Phictly: Connect Over Books & TV Shows

The Evolution of Online Communities and the Rise of Phictly

The early landscape of social networking saw platforms like Myspace serving as outlets for sharing opinions on popular culture, such as television shows like “Grey’s Anatomy.” Discovering dedicated Facebook groups, like those for “Team Jacob Forever,” provided a sense of belonging.

Currently, locating these specialized online communities can prove difficult. However, a new social application, Phictly, is designed to address this challenge.

A Platform for Niche Interests

Phictly is available for both iOS and Android devices. It enables users to establish clubs centered around shared passions for books, television series, and films. This fosters focused communities where individuals can freely discuss their interests without fear of criticism.

For example, users can engage in discussions about fantasy literature and share insights on characters like Violet and Xaden from Rebecca Yarros’ “The Fourth Wing.” Alternatively, they can revisit fond memories of the initial seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy.”

The Inspiration Behind Phictly

The application was conceived by Nyleena Aiken after she initiated a book club with her sisters. She encountered difficulties in selecting books that appealed to everyone involved. This led her to realize that many others likely experience similar challenges.

Aiken shared with TechCrunch that existing platforms often feature large groups with limited engagement. Phictly prioritizes focused discussions and accommodates users’ busy lifestyles, allowing them to integrate conversations into their daily routines.

Key Features for Enhanced Interaction

Phictly incorporates several key features to improve user experience. A limit of 20 members per club ensures intimate discussions. Users can also customize the pace of their clubs to align with their reading or viewing preferences.

Clubs can be configured to last from a single day for those who prefer rapid consumption, to a maximum of 30 days for a more leisurely experience.

A spoiler feature allows users to post potentially revealing content, initially blurred, giving others the option to reveal it when they are ready. This ensures everyone remains current with the narrative. The “Talk Points” feature facilitates scheduled discussions on specific episodes or chapters, encouraging participation.

Tracking and Future Developments

Similar to Goodreads, Phictly allows users to monitor their current reading or viewing activities, log titles, and establish personal goals.

Planned updates include a matching system that connects users based on shared interests, preferred genres, and common TV shows and books. The app’s scope will eventually broaden to encompass clubs dedicated to video games.

Currently free to download, Phictly may introduce a premium subscription offering additional functionalities, such as the option to create private profiles.