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unfold launches lightweight, link-centric profiles called bio sites

AVATAR Anthony Ha
Anthony Ha
TechCrunch
December 18, 2020
unfold launches lightweight, link-centric profiles called bio sites

Unfold, the social networking company that Squarespace acquired previously in the last year, is introducing a new feature enabling users to readily share all of their significant web links.

This represents the initial expansion by Unfold beyond its original story-creation tools. According to co-founder Andy McCune, the team now envisions a broader scope— mirroring Squarespace’s position as “the comprehensive platform for your online identity,” Unfold intends to evolve into “the comprehensive platform for your social identity.”

“Both companies operate within highly competitive markets,” McCune explained. “However, we both distinguish ourselves by appealing to individuals who prioritize aesthetics. That principle has consistently guided our development.”

Regarding the new Bio Sites, he stated that a key objective is to assist Unfold users—ranging from individuals to major organizations—in reducing their dependence on any single social media platform. He pointed out that building a following on platforms like Instagram means building on “ground that isn’t truly yours,” and that “you don’t have complete ownership of your audience.”

unfold launches lightweight, link-centric profiles called bio sitesBy establishing a streamlined profile that showcases your chosen links, and then connecting your Instagram and other social media profiles to this Bio Site, you can direct your audience to alternative channels where you have greater authority—or, at the very least, diversify the platforms on which you rely.

McCune and his co-founder Alfonso Cobo are not the first to conceive of this concept. For instance, Linktree secured funding earlier this year, and other startups are developing comparable offerings. However, Cobo emphasized that Bio Sites leverage Unfold’s focus on design, allowing users to construct profiles that are not only practical but also visually appealing and reflective of their individual style.

Cobo also mentioned that Bio Sites are built within the native Unfold application—it is being released on Android today, with an iOS version planned for January. This functionality will be accessible to all Unfold users, including those with free accounts, while subscribers to the premium Unfold+ and Unfold for Brands plans will receive additional benefits such as personalized URLs.

“We are planning to significantly expand our offerings in the coming weeks with tools focused on presence and self-expression, helping users differentiate themselves in various ways,” Cobo said. “We are also keenly interested in the realm of e-commerce and will be investigating opportunities in that area as well.”

#unfold#bio sites#link in bio#profiles#social media#marketing

Anthony Ha

Anthony Ha currently serves as the weekend editor for TechCrunch. Prior to this role, his professional experience included positions as a technology journalist at Adweek and a senior editor with VentureBeat. He also contributed his reporting skills as a local government reporter for the Hollister Free Lance and held the position of vice president of content within a venture capital company. He is based in New York City. For communication or to confirm any correspondence originating from Anthony, please reach him via email at anthony.ha@techcrunch.com.
Anthony Ha