Slowly (app)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Social networking software |
| Founded | 2017 |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Geosocial networking application |
| Website | https://www.getslowly.com |
Slowly (displayed as SLOWLY) is a geosocial networking application that allows users to send messages, referred to as "letters," with delivery times that vary according to the geographical distance between the sender and the receiver.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
History
Initially released for iOS in 2017, Slowly expanded its availability to Android devices in 2018.[1] The app was highlighted as the App Store's "App of the Day" across more than 30 countries and earned Google's "Best Breakthrough App" accolade in 2019.[2]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name By January 2019, Slowly had attracted over 1 million users.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The web-based version of Slowly launched with its 5.0 update in September 2019. The subsequent 6.0 release in 2020 introduced features such as Dark Mode, audio note sharing, and a subscription service named SLOWLY PLUS, which enhances limits on friend connections, topic filters, regional selections, and photo sharing.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In September 2023, Slowly rolled out Open Letters, a feature enabling users to publish or read publicly accessible letters to foster greater engagement and improve user matching.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Operation
To begin, users select a nickname and avatar before either exploring profiles manually or being matched automatically through the app's algorithm. Searching can be refined using criteria like mutual hobbies or country of residence. Acceptance of the app's defined "House Rules" is mandatory prior to usage. Delivery times for messages—termed "letters"—range from 30 minutes up to 60 hours depending on how far apart correspondents are located.[1] Each letter is accompanied by a virtual stamp before being sent.[3]
Users can obtain stamps without charge during special events or purchase them from the "Stamp Store" using "SLOWLY Coins," which are acquired either with real-world currency or by viewing advertisements. Letters may include images and audio clips if both parties consent.[4]
Additionally, Slowly provides a "Web Version" accessible through internet browsers on desktop or laptop computers. New users on the web platform authenticate by scanning a QR code displayed by the web app using their mobile Slowly application. This Web Client offers a more efficient and comfortable experience for composing longer letters.[5]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedscmp19 - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedaotd - ↑ Naudus, Kris (28 March 2020). "'Kind Words' is the rare social network where everyone is nice". Engadget. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
- ↑ Rizvi, Faiza (2019-10-02). "Slowly: Writing Letters To People In An Age Of Instant Messaging". StreetBuzz. Archived from the original on 4 June 2025. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
- ↑ Afar, Friends Near and (2020-05-24). "A Laptop is the Best & Easy way to use Slowly". Friends Near and Afar. Retrieved 2022-09-20.