Swadeshi Social Media

Chingari is an Indian short-video and live entertainment app by Bangalore-based Tech4billion Media, launched in 2018 and surging post-TikTok ban. 110M+ downloads on Google Play with content in 20+ Indian languages. Live streaming, community audio/video rooms, Champions League contests, and Quests & Rewards. Blockchain-based GARI tokens enable creator tipping and staking. Free to use; in-app purchases and brand deals fund it. Best for regional Indian creators.

Josh is a Bangalore-built short-video app by VerSe Innovation (parent of Dailyhunt), launched June 2020 after India banned TikTok. 100M+ Google Play downloads with 150M MAU in 2022. Up to 120-second videos across trending, dance, comedy, devotion, cooking, and yoga in 12 Indian languages. AI feed personalization, effects, filters, music overlays, and duet/remix tools. Free to use; ad and brand deal revenue. Best for vernacular Tier 2/3 creators.

Moj app is the short-video app by Mohalla Tech Pvt Ltd (Bengaluru) — the same Indian company that builds ShareChat. Launched July 2020 as a TikTok alternative after the ban, Moj has 160M+ monthly active users with regional-language-first 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. Creator Fund and brand deals. Free.

Roposo is a live entertainment and social commerce app owned by Bangalore-based Glance (InMobi Group), pivoted in 2019 from short-video to India's first creator-led live commerce. 80M+ monthly active users, 500K+ creators, and 50M+ Google Play downloads. Creators run multi-brand pop-up stores in a virtual mall while live-streaming. Glance lock-screen integration drives ~90% of viewership. Roposo Clout offers Shopify-integrated dropshipping. Free for viewers.

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.