A New Way to Connect Based on Movies and Shows

Tired of the homogenous social media landscape where algorithms dictate what you see? Shelf, a new app developed by Koodos Labs, offers a unique way to connect with people based on their shared love for movies, shows, books, games, and music.

• It lets you create a personalized "storefront" showcasing your media consumption habits, allowing others to get a genuine sense of your interests and vibe.
• The app connects you with individuals who share similar tastes, fostering a sense of community around shared passions for movies, shows, and other media.

Beyond Selfies: Building a Deeper Connection Through Media Consumption

Shelf's founder, Jad Esber, believes in the power of shared media experiences to forge connections. He observed a shift in online culture towards sharing what people are reading, watching, and listening to, instead of just posting selfies. This deeper level of engagement allows for meaningful connections based on shared cultural experiences.

• Esber's previous experience at YouTube and his academic research on consumer internet trends played a key role in shaping the concept of Shelf.

Connecting Your Accounts to Showcase Your Media Preferences

Shelf lets you connect your accounts from various media services, including Apple Music, Goodreads, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. This data is used to automatically update your customizable "storefront" web page, showcasing your progress in reading a book, watching a show, or listening to music.

• The app also allows you to manually add links to other internet services, including links to favorite articles, creating a comprehensive representation of your interests.
• The startup plans to add support for additional services, including Steam for gamers, expanding the reach and appeal of the app.

Tracking Your Progress: From Books to Movies and Shows

Shelf offers a convenient way to keep track of your media consumption progress across different services. You can view your progress in reading a book, watching a new show, or even see how far you've progressed through a movie series.

• This feature allows you to stay organized and motivated while engaging with your favorite media.
• It can also help you discover new movies, shows, or books based on your consumption patterns.

DataMover: A Secure and User-Controlled Data Sharing Platform

Unlike other platforms that utilize APIs to access user data, Shelf employs a technology called DataMover, which allows it to access data regardless of whether a service has a first-party API. This technology also ensures user control over their data, as they must explicitly grant permission to Shelf to access their accounts.

• DataMover is designed to be user-centric, giving users the power to choose what data they share and with whom.
• The platform is not used to train AI, unlike some other online platforms.

Monetization Through Customization and Data Insights

Koodos Labs plans to monetize Shelf through various methods, including offering customization options for users to enhance their digital storefronts. The company also explores leveraging insights derived from user data to provide value-added services.

• The app aims to provide a sustainable and user-friendly monetization model while maintaining its core value of connecting people through shared media interests.

Private Shelf: Tracking Your Media Consumption Privately

Alongside the public storefront feature, Shelf also offers a private option for users who prefer to track their media consumption without sharing it publicly. This provides a personal space for users to manage their media consumption without the pressure of public visibility.

• This private experience caters to individuals who value privacy while still wanting to utilize the benefits of Shelf's tracking and organization features.