Finding the perfect niche community for your favorite book or TV obsession just got easier. Phictly, a new social app launching today, creates intimate clubs of up to 20 members where fans can discuss specific books, shows, and movies without spoilers ruining the experience. The startup targets the gap left by massive, impersonal social media groups where meaningful discussion gets lost in the noise.
The early days of social media had something magical - posting Grey's Anatomy rants on MySpace or finding that perfect "Team Jacob Forever" Facebook group felt like discovering your tribe. But as platforms grew massive, those intimate fan communities got buried under algorithmic noise and endless scroll feeds.
Enter Phictly, a new social app launching today that's betting there's still appetite for focused, spoiler-safe communities built around specific books, shows, and movies. Available on both iOS and Android, the platform deliberately caps clubs at 20 members to keep discussions intimate and manageable.
Founder Nyleena Aiken got the idea after starting a book club with her sisters and watching it fall apart over differing tastes and pacing preferences. "Looking at our competitors, there are many large groups with little interactivity," Aiken told TechCrunch. "Phictly keeps discussions focused and aligns with everyone's fast-paced lifestyle."
The app's core innovation lies in its flexible pacing system. Speed readers and binge-watchers can create clubs that wrap up discussions in just a day or two, while those preferring slower consumption can stretch conversations over 30 days. Each club centers on a single title - whether that's Rebecca Yarros' fantasy hit "The Fourth Wing" or a nostalgic dive into early Grey's Anatomy seasons.
Phictly's spoiler protection goes beyond simple warning tags. Users can post spoilers that remain blurred until other members reach that specific point in the story, giving everyone control over when they're ready for reveals. The "Talk Points" feature adds structure by letting club creators set check-in dates for discussing particular episodes or chapters, ensuring no one gets left behind in the conversation.
The app borrows successful elements from existing platforms - it includes Goodreads-style tracking for current reads and viewing habits, plus personal goal setting. But unlike massive platforms where book discussions can get lost in the feed, Phictly's small group format means every voice gets heard.
