WHAT DID IRL DO?
IRL Social App was a popular social messaging platform that aimed to enhance users’ social lives. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, IRL provided a comprehensive suite of features accessible across all devices. Users could connect with their friends, join interest-based groups, and engage in chats and events.
The app allowed users to follow and chat with their friends, enabling them to stay connected and informed about each other’s interests and activities. By discovering events that their friends were interested in, users could plan and participate in activities they might have otherwise missed.
One of the standout features of IRL was its groups functionality. Users could create or join groups based on their interests, facilitating connections with like-minded individuals. These groups could be public or private, offering users control over who could join and participate.
The app’s event management system integrated with users’ calendars, ensuring efficient organization of their schedules. Users could create events and invite their groups, streamlining the planning process for clubs, activities, and even birthday parties.
IRL also emphasized its chat capabilities, allowing users to engage in conversations within groups and events. They could create polls, share GIFs, and chat with various circles such as clubs, friends, school groups, or even participate in global chats. This feature promoted communication, collaboration, and deeper connections among users.
Recognized by Apple as “Our Favorite” in the Social category, IRL Social App was known for its user-friendly interface and diverse set of features. With its ability to supercharge social lives and facilitate connections in a digital age, the app gained significant popularity among users seeking a comprehensive social messaging experience.
It raised $197 million in total funding.
WHO STARTED IRL?
WHY DID IRL GO OUT OF BUSINESS?
Tilt, once valued at an impressive $1.1 billion, experienced a rapid decline in its worth within a short span on the back of news the company had over-stated its user download number. According to The Information, 95% of its self-reported 20 million strong user-base was fabricated or bot traffic. Upon discovery of this fact, the Board of Directors elected to fire the CEO and unwind the company in mid-2023, returning money to shareholders.