Life After TikTok? — WMG Licenses ‘Connyct’ in Limited-Audience Release

Flaunt Weeekly Warner Music Group licenses mobile short-form video app Connyct as potential US TikTok ban looms large.

As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States, a new platform appears hoping to seize the opportunity to fill TikTok’s role. Startup short-form video app Connect is taking a slightly different approach in targeting a specific demographic — college students.

Like the earliest days of Facebook, signing up for a Connyct account requires an .edu email address. The platform aims to “meet the market demand for closer connections and streamlined community coordination.” Users can “plan adventures and parties together,” and “seamlessly blend online connection with real-world activities.”

But to meet its goals and grab its core audience, Connyct knows it’s going to need music. To accomplish that, ahead of its launch, the platform has announced a partnership with Warner Music Group (WMG).

“Music is the heartbeat of the college experience, and Warner Music Group is committed to ensuring that our artists’ music is available wherever their fans are,” explains Rachel Scarpati, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Business Development at WMG.

“Connyct has created an innovative platform that amplifies this connection, offering students a space to integrate music into their social lives. We’re excited to see how this partnership will bring music and community together in a whole new way.”

At the heart of the app beats its Events Center, powered by video and featuring an extensive library of licensed music clips, where users can create videos promoting their events.

“We created Connyct to spark joy and excitement around real-life experiences, a digital reflection of your favorite times,” says CEO and co-founder Matthew Berman. “We’re all about connection and discovery, meant to help users find people who share the same passions and want to publicize events to enjoy them with their friends. Our partnership with WMG takes this vision to the next level, allowing students to soundtrack their college experiences with an incredible array of music.”

“Connyct is more than just a playground for music-loving content creators,” adds David Polinsky, Chairman and Founder. “Connyct is a purpose-built technology platform that champions user rights, safety, privacy, transparency, and fosters authentic engagement. Connyct prioritizes giving users full control over their content and visibility and never selling or sharing their personal data.”

Connyct will be available on the iOS App Store in the coming weeks, exclusively for “select universities” upon launch. Currently, it’s unknown when an Android app will be available, or when the platform will be expanded to other schools, or those outside academia.