The Feed Is Losing Its Grip

For more than a decade, social media revolved around feeds. Facebook timelines, Instagram grids, and public stories shaped how people shared online. But that model is losing relevance. Users are increasingly stepping back from public posting, choosing private messages instead. Series, a social network built on iMessage, is tapping directly into that shift. The platform has crossed one million messages exchanged and reached 10,000 daily users in just six months. It achieved this without feeds, followers, or public profiles.

Why Traditional Social Media Is Pushing Users Away

Public posting has slowly turned into performance. Users often feel pressure to share polished updates rather than honest moments. As a result, many people now avoid posting altogether.

Even platform leaders have acknowledged the change. Instagram head Adam Mosseri has pointed to a clear move away from public feeds toward private conversations. For non-creators, sharing online increasingly feels like work.

Series positions itself as an answer to that fatigue.

How Series Works Differently

Series removes posting entirely. Instead of broadcasting content to everyone, users send customizable messages to a carefully selected list of people. Everything happens inside iMessage.

The name “Series” reflects how messages are sent sequentially to the right audience. This structure encourages thoughtful sharing rather than mass distribution. According to the company, messages sent on Series have led to real-world outcomes, including collaborations, travel plans, and new businesses.

The platform focuses on private introductions rather than public engagement metrics.

Riding the Shift Toward Private Sharing

Series aligns with a broader trend in digital communication. Messaging apps and closed groups now dominate how people interact online. By operating within iMessage, Series meets users where they already spend time.

The platform does not optimize for likes or time spent scrolling. Instead, it prioritizes relevance, timing, and connection. The one million message milestone reflects conversations created, not content consumed.

From Campus Experiment to National Expansion

Series was founded by Yale University students Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow during their junior year. What began as a college-first product is now scaling nationally.

The startup has raised $5.1 million and earned recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. With growing adoption, Series aims to redefine social networking for users seeking connection without performance.

For many, the future of social media may no longer live in the feed.