5 Must-DL Apps This Week: Your Favorite New Shopping App + More!

Feb 07, 2015

They say the best things in life are free, but try telling the gorg pair of boots you just splurged on that. This week I’m serving up a slew of free apps but a couple recent upgrades worth dropping some dough on a yearly subscription to really enjoy. Get ready to download some life improvers and a few apps that just might inspire you to make all-new 2015 resolutions.

1. Clyp: As a J School grad who ran her way through multiple recorders (oh, and as a child whose favorite toy growing up was a Talkboy, let the record state), Clyp seems like a shoulda coulda woulda that I’m at least psyched exists now. The app encourages you to quote, “record, discover and share the sounds in your life,” so while you may see its surface value in noting your notes to self, Clyp wants you to use it for more than that. Capture a jam session, a podcast pilot or a soundbite worth sharing then do so through the built-in community or on Facebook.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

2. Blinkist: If the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was set in 2015, this is the reading app J. Pierrepont would have in his back pocket instead of that pamphlet. Like an Oyster for the Leaning In crew, this monthly online service offers up succinct but satisfying summaries of nonfiction books in the business, self-help, psychology + more fields that could transform your commute into a whole new learning experience.

DL It: The app is free to DL on Android and iOS, but a monthly membership rings in at $50/year

3. HeartThis: What if you could shop Pinterest — no, reeeeally shop Pinterest? This app brings that experience to your smartphone with the ability to build a board of dream duds that you can bring into your real-life closet in a couple taps. Follow brands and stores and sift through millions of their products to “Heart” your favorites and then get notified when they go on sale.

DL It: Free on iOS

4. Detour: We were pretty pumped about this app when it was in mega beta and now that it’s DL-able we’re basically jumping for joy — which we’re then channelling into carefully plotted out steps around the beautiful city we call Brit + Co Home. Detour takes you on one with hour+ audio walking adventures that you can embark on solo or synced up with friends. Narrated by local celebs and experts, the location-aware app guides you through neighborhoods and experiences, uncovering secrets and stories you didn’t know about the streets you walk down daily.

DL It: Free on iOS, coming soon on Android; only available right now in San Francisco, for $19.99/year

5. Reserve: We love OpenTable like the next diner but if your already-elevated palate needs an app to match it, this is the download best suited for you. Like a mobile dining concierge, you tell it where you want to dine and it does the dirty work of trying to squeeze you in. Oh, and no splitting the check five ways here, folks — Reserve charges your card on file and you’re good to go.

DL It: Free on Android and iOS

What was your favorite app download of the week? Tweet us about it!

What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Small Businesses?

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

9 Black App Creators You Need To Know

In an increasingly digital world, mobile apps change the way we access information, stay connected to friends and family, entertain ourselves, and even manage our mental health and anxiety. Behind every great app is an inspiring fleet of developers who have taken a spark of creativity and turned it into something totally new and useful.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating some of our favorite Black app creators who have been instrumental in revolutionizing their respective industries. These talented women have used their passion for coding and design to create apps that are both innovative and indispensable.

Aurelia Edwards, Founder of Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards has created the ultimate destination for beauty lovers through her app Nailstry. This exclusive marketplace is tailored to help those aspiring to perfect their press-on nails with unique designs from nail art designers across the country. It doesn't stop there; Aurelia also seeks out opportunities that give back and donates a portion of her sales towards programs like Black Girls Code.

Damilola Awofisayo, Founder of TecHacks

Damilola Awofisay is a young leader making waves in driving the tech industry forward. She is using her coding skills to create apps that address issues such as sign language learning and dyslexia support for students, actively cultivating a more inclusive future of digital innovation. Moreover, she's making STEM more accessible for young women through TecHacks, a nonprofit that brings women and nonbinary individuals together virtually in hackathons.

Dayo Akinrinade, Founder of Wisdom

Dayo Akinrinade is empowering people everywhere with Wisdom, an app that connects users to inspiring advice and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Through the platform, users can learn from each other on topics ranging from business success to personal wellness in one inclusive setting. Through Wisdom, closed networks are replaced with limitless opportunities for knowledge sharing!

DeShuna Spencer, Founder of kweliTV

Deshuna Spencer translated her passion for storytelling and black culture into creating a platform that celebrated the intersection of the two. She launched kweliTV, a streaming app, features 550 titles from 450 global filmmakers. With almost 50,000 users, kweliTV has earned $800,000 in revenue, 60% of which goes directly back into the film community! This is innovation at its finest; disruption through creativity while still giving back to support others who share this same vision.

Janique Edwards, Co-Founder of EatOkra

Janique Edwards, along with her husband Anthony, are connecting foodies to Black-owned restaurants and culinary experiences through their app EatOkra. Seamlessly streamlining the discovery process, EatOkra is bridging audiences with over 11,000 black-owned eateries across the country.

Kaya Thomas, Founder of We Read Too

Kaya Thomas is a true inspiration! Combining her passions of reading, coding, and writing, she founded We Read Too, an app that enables young people to explore hundreds of books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters who look like them. Through this innovative idea, Kaya is bringing equity and inclusion to the literary landscape for children across the globe.

Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder of Irth

Kimberly Seals Allers is an inspiring leader who was driven to make a difference. After her own negative hospital experience, she devoted herself to researching disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. This spurred the creation of Irth, an app designed specifically with these communities in mind so they can have equal access leading up to and beyond their child’s birth.

Simmone Taitt, Founder of Poppy Seed Health

Simmone Taitt is the visionary behind Poppy Seed Health, an incredible app that provides 24/7 on-demand access to midwives, doulas, and nurses for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Driven by her own pregnancy journey, Simmone recognized an opportunity in the tech startup scene to build a community for those embarking on one of life's most beautiful yet challenging journeys: parenthood. The culminating result? A warm digital refuge!

Tanya Van Court, Founder of Goalsetter

Tanya Van Court is the mastermind behind Goalsetter, a personal finance app that has empowered families to help their children realize their financial aspirations. Goalsetter is on an ambitious and compassionate mission. The goal they're setting? Striving for one million Black kids worldwide to open savings accounts!

These are just a few of the creators whose work is transforming industries, connecting communities, and promoting equity within our digital landscape. We hope that they serve as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs who have bright ideas and big dreams. Be sure to support these incredible Black app creators and the amazing work they’re doing!

tech apps app creators black history month tech news

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.