Apple Takes Down ShareChat’s Social Discovery App Vibely From App Store
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ShareChat’s social discovery platform Vibely has been removed from Apple’s App Store citing violations of its content moderation policies.
As per a Moneycontrol report, the takedown pertains to Apple’s updated Section 1.2 of the App Store Review Guidelines, which governs apps that host user-generated content.
Under Apple’s Section 1.2 policy, apps with user-generated content must have adequate moderation tools and cannot primarily facilitate pornographic content, objectification of individuals, bullying, threats, or similar harmful interactions.
Apps found violating these guidelines may be removed from the App Store without notice.
Apple reportedly flagged the alleged presence of “random or anonymous chat” on Vibely as the reason for its removal from the App Store. The company did not respond to queries seeking comment till the time of publication.
Responding to the matter, a ShareChat spokesperson told Inc42 that the Vibely app is one of its several experimental products through which it tests new forms of social interaction and that it contributes a negligible share to the startup’s overall revenue.
“We maintain stringent content moderation standards across our ecosystem, meeting or exceeding prevailing industry benchmarks,” the spokesperson said.
The startup added that it is reviewing Apple’s updated policies and intends to engage with the tech giant to better understand how the guidelines are being interpreted and applied to the product.
Launched in 2024, Vibely is a social networking platform focused on one-on-one private voice and video interactions. It enables users to connect directly with other registered users, including creators and influencers, through private audio and video calls.
Beyond Vibely, ShareChat parent Mohalla Tech, operates short video platform Moj and QuickTV, a subscription and ad-supported video application primarily focused on short-form storytelling and micro-dramas.
On the financial front, ShareChat managed to cut its adjusted EBITDA loss by 72% to ₹219 Cr from ₹793 Cr a year earlier on the back of cost-cutting measures. Its operating revenue remained largely flat at ₹723 Cr, compared to ₹718 Cr in FY24.
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