Swadeshi Social Media

Chingari is an Indian social app by Bengaluru-based Tech4billion Media, launched in 2018 and surging after the 2020 TikTok ban. 110M+ Google Play downloads with content in 20+ Indian languages. Since a June 2023 pivot its centre of gravity is paid private live streaming and live audio rooms rather than short video — the Play listing is now titled 'Chingari - Live & Audio Room'. Free to download; coins, virtual gifts and paid live sessions fund it. Its GARI crypto token is effectively defunct.

Josh is a Bengaluru-built social video app by VerSe Innovation (parent of Dailyhunt), launched June 2020 after India banned TikTok. 290M+ Google Play installs across 12 Indian languages. It began as a short-video platform but now leads with paid 1:1 live calls and chat — the Play listing is titled 'Josh - Live Calls & Chat'. Free to download, with paid per-minute calls. Usage has fallen sharply since 2023 and parent VerSe cut about 30% of staff in May 2025.

Moj is the short-video app by Mohalla Tech Pvt Ltd (Bengaluru), the Indian company behind ShareChat. Launched in 2020 as a TikTok alternative after India's ban, it offers regional-language content in 15+ Indian languages — comedy, dance, lip-sync, short dramas, devotional, cooking. Built-in editor (filters, effects, green-screen, voiceovers) plus licensed Bollywood and regional music. Moj For Creators (MFC) program and brand deals. Free.

Roposo — the live-commerce app from Glance (InMobi Group), Bengaluru — appears to have shut down. Checked 29 Aug 2026: roposo.com completes a TLS handshake but returns no page, and both Roposo Android packages are delisted from Google Play. Roposo Clout Marketplace formally 'concluded its operations' effective 1 April 2026. Kept here for reference and history — do not expect a working service.

Elyments is India's privacy-first social super-app by Sumeru Software (Bangalore). Combines social feeds, end-to-end encrypted messaging, group chats, and HD voice/video calls in one platform. All servers hosted in India, no data selling, no targeted ads, supports 8 Indian languages. Launched July 2020 by the Vice President of India with 1M+ downloads. Best for privacy-conscious users wanting an Indian alternative to Facebook and Instagram.

Pepul is a Chennai-based interest-based social network positioning itself as India's safest, most positive platform. Offers free blue-tick verification (no paid subscription), creator monetization via tips and brand deals, dual-camera Pepul Now feature, 3-10 minute clips, and hyperlocal discovery. 1M+ downloads with active content moderation. Best for Indian creators seeking monetization without massive follower counts and users tired of toxic social platforms.

ShareChat is India's largest vernacular social media platform, built by Bangalore-based Mohalla Tech. Founded in 2015, it serves 450M+ users across 15+ Indian languages with short videos, memes, news, WhatsApp status content, and a dedicated Reels-style app called Moj. Quick TV adds microdrama content with 40M+ viewers. Backed by Google, Tiger Global, Temasek. Best for Tier-II/III users who consume and create content in regional Indian languages.

Tepnot is an Indian social app from Surat, Gujarat — a feed of posts and photos, short-video "Shots," live streaming (Single, Battle 1v1/2v2, and Guest Live), plus built-in private/group chat and HD calls. It is closer to Instagram-plus-live-streaming than to WhatsApp; messaging is one feature inside it, not the product. Free with ads and in-app purchases, 10L+ Play downloads, 4.3 from 27,134 Play reviews and 4.3 from 84 App Store India ratings.