I have some fun news to share with you today! For almost two years, I've been working on creating a new app with my friends Naomi and Josh from Love Taza (that's us above in our first meeting with our programmers in Silicon Valley over one year ago). As we watched more and more people reading our blogs on their mobile phones, we wanted to create a way for people to easily get the latest updates from their favorite blogs while also being able to see blog content mixed with everyday photos and videos as well. So, we created Pippit.
In addition to being able to have your own blog's feed show on your Pippit feed (and follow other blogs you love there even if you don't have a blog of your own), you can also add "dots" to your photos or videos that allow followers to be able to go directly to the moments or things you're sharing. For example, you can add a dot to reference a the exact recipe for a cake in your photo and add a dot to link to where to buy the cake stand. It makes it easy to not only share your experiences but help others go out and experience them as well directly and immediately.
Also, instead of simply "liking" something, you can "Like" it, "Want" it, or find it "Useful". So your opinions have more meaning and you can reference those items you've found useful again later. You can also respond to comments directly within each individual thread so it's clear who you are chatting with. There are a ton of other cool features as well which you'll discover as you play around with the app and try it out.
See this video below to see a preview of how it works in real time…
I hope you guys will try it out and please let me know what you think or any questions you have! I know navigating a new app for the first time can sometimes feel tricky, so I am happy to help you navigate. But we're thrilled to get to share the news of the release with you first so you can claim your first choice username ASAP (You can find me under @ohjoy)!
Download Pippit in the App Store now through your iPhone!
P.S. Please keep in mind that since this is the beta version, and there may be kinks that show up once we have a lot of users on it for the first time. So if you have any issues this week as you try out the app, please feel free to email us at: [email protected] with any feedback or questions. Our goal is to make a really solid mobile platform that is easy to use and navigate for all users. We would love your feedback as we launch so we can keeping improving it with future releases.
P.P.S. I want to mention that we made a conscious decision not to make this a free app. Pippit is a paid app with an non-renewing subscription. The subscription for the first year is included with the app purchase. We’ve chosen a small, up-front, and transparent fee so we can ensure there is no advertising on or off the app.
That are great news. I will definitely try it out. I am always on the hunt for new apps that make life – and for that matter – reading as well creating blog posts more convenient. I am curious to test it and I wish you all the best for its success.
http://blackwhitevivid.com
THIS looks awesome – I can’t wait to try it out!! Thanks for sharing JOY!
Joy, this is GENIUS! Nicely done! Can’t wait to check it out.
I think this is a nice idea, but I’m not sure I see the difference between this app and Instagram/Pinterest/the RSS reader I’ve spent years building up a collection of blogs in. Does this app have the ability to sync with those profiles? Is there any easy way to transfer all of the blog feeds I’ve saved so far, similar to Feedly?
I think it would be helpful to hear a bit about the benefits of using this app vs. the other ones I’ve already established.
Thanks!
I wish you would bring your blog back to posting actual content. Your posts now all seem to be you selling something or over exposing your child. I am sure this comment will just get labeled as me being a “hater” but I am just someone who used to enjoy your writing.
Congratulations – this looks is amazing! Will be great to see all my favourite blogs in one feed to keep up with inspiration…off the download it now X
Congratulations! I can’t wait to try it out!
xoxo
Taylor
Ooh, this is a really interesting app — thanks for sharing with us! Can’t wait to check it out!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Thanks Sarah!
Joy
Just downloaded it; this is genius.
I love the idea but I’m android. Are there plans for an android version?
I’d love to try it out, but like others I’ve spent years using other apps (Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin) and I’m hesitant to drop them completely. Do you have plans to integrate with any of these? For example, can I automatically share pips to Insta and Pinterest?
Thanks and congratulations!
Thumbs up for being a rad female entrepreneur.
Oh my goodness this is so brilliant! I totally love this idea and can’t wait to download it!
Um, Joy, this is genius! You are always producing such wonderful things. Can’t wait to download it!
