SpaceHey: A MySpace Clone Hits 1 Million Users, Challenging Facebook's Algorithm

SpaceHey, a website that resembles the nostalgic social media platform MySpace, has reached a significant milestone: it now boasts over a million users. The platform, created by 22-year-old student Anton Röhm, is designed to provide an alternative to the algorithmic-driven social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

SpaceHey's Rise: A Response to Algorithm Fatigue

Röhm's inspiration for creating SpaceHey stems from his desire for a social media experience free from algorithms and feeds. He realized that users were becoming increasingly frustrated with the constant manipulation and attention-grabbing tactics employed by Facebook and other platforms.

• SpaceHey allows users to customize their profiles with HTML and CSS code, granting them greater creative control.
• Users can also share posts across various platforms and embed content like YouTube videos, enhancing their online presence.

SpaceHey's Similarities and Differences to MySpace

SpaceHey draws heavily on the design and features of MySpace, offering users the familiar interface of profile pages, blogs, and instant messaging. However, it distinguishes itself with its enhanced customization options and integration with other platforms.

• SpaceHey allows users to fully customize their profiles with HTML and CSS code, making their profiles unique and expressive.
• The platform emphasizes user-generated content and fosters a sense of community through shared experiences and interests.

SpaceHey's Success Story: From Pandemic Project to Million-User Platform

Röhm, who wouldn't have been old enough to sign up for MySpace when it first launched in 2003, created the initial version of SpaceHey in just three weeks during the pandemic. The website gained traction organically through platforms like Product Hunt and Hacker News, and even caught the attention of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian who created a profile in November 2020.

A Growing Trend: Social Media Alternatives

SpaceHey joins a growing number of social media alternatives that are challenging the dominance of established platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms offer a diverse range of approaches, from anti-algorithm designs to anti-AI features.

• Cara, for example, gained popularity in June by banning AI art, attracting over half a million users within a week.
• These platforms cater to users who are seeking greater control over their online experience and a more authentic social environment.

The Future of SpaceHey: A New Era of Social Media?

SpaceHey's success suggests that users are increasingly looking for social media platforms that prioritize their needs and values rather than algorithmic manipulation. Röhm's vision for a user-centric platform, free from the drawbacks of algorithmic-driven platforms, may signal a shift in the way we interact with social media.

• SpaceHey's user-friendly interface and customizable options appeal to a wide range of users.
• The platform's focus on user control and freedom of expression resonates with users who are frustrated with the limitations of existing social media platforms.