[Image: Facebook]
In a time where digital fatigue and isolation are at an all-time high, The Sociable App wants to flip the script on connection.
The South African-born platform is rapidly becoming the go-to space for people looking to build real connections, host meaningful events, and rediscover the joy of shared, in-person experiences.
The problem is – as technology becomes more integrated into our lives, the authenticity of our relationships gets drowned out in the digital noise, leaving us craving true human connections. This is where that all changes.
From fitness trainers and entrepreneurs to artists and students, users across South Africa are using Sociable to create everything from intimate gatherings to vibrant large-scale events.
Jason van Dyk, founder of The Sociable App, says, “At a time when everyone is focusing on making life simpler, we aspired to build a platform that made life more meaningful. To use innovation, not to find new covert ways to sell a product, but instead, to take the approach of adding back.’’
“People are looking for a deeper sense of authenticity and belonging. Where they feel like they are more important than the algorithms. They want the beauty of knowing at any moment, they can choose life and the connections within it.”
Launched in Durban in late 2022, Sociable has seen explosive organic growth, now boasting over 16,500 South African users and reaching No. 7 on the South African App Store, with a stellar 4.9-star rating.
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Sociable’s success lies in its grassroots-first growth strategy and organic user-acquisition approach. Instead of relying on heavy ad spend, the app has gained traction through word of mouth, local event collaborations, and creator partnerships in Cape Town, Durban, and now Johannesburg.
According to Van Dyk, one of the most popular communities on the platform is Socially Gathering, run by Sarah Waller. Socially Gathering is a female-only community that provides a “safe space” for women to engage in activities, including dinner clubs, walking clubs and book clubs. Other prominent Sociable communities in Cape Town include running clubs, a beach clean-up group and a comedy club.
“We are trying to move from an attention economy to an intention economy. We want to bring people onto the platform who have the intention to do something by being active in their communities and giving back to people.”
Recent studies show that 1 in 4 young adults feel isolated, and social media isn’t solving the problem – it’s amplifying it. Users are increasingly turning away from shallow digital interactions and curated influencer content, demanding platforms that prioritise authenticity, autonomy, and real community.
One of the major advantages that community apps have over large-scale social media platforms is that their niche, activity-based focus translates into interactions that, while fewer in number, represent more meaningful engagement from audiences, which then sustains their activity.
Van Dyk said Sociable offers event management tools like ticketing that simplify the administration of events.
The app also offers:
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Enables users to find their passions: Discover events tailored to your interests – Simplify finding your plans. The Sociable feed makes it easier than ever to find everything happening around you in real time. No more outdated articles, just real experiences. You know what you want to do, and Sociable provides you with the tools to make it happen. Craft your event experience by filtering by category or seamlessly identifying those taking place nearest to you on the Sociable Map.
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Empowers you to host your own plans and events: Empower your creativity, build community – Create, coordinate & control your events effortlessly, all with just a few simple clicks. Customize and manage your events. Give your event a personal touch with engaging details and vibrant visuals. Seamlessly include multiple ticket options and streamline check-ins all within the app. Hosting has never been this effortless.
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Assists in growing your community: Meet like-minded people in your community in real life. Build communities, share experiences anywhere, anytime with Sociable.
Sociable users do not pay to access the platform or events that are free to attend. However, hosts whose events require an entry fee can set up payment facilities through the platform – or utilise other payment tools. Van Dyk said payment options for larger community groups that require advanced functionality from the platform are also available.
With its Cape Town expansion well underway, Sociable is rolling out new features that enhance discoverability, safety, and user experience, setting the stage to become Africa’s leading platform for real-life community building.
For more info on the future of social media, check out their website.
[Source: TechCentral]