What a brilliant idea! This is something social media has truly been missing for us bloggers. Congrats on the launch!
I love the idea of this. Will definitely check it out! and add my blog!
I have already downloaded the app and I can’t wait to use it 🙂 Thank you!
Allison over at Allison’s Eye
So exciting!
Will it be available for Android and outside of the US, ie Northern Ireland?
Congratulations Joy. There is a definite need for an app like this. I just bought it and already loving it. Love watching you and your brand grow. PS. Hope to meet you at ALT. XO
This sounds great! I love the opportunity to make my blog posts more interactive – and interact with blogs I read. I’m purchasing it as I speak (type?). Thanks!
Looks like a cool app! Congratulations! I’m curious, what made you pick the name Pippit?
I love it! Congrats and thanks for solving two problems in one darling app.
The things she is selling are the things she’s designing – which I find so inspiring, don’t you?
Thank you! Hope to see you then too!
Joy
Playing with it now!
I agree, Kelly. And we all love seeing Ruby grow up!
Hi Emily,
Thanks for your comment. While I know I could just ignore this and focus on only the positive comments, I know your intentions are to be constructive and not hateful.
I certainly do aim to create great content that my readers will love and hopefully keep them coming back. And that’s something I can always be improving upon. However, I am designer first, and a blogger second. Which means I design things to make people happy and that I hope will enrich their lives in some way. So, yes, when those products come out, I am lucky enough to have a platform to share my latest work. I worked really hard last year on many new things that all happened to get released within a similar time frame this year, so I can see how it seems like a lot lately. It’s sort of how each project rolled out. But luckily, the majority of my readers have been super supportive and have wanted to hear about all the other projects I am working on, what else I do for a living, buy the things I have spent time creating, and generally supportive of the things I create/design/produce to put out into the world.
As for my daughter, it’s always a sensitive topic and everyone has their own opinions about how much feels right to share of their own personal lives. I always tell other bloggers who ask me to do what feels right for you because it truly is a personal choice. My role as a parent has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined and so I choose to share some very small parts of that life on my blog. I do it because it makes me happy, that I hope will inspire others, or when I simply need advice about being a parent. I share my life as it feels comfortable for my family. It may ebb and flow with time, but I trust my gut on that. The conversations I’ve had and connections I’ve made with other parents in sharing those moments has been priceless.
I truly value your comments about content and will keep those in mind as I am just doing the best I can to make this a fun and inspiring place to visit.
Best,
Joy
This is really cool! I just downloaded it and I’m sorry if I’m missing something but can I get all the blogs I follow to show up, or just those who use Pippit? Also, what is the news section for?
This is so brilliant!!! I love it!!! Thank you! This is truly an awesome app!!!
Really cool idea and nice layout. Hopefully it will be on the android platform soon-ish? My phone and tablet are android based. 🙂
This looks amazing, I can’t wait to try it out and share with my peeps!
Hi Liz!
As more bloggers join Pippit, youll be able to follow their feeds. You cant add a bloggers feed unless they are on there.
The news section tells you when other people follow you, comment on your Pips, or like your Pips!
Joy
Hi Danielle!
We hope to continue to improve Pippit for iPhones and want to eventually roll it out to other devices as well so as many people have access to it as possible. We dont have a timeframe yet for Android but will keep you posted and will announce when we do!
Best!
Joy
You are on fire, lady!
Downloading…
Hi Joy!
Super interested in your new venture, sounds like it could be a great little online space. I have a question for you, though. My sister and I run a blog together, http://iloveineedblog.com/, so if we did get the Pippit app we’d want to have one account for both of our phones so that we could both post as authors/users. We do this through Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram by having one log in that we can use. Because Pippit is paid, would we be able to do this? I would imagine that both of us would need to actually purchase the app, but am not sure if I want to do so if it won’t allow us both to have one log in. Let me know, thanks so much!
