Australia-based app AppZaloot introduced to the Philippines the platform which aims to give back the control of the content users want to see in their feed. Founder Max Thomas, himself was bombarded with targeted ads on social media platforms, built the app with the hope of creating a healthier community of AppZaloot users.

But more than that, Thomas wants to help local businesses have a platform that will connect with different types of customers and not just of what algorithms dictate.

“I’m trying to go back to the original idea of social media which is just about you and your friends,” Thomas said. “On the friends feed, you only find out what you’re interested in from your friends. What I’m trying to do is improve things. I’m just trying to make things better for the user.”

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Using geolocation, the local feed enables users to interact with other users in their area within the 1 km-25 radius from where they are located. This feature allows users to engage with their neighbors, strengthening community ties, providing help where it’s needed, and disseminating relevant local news and updates. Having a separate feed for their local community enables users to control what they want to see and when they want to see them as well, as opposed to getting ads and updates that other social media platforms integrate into their users’ feed.

Global feed

AppZaloot’s global feed allows users to follow their favorite celebrities, influencers, businesses, and their other interests. In contrast to the local and private friends’ feeds, users can check out their favorite content and enhance their interests and hobbies through the global feed.

Users will have control of the ads they want to see in their feeds and this is where local businesses can take advantage of. The local advertising feed will show establishments, brands, and offices from where the user is located at that moment. This will be most helpful for travelers or tourists who want to have to see what a city or town can offer.

At present, Thomas said advertising is free for a certain period.