by Pepul
Pepul - Exclusive Creators Platform, Safest Social Networking, Interest-based People App
Pepul is an interest-based social networking platform built by a Chennai-based startup of the same name. Launched with a vision to become the world's first positive and safest social network from India, Pepul has crossed 1 million downloads on Google Play. The platform connects users around shared interests rather than follower counts, with a strong emphasis on creator monetization and community safety. Pepul differentiates itself with several India-first features: free blue-tick verification (a first in India — no paid subscription needed), a dual-camera feature called Pepul Now for simultaneous front/back photos, short-form clips from 3 to 10 minutes, and hyperlocal community discovery to find like-minded people nearby. The creator platform offers direct monetization through tips, paid content, and brand collaborations — giving Indian creators revenue options without needing massive follower counts. The app is completely free to use with no premium tiers. Revenue comes from creator economy tools and brand partnerships rather than targeted advertising. Pepul positions itself as privacy-first — users own their data, and the platform actively moderates for toxicity and harassment, which is a significant pain point on global platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Best suited for Indian creators looking for an alternative monetization platform and users tired of toxic social media environments. However, the app's smaller user base means significantly less content variety and engagement compared to Instagram. Users have reported server delays and occasional bugs with photo uploads and profile updates — the platform is still maturing technically.
Information updated 1 years ago
Pepul Tech Private Limited
4.1/5 on Google Play Store, India (gl=IN) — 4.12 raw average (displays as 4.1) from 9,041 ratings, package com.pepul.socialnetworking, checked 2 Sep 2026. Previously stored as 4.2 with no package recorded, so the figure could not be audited. · Last verified 2026-09-03
Yes. Pepul is operated by Pepul Tech Private Limited, incorporated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in November 2020. Unlike most of India's large social apps, its funding is also largely Indian: it raised about $9 million across a 2022 seed round and a $4 million pre-Series A in July 2024, backed by Hourglass Venture Partners and Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham, with the 2024 round led by an undisclosed Tamil Nadu family office. That makes it Indian-founded, Indian-run and Indian-funded, which is not true of ShareChat, Moj or Josh.
Pepul is the one that has not pivoted. As of 3 September 2026 its Google Play listing is still titled 'Pepul-Social Network app' and it remains a feed-plus-Stories-plus-short-video product. Several apps commonly listed as Indian Instagram alternatives have renamed themselves toward live streaming or chat: Josh's listing is now 'Josh - Live Calls & Chat', Chingari's is 'Chingari - Live & Audio Room', and Elyments' is 'Elyments -Private chat & calls'. Pepul is currently the closest straight swap for Instagram.
Yes. Its Play Store listing was last updated on 29 August 2026, and it holds a 4.1 rating from 9,041 ratings on the Indian Play Store, both verified on 3 September 2026. The main caveat is scale rather than maintenance: Pepul is far smaller than Instagram or ShareChat, so whether it is useful to you depends on whether the people you want to follow are on it.
Hand-picked videos to help you get started — tutorials, demos, and reviews.
Pepul - Social Media From India | Pepul App Kaise Use Kare | How to Use Pepul App Full Details
How to find friends and connect with friends on the Pepul app?
PEPUL App Review Tamil | Pepul Social Media App
Pepul: A Social Media Made in India
Pepul is a powerful Indian alternative to these international apps:
Yes, Pepul by Pepul is an Indian alternative to Instagram. It offers similar functionality while being developed and maintained in India.Explore other Indian alternatives to Instagram →
Yes, Pepul by Pepul is an Indian alternative to Facebook. It offers similar functionality while being developed and maintained in India.Explore other Indian alternatives to Facebook →
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