Hi Karen,
I totally get the hesitation to add one more app to your arsenal of things to do. If you have a chance to check it out, youll see the differences and hopefully like it enough to keep using it. We are hoping it will serve as a mobile version of your RSS reader since so many people read content on their phones these days and need a easy way to see that content. But it is not attempting to combine all those things into one.
Thanks!
Joy
it’s just so cool to FINALLY paste a URL ONTO an image. no more “see link in profile”. AMAZING. i love this app!
Loving this app already ~ I think it’ll be an invaluable tool in my blogging arsenal! 😉 Thanks so much!
Congratulations, Joy! Looking forward to playing with Pippit and connecting with new audiences.
Congrats, Joy! Love this : )
Joy! Bravo!! This is absolutely incredible. I am thinking this will definitely be a daily addiction of mine!
Just downloaded the app! I plan to sit around with an ice tea and learn how to use this puppy! Can’t wait to meet you at all in couple of weeks. Congrats on all the success!
Just downloaded it! Congratulations on what I’m sure will be a fantastic new app. 🙂
Hi Emily,
Thanks for your comment. While I know I could just ignore this and focus on the positive, I know your intentions are to be constructive and not hateful.
I certainly do aim to create great content that my readers will love and hopefully keep them coming back. And thats something I can always be improving upon. However, I am designer first, and a blogger second. Which means I design things to make people happy and that I hope will enrich their lives in some way. So, yes, when those products come out, I am lucky enough to have a platform to share my latest work. I worked really hard last year on many new things that all happened to get released within a similar time frame this year, so I can see how it seems like a lot lately. Its sort of how each project rolled out. But luckily, the majority of my readers have been super supportive and have wanted to hear about all the other projects I am working on, what else I do for a living, buy the things I have spent time creating, and generally supportive of the things I create/design/produce to put out into the world.
As for my daughter, its always a sensitive topic and everyone has their own opinions about how much feels right to share of their own personal lives. I always tell other bloggers who ask me to do what feels right for you because it truly is a personal choice. My role as a parent has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined and so I choose to share some very small parts of that life on my blog. I do it because it makes me happy, that I hope will inspire others, or when I simply need advice about being a parent. I share my life as it feels comfortable for my family. It may ebb and flow with time, but I trust my gut on that. The conversations Ive had and connections Ive made with other parents in sharing those moments has been priceless.
I truly value your comments about content and will keep those in mind as I am just doing the best I can to make this a fun and inspiring place to visit.
Best,
Joy
Just another request for android! I’d happily buy the app right now of I could, but like a lot of people I know, I moved off iphone and onto android recently, and I love it. I hope the android version is at least in development.
i can’t wait to try this! Just finished downloading! i’m willing to try almost anything created by Joy because I know it will be functional and most importantly, well-designed! I love seeing your updates about what you’re working on and find it even more exciting when there are tangible things I can find/try out myself! It’s so inspiring to see someone so successfully doing many of the things that I hope to do someday. I also really enjoy reading about your family. It makes you relatable and I feel like I have a a lot of tips lined up for when my hubs and I start our own family in the near-ish future. thank you, Joy!
You are such a class act, Joy.
Congrats on the new app! I think it’s amazing and extremely inspiring how you are able to juggle all these different projects and bring them all to fruition.
I love the concept of linking directly to the post or website within the app and negating the need to google the product or find the blog address in the user profile (which is so annoying). However, I would love the ability to share on Instagram or search for users via their Instagram account. I also wished we could like posts from the feed itself (without having to go into the pip) or that the Pips showed up larger, similar to instagram or FB. If you guys have a beta group, would love to help provide more UX feedback!
😉
Downloading now. Congrats Joy – it seems like a hit!
Thanks so much Mika! That really means a lot! 😉
Joy
Thanks so much Louise! That is super helpful and will make note of all your suggestions/requests!
