Divine, a spiritual successor to the beloved six-second video app Vine, has officially launched for iOS and Android devices. The new platform revives an archive of nearly 500,000 classic Vines while enabling the creation of new content. Backed by a grant from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's nonprofit, Divine aims to recapture the spirit of early internet creativity.
A Nostalgic Revival with a Modern Mission
The app offers a significant library of restored content from almost 100,000 original Vine creators, providing a dose of nostalgia for fans. This effort involved reconstructing a community-led backup of the original service, including user engagement data like likes and comments. The project has successfully attracted prominent early Viners such as Lele Pons and JimmyHere, who are reclaiming their accounts.
Beyond simply reviving old content, Divine's mission is to offer an antidote to the current state of social media. Feedback from original creators prompted the development team to delay the initial launch to refine the app's design and purpose. Their input emphasized the desire for a platform that prioritizes genuine connection over algorithmic engagement and filters out low-effort content.
Championing Human-First Content
A core principle of Divine is its strict prohibition of AI-generated content, often referred to as "AI slop." Founder Evan Henshaw-Plath, known as Rabble, stated the goal is to prevent users from feeling tricked by inauthentic media. This commitment ensures the platform remains a space for genuine human expression and creativity.
To enforce this policy, the app requires users to either record videos directly within its interface or verify uploaded media. This verification is handled using C2PA, an open industry standard that certifies the origin and edit history of digital content. This technical safeguard is central to maintaining the platform's integrity and human-first focus.
A Foundation Built on Open Protocols
Divine is constructed on the decentralized social protocol Nostr, reflecting a commitment to open and transparent technology. This architectural choice aligns with a broader vision of reclaiming social media from the control of large tech corporations. By using open standards, the platform aims to give users more freedom and control over their digital identities.
The development team is also exploring integrations with other open source frameworks, including the AT Protocol that powers Bluesky. Future plans may also incorporate the ActivityPub protocol, which is used by networks like Mastodon and Meta's Threads. This interoperability could position Divine as a key player in the growing ecosystem of decentralized social networks.
Creator Empowerment and Future Vision
The project is financed through a grant from "and Other Stuff," a nonprofit established by Jack Dorsey to fund experimental open source projects. Dorsey views his support as a way to correct the past mistake of shutting down Vine and to foster a creator-centric model. The platform is structured as a public benefit corporation with no immediate revenue model.
A founding principle is that creators retain full ownership and control over their content and follower relationships. This allows them to pursue their own monetization strategies, such as brand deals, without being dependent on an ad-driven algorithm. The team is considering future features like direct creator support and Pro accounts to further empower its user base.
The launch of Divine represents more than just the return of a popular format; it is a deliberate move toward a different kind of social media. By prioritizing human creativity, creator ownership, and open protocols, the app positions itself as a compelling alternative in an industry dominated by algorithms. Its success will depend on its ability to cultivate a community that values authenticity over automated engagement.