GermanyThe social network of the future is being redefined by short, vertical videos, a format now adopted by nearly all major platforms. Instagram and Facebook are increasingly mimicking TikTok by emphasizing algorithmically curated 'For You' pages over follower-based content discovery. Amidst debates in Europe about digital sovereignty and whether national platform silos benefit or harm independence, the Berlin startup Wedium positions itself as a European alternative. It features a vertical video feed, age verification, and servers located in Europe. Initially accessible only to adults, Wedium plans to introduce a 'Parent-Child App' allowing verified parents to create child accounts with limited usage times and set bedtime schedules. Co-founder Johannes Meissner acknowledges that the platform may not appeal strongly to freedom-loving youth but could attract concerned parents who feel they have few alternatives. The company also outlines a revenue model involving advertising starting in autumn, with creators receiving half of the net ad revenue.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Wedium as a new social media platform with specific features aimed at addressing concerns around digital sovereignty and parental control. It provides balanced information about the company’s goals, target audience, and planned features without overtly favoring any particular立场.