Joy
Absolutely brilliant – Joy you are beyond inspiring and I’m in awe that you’ve created this brilliant app. I have a WordPress hosted Blog, can I use this or does my blog need to be self hosted in order to use this properly? I could really see this streamlining my blogging, especially when I’m not at my mac so much these days (with a 6month old!). Thanks again 😀
Just came across the app today, and was thrilled to see that you are involved in it. As a blogger, it looks absolutely amazing, and full of wonderful potential. Set up my blog using the app on my iPad, and hope to see Android rolling out soon. While I love it for bloggers, and have NO issue paying, I hope that users who are just looking to follow will be willing to pay, I feel like that could be limiting. Any thoughts on a system where those of us promoting through the app pay, allowing readers and those looking only to follow, to join for free? Just thinking aloud, because it looks like it has incredible potential and it would be great to see that come to life. 🙂
Hi Joy!
I downloaded the app but I’m not able to sign up. Eveything I put says invalid credentials! Could it be a problem with my cel? I sent you guys an email.
Congratulations Joy! I just downloaded Pippit and already LOVE using it. I’m so excited at the opportunity to have an app that will let me follow my favourite blogs and keep inspiration in one place.
I also really respect that you made a conscious choice regarding your revenue model from the outset rather than trying to retro-fit some form of advertising into the design / mechanics of the app once you’ve reached a critical mass of followers.
Hi Laura,
Did you put in a super long password by chance? We are working out a kink with the length of passwords but try making it shorter and see if that helps!
If not, then well address your email ASAP!
Thanks!
Joy
Hi Joanne,
We hope to continue to improve Pippit for iPhones and want to eventually roll it out to other devices as well so as many people have access to it as possible. We dont an exact time frame on when that will happen but will keep you posted!
Joy
Hello!
Thanks so much for that feedback. It is great to hear and I am adding it to our list of things to keep in mind moving forward!
Best!
Joy
Joy,
As a relative newbie to the blogger/designer/social media world, I am really thrilled to start with something new. Pinterest and Instagram seems too saturated and impossible to navigate at this point. Thanks for being a fresh tool to us all. Now I just need to learn how to place the dots 🙂
Cheer,
Lauren
Hi Emma!
Thanks! It imports any blog RSS feed, you just have to know what your RSS feed URL is and it will import it!
Joy
Congratulations!! i’m sure this meant a lot of hard work. the app sounds really great, i’ll have to try it out!
I love it!
I do have a question, though… When I put my RSS feed in and it added my last 10 posts or so, they all show up with the same image. Is there something I need to do to fix that? Thanks!
Hi Joy! I’m a fellow designer and blogger – just downloaded the app and am so excited to learn it inside and out! Are you planning to make an extension of the app for the desktop or maybe a web portal (sort of like Followgram for Instagram)? I’m just getting my bearings and thought it might be useful to have access to higher quality photos that I’ve got stored on my MacBook but not on my iPhone.
Thanks for the beautiful new app – I know you worked hard on it and am excited to see where it goes! xo
And this sincere response just shows why Joy is so great!
So inspired by this big year for you, Joy, and really love seeing this app come together! Downloading now…all the blog-obsessed thank you guys for this one. xo
I just created an account and I love it! Very happy for you, wish you the best of luck!
Congrats on the launch of your app! I just started using it and I love it! I can see this being a huge hit with the blogging community for sure!
I’m curious if there is a way to edit a pip once it’s added. Because I linked my blog to Pippit, my first pips were automatically added but I want to place dots on the photos, etc. and haven’t figure out how to do it yet apart from deleting the pip and re-adding. Wondering if I’m just missing it!? Thanks!
<3 Megan
This app is WONDERFUL joy! And I’m so glad I found your blog as well! I’m all setup in the app, but my RSS feed is not pulling any posts, and I’ve checked the feed on the computer and it’s working well. Are there known RSS bugs in this beta version?
Thank you for all of your hard work!
Melanie 🙂
This looks great! I just got started with the app! Is anyone else having trouble adding their blog feed? If you have WordPress shouldn’t you just be able to add /feed/ to the end of your URL ? For example my blog itsawant.com should just be itsawant.com/feed/ ? it doesn’t seem to be working on the app though? Any advice ??
