By Ayo Onikoyi

A Nigerian-developed social networking platform, PersonsLikeYou says it is seeking to redefine online interactions by prioritising meaningful relationships over the popularity-driven engagement model that dominates many mainstream social media platforms.

The platform was developed to help users connect with people who share similar interests, personalities and values through artificial intelligence powered matching, private communication and community-based interactions.

The developers said the platform was created in response to concerns that while social media has made communication easier, it has also encouraged superficial interactions driven by algorithms, likes and follower counts rather than genuine human connections.

According to the development team, PersonsLikeYou aims to provide an alternative digital environment where users can build authentic relationships while maintaining greater control over their personal information. Unlike many conventional social networking platforms that revolve around content feeds, the company said PersonsLikeYou places conversations at the centre of the user experience. The platform offers private messaging, group chats, voice calls and video calls through what it describes as a distraction-free interface designed to encourage more natural interactions.

A key feature of the application is its AI-powered compatibility system, which the developers said analyses users’ shared interests, preferences and behavioural patterns to recommend potential connections based on compatibility rather than popularity. The company said the approach is intended to help users form genuine friendships, communities and other meaningful relationships. The platform also emphasises user privacy. According to the company, features including profile visibility controls, contact permissions, blocking tools and optional location sharing operate only with users’ consent. It added that the platform’s privacy-focused design aligns with Nigeria’s evolving data protection landscape and growing public demand for greater control over personal data.

Beyond individual interactions, PersonsLikeYou enables users to create and join communities centred on shared interests such as careers, entertainment, culture and hobbies. The developers said these communities are designed to encourage deeper discussions and stronger relationships among members with common interests.

Since its launch in April 2026, the company said it has continued to refine the platform by improving application performance, strengthening login and verification systems, enhancing call stability and introducing additional security measures. It noted that ongoing updates are largely driven by user feedback.

The emergence of PersonsLikeYou comes as Nigeria’s technology ecosystem continues to expand beyond fintech into consumer-focused digital products. Industry observers have noted increasing demand for locally developed platforms that reflect regional cultures, communication styles and user preferences.

According to the company, its growth strategy combines organic social media campaigns, creator partnerships, app store optimisation and targeted digital advertising across multiple markets to support sustainable expansion. Looking ahead, the developers said future plans include enhancing user verification, expanding the platform’s artificial intelligence capabilities, refining the user interface and continuously improving the overall user experience, available on iOS ans Playstore

The company said its long-term vision is to build an ecosystem where meaningful relationships, trusted communities and authentic conversations become the foundation of online social networking.