friendly in many aspects, of course, but mainly in level of difficulty—in what we call user experience.

Short-form content—a snap, as we may call it—is, in other words, a viable compromise and a great tool already existing on our blockchain that can help us attract and retain more people.

Why another mobile app? What is wrong with Peakd?

To nip this in the bud: nothing is wrong with Peakd. It’s a great front end to Hive, one that I tend to favor, but it currently caters to a different audience. It caters to those of us who prefer using Hive in a browser.

Mobile is where the world is going, and we ought to adapt to the times. It’s not only my humble opinion that without making the transition toward friendly mobile experiences for crypto users, most cryptocurrencies are doomed to fail.

It might be easy to imagine a world where everyone has a laptop at home, but this is far from the reality for most of humanity. That said, most people have cell phones. The internet, and thus social media, became what it is today because people carry a supercomputer in their pockets.

Hive Snaps is an attempt to adapt to that reality, and to offer the simplest way for someone with a cellphone to participate in the social nuance of Hive. Potentially becoming the gateway app for normies—non-crypto people—to fully join our community.

How is Hive Snaps different

Hive Snaps is a React Native application, which means it’s not a browser app, not just a website running JavaScript. This not only gives legitimacy to Hive and its ecosystem, but also allows the app to be more efficient and, unironically, feel more snappy.

Stripped of unnecessary features for beginners, Hive Snaps focuses solely on the social aspect of Hive: sharing content and making friends. The very actions that communities are built on.

The aim of Hive Snaps Mobile is to be so intuitive that it barely requires guidance, following a Twitter-like feel and user experience as its blueprint.

The work is already done

As of me writing this proposal, all the heavy lifting has been completed. My brother @joseamenac joined my efforts almost two months ago, and helped me make Hive Snaps not only something that works, but a professional project we can all be proud of.

The source code is open to anyone who wants to take a look under the hood. Keeping the code open was a decision I made from the beginning, with the idea of practicing what I preach: long-term thinking and community-driven initiatives.

We asked community members to help us make the app better, and they answered. Hunting bugs, polishing the experience, and improving the app in general became a community effort.

Hive Snaps' UI/UX

Our internal slogan for Hive Snaps is "Proof of fun - not work" - We want users to enjoy snapping and share their thoughts without overthinking, and directly from their phones. The app starts by loading a simple Login screen, where clear and exact directions tell users to paste only their username (no @) and Private Posting Key.

Then, it's all about the Main Snaps interface - We've designed it to feel very friendly and familiar - similar to how other known social scrolling apps look and feel.

In addition to the main app screen - where one can interact with all the different Snap feeds, We've included other essential areas, such as: User Profile and ability to claim rewards, Notifications, and a comprehensive search feature to help you find Users, and Content.

App Stores submissions in progress

At our own expense, we’ve already paid the cost of becoming authorized to submit apps to both Apple and Google. Currently under review, we hope to bring positive news on this front very soon.

It’s likely that the Android version will be available first, as Google is easier to work with, but we aim to have both versions out by the end of this month if possible.

Our ask

We are asking for 4,000 HBD from the DHF.

We believe in the future of this chain, and in the potential this app has to help Hive thrive and reach more users, so our ask is not conditioned.

If this proposal does not get funded, it would not mean that we’d pull the app from the stores or do anything petty like that. To be honest, I believe our ask is rather modest compared to other proposals, but one I’m compelled to make in recognition of the value of my time and the time of those who’ve joined me in this effort.

4,000 HBD is not just compensation—it’s an investment in onboarding. If Hive Snaps succeeds in making Hive approachable to everyday users, the return to the ecosystem could be far greater than the cost of this proposal.

I would be paying my brother @joseamenac $2,000 for his invaluable contribution to Hive Snaps. Another $500 to my wife @ankapolo for her work as a graphic designer and artist, making the app and mascot look as good as it does. My intention is to keep $1,000 for myself, and use the remaining $500 to recover the cost of software subscriptions, store submissions, and backend features we will proceed to implement.

Sustainability

We welcome ideas on this front. As you can clearly imagine, this ask of ours is a shift in how dApps usually tap into the DHF. I don’t believe it’s in Hive’s best interest for yet another app to rely solely on the DHF for its maintenance and development, but this piece of the puzzle is quite complex.

