Chris and Tim Vanderhook plan to relaunch the social media platform completely free of algorithms, according to statements made in the documentary Myspace. Directed by Tommy Avallone and released at the Hot Docs Festival in Toronto, Canada, the film captures the brothers declaring that they still own the website and intend to bring it back when the timing is right.
The Vision for a New Algorithm-Free Myspace
According to the Vanderhook brothers, the revived platform will be “totally free of algorithms”. Instead, the new Myspace will maintain a focus on music and offer 100% customisable profiles. Users will be able to design their own virtual spaces and invite connections to visit, mirroring the hallmark features of the original site before the rise of Facebook.
Did you know? The original Myspace featured “Tom” as the default first connection for every new user, a ubiquitous digital welcome during the platform’s mid-2000s peak.
Industry Skepticism and the Lack of Concrete Plans
Specialized critics reviewing the documentary suggest the film functions as a promotional piece to attract potential investors. According to reports surrounding the screening, the documentary contains no defined plan, legal contracts, or financial data regarding the proposed comeback.
The Nostalgia Factor and Precedents Like Spacehey
Between 2000 and 2005, Myspace served as a destination for music sharing and artist promotion before losing ground to Facebook and eventually entering total ostracism. Original creators Chris DeWolfe and Tom Anderson later sold the site to the Vanderhook brothers as traffic declined.
Public fatigue with modern algorithmic social media has fueled widespread nostalgia for the era. In 2020, a German user named Anton Röhm programmed Spacehey, an exact clone of the classic Myspace platform created out of lockdown boredom. The independent clone has since surpassed one million users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Myspace now?
According to the documentary Myspace, brothers Chris and Tim Vanderhook retain ownership of the platform.
What features will the proposed Myspace relaunch include?
The proposed relaunch aims to feature a music-centric design, fully customisable user profiles, and a complete absence of algorithms.
Has a concrete launch date been announced?
No formal launch date, contracts, or financial data have been released, with project plans currently described as unfinalized.
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