Good question. How did you add your RSS feed? What did you add to your blog URL to make it work?
Hi Leanne,
Often the RSS feed addresses arent as simple as that. If you go to the Help section in wordpress, do a search for the exact address of your feed and then that one should work! If you still have issues, please email: [email protected] and we can help you out!
Joy
Thanks so much Khali!
Joy
Oh! I saw someone post on instagram that they had just joined this and wondered what it was. Sounds really fun! I’ll be sure to check it out!
I’m so excited about this. I just signed up. I said to a friend of mine “Anything that Joy from Oh Joy had a hand in creating, I want to be a part of.” Thank you for putting so much thought into other bloggers when creating this. You are such an inspiration. 🙂
I would be interested in trying out this app but I have a Windows phone. Do you plan to release this for Windows and Android users soon?
Is there a way to sign up online until there is an Android app available? I can understand that it takes time and money to develop an app on multiple platforms but in the mean time I’d really love to sign up – and get a good username! 😉
I have android 🙁 can’t wait to use the app
I so wish you had an android version and I’d hop right on board 🙂
Hi Melanie,
It should be working, but please email [email protected]
and they can help you figure out why yours is not working in particular.
Thanks!
Joy
Hi Joy,
As soon as I read this post yesterday I downloaded Pippit and have been spending quite a bit of time trying it out. I think the app has a whole heap of potential, and am excited to see people excited about improving the blog reading experience on mobile.
I’ve blogged my thoughts so far – and will blog again as I continue using it over time:
http://www.cre8d-design.com/2014/06/pippit-app-review/
Thats so nice of you! Thank you! 😉
Joy
Can’t wait to try it!
Congratulations on another big project launch! :))
Hi Lauren!
Thank you! As for the dots, the first time you use the app, there should be a hand icon that shows you how. But if you missed it. Simply drag the bottom right dot up to the photo or video and then it will allow you to add different types of info. You can add up to 5 dots per photo/video.
Let me know if that works for you!
Joy
Hi Joy – I just found your app through one of my IG friends this morning and am happy to now also find your blog! Congrats on your app. I just downloaded to try it out! 🙂 one quick question- what is the renewal sub free after the first year.
Thanks so much and lots of luck!
Pure Genius! but i’m also Android (and I’m not giving up my Sony Xperia Z1 for anything in the world). so I’ll just be enveous for a while, until you open the platform. Can’t wait!! Good luck & congratulations on such an achievement!!!
This app looks awesome and super convenient, but I’ll have to wait til you guys get the Android platform up and going!! Please hurry haha Congratulations on another success!
Sorry for the typo – I meant subscription renewal fee (not free!). Thanks.
Just downloaded the app and about to try it! As a designer who has only worked in the digital space, it is so exciting and inspiring to see how you work across media from textiles to products to apps. Was working on the app a big change for you? I would love to read more about your process. And the joy I got from watching the video of you telling Ruby about the new baby is worth the app fee alone 🙂
Hi Jess,
I totally get the hesitation to add one more app to your arsenal of things to do. This app isnt meant to drop those other ones completely as they all have their own use that is different than what Pippit is all about. If you have a chance to check it out, youll see the differences and hopefully like it enough to keep using it. As of now, you can share your pips on FB and Twitter, but well continually work to update and expand how you can share on it.
Thanks!
Joy
Congratulations about the app! So exciting. I just downloaded it and cant wait to start to use it!
xo
Downloading as I type. Such a great idea and can’t wait to start using it with my blog.
This is so amazing Joy! Very inspiring!
Just downloaded the app! So neato! Excited to get pippin’! x
Love your app! Hearing lots of friends wanting it for Android. Also – will there be a version we can look at on computer or laptop, like Twitter and Instagram? I know it’s a paid app but you could make it so anyone looking at the website would have to log in with their username and password in order to see site. Would love that!
