Vine is making a comeback under the new name diVine, a short-form video app that explicitly bans AI-generated content. This initiative was announced by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, during an interview with TechCrunch this week. The app, which is currently in beta, features over 100,000 archived videos from the original Vine platform.
The original Vine, which gained a massive following with more than 200 million active monthly users, was shut down in 2017 as Twitter, now known as X, faced financial difficulties. The six-second looping videos on Vine played a significant role in shaping internet culture and paved the way for platforms like TikTok.
Reconstructing a Cultural Phenomenon
The reboot of Vine is led by Evan Henshaw-Plath, known as Rabble, who was among the earliest employees at Twitter. Henshaw-Plath dedicated months to retrieving videos from an archive established when Vine closed, successfully reconstructing between 150,000 and 200,000 videos from approximately 60,000 creators. This effort includes user profiles, view counts, and original comments, allowing a nostalgic experience for former Vine users.
The new platform is supported by Dorsey’s nonprofit organization, and Other Stuff, and adopts a retro approach to social media. It aims to provide an environment where users can experience a more authentic social media landscape, free from the influence of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Henshaw-Plath explained his vision: “Can we do something that takes us back, that lets us see those old things, but also lets us see an era of social media where you could either have control of your algorithms, or you could choose who you follow?”
Ensuring Authenticity and Creator Rights
diVine enforces its anti-AI policy using verification technology from the Guardian Project, a nonprofit focused on human rights. This system ensures that videos are recorded on smartphones rather than generated through artificial means. Original Vine creators who retain copyright can reclaim their accounts by verifying their control over social media profiles listed in their old Vine bios. Once verified, they can either post new videos or upload content that was not included in the restoration.
Additionally, creators have the option to request the removal of their videos through DMCA takedown notices, further protecting their rights on the platform. This approach is seen as a way to respect the original creators while fostering a sense of community among users.
The launch of diVine coincides with announcements from Elon Musk, the current owner of X, who also expressed intentions to revive Vine. In August 2023, Musk mentioned that his company had discovered the old video archive, although no public launch has been realized as of yet.
Currently, diVine is available in beta for iOS users through TestFlight, while Android users can download an APK version. The platform aims to recapture the essence of the original Vine while adapting to modern expectations for user-generated content.
