if you love voice messaging, you’ll love squad

Squad: From In-Person Meetups to Asynchronous Audio Updates

Initially conceived as a platform for connecting individuals with shared interests for face-to-face interactions, Squad experienced a significant pivot when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.

With in-person gatherings becoming restricted, the app’s original function was compromised. Founder Isa Watson recognized the need for a fundamental change in strategy rather than simply awaiting a return to previous conditions.

A New Focus: Deepening Existing Connections

Squad has been reimagined as a social application centered around audio communication, designed to strengthen bonds within established friend groups. This isn’t intended as a replication of other audio platforms.

Instead, it operates as a feed of short voice messages from close friends, with each update disappearing after 24 hours. This ephemeral nature encourages candid and spontaneous sharing.

Users can create a “squad” of up to 12 friends. Responses to updates can be expressed through emoji reactions or private voice messages, also with a 24-hour lifespan.

While phone call functionality is planned, the app currently lacks group call or group audio messaging features. A unique incentive is offered: calls initiated through Squad can include a descriptive title, informing recipients of the call’s purpose before they answer.

Addressing a Gap in the Social Media Landscape

Isa Watson believes there’s a distinct void in the current social media environment. Many platforms prioritize user discovery, broadcasting, and personal branding.

Squad aims to fill this gap by facilitating stronger connections between people who already know and appreciate each other. This focus differentiates it from platforms centered around expanding one’s network.

Sharing voice updates offers a more authentic experience compared to the often-curated content found on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, which are losing favor with younger demographics.

The popularity of apps like Dispo demonstrates a growing preference for ephemeral and genuine social interactions. However, the audio-only format may present a challenge for those not accustomed to voice messaging.

Despite an initial domestic rollout, the app holds considerable potential in regions where voice messaging is already prevalent.

The Shift to Asynchronous Audio

“A growing number of conversations previously conducted via text are now occurring through asynchronous audio,” Watson observed. “We anticipate this trend will continue to shape communication habits.”

Funding and Investor Confidence

Watson successfully secured $3.5 million in seed funding in 2019 and was highlighted by TechCrunch for her insights on securing venture capital as a woman of color in the tech industry.

Despite the app’s directional shift, her investors – including Michael Dearing (Harrison Metal), Aaron Levie (Box), Katrina Lake (Stich Fix), Jen Rubio (Away), and Stewart Butterfield (Slack) – have remained supportive.

An additional $1 million in funding was later secured, bringing Squad’s total funding to $4.5 million.

Investors acknowledged Watson’s long-held vision for a change in social interaction, a vision that is now gaining wider acceptance.

Navigating a Competitive Market

Although not directly competing with Clubhouse, the increasing popularity of audio-only media bodes well for Squad’s ability to establish itself in a crowded social market.

During its beta testing phase, 87.5% of users successfully completed the onboarding process. However, Squad currently shares accessibility concerns with Clubhouse and similar apps.

The app currently lacks captioning support, a feature Watson acknowledges and hopes to implement in the future. Adding captions could broaden the app’s reach and further distinguish it from established messaging services like iMessage and WhatsApp.

Getting Started with Squad

For those who frequently use voice messaging in group chats, Squad presents a compelling option. Currently, access is granted through an invite-only system with a waitlist.

Upon gaining access, users receive three invitations. Additional invites are awarded for consistent posting (five consecutive days) and for each invited user who successfully joins the platform.

This system continues until a squad of 12 members is assembled.