NEW YORK — Nov. 6, 2025 — Newsreel, the interactive news app designed for modern attention spans, today launched the first phase of a human-centered social experience designed to counter algorithm-driven feeds and rebuild authentic connection around journalist-written news stories.
New features allow users to add friends and form circles of trust, share and compare polling responses with a close circle, nudge friends to read specific stories, comment on completed stacks, and give “hat tips” for constructive engagement — not clout. The launch marks a major step forward for Newsreel's mission to reimagine how people engage with current events in an era of digital decay.
“Social media has become a hall of mirrors optimized for outrage, not understanding. We're building the antidote to TikTok and Instagram's attention-slop machines. It's not social media, but it's also not your parents' news app. Newsreel is something entirely different.”
Jack Brewster, Founder & CEO
“Most social platforms were built to capture attention. We built Newsreel to reward it. This release is the foundation for a new kind of social architecture.”
Brijesh Tiwari, Chief Technology Officer
A new way to be social about the news
With v1 of the social platform, Newsreel users can connect directly through journalist-produced stories, rather than algorithmic noise. Starting today, users can:
- Add friends and form “circles” of trust — Create a small network of people they actually want to hear from.
- Create a “close circle” — Similar to Instagram's close friends, share and compare polling responses on key issues with your closest friends.
- Nudge friends — Send a quick nudge to read specific stories, comment directly on completed stories, and give “hat tips” to celebrate completions.
- Build healthy habits together — Track how your circle earns badges, milestones, and streaks as you collectively stay informed.
Unlike traditional social media, Newsreel's interactions revolve around shared understanding, not performance. The goal: rebuild the civic commons — a digital space where people engage with verified news and each other thoughtfully.
What's coming next
This launch is just phase one. In the coming weeks, the app will introduce:
- Communities inspired by Reddit and Strava, where users can discuss stories in interest-based groups.
- Polling boards, which bring together users with similar ideological profiles to compare perspectives and spark dialogue.
- A video vertical feed featuring vetted journalist-creators and explainers, designed to be as engaging as TikTok without the slop.
About Newsreel
Newsreel is an interactive news app that helps the next generation build healthier news habits through swipeable story stacks, polls, and quizzes — designed for attention spans shaped by the digital age. Founded by journalist Jack Brewster, Newsreel reimagines how people connect with credible information and each other. Learn more at newsreel.co or download Newsreel on iOS and Android.
Press Contact:
Katie Toepp
katie@newsreel.co