Unfold (app)
| Original author(s) | Alfonso Cobo |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 2018 |
| Available in | English |
| Website | unfold |
Unfold is a mobile application that allows users to create social media content using a variety of templates and other tools.[1] It was founded in 2018 by Alfonso Cobo and Andy McCune.[2] It enables users to add photos, video, and text with a variety of tools.[3][4] In 2019, Unfold was acquired by Squarespace.[5]
Features
[edit]With Unfold,[6] users can utilize hundreds of templates to make social content for social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.[5]
The free app offers users basic templates and standard fonts, filters, and stickers, and there are also premium templates available for a monthly subscription.[5] With Unfold+ and Unfold Pro (previously Unfold for Brands), users can access premium templates and tools, as well as upload custom brand assets and fonts.[7]
In 2020, Unfold launched Bio Sites, which allows users to link to multiple sites and platforms.[8][9][10]
History
[edit]In January 2017, Alfonso Cobo was studying at Parsons School of Design when he realized there was no software or app that could create a portfolio of his work on an iPad. Cobo created an app called Portfolio, a basic version of a portfolio layout app, and the first one to exist for iPad. He launched it in 2017. After launching the first version of Portfolio, Cobo realized the more popular market and use case was on mobile. Around that time, Instagram was launching Stories. As a result, Cobo pivoted the app away from portfolios and instead focused on an app to showcase one's stories. Cobo later contacted Andy McCune, founder of social media account Earth, to collaborate with Unfold.[11]
Unfold also partnered with various companies to create custom templates. These include Equinox, Tommy Hilfiger,[1] NARS, Billboard Music Awards,[12] and Product Red.[6][11][13] Unfold also launched a collection of Product Red templates to help eliminate HIV/AIDS in several African countries.[3][14]
In 2019, Squarespace acquired Unfold.[5][15]
The Unfold app has been downloaded over 60 million times and has been used to create over 1 billion Instagram stories.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Shaul, Brandy (February 27, 2019). "Unfold Partnered With Tommy Hilfiger to Launch Instagram Stories Templates". www.adweek.com. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "Unfold". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ a b "Alfonso Cobo, the revolution of stories on social networks | Iberia Plus". www.iberiaplusmagazine.iberia.com. August 5, 2019. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Heathman, Amelia (January 9, 2019). "Unfold is the app you need to make your Instagram Stories pop". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ a b c d Ha, Anthony (October 22, 2019). "Squarespace acquires social media authoring startup Unfold". Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ a b "Alfonso Cobo". Fast Company. 2019. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "These 5 apps are up-and-comers with Gen Z, report says". Fortune. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Ha, Anthony (December 18, 2020). "Unfold launches lightweight, link-centric profiles called Bio Sites". Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "What is Squarespace Bio Site? Pros and cons of using this feature". Big Cat Creative - Squarespace Templates & Resources. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "Unfold Releases New Features and High-Impact Design Updates". The Official Squarespace Newsroom. December 14, 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ a b Im, Jimmy (October 3, 2018). "How these 20-somethings brought in over $1 million in a year with an Instagram-friendly app". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Aniftos, Rania (April 25, 2019). "Unfold App Launches First Ever Entertainment Partnership With Billboard Music Awards: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Openly Gay CEO Alfonso Cobo Discusses Making Forbes' 30 Under 30 List • Instinct Magazine". Instinct Magazine. November 20, 2018. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "This Gay Tech Founder Is Giving Back to the LGBTQ Community". www.advocate.com. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "Squarespace Acquires Social Stories Platform Unfold – AlleyWatch". Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Squarespace.