A new messaging app called Daze is set to launch on November 4, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz among Gen Z. The app has attracted nearly 200,000 people to its waitlist, thanks in part to viral TikTok marketing videos that showcase its unique features. Daze is aimed at middle and high schoolers and will be available on both iPhone and Android.
The app’s CEO, Willem Simons, says that Daze focuses on imaginative visuals and creativity, which appeals to a younger demographic looking for more interactive ways to communicate. Out of the 2,000 beta testers, most are between the ages of 13 and 22. The app’s emphasis on expressivity has also attracted significant investor interest, with Daze raising $5.7 million to date from backers like Andreessen Horowitz, Kindred Ventures, and Alpaca VC.
Simons says that the inspiration for Daze partly comes from his own experiences growing up in a rural environment, where he often hung out with friends through messaging platforms like Skype.
Daze attracts Gen Z’s interest
“Messaging is not just about utility; it’s also about hanging out with people,” he said.
The app’s promotional videos have been well-received, showing relatable, real-life scenarios such as a boy asking a girl out in a creative format. Simons believes that there is a growing interest in expressivity, fueled by platforms like TikTok and Instagram stories, and Daze aims to take this further by allowing users to send drawings, collages, and playful photos. Daze will be free to use, with plans to monetize through premium features such as animated text styles and image effect filters, integrating AI capabilities for added fun.
While the app faces competition from established platforms like Snapchat and innovations from tech giants like Apple and Google, Simons believes that Daze will find its niche as a space for close friends to connect creatively, without replacing other messaging apps. The company’s immediate focus is on attracting users and confirming its market fit, but there are long-term plans to expand Daze into a larger social platform. For now, the goal is to create something “really cool” that resonates with millions of users.