With that said, Hive Snaps as it stands now collects no beneficiaries from its users. This can change in the future—I’m not against this model per se. But such a thing would only make sense if the app begins to offer features not available on the free platforms to begin with. Features I hope to incorporate in the near future. A discussion for another day, of course.

In these beginning stages, however, until we reach good momentum, I encourage any Hivean who finds value in what we’re building to support this proposal and our publications.

The account @snapie is the official channel for updates, news, etc. But any support to our team members makes a difference, and it’s greatly appreciated.

What’s next for Hive Snaps?

Since we began releasing beta versions and asking people for help with testing and bug hunting, we’ve been collecting a wish list.

Feedback in this project, like any other, is the key to making something with impact. Some of the features we hope to implement in the future, in no particular order, are:

Direct Video Uploading
Customizable Feeds and Community Feeds
Content Discovery Algorithms
Web2 Login and Frictionless Account Creation (This requires a safe backend)
Enhanced Snap Composer and Editor
Snap Bookmarking

Grateful

I realize the politics of this platform make DHF-related things rather complicated, but following the advice of a friend, I’ve decided to try this anyway.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful to everyone who has been helping us along the way—a shoutout to our beta testers, who helped us squash bugs so efficiently.

I hope other Hiveans take the initiative to build things on Hive, to dream up an idea and reach for it. I believe our idea has value, and I hope others can see the value in it too. After all, Hive Snaps is about lowering the barrier of entry, and that is something that benefits Hive as a whole.

If Hive Snaps resonates with you, and you feel like you could contribute as well, do not hesitate to join our discord server.

MenO

hive snaps dhf onboarding massadoption pob

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149 comments

@beelzael 72

27 days ago

Double positive vote on this one. The Snap-App is very handy, and though I'm still in the getting-used-to-phase, I already like it. Taking a quick picture of something going on, with a thought that came to mind about it - something deeper than a string of stupid hashtags, or something funny - and out it goes. It's basic, easy to understand, no complications, and the communication with the programmer is easy going. Thank you for all the effort you put into this!

Oh, and I love that you did it all up front, and deliver a ready-to-go product for the community, instead of asking for a ton of money first and then the DHF is stuck with what comes out. That's solid, and an example for the community in my not-so-humble-but-informed opinion.

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@ankapolo 63

27 days ago

Thank you so much for the words of support! As the creators we always worry how our efforts will be received, and especially when asking for monetary support. So your words really gives us the reassurance that we are doing something useful for the Hive community.

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@beelzael 72

27 days ago

You are indeed! I think that snaps is quite perfect for many people. I've already been asked about it several times, but I didn't send out the whole thing yet as I'm still figuring out the account creation - but Meno has that solved, too. Just created my first account for someone :-)

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thanks for the kind words brother...

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@beelzael 72

27 days ago

Nothing but the truth there!

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@friendlymoose 75

27 days ago

Very cool initiative. I hope it will be added in the Google playstore quickly.
I somehow haven't been able to get it into my system to use it since I'm too used to the PeakD mobile version yet.
But I think I just have to give is some more tries.

I really hope this app will get a smooth onboarding function as well, so joining the Hive blockchain will get easier!

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@ankapolo 63

27 days ago

These are some of the challenges we're trying to overcome as well - making things easy is really the absolute main goal!

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@meno 77

27 days ago

Its part of the plan, my brother and I have two more apps in the pipeline, and to build the second one, we require the smooth onboarding option. I have the foundation of such a thing, but the backend we would need (web2 experience) is going to require more work, more testing. That said... this is precisely where we need to go.

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@cherokee4life 66

27 days ago

Well you got my vote... for what that's worth anyways :)

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@ankapolo 63

27 days ago

Everything counts! Thank you so much!

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@meno 77

27 days ago

anything counts, and kindness is always going to count for a lot...

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@robsteady 63

27 days ago

Definitely have my support! Snaps is my favorite way to interact with Hive and your app is the only way I've been interacting with Hive on the go since I was able to install it. Let's go!

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thanks brother!

cheers

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@arc7icwolf 75

27 days ago

app already working and deliverd
not asking for a huge and ridicolous amount of money
telling in a simple and easy to understand way how the money are going to be used
proposal coming from someone who has skin in the game

You have my vote.

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thank you kindly

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@cryptothesis 69

27 days ago

Sharing your post here: https://inleo.io/threads/view/cryptothesis/re-leothreads-q49b5eiv

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thank you kindly.. the more people know about it, the better.

