Neptune is one of the newest short-form video apps on the block seeking to compete with major players like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
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The startup was founded by Ashley Darling, who has a background as a talent director at the OPTYX agency, where she worked with “underestimated” influencers. She set out to develop a platform that emphasizes creativity instead of the number of followers a creator has.

“I spent years working with independent creators, both as an influencer myself and later helping brands,” Darling shared with TechCrunch. “​​I kept hearing the same thing from creators and users, ‘I miss when social media was fun. When it was about creativity, not competition.’ So, instead of waiting for a platform to listen, I built one.”