Independent MySpace-Inspired Platform Hits 1M Users

Anton Röhm, a German teenager, has achieved a remarkable milestone with his MySpace-inspired platform, SpaceHey. Launched as a passion project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, SpaceHey has now crossed one million users, offering many of the same features as the original now-vintage platform.

Röhm, who was just 18 at the time, originally began work on the platform after being unable to travel due to the pandemic. Having coded in the age of 13, he began to slowly craft a platform directly inspired by MySpace, and eventually opened it up to the public once it was in a state worth using. Since then, the platform has become a surprisingly popular way for users to relive their old MySpace days.

SpaceHey’s rapid growth, from a modest start to over a million users, underscores a significant trend: the enduring appeal of nostalgia and simplicity in social media. Röhm’s decision to share his project on platforms like Twitter and Reddit played a crucial role in its viral success, but his focus on the user experience – including regular updates and responsive backend infrastructure – has been key to the platform’s expansion.

Röhm’s current challenges are primarily related to spam rather than severe content issues, showing that the platform’s simplicity has its advantages. A dedicated volunteer moderation team and user reporting features have helped with community management, but as the platform expands, these systems will likely need to develop further to keep it maintained.