Hoote, a voice-based social networking platform launched by Soundarya Rajinikanth, has gone inoperative just over two years since its inception. This follows the recent closure of homegrown micro-blogging platform Koo due to funding issues.
Hoote, now rebranded as Huut, has ceased to accept new user sign-ups and no longer allows existing users to log in, despite no official announcement regarding its status. Launched in October 2021 by Soundarya Rajinikanth and co-founder Sunny Pokala, the app was developed by Amtex Systems, which has also created other applications such as Kaavalan, the Tamil Nadu Police’s official mobile safety app.
At its grand launch event in Chennai, Soundarya Rajinikanth proclaimed Hoote as India’s first voice-based social media platform aimed at a global audience. The app, available in 15 native Indian languages, enabled users to post 60-second live voice recordings or upload pre-recorded messages. The platform’s first audio message was posted by Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth, who highlighted its potential for those unable to read or write to express their emotions through voice messages.
Hoote attracted a slew of celebrities, including music composer AR Rahman, industrialist Anand Mahindra, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and cricketer Gautam Gambhir. The platform also enlisted Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham and Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur Arvind Parthasarathi as advisors.
Despite the high-profile endorsements and its unique voice-based approach, Hoote struggled to gain traction, garnering only 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. This pales in comparison to Koo, which boasted 2.1 million daily active users and around 10 million monthly active users at its peak.
Business and brand strategy expert Harish Bijoor commented on the situation, stating that the success of a social media app does not hinge on a celebrity launch or industrialist backing.
The closure of Hoote, alongside Koo’s financial struggles, underscores the challenges faced by new entrants in the competitive social media market.
