CamUp
The Conversational Social Network
Built a hybrid social media platform combining short-form video sharing, threaded video replies, and real-time community interaction, designed for users craving authenticity over curation.
Client Goal
Create a social space where:
Users share unedited, in-the-moment videos (e.g., morning coffee routines, street performances) instead of polished content.
Conversations thrive through video replies (à la Twitter threads but with clips) and text comments.
The feed prioritizes organic discovery (like early Instagram) while letting users curate follow lists.
Our role
Develop cross-platform apps with seamless video upload/streaming (under 2 seconds).
Engineer real-time video reply threading (nesting up to 5 layers).
Integrate AI-driven content tagging for discoverability (e.g., #CookingFail, #SunriseWalks).
Designed profile customization with bio templates and “Life Stats” (post streaks, reply counts).
Built a scalable backend to handle 1M+ concurrent video streams during peak hours.
Challenges
Video Reply Overload: Preventing lag when rendering nested video threads (e.g., a video reply to a video reply).
Authenticity vs. Toxicity: Moderating unpolished content without stifling raw creativity.
Feed Algorithm: Balancing followed accounts with serendipitous discoveries without addictive infinite scrolling.
Storage Costs: Compressing user-generated videos (avg. 30 sec) to <5MB without quality loss.
Differentiation: Avoiding “just another TikTok clone” perceptions.
Redefining Connection in a Filtered World
With CamUp, we set out to build a social network that felt more like a kitchen table chat than a stage — and what unfolded surprised even us. It’s proof that social media can still foster connection — not just consumption.
