Dustin Schmidt

Westchester Real Estate, Internet Marketing SEO, and allegorical anecdotes.

Social Network Neighborhood Meet The New Kid On The Block: iYobo

iYoboI was really excited when Friendfeed came out and started streamlining all of my lifestreams into one central location.  Another key feature to the social networking aggregator is that it brings together the best of both worlds: hashtags and @replies from Twitter combined with robust video and wall post from Facebook.  Don’t forget, the Friendfeed API also allows users to post pictures and attach files.  Now what if there was one social network that functioned with all of the features mentioned above, but within an even simpler, elegant, flexible user interface that flowed effortlessly?

Meet iYobo, founded by Ayman El-Churafa in November 2008 (launched publicly in November 2009), a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to post their latest live updates.  An update is limited to 140 characters (similar to Twitter) and can be posted to the web in real-time.  The iYobo development team is currently in the lab working on having the status update feature accessible through text messaging, as well as through a mobile web app.   iYobo is a place where users can share cool stuff online, spreading the content to various social networks such as Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook.

Currently iYobo is in beta launch and will be rolling out several major features shortly. Some the goodies to look forward to are photo and video streaming tools that enable users to upload and share their own pics and videos in real-time.  Users can then comment on, vote, and earn points simply by participating.  Supported by the iYobo chromeless player, the video component will allow users to upload their own personal videos or import YouTube  videos from the web.

Having walked through the site with Ayman the other day, I see iYobo being more than just another social network looking to step into the crowded Web 2.0 playground. Of course there are some bug fixes that need to be worked through and additional user functionality that will need to be in place before iYobo can really take off, but the framework nevertheless remains exemplary.  I’m looking forward to seeing how iYobo will use the point scoring system and popularity ranking for it’s users.  The possibilities are endless and I will make sure to follow-up with a full review as iYobo prepares for their stable release.

By Dustin at

In Advertising, Social Media, Technology, Web 2.0, View Comments

  • You know I love the hubs that centralize all the social media sites. Ping.fm is super fabulous for that.

    What struck me about iYobo is when you could stream video and pics - live. And people could comment on and participate. Whoa.

    But hey, what's with the points? Whatcha get with all these points? Do they say?

    That's it. I'm gonna have to check it out. =)

    Thanks for showing me something new today. Love it!

    Arlina
  • Dustin
    Hey Arlina. Yeah I like Ping.fm, and Twitterfeed. As for the point system on iYobo, Aryman and his team haven't shed any more light on the specifics of the point scoring system just yet, but I'm sure they have something up their sleeves. I'll keep you posted.
  • Rabee Ikkawi
    I totally agree with this review. I got an invitation from one of my friends to join this new community. I was hesitant in the beginning as most social networks are very similar in functionality. However, after a quick visit to the site, I noticed that iYobo can be your only stop to socialize on the internet while staying connected to all your friends on Facebook, myspace, highfive, and twitter. It will also be interesting for heavy social network members as they will see their contribution being rewarded through the "points and popularity system". I definitely think that this network will have its stake once the site is optimally functional.
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