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@tengolotodo 77

27 days ago

I love it and you have my vote

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thanks you friend

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@seki1 70

27 days ago

Nice nice nice!!!

Can't wait to see it on Google Play store, followed the @snapie account already.🔥

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@meno 77

27 days ago

lfg muh dude!!

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@solymi 73

27 days ago

you got my vote 😎

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thank you kindly solymi... i already feel like we won :)

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@detlev 81

27 days ago

Great idea and good way to deliver it. Got my vote!

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@meno 77

27 days ago

much appreciated detlev! cheers

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@davedickeyyall 78

27 days ago

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@meno 77

27 days ago

lol

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@ankapolo 63

26 days ago (Edited)

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@harbiter 70

27 days ago

It's since forever that I say we need a more web2 similar interface, especially the chance to upload short vertical video content, that's really a must have. I'm glad you guys are giving us this app, it's the best way to get to the mainstream social audience imo. You have my vote 💪

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@meno 77

27 days ago

thank you, and welcome... i saw you popped into the discord. We still got lots of work ahead of us, and this warm reception tells me, we are on the right track.

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@danielvehe 77

27 days ago

APOYADO 🎉

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@meno 77

27 days ago

gracias Daniel

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@wittyzell 74

27 days ago

Great work! I hope it will be ready in the app store soon!

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@meno 77

27 days ago

Google just approved my account for app submitting today... so I think we are on track!!

I'm celebrating first hurdle past!

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@wittyzell 74

27 days ago

Congratulations! That's a big milestone for this project!

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@ankapolo 63

27 days ago

thank you so much Witty ❤️

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@moeknows 66

27 days ago

I will support.

I wonder if you might consider implementing Human Curated Reputation when you get a chance.

BTW,

I love the line "Economies emerge where people gather." That should be someone's slogan.

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@meno 77

27 days ago

i heard it from @crimsonclad - so the credit belongs to her... i love the slogan too!

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@moeknows 66

27 days ago

Figures! So many smart people on this chain. You too. You've been killing it.

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@alohaed 67

27 days ago

This looks like a reasonable ask, particularly given you've made it open source.

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@nachomolina2 69

27 days ago

Greetings @meno, I'm offering my support for this initiative. I think it's a great contribution to the platform. Plus, the app's features are user-friendly and tailored to the average user. Congratulations.

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@baccusbee 50

27 days ago

This is great news!
Thank you both for your hard work and dedication. I'm a fairly new user and it is a bit intimidating to get the hang of things here.
I'm learning though and plan on sticking around.
Supporting this proposal!!
Thanks again, much love. ✨

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@darth-azrael 72

27 days ago

For long form posts, using a web based front-end and a laptop or desktop is definitely the way to go. However, for short form content and "twitter like" posts, mobile apps are desperately needed as far as I'm concerned.

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@minismallholding 74

26 days ago

I can't think how often I've thought that a simple short form option for Hive would be so much better received by a wider populous. Most people I know are either on Facebook or Instagram daily. They're simple and easy to use which Hive just can't compete with.

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@meno 77

26 days ago

im glad people are aligned with our thinking... makes the effort worth it

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@minismallholding 74

26 days ago

I hope you can get the proposal through.

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@arc7icwolf 75

24 days ago

Just posting this as a reminder that to support a proposal you have to vote for the proposal itself: just upvoting the announcement post isn't enough!

You can vote (and support) this proposal by @meno (who kindly asked me to share this) here:

Peakd: https://peakd.com/me/proposals/meno
Ecency: https://ecency.com/proposals/355
Hive.blog: https://wallet.hive.blog/proposals

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@minismallholding 74

24 days ago

I've already supported the proposal, although it would help if the post itself provided a link to the proposal page for those who don't know how to find it.

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@arc7icwolf 75

24 days ago

Sorry, it has been written under your comment because it's the top comment with the highest visibility 😅

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@minismallholding 74

23 days ago

😆 No problem.

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@bpcvoter1 -12

17 days ago

LOL
https://peakd.com/hivepud/@azircon/re-miketr-t0dh79

https://peakd.com/hive-150329/@themarkymark/re-networkallstar-t0bjto

https://peakd.com/hive-124838/@themarkymark/re-peaksnaps-t0b1uf
https://hive.blog/hive-161155/@themarkymark/re-jin-out-t0lrbq

https://peakd.com/@buildawhale/wallet

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