Press Kit

8PM Press

Everything you need to write about us.

Short Description

8PM SOCIAL is a social network that puts personal connections between people at the center — instead of endless scrolling and algorithmic content. Users collect their moments throughout the day; at 8:00 PM, all content goes live together. No endless feed, no AI spam, no race for attention. The Munich-based startup is built by a young founding team that belongs to the target audience itself — with the goal of creating the first major European social network that strengthens connections between people instead of exploiting their attention.

Press Release

Munich startup 8PM SOCIAL launches social network against doomscrolling and algorithm dependency / Young Munich founders develop a constructive solution to young people's social media problems.

Munich, 22 June – As the debate about the impact of social media on the health of young people gains momentum across Europe, Munich startup 8PM SOCIAL is launching with a deliberately different approach. On Thursday evening, the company celebrated its official launch together with around 100 invited guests.

8PM's concept differs fundamentally from classic social media platforms: there is no algorithmically curated feed, no endless scrolling, and no AI-generated spam. Instead, users only see content from people they consciously follow in chronological order. All posts are published together at 8:00 PM (8 PM), creating a shared moment for exchange before users return to their real lives.

The idea originated from a personal experience of co-founder Paul Funke during a study abroad period. Although he was traveling with friends in impressive places, many spent their time on their smartphones scrolling through external content. This led to the question: Does social media really have to work this way, or can it be done differently?

Together with Saskia Teufel and Tobias Horelt, he developed a platform intended to bring people closer together again, instead of tying them to the screen for as long as possible. The guiding principle is: "One Life. Make It Count."

The founders do not see 8PM as a counter-movement to social media, but rather as a constructive further development: people should continue to stay connected with friends and be able to share their experiences, but without mechanisms designed for maximum usage time and permanent distraction.

Just a few days after the public launch, the platform is recording strong initial user activity in the app stores, welcoming some prominent faces and meeting with great interest. For the founding team, this is proof that the desire for a more conscious form of social media is no longer a niche topic, but strikes a social chord. With a clear vision, international aspirations and the goal of building a European alternative to established platforms, 8PM is now taking off with long-term ambitions.

Press photos, logo and product images

For download and free use in editorial reporting about 8PM:

Founding team (group photo, portraits)
Team photo
Logo
8PM banner
App screenshots and mockups

All images are available for editorial use in connection with reporting on 8PM.

Voices from the team and the community

"Social media as it should be. No algorithms recommending endless posts for doomscrolling, but an opportunity to connect with your friends." (Timo, 8PM Team)

"It feels less like scrolling and more like a short visit with friends." (Adriana, 8PM User)

"Finally, a social network again where it's really about real connections. Without AI posts, without endless scrolling." (Simone, 8PM Team)

"8pm has become a real comfort space for me, to share and see everything unfiltered in life. I already look forward to the recap of the day from my loved ones every evening." (Sebastian, 8PM User)

Contact

For press releases, interviews, feature requests or further assets:

Paul Funke

Co-Founder 8PM SOCIAL