This app sounds wonderful, I’m currently reading your book (which I love) and now a new app!! Love supporting other bloggers!!! I did a posts on the new app: http://www.achimom.com/2014/06/a-new-way-to-share-blog-posts-pippit-app.html
Thanks for the wonderful ideas!
Ce Ce
hi joy! congrats in the app and wish you a lot of success! however you need to make the app free. the primary goal of any social media app is building a user base! making people pay, even the measly sum of $1.99 is a huge hindrance. my 2 cents as a product designer 🙂
Hi joy,
That is awesome!!! I purchased it right away! To be honest, you are my inspiration to not to give up as a designer. I am so excited to read your blog everyday to see you launching all these amazing products! I am heading to North America next week and will for sure stop by Target to check out your party supplies!
I am also wondering if you are interested in sharing your design entrepreneurial experiences for my masters academic project.
I am a student and a freelance graphic designer studying Masters of Communication Design at RMIT University, Melbourne. I am currently researching a documentary project for a study tour that takes place in New York in mid-June. The emphasis of the tour is to experience what it means to be a global practitioner and develop strategies on focusing on entrepreneurialism in the creative industries. I hope to have the opportunity to interview you as part of my research.
My project documenting the emotions and visions of #startup adventures? My pitch: http://tinyurl.com/nblfvn6
My school email: [email protected]
I am so excited about this app! It looks just perfect for me!!! xx
Hi Sam!
What image is showing up? It it just your header? Do you use galleries on your blog? Occasionally, the RSS gets confused if you have gallery-style posts. But let me know and well help you figure it out.
Joy
Thanks Rachel!
We are working on addressing and fixing some of the things you mentioned and a few are a result of it being just couple days into launch and the amount of users flooding the server and we have to catch up with the level of use. Also, just FYI, the blog pips all have a blue line underneath. They often show up large (full width) in your feed as well.
Thanks again for the honest review!!
Joy
Hi Ce Ce,
Thanks so much!
Joy
Congratulations on the launch! Already signed up!
Thank you!
Joy
Downloaded the app. Im excited to start using it.
Problem..I can’t find my RSS feed link to add to it!!! What is my problem…besides NOT being a techie?
Help.
Hi Robin!
Check out this RSS help page and hopefully that will help you figure out your feeds address:
http://pippit.co/rss-help/
Best!
Joy
I really like this app so far. It’d be nice to have an ipad version but it looks ok on my mini. Some thoughts for the future would be to add. Way to add things directly from a website and a way to organize your opinions. I love the blog feature! I’m hoping this helps my jewelry get some attention. Thanks!
Hmmmm, this looks fun, but i’m not really sure I see a difference from any other app? I mean can you link all your other profiles (Instagram, Facebook, Reader) so all content gets forwarded through your app? That would be helpful! Otherwise, I just don’t see the point of using another app for photos just to link some things up.
I just downloaded Pippit! I really enjoy it so far and I am excited to use it is as more people join. Thank you for creating this!
Lesleigh
pearls on a string
I would love to see more categories added. For me Weddings is a huge category that is missing. I’d love to see categories for photography & weddings. At the moment it is not being used by the bloggers whose work I love so it’s a bit lonely over there right now. I hope it gains momentum but it feels like it will be hard to move people from Instagram to Pippit. Instagram is very engaged but so far what I’ve seen on Pippit is just reposts from Instagram photos I saw long ago rather than live posts that are active.
I am really excited about the potential of Pippit. It has so many features I have been hoping to see. I would love if the blog categories weddings and photography could be added. I was also wondering if there is a way to add 2 blogs to a profile since I have 2 blogs and would love if both could be added to my feed.
Hey Joy! Awesome app, I am enjoying it thus far, I wanted to know, for the clickable links on the pips, are those only available for photos+videos we take using the app? I have around 10 posts that came in through my RSS feed, but I can’t seem to figure out how to add any clickable/interactive items on the photos of them that were pulled via RSS. If it’s not a feature yet to add interactivity to things pulled from the RSS feed, I think it should be added, it will help make the app way more cool!! P.s. thanks for the great work!