Lapse, a 2021-launched photo app with the motto “friends not followers,” is making waves in the social media scene.

Lapse, a 2021-launched photo app with the motto “friends not followers,” is making waves in the social media scene. Unlike other platforms, Lapse emulates the experience of using disposable cameras, allowing users to snap photos and “develop” them in the app by waiting several hours to see the result. Lapse is looking to provide a more relaxed and private social media experience, bridging the gap between big platforms like TikTok and group chats, with no visible like counts but emoji reactions from friends instead. Some users appreciate the nostalgic feel of Lapse, reminiscent of Instagram’s early days or real vintage cameras, however, its invite-only model has received mixed reviews. While it currently ranks second on the Apple App Store’s free chart, its true success remains uncertain, as other low-interaction, slowed-down socials (like BeReal and Dispo) have yet to make it in the long-term. (NYT)