Neptune App: A New Take on Social Media [No Ads, No Algorithm]
“Revolutionizing Social Media—Power Back to the Creators” – that’s the slogan of the new Neptune app, which aims to do things differently from mainstream platforms. But how exactly does it work, and is it even the right platform for you? Keep reading, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Neptune.
What is the Neptune App?
Neptune is a brand-new social media platform from the U.S. that puts creativity and real engagement front and center, rather than the endless chase for more followers.
It was founded by Ashley Darling, talent director and brand consultant, and also a singer and musician. On Instagram, she calls herself the “architect of the creator-first era”.
The app is currently in beta, and should launch anytime now: according to the company, 970 active testers are on board, and over 400,000 people are on the waitlist.
And what’s the mission of the Neptune app? To launch a “new era of social media” focused on genuine interactions and personal creativity. Their messaging positions the app as a more just alternative to TikTok – blending elements of TikTok and YouTube, supporting both short- and long-form content, and ditching ads altogether.
The official launch date? Still under wraps, but it could drop any day now. Let’s take a look at what they’ve shared so far.
Neptune App Release Date
According to Neptune’s official LinkedIn page, the app is set to launch “soon” – as announced on April 7. Judging by the comments, users are clearly eager to try it, with many still waiting for an official Neptune release date.
However, the launch has been delayed to allow for important bug fixes. The team wants to ensure the app goes live as a secure and polished product – as founder Ashley Darling explained in a recent Facebook post.
What Sets the Neptune App Apart?
It’s not about chasing likes or racking up followers. Neptune wants your content to speak for itself, focusing on quality, not numbers.
This platform is all about real creativity and meaningful connections, not getting lost in the hamster wheel of algorithm hacks. The idea is that your content gets visibility based on its actual value, not on how aggressively you play the follower game that burns out so many creators today.
The Neptune app is on a mission to make social media more transparent, inclusive, and centered on genuine human connection.
Oh, and yes, you’ll find them on TikTok too…
Why? Because if you’re going fishing, you go where the fish are. 🤪
The Neptune app is built for people who are ready for something different.
Key Features
These are some of the most interesting features of Neptune communicated so far:
- Ghost Metrics: Want to hide your like and follower counts? Go for it. Prefer to keep them visible? That’s up to you – your stats, your choice.
- No Traditional Algorithms: You decide what you want to see. Neptune’s “customizable algorithm” lets you shape your own feed based on your real interests and not what the system thinks should go viral. (More on that in the next section.)
- Monetization Tools: Tips, livestreams, and subscriptions. Clear, straightforward, and creator-first.
- Ad-Free Experience: No ads and no interruptions.
- Top 6: Highlight up to six of your favorite creators on your profile. Shout out the people who inspire you or who you feel most connected to.
How Does Neptune’s Algorithm Work and How Can You Customize it?
Neptune’s algorithm is built to support micro-influencers, especially those who struggle to grow on mainstream platforms.
With customizable “algorithm sliders”, you can fine-tune what shows up in your feed. Want to see more content from new creators? Prefer trending topics or specific hashtags? It’s all in your hands. There’s even an AI filter, a reset option, and a submit button to lock in your preferences.
Neptune gives you full control to shape your feed around what you actually care about.
These are the main settings that help you customize your feed:
- Algorithm Sliders
You’ll find the algorithm sliders at the top right of your feed, and you can adjust them anytime.
Source: Neptune App Website
- Algorithm Toggle
Use the toggle to choose whether your feed will follow the default Neptune algorithm or if you’d prefer to use your own custom settings.
Off = Default algorithm
On = Your custom settings
- Discover Slider
This slider controls how many videos you see from new accounts or unknown topics.
Highest setting = Maximum variety in your feed
- Following Slider
This controls how many videos you see from accounts you already follow.
100% = Only videos from followed accounts
0% = No videos from followed accounts
- Hashtag Slider
This lets you control how many videos you see based on selected hashtags.
100% = Only videos with your hashtags
If no matching content is found, your feed will automatically be filled with other content.
- Slider Lock
The sliders automatically adjust to total 100%. You can “lock” a slider by clicking the lock icon next to it, so that value stays fixed while the others adjust.
- Add Hashtags
Here, you can filter content based on specific hashtags. As you type, Neptune suggests hashtags with post counts. These figures are updated daily.
- AI Filter
Enable this filter to hide all AI-generated content from your feed. Content that has AI elements but is not marked as AI will still appear. You can report incorrectly tagged content.
- Revert Button
Use this button to reset any unsaved changes. After clicking Submit, you won’t be able to revert to previous settings.
- Submit Button
Click Submit to save your changes. You’ll then be automatically redirected back to your feed with the updated algorithm settings.
Who is the Neptune App for?
The app is aimed at creative minds: artists, musicians, indie content creators – anyone who works outside of the mainstream.
From the very beginning, the Neptune App speaks of a “creative journey.” Everything points to the fact that it is specifically designed for creators looking for an alternative to platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, but with more control, fairness, and a stronger focus on genuine content.
How to Get Started? First Steps with Neptune
Neptune in Beta: Here’s what the process will look like when the app goes live:
- Select “Create Account” on the login screen.
- Enter your email address and tap “Next”. Your email address should only contain lowercase letters.
- Enter your date of birth and tap “Next”.
- Choose your username (handle) and tap “Next”.
- Enter your password twice and tap “Submit”.
- Enter the 6-digit code you receive via email and tap “Confirm”.
Okay, but what can I do RIGHT NOW with Neptune?
You currently have two options:
- Go to the Neptune app website and register with your email address. After registration, you will receive a confirmation.
- Do you have Discord?
Sign up here on Discord and become part of the Neptune App community.
How to unlock the Discord server and become part of the community:
- Pick Roles: Go to the “Pick Roles” channel and select at least one role per category to gain access to all areas of the server. You can also activate notification roles to stay up-to-date.
- Explore the Server: After selecting your roles, you will have access to events, creative spaces, and chatrooms.
❗ Important note: The moderation on Discord is stricter than on the Neptune app. However, once the official launch happens, the app will provide more freedom, but with certain basic rules – according to the Neptune team.
Do you find the Neptune App exciting, or is it a bit too alternative for you? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which devices is Neptune available on?
The Neptune app will first be released for iOS. An Android version is already in the works and will follow soon.
What is the minimum age to use Neptune?
You must be at least 17 years old to create an account.
What are “Ghost Metrics” on the Neptune app?
“Ghost Metrics” let you hide your like and follower counts, so the focus stays on your content – not the numbers. You can choose whether or not others can see your stats.
Will Neptune have groups like Facebook?
At launch, there will be chat-based communities and DMs. Full group features are planned for the future and will be developed together with the community.
Is there an official Neptune shop?
Yes! You can support Neptune by purchasing items from the official merchandise store.
How does Neptune handle misinformation?
The platform does not fact-check content. Instead, it trusts that adult users can decide for themselves what to believe or consume. Content is only moderated if it violates the community guidelines.
Can I create multiple profiles on Neptune?
Yes, with a verified email address, you can manage up to three profiles (handles) at once. Each account is fully customizable. Verification requires a real mobile phone number.
