Athleague, a social media video sharing app designed for athletes and sports teams, launched on Monday in the Google Play and App Store. The mobile app intends to serve as a platform for athletes to connect with each other.
Users can view content based on the sports categories they include in their profile. For example, a user can select “basketball” or “fitness” to join a group that allows a user to connect with athletes that like the same sport. The free app is strictly a video only platform, with no ability to post pictures. Athletes from all skill levels are encouraged to join Athleague.
“We invented a platform on which all athletes—freelance or professionals—can empower one another, make new friendships and with that not only being connected virtually but in reality, train together through special features, network with sports brands and being filled with positivity through strong online accountability,” said Athleague CEO Shana Conod in a press release.
Athleague’s announcement explains that the app aims to create an environment that is free of cyberbullying and that activity will be monitored to detect and potentially ban users who display negative behavior. The app also hopes to serve as a platform for student-athletes to freely discuss topics such as getting a job after college, maximizing athletic performance, and how to effectively balance academics and athletics.
“Mental health is one of our top priorities—both, online and offline. Holding users and the community accountable for their actions is at the core of every decision we make as the A-team,” Conod said. We believe engineering a more accountable community of users is the key to a more harmonious and respectful experience.”
The networking app will also offer an “Exploring Others Nearby” feature to allow users to connect with athletes in their neighborhood. Sports brands and sports teams hoping to form relationships with athletes can also create their own business profiles. Unlike other social media apps, Athleague does not include filters that allow content to be altered or enhanced.
“Users will not be deceived through perfectly retouched pictures with filters … Athleague is a raw app. This is real life. Our community appreciates you just the way you are,” Conod added.
SportTechie Takeaway
While Athleague hopes to differentiate itself from Instagram through being a sports-specific and video only platform, Athleague’s user interface bares a striking resemblance to Instagram’s design layout. Athleague seems be aiming toward creating less of a platform for sharing viral highlights and more of a place where athletes can connect with each other. The app will likely cater far more heavily to amateur athletes than professional athletes.
