In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Gagan Gulati, the visionary founder of ChatWise, a unique social media platform owned by the community. The app has been making waves for its secure environment, KYC compliance, and commitment to providing genuine user experiences. Let's dive into his journey, the inspiration behind ChatWise, and the app's standout features.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to create ChatWise?
I’ve always had a passion for technology and its ability to bring people together. Before starting ChatWise, I worked in various roles and observed a significant gap in the social media industry—lack of security, privacy, and ownership for users. This inspired me to create ChatWise, a platform that not only connects people but also ensures a safe and controlled environment for them to interact.
2. What is the unique concept behind ChatWise?
ChatWise is different from traditional social media platforms because it is owned by the community. We believe that users should have more control over their digital lives. Unlike other platforms where data is often misused, ChatWise offers transparency, security, and decentralization to its users.
3. What was the main inspiration for launching ChatWise?
The primary motivation behind launching ChatWise was to provide users with a platform where they could communicate, share content, and network without worrying about privacy violations or unauthorized data usage. We wanted to create a space that empowers users, offering a genuine community-based experience.
4. How long did it take to develop the ChatWise app?
The development of ChatWise took about two years. We wanted to ensure that we built a platform that is secure, user-friendly, and scalable. During this time, we focused a lot on incorporating feedback from potential users and fine-tuning the features.
5. Can you share the core values behind the ChatWise app?
Our core values revolve around transparency, community ownership, security, and authenticity. We wanted to create a platform where everyone feels safe and respected while being in control of their data. By focusing on these values, we aim to foster an environment of trust.
6. How does ChatWise ensure user security and privacy?
We take user security and privacy very seriously. ChatWise is KYC compliant, and we have implemented multiple layers of encryption to ensure that user data remains private. Additionally, we have features that allow users to control their privacy settings, ensuring that they can share content selectively.
7. ChatWise has a unique "verification tick." How does that work?
The verification tick on ChatWise is a mark of trust and authenticity. When a user is verified through the KYC process, they receive this tick. It ensures that the person behind the profile is who they claim to be, and users can be more confident while interacting with verified profiles.
8. What features make ChatWise stand out from other social media apps?
Apart from the community ownership and KYC compliance, some of the key features that make ChatWise stand out include the high level of security, privacy controls, and the ability for users to own shares in the platform. ChatWise also allows users to create and engage in private, interest-based groups, making interactions more focused and meaningful.
9. How does the "community-owned" aspect of ChatWise work in practice?
Being community-owned means that ChatWise’s growth and development are driven by its users. Users can earn official shares in the platform, allowing them to become a part of the decision-making process. This creates a more collaborative environment and gives the users a sense of ownership.
10. Can you walk us through the process of how someone becomes a verified user on ChatWise?
The verification process is simple but thorough. Users submit a government-issued ID , Once the ID is verified, the user is granted a verification tick. This ensures that only genuine users are part of the platform, making it a trusted space for communication.
11. What was the biggest challenge you faced during the development of ChatWise?
The biggest challenge was ensuring the security and scalability of the platform. We needed to make sure that as the platform grew, it would continue to provide a secure and seamless experience for all users. Overcoming technical and infrastructure hurdles was a significant part of the process.
12. How does ChatWise handle content moderation?
ChatWise has an automated and human moderation system in place. We use advanced AI to detect harmful content, such as hate speech or explicit material, and take appropriate actions. Additionally, our community also plays a role in reporting inappropriate content, ensuring that everyone contributes to maintaining a safe space.
13. Are there any plans for integrating AI or machine learning in ChatWise?
Yes, we’re actively exploring ways to integrate AI and machine learning into ChatWise. These technologies will help us improve content moderation, personalize user experiences, and enhance our data analytics capabilities.
14. What role does the "official share" feature play in the success of ChatWise?
The official share feature incentivizes users to contribute to the platform’s growth and success. As users engage with the platform, they can earn shares, which not only give them a stake in the app’s future but also make them more invested in its development.
15. How do you see ChatWise evolving in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision ChatWise becoming a leading social media platform that champions user privacy, security, and community ownership. We plan to expand our services, including adding new features like video streaming, enhanced group interactions, and more ways for users to engage with the community.
16. What kind of user feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the transparency and the secure environment we’ve built. They love the fact that they can own shares in the platform and have more control over their experience. Some users have requested additional features like improved content creation tools, and we are working on those.
17. What is the most popular feature of ChatWise?
The KYC verification and the verification tick are some of the most popular features, as they give users confidence in the authenticity of the platform. Additionally, the ability to earn shares in the platform has been a hit among users, as it fosters a deeper sense of community.
18. How do you handle scalability with such a large user base?
We’ve invested heavily in cloud infrastructure to ensure that the platform can scale with increasing users. Our system is designed to handle millions of active users, with features in place to ensure optimal performance, even during traffic spikes.
19. Can you tell us about the community events and engagement on ChatWise?
We host various events and campaigns on ChatWise that encourage community engagement. These include contests, dance competition and charity drives. We also have a rewards system in place for active users who participate in these events.
20. How do you plan to attract new users to ChatWise?
We focus on word-of-mouth marketing, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising. Since ChatWise offers a unique value proposition with its security features and community ownership, we believe that once users experience the platform, they’ll become strong advocates for it.
21. How do you deal with competition from other established social media platforms?
Instead of competing directly, we focus on offering something different. ChatWise provides a unique user experience by offering more control and ownership. By emphasizing our core values of privacy, security, and transparency, we aim to stand apart from larger platforms that often compromise these principles.
22. What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to focus on solving a real problem and ensure that your product serves the needs of your audience. Persistence, patience, and adaptability are key when building something new. Keep listening to your users and always strive to improve.
23. How do you ensure user trust in ChatWise?
Building trust is all about transparency and delivering on promises. We ensure that users know exactly how their data is being used, and we provide them with full control over their privacy settings. Additionally, the verification process and secure environment reinforce the trust users place in the platform.
24. Finally, what can users expect from ChatWise in the coming months?
In the coming months, users can expect exciting updates to the platform, including enhanced features for content creation, new community-building tools, and more ways for users to engage with each other. We are also working on expanding our premium offerings and creating an even more immersive experience.
ChatWise has truly revolutionized the way we think about social media by prioritizing user security, privacy, and community ownership. With Gagan Gulati's leadership, the platform continues to evolve and provide a safer, more authentic space for users. Keep an eye on ChatWise as it continues to grow and redefine the social media experience.